Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Survival in the first half of chapter thirty-one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Yes, that's right, we've split a chapter in half for the first time in our whole show history!This week we are joined by Dr. Allie Bayne from HERstory on the Rocks, who shares an opening story about sexual abuse and how she sees herself in Helena Ravenclaw. Casper and Vanessa discuss the existential experience of ghosts, the behavior of Pansy Parkinson, and whether Albus Dumbledore would have taken hostages. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what actions are justifiable in order to survive?Thanks to Isabella for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Part 2 of Chapter 31, The Battle of Hogwarts, continuing through the theme of survival.--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.

Casper, Matt and Vanessa don't have any brilliant insights about what happened last week. So in this conversation they turn to Harry Potter and each other to try to sit in the fear and discomfort of what is happening right now as a result of Trump's facism in the US. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Vanessa and Matt discuss their own New Year's traditions and the language we use around this time of year.Thanks to Charity, Luna, TeaKay, Matías, and Zack for their beautiful voicemail contributions. Next week we’ll be reading part one of Chapter 31, The Battle of Hogwarts, through the theme of Survival. --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.

Every Christmas, Casper likes to read us a poem. This year it's 'Ring Out, Wild Bells' by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 7th. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Chaos in chapter thirty of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (we're getting so close to the end!). This week we discuss Harry and McGonagall's use of unforgivable curses, generational differences in the fight for good, and Percy's return. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Is chaos clarifying?Thanks to Amanda for this week’s voicemail! We're taking two weeks off for the holidays, but you'll hear from us again on January 7th with an Owl Post episode.--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 Casper explore the theme of Justice in chapter twenty-nine of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we are joined by Vanessa's dear friend Amanda, who shares an opening story about a rediscovered document from her childhood. Casper and Vanessa discuss Neville's glow up, Ginny's jealousy, and the transformation of Hogwarts under the Carrow regime. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Is punishment a necessary part of justice?Thanks to Destinee for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 30, The Sacking of Severus Snape, through the theme of Chaos.--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.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Fate in chapter twenty-eight of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the similarities and differences between Albus and Aberforth Dumbledore and how nice it must be for the trio to have and adult to keep them safe. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Are we fated to be who we are? Thanks to Laura for this week's voicemail! Next week we'll be reading Chapter 29, The Lost Diadem, through the theme of Justice.--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.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Loneliness in chapter twenty-seven of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Voldemort's relationship with Nagini, the freedom of the Gringott's dragon, and how to make friends in an isolating age. Throughout the episode we consider the question: What's the difference between loneliness and solitude? Thanks to Rebecca for this week's voicemail! Next week we'll be reading Chapter 28, The Missing Mirror, through the theme of Fate.--If you can, please join us in donating to the Okra Project for Casper's birthday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Time in chapter twenty-six of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss how hard it must be for Hermione to look like Bellatrix, the dragon in the belly of Gringotts, and the many parallels in this chapter with the Triwizard Tournament. Throughout the episode we consider the question: What does it mean to ‘heal’ from trauma and is it possible? Thanks to Jaxn for this week's voicemail! Next week we'll be reading Chapter 27, The Final Hiding Place, through the theme of Loneliness.--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.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Doubt in chapter twenty-five of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we appreciate Ron's role in the trio, debate the effectiveness of eye contact, and continue to grapple with what this book is trying to say about Goblins. Throughout the episode we consider the question: When do we know that our doubts are legitimate vs. just holding us back? Thanks to Maryse for this week's voicemail! Next week we'll be reading Chapter 26, Gringotts through the theme of Time.--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.