Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of belonging in chapter eight Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we examine Hagrid’s hut as a welcoming space, discuss how Snape’s cruelty confirms Harry as special, and have our first conversation about pedagogy at Hogwarts. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we belong to another person without trying to possess them?Thanks to Katta for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 9, The Midnight Duel, through the theme of meanness.--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 revenge in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Dumbledore's whimsy as a tool of hospitality, whether Peeves should be punished, and the context of Nearly Headless Nick’s beheading.Throughout the episode we consider the question: is living well the best revenge?Thanks to Ashley for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 8, The Potions Master, through the theme of belonging.--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 fear in chapter six Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss how the Dursleys change (and don't change) towards Harry, Ron's role in his family, and how truly wonderful Molly is to Harry and her kids. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what makes someone a bully?Thanks to Amethyst for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 7, The Sorting Hat through the theme of revenge.--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 awe in chapter five Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Harry’s fame, Draco’s relationship with his wand, and the joys and overwhelm of travel. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Can you be in awe of things that aren't 'good'?Thanks to Rachell for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 6, The Journey to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters through the theme of fear.--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 Naomi Westwater to discuss how we see Wizard Supremacy operating in the text and how it helps us understand supremacy in our lives.Thanks to for their beautiful voicemail contributions. Next week we’ll be reading Book 1, Chapter 5, Diagon Alley, through the theme of awe.If you're interested in joining Naomi's class, you can sign up here! --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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of celebration in chapter four Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Harry’s birthday feast, the relentlessness of the Hogwarts letters, and the way that Hagrid intimidates the Dursleys. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Does celebration need to be joyful? Or is the ritual of it the important thing?Thanks to Didi for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re doing an Owl Post episode with Naomi Westwater on Wizard Supremacy.--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 we're lucky to be joined by Jolie Doggett as we explore the theme of obedience in chapter three Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Vernon's toxic masculinity, Dumbledore's manipulation, and whether Petunia fell in love with Vernon because he's so dominant. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do you choose what to be obedient (or disobedient) to?Thanks to Zoe for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 4, The Keeper of the Keys, through the theme of Celebration.--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 hope in chapter two Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Harry's scar, descriptions of Dudley's body, and the 'foreignness' of the escaped boa constrictor. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Are small sources of hope helpful or cruel?Thanks to Olivia for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 3, The Letter's from No One, through the theme of Obedience.--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 frustration in the very first chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss how the Dursley's are raising Dudley, why Vernon is so offended by seeing men in robes, and whether it's okay to just leave a baby on a doorstep (Spoiler: it's not). Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we react to frustration productively?Thanks to Dallas for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 2, The Vanishing Glass, through the theme of Hope.--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 made it all the way back to Book 1 and there are some changes happening around Harry Potter and the Sacred Text! Namely, we have a brand new co-host: The brilliant and wise Matt Potts. This week, Vanessa and Matt get together to talk about what they’re excited for in the first book, share their thoughts about sacred reading, and introduce a new critical lens to our reading practice.Next week, we’re reading Chapter 1 of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, The Boy Who Lived, through the theme of Frustration.--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.