Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Earnestness in Chapter Two of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the peek into Voldemort's perspective, the many earnest desires revealed through Harry's thoughts in this chapter, and the abundance of pen pals. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when and how can we be earnest while also being considerate of how people receive our honest thoughts?Thank you to Ruth for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Book 4 Chapter 3, The Invitation, through the theme of Relief.--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.

Welcome back for Season 4! This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Tradition in Chapter One of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss life in Little Haggleton, Voldemort's return, and Frank's unfortunate existence as the town's scapegoat. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we change traditions over time, and how do they in turn change us?Thank you to Clare for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 2, The Scar, through the theme of Earnestness.--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.

Vanessa and Matt wrap up their their discussion of The Prisoner of Azkaban with a look back on the entire book! They discuss Voldemort's absence, the fleshing out of Harry's parents' personalities, and the growing distrust we as readers have for the Ministry of Magic. We're taking a quick break, but will be back in two weeks to discuss Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Love in Chapter Twenty-Two of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Madam Pomfrey's attentive care, Harry's choice to save Peter Pettigrew's life, and Hagrid's faith in Buckbeak. Throughout the episode we consider the distinction between love as a responsibility vs. love as a feeling.Thank you to Eileen for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're doing a wrap-up of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban!--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.

We're excited to share this special preview of Revisionist History with you today! In this episode Malcolm Gladwell tells the story of how his parents and their friends sponsored three Vietnamese refugees, in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. And wonders: do we underestimate the value of ordinary acts of kindness?You can hear the full episode, and more from Revisionist History, wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Anticipation in Chapter Twenty-One of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Sirius waiting to face the dementors, Dumbledore's vague hint of a plan, and, of course, Hermione's big secret! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we form a healthy relationship with anticipation?Thank you to Ann for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 22, Owl Post Again, through the theme of Love.--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Confidence in Chapter Twenty of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Sirius offering Harry a new home, Harry's emergency Patronus, and Peter's escape. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is confidence appropriate, and what are the limits of it?Thank you to Nicoletta for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 21, Hermione's Secret, through the theme of Anticipation.--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Virtue in Chapter Nineteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Snape delivering wolfsbane to his nemesis, Peter's consistent alliance with power, and Harry summoning some of his father's virtue. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we live virtuously in morally complicated situations?Thank you to Jessica for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 20, The Dementor’s Kiss, through the theme of Confidence.--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Friendship in Chapter Eighteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Peter as a failed friend, Sirius & Lupin's renewed friendship, and some perspective from Aristotle. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to be a good friend?Thank you to Bianca for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 19, The Servant of Lord Voldemort, through the theme of Virtue.--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 are joined by fellow podcaster and award-winning journalist Imara Jones to discuss her work founding Translash Media, a cross-platform journalism, personal storytelling and narrative effort, which produces content to shift the current culture of hostility towards transgender people in the US.Thanks to Barbara, Adeetee, Dasha, and our anonymous listener for their beautiful voicemail contributions. Next week we're reading Chapter 18, Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, through the theme of Friendship.Listen to Imara on the Translash podcast here, and the Anti-Trans Hate Machine podcast here.A list of people, resources, and media Imara mentioned in the episode:Chase Strangio - Lawyer with the ACLUThe Trevor Project - Accurate information on gender identityLocal orgs in your state working to fight anti-trans bills - for example TENT in Texas Laverne Cox - actress Janet Mock - author and creator of PoseSarah McBride - Delaware state senator The historic Transgender District in San Francisco - the first legally recognized trans district in the worldThe Equality Federation  - for tracking anti-trans bills being introduced across the country--It’s only two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollar 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.