Synopsis
Its the English class you didn't know you missed and the meaningful conversations you didn't know you craved. Join Vanessa Zoltan and Casper ter Kuile 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 chapter by chapter as they explore themes such as commitment, revenge and forgiveness. This podcast creates time in your week to think about lifes big questions. Because reading fiction doesnt just help us escape the world, it helps us live in it.
Episodes
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Owl Post Edition: An Interview with Imara Jones!
30/06/2022 Duration: 50minThis week, Vanessa and Matt are joined by fellow podcaster and award-winning journalist Imara Jones to discuss her work founding Translash Media, a cross-platform journalism, personal storytelling and narrative effort, which produces content to shift the current culture of hostility towards transgender people in the US.Thanks to Barbara, Adeetee, Dasha, and our anonymous listener for their beautiful voicemail contributions. Next week we're reading Chapter 18, Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, through the theme of Friendship.Listen to Imara on the Translash podcast here, and the Anti-Trans Hate Machine podcast here.A list of people, resources, and media Imara mentioned in the episode:Chase Strangio - Lawyer with the ACLUThe Trevor Project - Accurate information on gender identityLocal orgs in your state working to fight anti-trans bills - for example TENT in Texas Laverne Cox - actress Janet Mock - author and creator of PoseSarah McBride - Delaware state senator The historic Transgender
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Partnership: Cat, Rat, and Dog (Book 3, Chapter 17)
23/06/2022 Duration: 47minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Partnership in Chapter Seventeen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss the difference between partnership and friendship, the trio's unwavering dedication to one another, and Crookshanks' role as intermediary. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what is required for a strong partnership?Thank you to James for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 18, Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, through the theme of Friendship.--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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Juneteenth Spotlight: The Final 5 Campaign
19/06/2022 Duration: 20minThis year in commemoration of Juneteenth, we’re spotlighting The Final 5 Campaign, a coalition working to close the final five youth prisons in Illinois. We’re joined in conversation by one of their leaders, Alicia Brown, who tells us about what it means to be a prison abolitionist and her work with the campaign. Please join us by making a donation, learning more about the failures of youth prisons, contacting your legislators about prisons in your state, and listening to their new podcast, Free The Youth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Rest: Professor Trelawney’s Prediction (Book 3, Chapter 16)
16/06/2022 Duration: 43minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Rest in Chapter Sixteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss end of year exams, Trelawney's mid-nap prediction, and the inefficient use of time-turners. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we embrace and account for rest as a necessity?Thank you to Tatiana for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 17, Cat, Rat, and Dog, through the theme of Partnership.--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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Introducing: Live From Pemberley
09/06/2022 Duration: 54minWe're taking a quick break from our usual programming to introduce the newest season of Hot and Bothered, where we're currently reading through Pride & Prejudice! Each week, Vanessa and Lauren Sandler will deep dive into a chapter (or two or three) of the novel. We are talking to Jane Austen scholars, fans, and skeptics and we are going to constantly be asking ourselves: Why is this the bible of the Romance genre? What does this book believe about love, marriage, and money? And are those things we still want to be passing on? We'll be back next week, with Chapter 16 of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban!--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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Triumph: The Quidditch Final (Book 3, Chapter 15)
02/06/2022 Duration: 51minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Triumph in Chapter Fifteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Gryffindor's big win, Hermione's out of character behavior, and Trelawney's dedication to feuding with children. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we think of triumph in a way that doesn't put down others?Thank you to Amber for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 16, Professor Trelawney’s Prediction, through the theme of Rest.--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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Memorial for Uvalde, Texas
31/05/2022 Duration: 03minEvery week during our episode, we dedicate some time to remembering members of our community who have been loved and lost. This week we are also remembering the 19 children and 2 teachers killed in Uvalde, Texas last week. May their memories be a blessing to us all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Wisdom: Snape's Grudge (Book 3, Chapter 14)
26/05/2022 Duration: 48minVanessa and Matt are joined by very special guest Casper ter Kuile to explore the theme of Wisdom in Chapter Fourteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss increased security measures at Hogwarts, a timely piece of sage advice from Hagrid, and the teeny tiny delivery owls. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we combine our lived experiences and personal knowledge wisely?Thank you to Madi for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 15, The Quidditch Final, through the theme of Triumph. You can learn more about Casper's new project here! --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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Independence: Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw (Book 3, Chapter 13)
19/05/2022 Duration: 47minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Independence in Chapter Thirteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss sports(!!!), Neville's exile, and the pros and cons of Hermione's current lack of dependence on the boys. Throughout the episode we consider the question: to what extent does independence truly exist in our interconnected lives and relationships?Thank you to Stephanie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 14, Snape's Grudge, through the theme of Wisdom - with our ever-so-special guest host Casper ter Kuile!!--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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Inspiration: The Patronus (Book 3, Chapter 12)
