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
Sep 30, 2025 • 11min
Bonus Conversation: Ending Harry Potter and the Sacred Text
As we continue to think about how to end this series well, Vanessa and Casper sit down to talk about ending and our upcoming gathering in Cambridge, Massachusetts. You can find more information about the Harry Potter and the Sacred Text upcoming Sacred Practice Weekend on our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 25, 2025 • 49min
Acceptance: Shell Cottage (Book 7, Chapter 25)
This week, Casper and Vanessa are joined by special guest Christine Flynn as they explore the theme of Acceptance in Chapter 25 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Griphook’s proposal, Wizarding / Goblin relations, and Lupin’s son! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can acceptance of our current reality make way for new adventures?Thank you to the Calgary Cauldrons for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 26, Gringott’s, through the theme of Transitions.Learn more about Christine’s class here!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.
Sep 18, 2025 • 39min
Denial: The Wandmaker (Book 7, Chapter 24)
This week, Casper and special guest Julia Argy explore the theme of Denial in Chapter 24 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Harry’s scar pain, Dobby’s burial, and the conversation with Griphook! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is it helpful to deny ourself things?Thank you to River for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 25, Shell Cottage, through the theme of Acceptance.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.
Sep 11, 2025 • 52min
Healing: Malfoy Manor (Book 7, Chapter 23)
This week, Matt and Casper explore the theme of Healing in Chapter 23 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Dobby’s return, Lucius’s attempts to get back in Voldemort’s good graces, and Wormtail’s hand! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to heal imperfectly?Thank you to Sophie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 24, The Wandmaker, through the theme of Denial with Julia Argy.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.
Sep 4, 2025 • 34min
Farewells: The Deathly Hallows (Book 7, Chapter 22)
This discussion dives into the theme of farewells in the final chapter of the series! They examine the poignant moments of Ron's return and the communal sorrow within Potterwatch. The hosts reflect on how farewells shape growth and leadership, highlighting the emotional weight of losses like Ted Tonks. Insights on safety, truth in communication, and gratitude for unsung heroes add depth to their analysis. A heartfelt listener voicemail adds a personal touch, showing the connections formed through these narratives.
Aug 28, 2025 • 42min
Resistance: The Tale of the Three Brothers (Book 7, Chapter 21)
This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Resistance in Chapter 21 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Xenophilius’s trap, Hermione’s outgoing act of kindness, and the three brothers! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we prepare to resist?Thank you to our anonymous listener for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 22, The Deathly Hallows, through the theme of Farewells.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.
Aug 21, 2025 • 36min
Purpose: Xenophilius Lovegood (Book 7, Chapter 20)
This week, Vanessa and special guest Micaela Blei explore the theme of Purpose in Chapter 20 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Xenophilius’s predicament, the search for Hallows, and Ron’s new sense of purpose! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what is underneath our conflicting senses of purpose?Thank you to Millie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 21, Malfoy Manor, through the theme of Resistance.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.
Aug 14, 2025 • 42min
Peace: The Silver Doe (Book 7, Chapter 19)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Peace in Chapter 19 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Ron’s return, the destruction of the trio’s first horcrux, and Hermione’s anger! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we set the stage for peace?Thank you to Cath for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 20, Xenophilius Lovegood, through the theme of Purpose with special guest Micaela Blei.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.
Aug 7, 2025 • 49min
Redemption: The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore (Book 7, Chapter 18)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Redemption in Chapter 18 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Hermione’s tea offering, Harry’s broken wand, and young Dumbledore’s politics! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what are our less visible acts of redemption?Thank you to Koto for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 19, The Silver Doe, through the theme of Peace.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.
Jul 31, 2025 • 39min
Friendship: Bathilda’s Secret (Book 7, Chapter 17)
This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Friendship in Chapter 17 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Bathilda’s master plan, Harry’s resentment, and the notes at Godric’s Hollow! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what are all the different kinds of friendship?Thank you to Lizzie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 18, The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore through the theme of Redemption.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.
