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

In this episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, we start by recapping how our crowdfunder is going. Some of the crowdfunder is going to pay Casper and Vanessa a salary for all their work in creating the podcast. Another part of the crowdfunder money is for Not Sorry Productions, the new production company that Vanessa is starting. Not Sorry Productions’ first project is a new podcast called Hot & Bothered, which is launching in October 2018. Thank you everyone who has donated already!

Speaking of exciting announcements, Casper and Vanessa are doing live shows in Pittsburgh and London in the coming months. Buy tickets for the live shows and donate to the crowdfunder by clicking the big orange buttons on the website.

For this week’s theme, Vanessa and Casper discuss faith. Vanessa tells a story about her crush on Ethan Embry, so if any listeners know him, please get in touch! Vanessa compares the faiths of Dobby and Winky in the chapter, and how personal agency can affect people’s faiths. Vanessa brings up how internal faith is, and that while you can be ripped from your devotional life, your faith itself cannot be wholly regulated.

Casper makes the comparison between House-Elf-dom and religion with Dobby as a reform figure in the House Elf community. They then go into a discussion about different ideas that people have faith in – a political institution, Dumbledore, science or your family.

In Flora Legia, Vanessa and Casper explore the phrases “Dobby has been hoping and hoping” and “he threw Pigwidgeon out of the window.” They also look into the intersection of hope, wishes, and the clarity of presence.

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

In this chapter, Gretchen Rubin offers a story about happiness in her career and how she came to be a writer. In the 30 Second Recap, Vanessa gives an actual recap, and Casper largely focuses on how cute Fred and Angelina are. Vanessa starts with a question about the difference between self-care and procrastination. Casper determines that Harry should have asked Dobby to the ball, which is an exciting potential plot point for the elf-human Romance novel that Vanessa mentioned last episode.

Vanessa and Casper explore the idea of the “happy medium” in terms of dating and opportunities. Casper brings up how Hermione’s teeth have been shrunk and wonders about how much physical appearance affects people’s happiness. Casper talks about his “Black Tie Christmas Carol Sing Along Party” which makes Casper feel as though he can die of happiness and that Vanessa hates. Vanessa is Jewish, doesn’t like dressing up, and doesn’t read music, but enjoys the party only because it makes Casper so happy. Similarly infectious is the joy Vanessa’s very cute dog, Rory, brings to people while they go on walks.   Casper does a Scottish accent!

In Flora Legia, Vanessa and Casper explores relationships, dating, and how to best respond to being asked out. The takeaway is that you should usually say thank you when you are asked out and not be like Fleur in this instance.

Opportunity: The First Task (Book 4, Chapter 20)

It’s our 100th episode! Casper starts with a speech about how amazing Vanessa is. Donate to our crowdfunder if you agree.

Casper talks about his experience in Model UN as a student that showed him where his strengths lie. We’re all sad that he didn’t excel at drama and become a famous actor.

In honor of the 100th episode, we check the counts of the 30 Second Recap competition and Vanessa is rightly in the lead. In the 30 Second Recap, Casper does a hot mess of a summary, and Vanessa attempts to fill in the gaps. In justifying why Vanessa and Casper are not good at the 30 Second Recaps, Casper says that it is to model “that we are all amateurs in the text of life.”

Casper and Vanessa explore why Harry tells Cedric about the dragons in the first challenge, and Casper points out that Harry only helps Cedric when he is given a clear opportunity to do good. Casper talks about how we all have an instinct to be fair and do the right thing, but often we don’t act upon it.

Vanessa talks about how “life hacks” are actually intentional practices to set ourselves up for success. Casper explores how fairness is one of Harry’s core values. Vanessa reasons that he has learned about this from watching Dudley grow up with preferential treatment. Ultimately, Harry learns that this unfairness in Dudley's favor doesn’t actually serve Dudley.

Vanessa and Casper talk about how the size of an opportunity makes it more or less manageable. Vanessa says that with every opportunity, there is loss, and that when the person who gives the opportunity anticipates the loss, the sacrifice becomes much more approachable. She relates this to 50 Shades of Grey. 

In Pardes, Vanessa and Casper explore Cedric’s story. Eventually, Casper talks about consumerism and badly produced products, saying “how have we allowed ourselves to be in an economic system where this happens?” True, Casper. 

Delight: The Hungarian Horntail (Book 4, Chapter 19)

Support our crowdfunder! We are creating a new podcast, starting a feminist production company, and expanding our live shows. Donate here. 

Vanessa tells a story about Odd Couple 2, formerly one of her favorites movies. In the 30 Second Recap, Casper covers few plot points, but examines the emotional impact of the chapter—largely, "sad." Vanessa and Casper discuss the relationship of Sirius and Harry, and the importance of Sirius supporting what delights Harry.

Casper brings up how delight is often fleeting, and Vanessa makes the distinction between delight and joy. Casper points to the fact that part of delight is that it is often unexpected. Casper brings up how Madame Maxime uses delight to manipulate Hagrid. Vanessa says that in order to be delighted, you cannot be cynical and must be open to awe. This reminds Casper of Cedric’s delight in being a Triwizard champion, despite the fact that Harry is getting more attention than him.

