Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "grief" in chapter thirty-four of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Professor Matt Potts, a beloved mentor from Harvard Divinity School. In the episode, we discuss Cedric's last request, Wormtail's hand, and whether we believe in the idea of 'sin.' Our question this week: is grief an emotion or something more permanent and essential? 

Next week we're reading chapter thirty-five, Veritaserum, through the theme of "betrayal." Thanks this week to Jessica Hyde for our voicemail. 

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "necessity" in chapter thirty-three of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we get into Voldemort's psychology, take pity on Wormtail, and discuss the human instinct towards survival. Our question this week is: how do we decide what's heroic?

Next week we're reading chapter thirty-four, Priori Incantatem, through the theme of Grief. Thanks this week to Rachel Diebner for our voicemail. 

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "waste" in chapter thirty-two of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss the most chilling scene, in perhaps the whole series - that of Cedric's death. Our question this week is: how do we keep in mind our own mortality without letting our fear of death control us?

Next week we're reading chapter thirty-three, The Death Eaters, through the theme of Necessity. Thanks this week to Allison Boldt for our voicemail. 

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "kindness" in chapter thirty-one of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Bill's generous questions, Molly's coldness to Hermione, and the need for self-care. Our question this week is: how much do we have to take responsibility for our creations?

Next week we're reading Chapter 32, Flesh, Blood, and Bone, through the theme of waste. Thanks this week to Connie Carringer for our voicemail. 

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Vanessa is still recovering from her surgery, so Casper is taking over our owl post episode this week. We hear from listeners Lóre Stevens, Kate McManus, Talya Sarna and Eva Resnick-Day. Lóre and Kate respond to Casper's question about the importance of libraries, Talya shares some Jewish thoughts on around pregnancy, and Kate recounts how she got her 15 minutes of national fame. 

Casper also has the opportunity to chat with our old friend, the brilliant Rabbi Scott Perlo, about the 'canon' of sacred texts and how ideas of canon play out in the Jewish tradition.

Next week, we'll be reading Chapter 31, The Third Task, through the theme of kindness.

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "comfort" in chapter thirty of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Bellatrix's fanaticism, how the pensieve is a model for virtual reality, and why Dumbledore reveals certain information to Harry. Our question this week is: Is it ever okay to be truly comfortable?

Next week we're doing and Owl Post episode with special guest, Rabbi Scott Perlo. Thanks this week to Thea Raymond-Sidel for our voicemail. 

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "chance" in chapter twenty-nine of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Melissa Anelli, host of Pottercast and author of Harry, A History. In the episode, we discuss Fred and George's blackmailing plan, Harry's leadership ability, and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Our question this week is: how much agency can we exert in our lives, given our belief in the arbitrariness of the universe? 

Next week we're reading chapter thirty, The Pensieve, through the theme of "comfort." Thanks this week to Ji Kweon for our voicemail. 

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Vanessa and Casper and special guest, John Green, explore the theme of "inspiration" in chapter twenty-eight of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. They discuss fainting in public, Dobby's humanity, and some of the sadness of parenthood. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How do we commit ourself to doing work after the inspiration happens?

Next week we're reading chapter twenty-nine, The Dream, through the theme of "chance" with special guest Melissa Anelli. Our voicemail this week is thanks to Bronwyn Toth.

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "corruption" in chapter twenty-seven of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Barty Crouch’s governing tactics, praise Hermione for her bravery, and have a debate about one of the most quotable lines of the series. Our question this week is: When do we want people to be corruptible? 

Next week we're reading chapter twenty-eight, The Madness of Mr. Crouch, through the theme of Inspiration - with special guest John Green! Thanks this week to Wesley Cheney for our voicemail. 

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For the first time on the podcast, we're bringing you your weekly episode from one of our live shows! Live from Minneapolis, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "loyalty" in chapter twenty-six of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss the root of Harry's heroism, the fish in the Great Lake, and why Hermione trusts Severus Snape. We return to the question: How do you have loyalty and maintain integrity?

Next week we're reading chapter twenty-seven, Padfoot Returns, through the theme of corruption! Thanks this week to everyone who came out to the Minneapolis show, our special guest storyteller, Travis Salisbury, and the whole team at The Basilica of St. Mary. Also a special thanks to Jeff Emtman for composing our live show music.

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