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 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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Vanessa and Matt wrap up their their discussion of The Goblet of Fire with a look back on the entire book! They discuss the failures of the administration at Hogwarts, Harry’s relationship with the adults around him, and Weasley family dynamics. Next week we’re bringing you a special episode diving deeper into the theme of…
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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Love in Chapter Thirty-Seven of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Harry’s meeting with the Diggorys, his investment into the Weasley twins, and Dumbledore’s instrumentalization of Cedric’s memory. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we respectfully pay tribute to the…
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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Teamwork in Chapter Thirty-Six of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Snape as a collaborator, Fudge’s use of the Dementors, and the distinction between teamwork and allyship. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what are the components of a cohesive team? Thank…
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This week, Vanessa is joined by the lovely Colette Potts (!!), to explore the theme of Wandering in Chapter Thirty-Five of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Voldemort’s journey back to embodiment, Dumbledore’s big reveal to Harry, and Barty Crouch Jr.’s meandering series of tasks. Throughout the episode we consider the question:…
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