Harry Potter and the Sacred Text
Not Sorry Productions
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 Matt Potts 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 of Harry Potter chapter by chapter as Matt and Vanessa 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.Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is produced by Not Sorry Productions, a feminist organization that produces podcasts, educational content, live shows, and immersive experiences with the explicit goal of addressing the spiritual needs of its participants. Through community, rigor, and ritual, we treat traditionally secular things as if they were sacred. To learn more about what we do, visit https://notsorryworks.com/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 15, 2026 • 41min
Sympathy: King's Cross (Book 7, Chapter 35)
Casper and Vanessa dive into the theme of sympathy, questioning whether it's merely a feeling or requires action. They discuss Dumbledore's role as a mentor, balancing sympathy against manipulation. The hosts explore Harry's instinctive compassion towards Voldemort's fragmented soul and ponder if sympathy could have altered Voldemort's fate. Cultural comparisons, personal reflections on helplessness, and the importance of admitting ignorance add depth to their conversation. There's plenty of food for thought about the complexities of human emotions and connections.
Jan 8, 2026 • 49min
Impossibility: The Forest Again (Book 7, Chapter 34)
Explore the theme of impossibility as the hosts delve into Voldemort's misconceptions about love and Harry's acceptance of mortality. Discover how Harry's relinquishing of the Deathly Hallows showcases his humanity, while Neville's evolution into a leader shines amidst chaos. Personal anecdotes enrich the discussion, and listener reflections offer heartfelt connections to the themes. The episode beautifully intertwines magic with profound moral choices, urging us to confront our own perceived impossibilities.
Dec 25, 2025 • 1min
A Christmas Poem from Casper: Priest by Knut Ødegård
This holiday special features a heartfelt reading of 'Priest' by Knut Ødegård. The exploration of Uncle Knut offers insights into his practical nature, touching on themes of retirement and death. The poem beautifully illustrates the electrician-priest figure, symbolizing how his work illuminates lives. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the significance of these images. It's a warm, festive treat that captures the essence of connection and light during the holidays.
Dec 18, 2025 • 34min
Special Owl Post Edition: Reflecting with Ariana!
This week Vanessa and Casper are joined by their old pal Ariana to respond to a few of the wonderful voicemails we've received while making our final season of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text!Thanks to Johanna & Regine, Jenny, Julie, Kieran, Rowan & Caitlin for their beautiful voicemail contributions! Next week we're reading Chapter 34, The Forest Again, through the theme of Impossibility. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 11, 2025 • 53min
Imagination: The Prince’s Tale (Book 7, Chapter 33)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Imagination in Chapter 33 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Petunia’s childhood, Snape & Lily, and Harry’s connection to Voldemort! Throughout the episode we consider the question: under what types of conditions are we able to image best?Thank you to Sam for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 34, The Forest Again, through the theme of Impossibility.Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 4, 2025 • 42min
Humility: The Elder Wand (Book 7, Chapter 32)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Humility in Chapter 32 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Snape’s final words, Hermione’s plea, and Luna’s words of encouragement! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is humility a hindrance and when is it necessary?Thank you to Robyn for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 33, The Prince’s Tale, through the theme of Imagination.Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 27, 2025 • 41min
Freedom: The Battle of Hogwarts (Book 7, Chapter 31)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Freedom in Chapter 31 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Fred’s death, Malfoy’s pals, and the very big fire! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can freedom feel like a burden?Thank you to our anonymous listener for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 32, The Elder Wand, through the theme of Humility.Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 20, 2025 • 33min
Our Favorite Episodes! Friendship: Halloween (Book 1, Chapter 10)
As we wrap up our final season of HPST, we're taking a look back at some of our favorite moments! This week we're revisiting our 2016 episode on Friendship - one of the first times we really connected with Sacred Imagination, reading the scene with Hermione vs. The Troll.Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 13, 2025 • 39min
Mercy: The Sacking of Severus Snape (Book 7, Chapter 30)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Mercy in Chapter 30 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Harry’s unforgivable curse, Percy’s return, and Slughorn’s options! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what is the cost of mercy?Thank you to Thulasi for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 31, The Battle of Hogwarts, through the theme of Freedom.Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 6, 2025 • 41min
Growth: The Lost Diadem (Book 7, Chapter 29)
Jolie Doggett, a writer and podcaster focused on journaling and mental wellness, joins the discussion on growth in Chapter 29 of Deathly Hallows. They explore Neville's transformation from a timid student to a courageous leader. The conversation dives into the difference between growth and change, highlighting the importance of community resistance in dark times. Jolie shares personal insights on how intentional discomfort can fuel growth, while the duo reflects on the dynamics of belonging and solidarity within the DA.
