It’s the English class you didn’t know you missed and the meaningful conversations you didn’t know you craved. Join Vanessa Zoltan and Casper ter Kuile as they bring thought, reflection and laughter to Harry Potter; not just as novels, but as instructive and inspirational texts that will teach us about our own lives. Relive the magic chapter by chapter as they explore themes such as commitment, revenge and forgiveness. This podcast creates time in your week to think about life’s big questions. Because reading fiction doesn’t just help us escape the world, it helps us live in it.
Every once in a while we like to take a step back from our current chapter, and appreciate some overarching themes and important characters from the series! This week we’re celebrating everyone’s favorite gentle giant, Rubeus Hagrid. HPST is made possible in part by ads and sponsorships! We’re currently running a survey to help us…
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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Comparison in Chapter Five of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the Molly’s role as a caretaker for Harry, the Weasley twins’ burgeoning business adventures, and Sirius’s interesting approach to mentoring. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when can comparisons be…
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This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Apathy in Chapter Four of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the physical integrity of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, all caps Harry, and the Weasley siblings’ approach to delicate situations. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what emotions are hiding beneath…
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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Deception in Chapter Three of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the Dursley’s fake lawn care award, Moody’s suspicions, and the Order’s chosen method of transportation. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is a little bit of deception helpful? Thank…
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This week, Vanessa and special guest (and friend) Micaela Blei explore the theme of Friendship in Chapter Two of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Arthur’s role in Harry’s life, Petunia’s howler, and the object permanence issues we sometimes face with our friendships. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how…
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Welcome back for Season 5! This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Dreaming in Chapter One of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Harry’s literal dream which is overheard by Dudley, Mrs. Figg’s big reveal, and the Proto-Germanic roots of dreaming. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how…
Read MoreWe’re taking this week off between seasons, so we’re re-releasing one of our favorite Women of Harry Potter episodes. This episode feature the wonderful Kathy Tu as she blesses one of our favorite characters from Book 5, Cho Chang! We’ll be back next week with Book 5 Chapter 1, Dudley Demented, through the theme of…
Read MoreWe’re off this week in-between seasons, but please enjoy as Matt, Vanessa, and Casper share some of their favorite moments and warmest (not quite hot) takes from Book 5. We’ll be back next week to discuss Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! — It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars…
Read MoreThis week we’re continuing our collaboration with The Greater Good Science Center, examining the theme of Intellectual Humility as Vanessa and Matt look back at key moments from The Goblet of Fire! They discuss Dumbledore’s weak points, new cultures at Hogwarts, and the help each champion received during the tournament tasks. We’re taking a quick…
Read MoreToday, Vanessa is joined for a special bonus conversation by Micaela Blei! Micaela is a talented storyteller, story editor and educator, and also one of our faculty members for our upcoming What Matters class. Together, they discuss the art of storytelling, the sacred relationship between storyteller and audience, and some favorite moments from our last…
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