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
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.
Jul 24, 2025 • 40min
Beginnings: Godric’s Hollow (Book 7, Chapter 16)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Beginnings in Chapter 16 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Harry and Hermione’s new partnership, the return to Godric’s Hollow, and the concept of a “kissing gate”! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when can we begin again?Thank you to Nathan for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 17, Bathilda’s Secret, through the theme of Friendship.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 17, 2025 • 44min
Reconciliation: The Goblin’s Revenge (Book 7, Chapter 15)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Reconciliation in Chapter 15 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Ron’s departure, Hermione’s concessions, and magically fishing for salmon! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to reconcile with reality?Thank you to Mander for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 16, Godric’s Hollow, through the theme of Beginnings.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 10, 2025 • 48min
Our Favorite Guest Episodes! Love: Dobby's Reward (Book 2, Chapter 18) - with Stephanie Paulsell
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 2017 episode where special guest, Professor Stephanie Paulsell, introduces a new spiritual practice to Vanessa and Casper — Florilegia. 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 3, 2025 • 43min
Authenticity: The Thief (Book 7, Chapter 14)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Authenticity in Chapter 14 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Voldemort’s name, Hermione’s truth telling, and Ron’s splinching! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when should we prioritize authenticity?Thank you to Norah for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 15, The Goblin’s Revenge, through the theme of Reconciliation.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.
Jun 26, 2025 • 40min
Ritual: The Muggle-Born Registration Commission (Book 7, Chapter 13)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Ritual in Chapter 13 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Umbridge’s list, the trio’s new identities, and the rituals of court! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what is the difference between habit and ritual?Thank you to Ingrid for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 14, The Thief, through the theme of Authenticity.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.
Jun 19, 2025 • 44min
Trust: Magic Is Might (Book 7, Chapter 12)
Dive into the intriguing theme of trust as the hosts explore how it plays a crucial role in relationships during challenging times. They discuss Harry's gut instincts versus Hermione's strategic planning, contrasting impulsive decisions with careful assessments. The conversation shifts to the dynamics of trust in high-stakes situations and personal anecdotes that highlight the unpredictability of life. Listeners are also treated to a heartfelt voicemail that illustrates the community's impact, alongside exciting updates about upcoming literary pilgrimages.
Jun 12, 2025 • 42min
Intimacy: The Bribe (Book 7, Chapter 11)
Matt and Vanessa dive into the intricacies of intimacy as depicted in Chapter 11 of the series. They explore the delicate balance of emotional connections, especially between Harry and Lupin, and the challenges of love amid conflict. The discussion highlights how intimacy can be influenced by hidden motivations and societal pressures. Personal anecdotes and listener reflections enrich their insights on identity and belonging, especially through the lens of family dynamics and chosen legacies. Expect laughter, tears, and invaluable lessons on trust and vulnerability!
Jun 5, 2025 • 44min
Resilience: Kreacher’s Tale (Book 7, Chapter 10)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Resilience in Chapter 10 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Kreacher's titular tale, Mundungus's thievery, and Wormtail's appearance in the chapter! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does resilience differ from survival?Thank you to Kelsey for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 11, The Bribe, through the theme of Intimacy with Matt Potts.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.
