Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

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.


All Episodes

Adversity: The Slug Club (Book 6, Chapter 7)

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Adversity in Chapter 7 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Luna’s friendships, Ginny’s bat-bogey hex, and...

Gratitude: Draco’s Detour (Book 6, Chapter 6)

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Gratitude in Chapter 6 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the twins’ joke shop, Harry’s wealth,...

Concern: An Excess of Phlegm (Book 6, Chapter 5)

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Concern in Chapter 5 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Molly’s many concerns, the relativity of...

Identity: Horace Slughorn (Book 6, Chapter 4)

This week, Vanessa and special guest Beth Silvers from Pantsuit Politics explore the theme of Identity in Chapter 4 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss...

Hot & Bothered: Sleepless in Seattle

Our sister podcast, Hot & Bothered, has recently launched a brand new season with a brand new co-host! Joining Vanessa is media professor and podcaster Hannah McGregor. This season...

Corruption: Will and Won’t (Book 6, Chapter 3)

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Corruption in Chapter 3 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Dumbledore’s errand, Kreacher’s fate, and new...

Honesty: Spinner’s End (Book 6, Chapter 2)

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Honesty in Chapter 2 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Snape’s honesty, lack thereof, and Draco’s...

Honor: The Other Minister (Book 6, Chapter 1)

Welcome back as we take a look at Book 6 of Harry Potter!! This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Honor in Chapter 1 of Harry Potter...

HPST Rewind! A 2019 Live Show

Today we’re bringing you a never before heard live show Vanessa and Casper did in 2019!They explore the theme of truth in Book 3 Chapter 12, in front of...

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