Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of loneliness in chapter two of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss the Dursleys' parenting choices, the significance of numbers, and the birthday blues. A small correction: In this week’s ep

Commitment: The Boy Who Lived (Book 1, Chapter 1)

May 19th, 2016 25m 16s

In the premiere episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, Casper and Vanessa talk about why they are starting this project and analyze the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone through the theme of commitment. Hosted on Aca

Fear: The Letters From No One (Book 1, Chapter 3)

Jun 3rd, 2016 26m 9s

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of fear in chapter three of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Vernon Dursley's illusion of control, the psychology of bullies, and climate change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo

Love: The Second War Begins (Book 5, Chapter 38)

2 days ago 53m 33s

This week, Vanessa and special guest Nathalie Folkerts explore the theme of Love in Chapter 38 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Hagrid’s caretaking, systemic failures, and loving moments with the kids! Throughout the e

Control: The Lost Prophecy (Book 5, Chapter 37)

9 days ago 49m 31s

This week, Vanessa and special guest Micaela Blei explore the theme of Control in Chapter 37 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Dumbledore’s disclosures, Harry’s anger, and Trelawney’s gift! Throughout the episode we con

Mercy: The Only One He Ever Feared (Book 5, Chapter 36)

16 days ago 44m 16s

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Mercy in Chapter 36 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Dumbledore’s grand return, Lupin’s gentle explanation, and Bellatrix’s punishment! Throughout the episode we consi

Desire: Beyond the Veil (Book 5, Chapter 35)

23 days ago 47m 43s

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Desire in Chapter 35 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the Deatheaters’ true desires, the prophecy, and the Ministry’s denial. Throughout the episode we consider the que

Success: The Department of Mysteries (Book 5, Chapter 34)

Apr 25th, 2024 47m 18s

This week, Vanessa and Jolie explore the theme of Success in Chapter 34 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Harry’s plan, the Deatheaters’ success, and Ron as an engine. Throughout the episode we consider the question: wh

Anger: Fight and Flight (Book 5, Chapter 33)

Apr 18th, 2024 58m 56s

This week, Vanessa and Matt are joined by special guest Neil J. Young as they explore the theme of Anger in Chapter 33 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Grawp’s big feelings, Harry’s outburst, and the Centaurs’ generati

Isolation: Out of the Fire (Book 5, Chapter 32)

Apr 11th, 2024 47m 55s

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Isolation in Chapter 32 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Umbridge’s leadership, Hermione’s master plan, and Snape’s code! Throughout the episode we consider the questi

Naivete: O.W.L.s (Book 5, Chapter 31)

Apr 4th, 2024 36m 15s

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Naivete in Chapter 31 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Hagrid’s arrest, Harry’s big plan, and the end of Occlumency lessons! Throughout the episode we consider the quest

Determination: Grawp (Book 5, Chapter 30)

Mar 28th, 2024 53m 20s

This week, Vanessa and special guest Jackson Bird explore the theme of Determination in Chapter 30 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the titular Grawp, Peeves’ newfound determination, and times the word actually comes u

Community: Careers Advice (Book 5, Chapter 29)

Mar 21st, 2024 54m 37s

This week, Vanessa and Matt are joined by Delphene Mooney of On The Rise as they explore the theme of Community in Chapter 29 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Fred & George’s departure, Draco’s (lack of) community, and

Special Recipe Bonus: On The Rise Fundraiser!

Mar 18th, 2024 5m 49s

We're still in the middle of our March fundraiser for On The Rise, but thanks to you all, we've already reached our initial 10k goal! As a special thanks to our listeners for helping us reach this point, Matt and Vanessa have recorded this bonu

Kindness: Snape’s Worst Memory (Book 5, Chapter 28)

Mar 14th, 2024 40m 45s

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Kindness in Chapter 28 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss James and Snape and Lily, oh my! Throughout the episode we consider the question: where can we attempt to empl

Special Patronus Bonus: On The Rise Fundraiser!

Mar 11th, 2024 7m 39s

We're currently in the middle of our March fundraiser for On The Rise, a great organization that supports people experiencing homelessness. As a special thanks to our listeners for helping us get halfway to our fundraising goal of 10k this mon

Discernment: The Centaur and the Sneak (Book 5, Chapter 27)

Mar 7th, 2024 53m 28s

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Discernment in Chapter 27 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Firenze’s newfound employment at Hogwarts, Hagrid’s autonomy, and the chaotic scene in Dumbledore’s office. Th

Doubt: Seen and Unforeseen (Book 5, Chapter 26)

Feb 29th, 2024 44m 45s

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Doubt in Chapter 26 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Ron’s game day performance, Trelawney’s firing, and Harry’s ongoing Occlumency lessons. Throughout the episode we co

Attention: The Beetle at Bay (Book 5, Chapter 25)

Feb 22nd, 2024 45m 22s

This week, Vanessa and special guest Hope Rehak explore the theme of Attention in Chapter 25 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Harry and Cho’s date, Umbridge’s surveillance, and Wizarding journalism. Throughout the epis

Release: Occlumency (Book 5, Chapter 24)

Feb 15th, 2024 47m 52s

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Release in Chapter 24 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Sirius’s imprisonment, Harry’s first Occlumency lesson, and Hermione’s assistance. Throughout the episode we con

Vulnerability: Christmas on the Closed Ward (Book 5, Chapter 23)

Feb 8th, 2024 45m 31s

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Vulnerability in Chapter 23 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss our reintroduction to Gilderoy Lockhart, Neville’s parents, and Mr. Weasley’s experiments in muggle medicine

Individuality: St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies (Book 5, Chapter 22)

Feb 1st, 2024 42m 5s

This week, Vanessa and Mauricio Bruce explore the theme of Individuality in Chapter 22 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Harry’s dream, the Weasley clan, and Dumbledore’s wall of support. Throughout the episode we consi

Special Edition: Reading as Sacred!

Jan 25th, 2024 48m 11s

Every once in a while we like to take a step back from our current chapter, and appreciate some overarching themes from the series and our approach to the podcast! This week, Matt and Vanessa are talking about treating books as sacred, some of

Care: The Eye of the Snake (Book 5, Chapter 21)

Jan 18th, 2024 50m 12s

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Care in Chapter 21 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Hagrid’s return to teaching, Hermione’s attempts to aid Hagrid’s return to teaching, and ~young love~. Throughout the

Heartbreak: Hagrid’s Tale (Book 5, Chapter 20)

Jan 11th, 2024 39m 52s

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Heartbreak in Chapter 20 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Hagrid’s mother, the new Gurg, and the healing powers of dragon meat. Throughout the episode we consider the