Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

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 episode we consider the question: how is attention a loving act?

Thank you to Nat for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 26, Seen and Unforeseen, through the theme of Doubt with Matt Potts.

Sign up for Hope?s class by visiting www.notsorryworks.com

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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 consider the question: what does it mean to release something?

Thank you to Ian for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 25, The Beetle at Bay, through the theme of Attention with Hope Rehak.

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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. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does vulnerability affect our decision-making capabilities?

Thank you to Jamie for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 24, Occlumency, through the theme of Release with Casper.

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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 consider the question: how do we focus in and out of our own individuality?

Thank you to Jessie for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 23, Christmas on the Closed Ward, through the theme of Vulnerability with Matt.

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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 their favorite authors, and the role reading currently plays in their lives.

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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 episode we consider the question: what are the many ways we show care to one another?

Thank you to Jamie for this week?s voicemail. If you or someone you know needs crisis intervention, please reach out to the Crisis Text Line.

Next week we're reading Chapter 22, St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, through the theme of Individuality with Mauricio.

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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 question: how do we carry on after a heartbreak?

Thank you to Therisa for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 21, The Eye of the Snake, through the theme of Care with Matt.

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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Grace in Chapter 19 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Harry?s game-saving capture of the snitch, Ron?s first big match, and Hermione?s magical talent. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what are the conditions which allow us to be graceful?

Thank you to Emily for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 20, Hagrid?s Tale, through the theme of heartbreak with Casper.

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Every Christmas, we like to share a favorite poem. This year it's 'The Magi' by William Butler Yeats.

We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 5th. Happy Holidays!

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This week we're concluding our collaboration with The Greater Good Science Center, examining the theme of Intellectual Humility as Vanessa and Matt look back at key moments in the entire Harry Potter Series! They discuss the lack of overlap between Wizard and Muggle worlds, the unraveling of the Ministry, and Neville's blossoming self confidence. We're taking a quick break for the holidays, but will be back in two weeks with Book 5 Chapter 19, The Lion and the Serpent, through the theme of Grace!

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This week, Vanessa and Jackson Bird explore the theme of Possibility in Chapter Eighteen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the Room of Requirement, Dobby's newly free life, and Umbridge's stifling oversight. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we discern what kinds of change are possible in our current stage of life?

Thank you to Serena for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're looking at the entire series through the theme of Intellectual Humility.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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This week, Vanessa and Margaret H. Willison explore the theme of Resentment in Chapter Fourteen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Harry's newfound empathy for Ron & Hermione's silence over the summer, one of Sirius's most questionable lines, and Ron's new position on the Quidditch team. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can better communication help us avoid resentment?

Thank you to Dani for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 15, The Hogwarts High Inquisitor, through the theme of Charisma.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Intimacy in Chapter Nine of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss meal sharing as a catalyst for closeness, Harry's unwanted intimacy with Lucius Malfoy, and the entitlement of close friends! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what are the tradeoffs, strengths, and limitations of intimate relationships?

Thank you to Russell for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 10, Luna Lovegood, through the theme of Beauty with special guest Jolie Doggett!

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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.

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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Visibility in Chapter Seven of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the Ministry's location, Molly's caretaking, and what statues say about a society's values! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how should we approach our own visibility in different situations?

Thank you to Grace for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 8, The Hearing, through the theme of Tension.

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This week, Vanessa and Jackson Bird explore the theme of Risk in Chapter Six of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Sirius's increasing restlessness, the risk associated with a volatile magical home, and Fred and George's private experimentation. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how should we decide which risks are worth it?

Thank you to Jane for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 7, The Ministry of Magic, through the theme of Visibility.

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Every once in a while we like to take a step back from our current chapter, and appreciate some overarching themes and important characters from the series! This week we're celebrating everyone's favorite gentle giant, Rubeus Hagrid.

HPST is made possible in part by ads and sponsorships! We're currently running a survey to help us better understand our audience, if you're looking for a free way to help us continue making this podcast please consider filling out the quick survey here.

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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Comparison in Chapter Five of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the Molly's role as a caretaker for Harry, the Weasley twins' burgeoning business adventures, and Sirius's interesting approach to mentoring. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when can comparisons be useful, and when are they harmful?

Thank you to Katie for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 6, The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, with Jackson Bird(!) through the theme of Risk.

HPST is made possible in part by ads and sponsorships! We're currently running a survey to help us better understand our audience, if you're looking for a free way to help us continue making this podcast please consider filling out the quick survey here.

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This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Apathy in Chapter Four of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the physical integrity of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, all caps Harry, and the Weasley siblings' approach to delicate situations. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what emotions are hiding beneath our apathy?

Thank you to Andee for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 5, The Order of the Phoenix, with Matt through the theme of Comparison.

HPST is made possible in part by ads and sponsorships! We're currently running a survey to help us better understand our audience, if you're looking for a free way to help us continue making this podcast please consider filling out the quick survey here.