12/05/2022 Duration: 49minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Inspiration in Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss the trio's ongoing friendship troubles, the proper inspiration behind a successful patronus, and the healing properties of Lupin's steady supply of chocolate. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what is inspiration and how can we persevere through the ebbs and flows of its presence?Thank you to Youval for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 13, Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw, through the theme of Independence.--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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Pride: The Firebolt (Book 3, Chapter 11)
05/05/2022 Duration: 47minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Pride in Chapter Eleven of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Harry's pride in his broom, the etymology of pride vs. how it is understood in the modern day, and the intersection of pride and recklessness inherent in Harry's pursuit of Sirius Black. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is pride a display of excess self regard, and when is it a display of appropriate and necessary self regard?Thank you to Christin for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 12, The Patronus, through the theme of Inspiration.--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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Confusion: The Marauder's Map (Book 3, Chapter 10)
28/04/2022 Duration: 45minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Confusion in Chapter Ten of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss the trio's stay at Hogwarts over the holidays, Harry's attachment to the shards of his broomstick, and the disruption that the dementors create on school grounds. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can confusion contribute to isolation, and how do we overcome this barrier?Thank you to Erin for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 11, The Firebolt, through the theme of Pride.--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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Rehabilitation: Grim Defeat (Book 3, Chapter 9)
21/04/2022 Duration: 48minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Rehabilitation in Chapter Nine of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Harry's fall from his broomstick, the rehabilitation of Snape's image, and Cedric Diggory's good sportsmanship. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can rehabilitation help us move forward, when we are not able to return to the way things were?Thank you to Isabelle for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 10, The Marauder’s Map, through the theme of Confusion.--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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Respect: Flight of the Fat Lady (Book 3, Chapter 8)
14/04/2022 Duration: 46minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Respect in Chapter Eight of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Lupin's robes, the inkling of respect Peeves shows to Dumbledore, and Hermione's disdain for Trelawney. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we recognize and appreciate the different ways people may show respect?Thank you to Anjoli for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 9, Grim Defeat, through the theme of Rehabilitation.--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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Burnout: The Boggart in the Wardrobe (Book 3, Chapter 7)
07/04/2022 Duration: 50minVanessa and Matt are joined by special guest Jackson Bird this week, as they explore the theme of Burnout in Chapter Seven of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss the etymology of burnout, Snape's villain origin story, and the Boggart as an exercise in teamwork. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what resources can we draw upon to mitigate burnout?Thank you to Amy for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 8, Flight of the Fat Lady, through the theme of Respect.--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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Joy: Talons and Tea Leaves (Book 3, Chapter 6)
31/03/2022 Duration: 47minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Joy in Chapter Six of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Slytherin laughter, the joy of teaching, and McGonagall's take on Trelawney. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we find joy even during long periods of stress and unhappiness?Thank you to Sam for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 7, The Boggart, through the theme of Burnout, with special guest 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.
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Redemption: The Dementor (Book 3, Chapter 5)
24/03/2022 Duration: 44minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Redemption in Chapter Five of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Scabbers vs. Crookshanks, Percy's love life, and Lupin's redemption arc. Throughout the episode we consider the question: who has the power to redeem us?Thank you to Hannah for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 6, Talons and Tea Leaves, through the theme of Anxiety.--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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Home: The Leaky Cauldron (Book 3, Chapter 4)
17/03/2022 Duration: 50minMatt and special guest Jolie Doggett (!!!) explore the theme of Home in Chapter Four of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Harry's newfound freedoms, the abundance of good meals in the chapter, and Crookshanks' new home. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what contributes to our sense of home?Thank you to Rhi for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 5, The Dementor, through the theme of Redemption.--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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Effort: The Knight Bus (Book 3, Chapter 3)
10/03/2022 Duration: 44minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Effort in Chapter Three of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss the myth of effort as an unlimited resource, the Ministry's search for Sirius Black, and Stan's introduction to "Neville Longbottom". Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we apply effort efficiently?Thank you to Anna for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 4, The Leaky Cauldron, through the theme of Home, with special guest Jolie Doggett!--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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Ignorance: Aunt Marge’s Big Mistake (Book 3, Chapter 2)
03/03/2022 Duration: 44minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Ignorance in Chapter Two of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss news coverage of Sirius Black, the ignorance of muggles, and, of course, Aunt Marge's Big Mistake. Throughout the episode we consider the question: at what point does ignorance become willful?Thank you to Millie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 3, The Knight Bus, through the theme of Effort.--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.