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.
This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Rage in Chapter Thirteen of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Bobotuber pus, Hagrid’s care of magical creatures, and the classic Barty Crouch Jr. / Mad-Eye Moody conundrum. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when does anger spill over into rage? Thank…
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Last week, our very own Matt Potts published his book Forgiveness: An Alternative Account, in which he explores the complex moral terrain of forgiveness. In honor of the book being out, we’re bringing you this special episode of HPST – looking at the theme of Forgiveness in the Harry Potter series! Throughout the episode we…
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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Compassion in Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Hermione’s introduction to house elves at Hogwarts, the Giant Squid’s excellent demonstration of compassion in action, and the lack of support for rain drenched children at Hogwarts. Throughout the episode we consider…
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This week, Vanessa and Matt are joined by special guest Jolie Doggett as they explore the theme of Peace in Chapter Eleven of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the lack of peace in Moody’s life, a classic Draco Malfoy train encounter, and Ron’s superhuman strength. Throughout the episode we consider the…
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Vanessa is joined by Dana Schwartz to chat about their upcoming Rebecca pilgrimage and the theme of haunting. Find out more here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Quitting in Chapter Ten of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Arthur’s obligations as both a parent and government employee, Harry’s confession to his pals, and the usefulness (or lack thereof) of portkeys. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when does quitting…
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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Humility in Chapter Nine of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the return of the Death Eaters, Harry’s Quidditch dreams, and Winky’s predicament. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to be appropriately humble? Thank you to Callahan for…
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This week, Vanessa and very special guest Jackson Bird explore the theme of Nostalgia in Chapter Eight of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss sports(!!!!!), Dobby stirring the pot for house elves, and the Malfoy vs Weasley dichotomy. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we reconcile our conflicting feelings…
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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Service in Chapter Seven of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss muggle obliviation, Harry & Hermione’s limited camping knowledge, and Percy/Weatherby’s dedication to Barty Crouch Sr. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do pay homage to that which is important to…
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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Insight in Chapter Six of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Harry’s muggle expertise, Amos Diggory’s glowing pride in his son, and Fred & George’s unappreciated talents. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can our insights help us to better understand…
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