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
Oct 23, 2025 • 49min
Closure: The Missing Mirror (Book 7, Chapter 28)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Closure in Chapter 28 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Aberforth’s advice, the real story of the Dumbledore family, and the portrait! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when do we gain a sense of closure?Thank you to Elizabeth for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 29, The Lost Diadem, through the theme of Growth with Jolie Doggett.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.
Oct 16, 2025 • 38min
Advocacy: The Final Hiding Place (Book 7, Chapter 27)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Advocacy in Chapter 27 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss empathy for the dragon, Voldemort’s big realization, and next steps for the trio! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is it possible and necessary to advocate for yourself?Thank you to M for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 28, The Missing Mirror, through the theme of Closure.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.
Oct 15, 2025 • 27min
Introducing: When We All Get to Heaven
Co-founder of Not Sorry, Ariana Nedelman, has a new podcast project out today! When We All Get to Heaven is a 10-episode series that tells the story of one of the first gay-positive churches, the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco, and how it faced the personal, social, and political trials of the AIDS epidemic, including the deaths of hundreds of its members.The series is releasing over on Slate's Outward podcast and the second episode is already out. Subscribe to Outward to hear the whole series! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 9, 2025 • 40min
Transitions: Gringotts (Book 7, Chapter 26)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Transitions in Chapter 26 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Hermione’s transformation into Bellatrix, changes at Diagon Alley, and the descent into Gringotts! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we deal with unexpected transitions?Thank you to Kayla for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 27, The Final Hiding Place, through the theme of Advocacy.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.
Oct 2, 2025 • 27min
Special Edition: Sacred Reading with Stephanie Paulsell!
Every once in a while we like to take a step back from our current chapter, and appreciate some overarching themes and guiding principles from the series. This week, Vanessa and special guest Stephanie Paulsell are talking about Sacred Reading and the early days of the pod!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 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.
