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.
Vanessa and Matt wrap up their their discussion of The Prisoner of Azkaban with a look back on the entire book! They discuss Voldemort’s absence, the fleshing out of Harry’s parents’ personalities, and the growing distrust we as readers have for the Ministry of Magic. We’re taking a quick break, but will be back in…
Read More
We’re excited to share this special preview of Revisionist History with you today! In this episode Malcolm Gladwell tells the story of how his parents and their friends sponsored three Vietnamese refugees, in the aftermath of the Vietnam War.And wonders: do we underestimate the value of ordinary acts of kindness? You can hear the full…
Read More
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Anticipation in Chapter Twenty-One of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Sirius waiting to face the dementors, Dumbledore’s vague hint of a plan, and, of course, Hermione’s big secret! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we form a healthy relationship…
Read More
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Confidence in Chapter Twenty of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Sirius offering Harry a new home, Harry’s emergency Patronus, and Peter’s escape. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is confidence appropriate, and what are the limits of it? Thank you…
Read More
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Virtue in Chapter Nineteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Snape delivering wolfsbane to his nemesis, Peter’s consistent alliance with power, and Harry summoning some of his father’s virtue. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we live virtuously in…
Read More
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Friendship in Chapter Eighteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Peter as a failed friend, Sirius & Lupin’s renewed friendship, and some perspective from Aristotle. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to be a good friend? Thank…
Read More
This week, Vanessa and Matt are joined by fellow podcaster and award-winning journalist Imara Jones to discuss her work founding Translash Media, a cross-platform journalism, personal storytelling and narrative effort, which produces content to shift the current culture of hostility towards transgender people in the US. Thanks to Barbara, Adeetee, Dasha, and our anonymous listener…
Read More
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Partnership in Chapter Seventeen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss the difference between partnership and friendship, the trio’s unwavering dedication to one another, and Crookshanks’ role as intermediary. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what is required for a strong partnership?…
Read More
This year in commemoration of Juneteenth, we’re spotlighting The Final 5 Campaign, a coalition working to close the final five youth prisons in Illinois. We’re joined in conversation by one of their leaders, Alicia Brown, who tells us about what it means to be a prison abolitionist and her work with the campaign. Please join…
Read More
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Rest in Chapter Sixteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss end of year exams, Trelawney’s mid-nap prediction, and the inefficient use of time-turners. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we embrace and account for rest as a necessity? Thank…
Read More