Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Purpose in Chapter Twenty-Six of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the tournament's use of children as bait, love as motivation and purpose, and Snape's begrudging approach to his own designated purpose as Harry's protector. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is there such a thing as one "true" purpose? Thank you to Kimberly for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Seven, Padfoot Returns, with special guest Casper ter Kuile through the theme of Legacy!--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers 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.

This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Contemplation in Chapter Twenty-Five of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Snape vs. Moody, the Prefect baths, and the pros and cons of a nice nighttime stroll. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is the appropriate time to be contemplative? Thank you to Sarah for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Six, The Second Task, through the theme of Purpose!--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers 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.

This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Rejection in Chapter Twenty-Four of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Cedric’s role as an ally to Harry, Bagman’s ulterior motives, and the neglected Beauxbaton horses. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we use rejection as a way of protecting ourselves, and how effective is it really? Thank you to Elin for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Five, The Egg and the Eye, through the theme of Contemplation!--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers 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.

This week, Matt and special guest Jolie Doggett explore the theme of Change in Chapter Twenty-Three of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Hermione and Ron’s respective changes, Maxime and Hagrid’s relationship, and this chapter as a turning point in the series. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we embrace the change in our relationships? Thank you to Shalmar for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Four, Rita Skeeter’s Scoop, through the theme of Rejection!--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers 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.

Dropping in a special bonus today - Vanessa and Dr. Stephanie Paulsell talking about the sacredness of Emily Dickinson and what she can teach us about solitude! Join them on pilgrimage from July 14 – 17th in Amherst, MA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Matt and special guests Hannah McGregor and Marcelle Kosman from the wonderful podcast Witch, Please explore the theme of Ceremony in Chapter Twenty-Two of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss dress robes, Fred & Angelina, and the joy and horror of school dances. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is ceremony just a formality, and when does it signal a genuine transformation? Thank you to Emily for her voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Three, The Yule Ball, through the theme of Change with Jolie Doggett!--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers 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.

This week, Matt and special guest Jackson Bird (!!) explore the theme of Vulnerability in Chapter Twenty-One of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Rita Skeeter's interest in Hagrid, Neville's trauma, and the hidden power of the house-elves. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we take care of ourselves after we've chosen to be vulnerable? Thank you to Kait for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Two, The Unexpected Task, through the theme of Ceremony with Hannah and Marcelle from the wonderful podcast Witch, Please!--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers 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.

Hello everyone! Today we're very excited to bring you this special episode of HPST, in conversation with Delphene Mooney, Executive Director at On The Rise. Over the month of February, we're hoping to raise $10k to support their incredible organization. If you haven't already, please check out our fundraiser. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Matt and special guest Margaret H. Willison (!!) explore the theme of Intelligence in Chapter Twenty of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Hermione's approach to studying, Harry's natural ability on the broom, and Ron's apology, or lack thereof. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what distinguishes intelligence from other forms of talent? Thank you to Rebecca for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-one, The House-elf Liberation, through the theme of Vulnerability with special guest Jackson Bird.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers 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.

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Annoyance in Chapter Nineteen of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Harry’s misdirected annoyance at Cho, Hermione’s growing frustration in the role of mediator, and Charlie’s touching concern for Harry. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what distinguishes annoyance from genuine fear or anger, and how can we handle it appropriately? Thank you to Ingrid for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty, The First Task, through the theme of Intelligence.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers 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.