Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Are ‘thoughts and prayers’ worth anything? This week, Casper is joined by our mentor Stephanie Paulsell to talk about the practice of prayer. Stephanie introduces us to ideas of prayer from theologians such as Evagrius Ponticus, Augustine of Hippo, Simone Weil, and Howard Thurman. And together, Stephanie and Casper talk about what prayer could look like during the Coronavirus.We’ve had a flood of voicemails in the wake of the Coronavirus! This week, we’ve decided to feature voicemails about how people are thinking about and handling their lives during the epidemic. Thanks to Jemma, Rachel, Camden, Kenna and Paige for their beautiful contributions. Also, in case you missed it:Casper has written a book: The Power of Ritual!In July we’ll be doing a twenty-one city live show tour to celebrate the book and many tickets are already on sale.We've launched several online classes. We have a new one starting Sunday just for kids! We’re taking next week off! Season 7, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows starts April 16th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper look back at all of Season 6, and pull out a few key insights from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. They explore the deep similarities between this book and Book 2 of the series: comparing Slughorn to Lockhart, Snape's potions book to Tom Riddle's diary, and Tom Riddle to Draco Malfoy. Throughout the episode they explore the question: How much do we hold people accountable for their flaws, while knowing that we are all flawed?Next week, we're rounding out the season with a final Owl Post and a conversation with our mentor, Stephanie Paulsell. Also, in case you missed it, Casper has written a book: The Power of Ritual! In July we’ll be doing a twenty-one city live show tour to celebrate the book and some tickets go on sale TODAY!Another thing you can do during quarantine is join us at our 8-week online class: Together in Quarantine. We had our first gathering this week and it was so good to see you all we almost cried. The next class is Tuesday, March 31st. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa Casper explore the theme of Love in the last chapter of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we praise Hagrid for his patient accompaniment throughout the series, defend Ginny and Harry's break-up, and examine the way that funerals fail us. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we bring discipline into our love?We also announce some pretty big news this week! Casper has written a beautiful book, The Power of Ritual. In July we’ll be doing a twenty-one city live show tour to celebrate the book, but it’s available for pre-order right now! Stuck instead during this Coronavirus quarantine and looking for a way to give your days meaning? Do yourself a favor and go order a copy! Next week tickets will go on sale for our tour. We’d love to see you and celebrate with you in one of the cities we’ll be preforming in. Another thing you can do during quarantine is join us at our 8-week online class: Together in Quarantine. We'll be gathering to treat Harry Potter as a Sacred Text. The first class is this coming Tuesday, March 24th.Thanks to Emma Boyd for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re doing a wrap-up of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friends, these are scary times and things have been feeling rather uncertain for us at Not Sorry Productions! So much of our revenue is based on travel for pilgrimages and live shows, and we’ve already had to postpone one pilgrimage and cancel two live events. If you want to support us, and have the means, we would be so grateful if you consider becoming a member of our Patreon. We’re doing a lot of number crunching right now, and any amount of support goes a long way towards protecting our staff. And if you sign up now or increase your membership, we’ll read your name at the end of an episode! We’ll keep you posted as we figure out what the future of our little podcast company is. We are brainstorming ways to better support you, our community, during this very anxiety producing time. In the meantime, please please take care of yourselves! So many people are feeling very alone in this time of social distancing. Remember to reach out to those you love, take deep breaths, and eat a lot of ice cream. We’ll be back on Thursday with the last chapter of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa Casper explore the theme of Power in chapter twenty-nine (the penultimate chapter!) of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we discuss Ginny’s strength, McGonagall’s leadership style and Fawkes’ song. Throughout the episode we consider the question: What kind of leaders do we want to be?Thanks to Hanna for this week's voicemail! Next week and we’re reading the final chapter of Half-Blood Prince, The White Tomb, through the theme of Love.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.

Vanessa and friend of the podcast Matt Potts explore the theme of Perfection in chapter twenty-eight of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we discuss how Harry gently shepherds Hagrid into grief, why Hagrid still has to use an umbrella as a wand, and how Snape manages to take care of Harry despite his own deep brokenness. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we use imperfect tools to do good work?Thanks to Steve for this week's voicemail! Casper is back next week and we’re reading chapter twenty-nine, The Phoenix Lament, through the theme of Power.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.

In this podcast, the hosts explore the theme of Earnestness in Chapter 27 of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. They discuss Dumbledore's humanity, Draco's impossible situation, and the concept of earnestness versus naïveté. They analyze Dumbledore's authority and Harry's perspective, as well as the significance of earnestness in vulnerable moments. They also talk about framing moments, blessings, Draco's choices, and celebrate birthdays. They recommend podcasts, apps, and discuss a podcast platform for creators.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Persistence in chapter twenty-six of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we discuss Voldemort's fatal flaws, Harry's great strengths, and the imminent loss of Dumbledore will all its implications. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when do you know that you should persist on someone else's behalf?Thanks to Katherine for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-seven, The Lightning-Struck Tower, through the theme of Earnestness.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.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Indignation in chapter twenty-five of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss Trelawney's defensiveness, Dumbledore's injured hand, and the sometimes cyclical nature of progress. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Can indignation be useful?Thanks to Christie for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-six, The Cave, through the theme of Persistence.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.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Regret in chapter twenty-four of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we are joined by writer, pastor, and theologian Nadia Bolz-Weber, who shares an opening story about the way that accidents weigh on us. Casper and Vanessa discuss how much they blame Harry for hurting Draco, Snape’s punishment, and Harry and Ginny’s first kiss. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to live with no regrets?Thanks to Rachel Friedensen for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-five, The Seer Overheard, through the theme of Indignation. 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.