
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

Nov 30, 2023 • 41min
Refuge: Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four (Book 5, Chapter 17)
This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Refuge in Chapter Seventeen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the clubs at Hogwarts, Umbridge's emerging strategies, and Harry's relationship with Hedwig. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do different places take on or lose their status as a refuge?Thank you to Audrey for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 18, Dumbledore’s Army, through the theme of possibility with Jackson Bird.--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.

Nov 23, 2023 • 39min
Satisfaction: The Hog's Head (Book 5, Chapter 16)
This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Satisfaction in Chapter Sixteen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Zacharias Smith's intro to the DA, Hermione's leadership, and Harry's chance to finally speak about what happened to him last year. Throughout the episode we consider the question: are we allowing ourselves to be satisfiable?Thank you to Sunanda for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 17, Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four, through the theme of Refuge.--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.

Nov 16, 2023 • 48min
Charisma: The Hogwarts High Inquisitor (Book 5, Chapter 15)
This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Charisma in Chapter Fifteen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Umbridge's selective appeal, Mcgonagall's confidence, and Harry's reluctance towards leading the DA. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is charisma an authentic way of forming meaningful connection?Thank you to Shana for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 16, The Hog's Head, through the theme of Satisfaction, with Casper.--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.

Nov 9, 2023 • 48min
Resentment: Percy and Padfoot (Book 5, Chapter 14)
Vanessa and Margaret H. Willison discuss Harry's empathy for Ron & Hermione, Sirius's questionable line, and Ron's new position on the Quidditch team. They explore how better communication can help us avoid resentment.

Nov 2, 2023 • 41min
Pressure: Detention With Dolores (Book 5, Chapter 13)
This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Pressure in Chapter Thirteen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Fred & George's pressure points, the titular detention, and upcoming O.W.L.s. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do different forms of pressure help/hinder us?Thank you to Emily for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 14, Percy and Padfoot, through the theme of Resentment with the lovely Margaret H. Willison.--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.

Oct 26, 2023 • 46min
Context: Professor Umbridge (Book 5, Chapter 12)
This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Context in Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the showdown in Umbridge's classroom, McGonagall's biscuit offering, and whether the Divination classroom can be a safe space for anyone. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does context affect us even when we're not actively considering it?Thank you to Maria for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 13, Detention with Dolores, through the theme of Pressure.--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.

Oct 19, 2023 • 39min
Blame: The Sorting Hat's New Song (Book 5, Chapter 11)
This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Blame in Chapter Eleven of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the titular song, the wisdom of Neville's Gram, and Hagrid's flawlessness. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we appropriately and responsibly shoulder blame?Thank you to Ava for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 12, Professor Umbridge, through the theme of Context with our dear pal Casper.--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.

Oct 12, 2023 • 47min
Beauty: Luna Lovegood (Book 5, Chapter 10)
This week, Vanessa and special guest Jolie Doggett explore the theme of Beauty in Chapter Ten of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They, of course, discuss our new friend Luna(!), our introduction to Thestrals, and Draco's new position as prefect. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how are we redefining what beauty looks like in our own lives?Thank you to Nicki for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 11, The Sorting Hat's New Song, through the theme of Blame.--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.

Oct 5, 2023 • 42min
Intimacy: The Woes of Mrs. Weasley (Book 5, Chapter 9)
Topics discussed include meal sharing as a catalyst for closeness, Harry's unwanted intimacy with Lucius Malfoy, and the entitlement of close friends. The hosts explore the tradeoffs, strengths, and limitations of intimate relationships.

Sep 28, 2023 • 40min
Tension: The Hearing (Book 5, Chapter 8)
This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Tension in Chapter Eight of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Harry's hearing, Percy's dedication to his new role, and Dumbledore's chintz chair! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is tension a useful tool?Thank you to Madison for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 9, The Woes of Mrs. Weasley, through the theme of Intimacy.--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.
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