
Harry Potter and the Sacred Text
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.
Latest episodes

Jul 23, 2020 • 37min
Truth: Magic is Might (Book 7, Chapter 12)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Truth in chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the new ministry statue, the fate of poor Mafalda Hopkirk, and whether or not Ron is useless. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we hold multiple truths at the same time?Thanks to Danielle for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be running our first ever re-run episode. We'll be revisiting our episode on Chapter 10 of Book 1, through the theme of Friendship.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only a 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.

Jul 16, 2020 • 55min
Owl Post Edition: J.K. Rowling and Transphobia with Jackson Bird
Today’s owl post episode is in response to J.K. Rowling’s recent and vehement transphobia. We’re joined by our friend Jackson Bird to talk about why it’s important to condemn Rowling, and what we’re thinking about in terms of the future of this podcast. We are so grateful to the dozens of trans and non-binary people who sent in voicemails for this episode. Thanks to Alicia, Ariel, Cody, Drew, and Lin for the beautiful contributions you can hear in this episode. You can find a playlist that highlights the other voicemails we received here. Thanks also to the coalition of trans and non-binary listeners who emailed us and asked for this episode.Next week, we’re reading Chapter 12, Magic is Might through the theme of Truth. Some resources we encourage you to check out related to the topic of this episode:The Gayly ProphetHow to Talk and Listen to Transgender PeopleAndrew James Carter's Twitter ThreadResponding to J.K. Rowling's Essay: Is it Anti-TransHarry Potter Saved My Life. J.K. Rowling is Now Endangering Trans People Like Me.Understanding Transgender People Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 9, 2020 • 43min
Normalcy: The Bribe (Book 7, Chapter 11)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Normalcy in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the role of pain in Harry’s life, the changes being made at the Ministry, and why Lupin can’t come hunt horcruxes. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we notice what’s become normal, but needs to be changed?Thanks to Ava for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be doing an Owl Post episode with special guest Jackson Bird on the topic of J.K. Rowling’s recent transphobia.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only a 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.

Jul 2, 2020 • 37min
Neglect: Kreacher's Tale (Book 7, Chapter 10)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Neglect in chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Sirius' childhood bedroom, the lack of stories that Harry has about his parents, and Harry's kindness towards Kreacher. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we take time for ourselves without neglecting the things that are important to us?Thanks to Culver for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter eleven, The Bribe, through the theme of Normalcy.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only a 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.

Jun 25, 2020 • 38min
Relief: A Place to Hide (Book 7, Chapter 9)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Relief in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Ron’s moving concern for his family, Harry’s persistant need to self-isolate, and how Hermione’s marginalized identity leads to her great foresight. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Is relief even possible in such a broken and complicated world?Thanks to Shannon who sent in this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter ten, Kreacher’s Tale, through the theme of Neglect.--For the month of June we'll be raising money for organizations supporting Black lives. Please join us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 23, 2020 • 52min
Happy Power of Ritual Day!
Hi all, Casper here. There are moments in life when you look around and wonder at the marvel of it all. Today my book is published - and it would never have happened without YOU, our dear listeners. Thank you for traveling with us through the books, for exploring new spiritual practices together, and for opening my heart and mind with your wisdom and encouragement. In many ways, I wrote this book for you. May it be a blessing in your life as it has been in mine! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 18, 2020 • 47min
Independence: The Wedding (Book 7, Chapter 8)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Independence in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week Vanessa shares a cautionary tale of Crystal Light and we discuss the magic of wizard wedding, Luna’s relationship with her father, and Elphias Doge’s love for Dumbledore. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what do we risk by giving up our independence?Thanks to Selia who sent in this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter nine, A Place to Hide, through the theme of Relief.--For the month of June we'll be raising money for organizations supporting Black lives. Please join us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 11, 2020 • 49min
Identity: The Will of Albus Dumbledore (Book 7, Chapter 7)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Identity in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the many gifts in this chapter: Harry’s birthday gifts, what Dumbledore leaves the trio in his will, and the gift of a new haircut. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we escape who we used to be?Thanks to the anonymous listener who sent in this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter eight, The Wedding, through the theme of Independence.--For the month of June we'll be raising money for organizations supporting Black lives. Please join us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 4, 2020 • 1h 50min
#WizardTeam: The Death Eaters (Book 4, Chapter 33)
We’ve decided not to release an episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text today. Instead we have an episode of #WizardTeam from the brilliant women over at Black Girls Create. #WizardTeam is a Harry Potter podcast housed under Black Girls Create, a hub for Black creators and critical fandom. The hosts Robyn Jordan and Bayana Davis close read and discuss the original Harry Potter series and post-canon from their perspectives as Black women and Potterheads. You can find their work at blackgirlscreate.org and #WizardTeam on a podcasting app near you.--For the month of June we'll be raising money for organizations supporting Black lives. Please join us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 3, 2020 • 8min
Black Lives Matter
A short note from Vanessa and Casper for our white listeners to step-up in this week of action in defense of Black lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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