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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Deception in Chapter Three of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the Dursley's fake lawn care award, Moody's suspicions, and the Order's chosen method of transportation. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is a little bit of deception helpful?

Thank you to Emily for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 4, Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place, with Casper through the theme of Apathy.

HPST is made possible in part by ads and sponsorships! We're currently running a survey to help us better understand our audience, if you're looking for a free way to help us continue making this podcast please consider filling out the quick survey here.

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This week, Vanessa and special guest (and friend) Micaela Blei explore the theme of Friendship in Chapter Two of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Arthur's role in Harry's life, Petunia's howler, and the object permanence issues we sometimes face with our friendships. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we better support our friends?

Thank you to Martha for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 3, The Advance Guard, through the theme of Deception.

Learn more about our upcoming What Matters course, and Micaela's role at Not Sorry here!

HPST is made possible in part by ads and sponsorships! We're currently running a survey to help us better understand our audience, if you're looking for a free way to help us continue making this podcast please consider filling out the quick survey here.

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Welcome back for Season 5! This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Dreaming in Chapter One of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Harry's literal dream which is overheard by Dudley, Mrs. Figg's big reveal, and the Proto-Germanic roots of dreaming. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do our dreams impact our lived realities?

Thank you to Erin for this week?s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 2, A Peck of Owls, with special guest Micaela Blei through the theme of Friendship!

Want to learn more about Micaela and her work at Not Sorry before next week's episode? Click here!

HPST is made possible in part by ads and sponsorships! We're currently running a survey to help us better understand our audience, if you're looking for a free way to help us continue making this podcast please consider filling out the quick survey here.

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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.

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We're taking this week off between seasons, so we're re-releasing one of our favorite Women of Harry Potter episodes. This episode feature the wonderful Kathy Tu as she blesses one of our favorite characters from Book 5, Cho Chang!

We'll be back next week with Book 5 Chapter 1, Dudley Demented, through the theme of Dreaming.

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This week we're continuing our collaboration with The Greater Good Science Center, examining the theme of Intellectual Humility as Vanessa and Matt look back at key moments from The Goblet of Fire! They discuss Dumbledore's weak points, new cultures at Hogwarts, and the help each champion received during the tournament tasks. We're taking a quick break, but will be back in two weeks to discuss Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix!

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Today, Vanessa is joined for a special bonus conversation by Micaela Blei! Micaela is a talented storyteller, story editor and educator, and also one of our faculty members for our upcoming What Matters class. Together, they discuss the art of storytelling, the sacred relationship between storyteller and audience, and some favorite moments from our last What Matters class. You can learn more about What Matters, and sign up, on our website!

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Vanessa and Matt wrap up their their discussion of The Goblet of Fire with a look back on the entire book! They discuss the failures of the administration at Hogwarts, Harry's relationship with the adults around him, and Weasley family dynamics. Next week we're bringing you a special episode diving deeper into the theme of Intellectual Humility in The Goblet of Fire!

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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Love in Chapter Thirty-Seven of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Harry's meeting with the Diggorys, his investment into the Weasley twins, and Dumbledore's instrumentalisation of Cedric's memory. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we respectfully pay tribute to the people we love? 

Thank you to Sophie for their voicemail! Next week we're doing our Book 4 Wrap-Up episode.

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This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Teamwork in Chapter Thirty-Six of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Snape as a collaborator, Fudge's use of the Dementors, and the distinction between teamwork and allyship. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what are the components of a cohesive team? 

Thank you to Batul for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 37, The Beginning, through the theme of Love.

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This week, Vanessa is joined by the lovely Colette Potts (!!), to explore the theme of Wandering in Chapter Thirty-Five of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Voldemort's journey back to embodiment, Dumbledore's big reveal to Harry, and Barty Crouch Jr.'s meandering series of tasks. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can wandering be valuable even when our end goal is undefined? 

Thank you to Megan for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 36, The Parting of the Ways, through the theme of Teamwork.

Vanessa and Colette are co-leading a Harry Potter pilgrimage to West Yorkshire, August 31-September 3rd! Find out more and learn how to join them here.

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The Not Sorry Team is at our summer camp this week, so we're re-leasing a few of our favorite Women of Harry Potter episodes. These episodes feature the wonderful co-founders of Black Nerd Create, Bayana Davis and Robyn Jordan.

We'll be back next week with Chapter 35, Veritaserum, through the theme of Wandering, with special guest Colette Potts.

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This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Conspiracy in Chapter Thirty-Four of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the circle of Death Eaters, Harry's refusal to obey Voldemort, and Harry's allies back at Hogwarts. Throughout the episode we consider the question: can there be a conspiracy without active conspiring? 

Thank you to Rebekah for their voicemail! Next time we're reading Chapter 35, Veritaserum, through the theme of Wandering, with special guest Colette Potts!!

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This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Invisibility in Chapter Thirty-Three of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the newly visible Dark Marks, Voldemort's still unnamed "faithful servant" at Hogwarts, and the masked Death Eaters. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what do we make visible with our care and attention?

