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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Special Edition: Reimagining Summer Camp with Witch, Please!

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.--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.

Special Episode: House Elves with Witch, Please!

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.--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.

Comfort: The Pensieve (Book 4, Chapter 30)

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.--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.

Silence: The Dream (Book 4, Chapter 29)

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Edition: Reality Television and ‘The One’ (with Julia Argy)

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.--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.

Silence: The Madness of Mr. Crouch (Book 4, Chapter 28)

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.--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.

Legacy: Padfoot Returns (Book 4, Chapter 27)

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Edition: The Sacred Space of Summer Camp (with Nathalie Folkerts)

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!--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.

Purpose: The Second Task (Book 4, Chapter 26)

This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Contemplation in Chapter Twenty-Five of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Snape vs. Moody, the Prefect baths, and the pros and cons of a nice nighttime stroll. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is the appropriate time to be contemplative? Thank you to Sarah for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Six, The Second Task, through the theme of Purpose!--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.

Contemplation: The Egg and the Eye (Book 4, Chapter 25)

This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Rejection in Chapter Twenty-Four of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Cedric’s role as an ally to Harry, Bagman’s ulterior motives, and the neglected Beauxbaton horses. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we use rejection as a way of protecting ourselves, and how effective is it really? Thank you to Elin for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Five, The Egg and the Eye, through the theme of Contemplation!--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.

Rejection: Rita Skeeter’s Scoop (Book 4, Chapter 24)

This week, Matt and special guest Jolie Doggett explore the theme of Change in Chapter Twenty-Three of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Hermione and Ron’s respective changes, Maxime and Hagrid’s relationship, and this chapter as a turning point in the series. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we embrace the change in our relationships? Thank you to Shalmar for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Four, Rita Skeeter’s Scoop, through the theme of Rejection!--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.

Change: The Yule Ball (Book 4, Chapter 23)

Dropping in a special bonus today - Vanessa and Dr. Stephanie Paulsell talking about the sacredness of Emily Dickinson and what she can teach us about solitude! Join them on pilgrimage from July 14 – 17th in Amherst, MA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Announcement: Emily Dickinson Pilgrimage!

This week, Matt and special guests Hannah McGregor and Marcelle Kosman from the wonderful podcast Witch, Please explore the theme of Ceremony in Chapter Twenty-Two of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss dress robes, Fred & Angelina, and the joy and horror of school dances. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is ceremony just a formality, and when does it signal a genuine transformation? Thank you to Emily for her voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Three, The Yule Ball, through the theme of Change with 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.

Ceremony: The Unexpected Task (Book 4, Chapter 22)

This week, Matt and special guest Jackson Bird (!!) explore the theme of Vulnerability in Chapter Twenty-One of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Rita Skeeter's interest in Hagrid, Neville's trauma, and the hidden power of the house-elves. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we take care of ourselves after we've chosen to be vulnerable? Thank you to Kait for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Two, The Unexpected Task, through the theme of Ceremony with Hannah and Marcelle from the wonderful podcast Witch, Please!--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.

Vulnerability: The House Elf Liberation Front (Book 4, Chapter 21)

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 chapter by chapter as they 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

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