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

Vulnerability: The Sorting Hat (Book 1, Chapter 7)

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of vulnerability in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss how Harry’s experience with the sorting hat teaches us to reclaim our own narratives after trauma, and extend…

Expectations: The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters (Book 1, Chapter 6)

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of expectations in chapter six of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss Harry and Ron’s budding friendship, the unusual bravery of Scabbers the rat, and how our bodily practices relate…

Being a Stranger: Diagon Alley (Book 1, Chapter 5)

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of “being a stranger” in chapter five of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss hefty ideas like consumerist culture in the wizarding world, Hagrid’s status as an outsider, and…

Generosity: The Keeper of the Keys (Book 1, Chapter 4)

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of generosity in chapter four of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Casper demonstrates his excellent Hagrid impression and Vanessa addresses whether we can or should empathize with the…

Fear: The Letters From No One (Book 1, Chapter 3)

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of fear in chapter three of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss Vernon Dursley’s illusion of control, the psychology of bullies, and climate change. 

Loneliness: The Vanishing Glass (Book 1, Chapter 2)

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of loneliness in chapter two of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss the Dursleys’ parenting choices, the significance of numbers, and the birthday blues. 

Commitment: The Boy Who Lived (Book 1, Chapter 1)

In the premiere episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, Casper and Vanessa talk about why they are starting this project and analyze the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone through the theme of commitment. 

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text: Series Trailer

Welcome to Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, a podcast by Not Sorry Productions!Learn more at https://www.harrypottersacredtext.com/

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