Thank you to Karen for their voicemail! Next time we're reading Chapter Thirty-Four, Priori Incantatem, through the theme of Conspiracy.

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This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Intention in Chapter Thirty-Two of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Voldemort's Rube Goldberg machine, Cedric's big brother attitude, and Wormtail's new hand. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how strictly should we commit to our original intentions?

Thank you to Teddy for their voicemail! Next time we're reading Chapter Thirty-Three, The Death Eaters, through the theme of Invisibility.

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This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Spite in Chapter Thirty-One of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Rita Skeeter's motivation, Harry's growing awareness of the full scope of Voldemort's harm, and Harry/Cedric's spiteful politeness. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when does our spite end up harming us, and when does it alert us to surrounding dangers?

Thank you to JM for their voicemail! Next time we're reading Chapter Thirty-Two, Flesh, Blood, and Bone, through the theme of Intention.

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Today, Vanessa is joined for a small bonus conversation by Hannah McGregor and Marcelle Kosman! Marcelle and Hannah are the cohosts of the podcast Witch, Please and will be leading several workshops for our upcoming summer camp: Calling All Magnificent People. Together, they apply a critical lens to traditional camp structures, and explore how we hope to create a more inclusive and welcoming space at our own camp. If you haven't yet signed up for camp, you can do so on our website!

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For years, we've been grappling with how to appropriately talk about house-elves in the Harry Potter series. As the books progress and we spend more and more time with Dobby, Winky, and the members of S.P.E.W., we've decided to use this week to hand the mic over to our dear friends at Witch, Please for this special deep dive. We hope you enjoy their interview with Jessica Marie Johnson (she/her), who is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Johns Hopkins University and a Fellow at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Studies at Harvard University. She is also the Director of LifexCode: Digital Humanities Against Enclosure. Jessica is a historian of Atlantic slavery and the Atlantic African diaspora. She is the author of Wicked Flesh: Black Women, Intimacy, and Freedom in the Atlantic World.

Next week we're reading Chapter Thirty-One, The Third Task, through the theme of Spite.

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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.

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This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Comfort in Chapter Thirty of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Harry's journey into the depths of Dumbledore's memories, Barty Crouch Sr.'s role in sentencing his own son, and the pensieve as a form of journaling. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is comfort helpful, and when does it limit our ability to take appropriate action?

Thank you to Dani for her voicemail! Next time we're reading Chapter Thirty-One, The Third Task, through the theme of Spite.

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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.

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This week, Matt and Vanessa continue exploring the theme of Silence in Chapter Twenty-Nine of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Ron's aversion to any mention of Voldemort, Fred & George's business venture, and Dumbledore's office decor. Throughout the episode we consider the question: are we really experiencing silence, or simply choosing what we pay attention to?

Thank you to Kirby for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Thirty, The Pensieve, through the theme of Comfort.

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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.

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Julia Argy, our incredible pilgrimage director has her first book out today! It's called The One, and it's about a woman who joins a reality television show to find love.

Publishers Weekly says it best: ?[A] smart debut?Argy takes on voyeurism, feminism, and gender norms, as Emily wonders if she really ought to put all her energy into finding love, which is what she was conditioned to do all her life?. [A] winning portrait of a young woman trying to come into her own.?

In this bonus episode, Vanessa and Julia discuss what reality dating shows reflect about our own culture of love and surveillance. Julia's book is out today, be sure to check it out!

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This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Silence in Chapter Twenty-Eight of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the trio's uncomfortable trip to the Hogwarts kitchens, Krum's explosive encounter with Barty Crouch Sr., and Hermione's hate mail. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can silence be both oppressive and empowering? 

Thank you to Sully for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Nine, The Dream, through the theme of Intention.

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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.

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This week, Matt and Vanessa are joined by special guest Casper ter Kuile as they explore the theme of Legacy in Chapter Twenty-Seven of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Mr. Crouch's parenting, Sirius's relationship to house elves, and Rita Skeeter's hard hitting journalism. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how is a legacy passed on, and how much of that is out of our control? 

Thank you to our anonymous listener for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Eight, The Madness of Mr. Crouch, through the theme of Silence.

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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.

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Vanessa is joined for a small bonus conversation by Nathalie Folkerts, the director of our upcoming summer camp: Calling All Magnificent People. They explore how Nathalie's background in political organizing found a home in building our camp and discuss some of behind-the-scenes dreaming and decision making that's been happening. If you haven't yet signed up for camp, you can do so on our website!

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This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Purpose in Chapter Twenty-Six of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the tournament's use of children as bait, love as motivation and purpose, and Snape's begrudging approach to his own designated purpose as Harry's protector. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is there such a thing as one "true" purpose? 

Thank you to Kimberly for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Seven, Padfoot Returns, with special guest Casper ter Kuile through the theme of Legacy!

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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.