Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "preciousness" in chapter twenty-five of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Moaning Myrtle's voyeurism, Harry's fatal flaws, and Mad Eye Moody's good luck. Our question this week is: How do we appreciate the things that are precious to us without coveting them? Next week we're reading chapter twenty-six, The Second Task, through the theme of loyalty - live from Minneapolis! Thanks this week to Lyra Hara for our voicemail. We've extended the timeline for our fundraiser! If you can, please support us so we can read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! 

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "integrity" in chapter twenty-four of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Professor Grubbly-Plank's unicorn, Hagrid's doom spiral, and Fleur's disadvantage in the second task. Our question this week is: Are loyalty and integrity always in conflict?Next week we're reading chapter twenty-five, The Egg and the Eye, through the theme of preciousness. Thanks this week to Margot Zarin-Pass for our voicemail. We've extended the timeline for our fundraiser! If you can, please support us so we can read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! 

Just a little note to let you know how our fundraiser is going. We're more than halfway there! Thank you to all who have donated. For those who want to help us get to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, we're keeping the crowdfunder open until April 21st. You can donate here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/harry-potter-and-the-sacred-text-2018-crowdfunder#/

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "guilt" in chapter twenty-three of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Viktor Krum's classiness, Dobby's love of languages, and the pervasiveness of gift-giving in our culture. Our question this week is: How do we protect ourselves from turning guilt into shame?Next week we're reading chapter twenty-four, Rita Skeeter's Scoop, through the theme of integrity. Thanks this week to Topher Soltys for our voicemail. We only have a few days left in our fundraiser. If you can, please support us so we can read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! 

We could only include a few minutes of Vanessa's conversation with Gretchen Rubin into the main episode this week, but we wanted to share an extended cut of their interview. Hear Vanessa and Gretchen nerd out about this week's chapter and learn more about her theory of The Four Tendencies. Happy Friday!

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Happiness in chapter twenty-two of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Gretchen Rubin, host of Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Gretchen tells our opening story, sharing from her experience switching career paths. Our question this week is: What is the difference between procrastination and time for 'self-care'?Next week we're reading chapter twenty-three, The Yule Ball, through the theme of Guilt. Our voicemail this week is thanks to Amanda Patton. Don't forget to donate to the crowdfunder: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/harry-potter-and-the-sacred-text-2018-crowdfunder#/

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "faith" in chapter twenty-one of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Vanessa's first celebrity crush, the separation of church and state in the US, and the internalized oppression of house-elves. Our question this week is: What does faith look like when it's not religious?Next week we're reading chapter twenty-two, The Unexpected Task, through the theme of Happiness. Thanks this week to Austin Bucholtz for our voicemail. We have officially launched our fundraiser. If you can, please support us so we can read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! 

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "opportunity" in chapter twenty of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Cedric's wholeness, Harry's brokenness, and what Vanessa thinks about "Fifty Shades of Grey." Our question this week is: How do we create our own opportunities in the world?Next week we're reading chapter twenty-one, The House-Elf Liberation Front, through the theme of faith. Thanks this week to Hannah Burgess for our voicemail. We have officially launched our fundraiser. If you can, please support us so we can read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! 

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "delight" in chapter nineteen of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Harry's vulnerability with Sirius, Charlie's love of Hagrid, and Madame Maxime's potential manipulation. Our question this week is: What's the purpose of delight?Next week we're reading chapter twenty, The First Task, through the theme of opportunity. Thanks this week to Kelly Petrauskas for our voicemail. We have officially launched our fundraiser. If you can, please support us so we can read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! 

Vanessa is sick today, so Casper is taking over our much-anticipated "owl" themed owl post. We hear from listeners Stefanie French, Ali Ribe, Camille Knox and Sophie Ralph. Casper also has the opportunity to learn a new spiritual practice, Marginalia, from the charming and wise Reverend Canon Broderick Greer.This episode is sponsored by Care/Of. Next week, we'll be reading Chapter 19, The Hungarian Horntail, through the theme of delight. 

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "glory" in chapter eighteen of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Draco's "Potter Stinks" badges, Hermione's toast, and Snape's empty threats. Our question this week is: Does glory require sacrifice?Next week we're reading chapter nineteen, The Hungarian Horntail, through the theme of delight. Thanks this week to Lia Hagan for our voicemail.Two big things coming in March: Our show in Holyoke, MA, and our annual crowdfunder. 

Note: We discuss sexual assault and suicidal ideation in this episode. If these topics are something you want to avoid, we understand. Here's a funny picture of a walrus to hold you over until next week. Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of, "unity" in chapter seventeen of, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we ask: Why is Snape in the back room? Why is Ron so mad? Why can’t Hagrid wave hello? Our philosophical question this week is: When is the dissolution of difference worthwhile for the sake of unity? Next week we're reading chapter eigtheen, The Weighing of the Wands, through the theme of glory. Unfortunately, the episode will be out a day late, so look out! Two big things coming in March: Our show in Holyoke, MA, and our annual crowdfunder. 

Sorry, no episode today! We're re-recording and it will be out tomorrow. In the meantime, here's a quote from William Shakespeare. 

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of, "resentment" in chapter sixteen of, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Hermione's jealousy, Hagrid's hypocrisy, and Dumbledore's hospitality. Our question this week is: whose responsibility is it to correct for resentment? Next week we're reading chapter seventeen, The Four Champions, through the theme of unity. Unfortunately, the episode will be out a day late, so look out! Two big things coming in March: Our show in Holyoke, MA, and our annual crowdfunder. 

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of trauma in chapter fifteen of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This week we discuss returning home, acknowledging pain, and the BAMF known as Madame Maxime. Our question this week is: how do you integrate trauma into your personal narrative?Next week we're reading chapter sixteen, The Goblet and Fire, through the theme of resentment. Two big things coming in march: Our show in Holyoke, MA, and our annual crowdfunder!