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 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 life’s big questions. Because reading fiction doesn’t just help us escape the world, it helps us live in it.
Special Edition: Reimagining Summer Camp with Witch, Please!
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.
5/9/2023 • 16 minutes, 19 seconds
Revisionist History: I Was A Stranger And You Welcomed Me
We're excited to share this special preview of Revisionist History with you today! In this episode Malcolm Gladwell tells the story of how his parents and their friends sponsored three Vietnamese refugees, in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. And wonders: do we underestimate the value of ordinary acts of kindness?You can hear the full episode, and more from Revisionist History, wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/1/2022 • 34 minutes, 11 seconds
Independence: Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw (Book 3, Chapter 13)
Vanessa 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.
5/19/2022 • 47 minutes, 56 seconds
The Real Question: Grandparents
We're taking a two week break between seasons of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text! While we're off, we thought we'd share a recent episode of The Real Question. Casper wants to feel closer to his paternal grandparents. But there’s a problem: they’ve been dead for a few years now. Is there a way, as he grows older, for him to keep his grandparents an active part of his life? Drawing upon The Suitcase by Frances Stoner Saunders and Children and Art from the musical Sunday in the Park with George, Casper and Vanessa think through how grief changes over time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