In Pardes, Vanessa and Casper analyze a sentence about Hermione brainstorming how to expand S.P.E.W. Casper shares the perpetually good writing advice: kill your darlings. Vanessa and Casper have similar sods. Vanessa talks about how failures are learning experiences that create the building blocks for future success in organizing, and Casper talks about the importance of physical space and institutions for activism.

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text: 2018 Crowdfunder

Our Crowdfunder

Hi everyone! We have set a very big goal for this year's crowdfunder because we have some REALLY EXCITING PLANS. We're inviting you to help us reach two goals:

1. 2,000 individual donors
2. Raise $75,000 together

Not only are we going to delve into The Order of the Phoenix with more conversation, more spiritual practices, and more live shows (Denver! Chicago! Austin! London!) - but we are launching:

• A Facebook group for in-depth conversations about the podcast  
• A new podcast on writing Romance novels as a spiritual practice
• A feminist production company (OHMYGOD HOW COOL?!)
• More pilgrimages to develop walking as a spiritual practice

There is some exciting new merch with your donations!

If you're someone who listens to the show within 24 hours - firstly, THANK YOU! Second, if each of you donates $20 that will be enough to hit our goal! 

Just think, that's the same as one month's Netflix subscription, an audiobook, or two yoga classes. Although advertising brings in some money to the show, our network Panoply takes 30% and our fiscal sponsor takes 5% so there's not a large amount left by the time it reaches us. Thank you so much for being part of this, we couldn't do the podcast without you! 

-- Vanessa, Casper, & the rest of the HPST Team

Special Edition: Owl Post and Broderick Greer

Vanessa is tragically out with the flu, but is temporarily replaced by guest Broderick Greer. Broderick and Casper talk about liturgy in the Episcopal Church. Broderick teaches Casper about marginalia, the practice of annotating religious texts. He learned the practice from his grandmother and her engagement with her bible.

In the Owl Post, Casper finally has his time to explore owl-related questions. Many listeners share his interest. One listener asks why owls are used in the Wizard World, when it seems logistically difficult and very visible to Muggles. Another listener wonders why the Ministry of Magic doesn’t track owls that are sent to Sirius Black in order to find him in the Prisoner of Azkaban. Casper toys with the idea of supersonic owl flight and an airborne owl-only port key network. He exhibits an impressive amount of ornithological knowledge in his hypotheses.

With Vanessa gone, Casper takes the opportunity to explore another one of his interests, taking a voicemail about Percy Weasley. Casper ends the episode by saying it was lonely in the studio without Vanessa, not because of the absence of her charm and wit, but because sometimes she brings Casper chocolates and he had to do without.

Glory: The Weighing of the Wands (Book 4, Chapter 18)

Casper starts with a story about his grandparents’ work as part of the resistance in Holland during World War II. In the 30 Second Recap, Casper recounts one of Snape’s burns, and Vanessa points out he is glorifying Snape’s hateful treatment of his students.

In further insult analysis, Vanessa and Casper conclude that Draco’s “Potter Stinks” buttons are not even good burns, merely “lukewarm.” Vanessa points out how people usually speak about glory when they are confident or when they are especially vulnerable. This reminds Casper of times when people cite eras of bygone glory.

Casper and Vanessa explore glory as a positive force, glory as a means to propel harmful nationalism, and religious aspect of glory. Casper specifically hones in on the notion of glory in war, since the books take place in a post-war society. He quotes the Wilfred Owen poem “Dulce et Decorum est”:

My friend, you would not tell with such high zest 

To children ardent for some desperate glory, 

The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est

Pro patria mori.

Vanessa relates this to Harry being set up as a sacrifice by Dumbledore and Voldemort in order to maintain the higher ideals of the Triwizard Tournament.

In Pardes, Vanessa and Casper look at Snape’s treatment of Harry in Potions class. They come up with the same sod: Snape is poisoning himself. Snape’s hatred, fear, and duplicity are what ultimately lead to his death.

Unity: The Four Champions (Book 4, Chapter 17)

Vanessa begins with a story about Larry Nassar’s trial, saying “One person speaking truth to power is important…the only way it can transfer from important to impactful, is if other people unify [with that voice].” With the collaborative spirit from this week’s theme, Vanessa and Casper do a short exchange in very thick, very fake French accents.

Casper talks about how in order to achieve unity, individual differences are sometimes wiped away. In discussing the Super Bowl and gay marriage in the Anglican Church, Vanessa and Casper explore the pitfalls of unity. Casper says, “when we place unity at the front of our virtues, we can only go as fast as the slowest person.” Casper relates this to Barty Crouch Sr.’s unwillingness to let Harry not compete in the Triwizard Tournament.

In a shocking turn, Vanessa is optimistic about Snape’s intentions. Casper questions the difference between loyalty and unity. Vanessa and Casper explore why Ron breaks from Harry after his name comes out of the Goblet of Fire. Vanessa theorizes that Ron is better able to support and love Harry when they have a shared goal in mind.

In Pardes, Vanessa and Casper look at the unity between McGonagall and Dumbledore. Vanessa finds a sod: pay attention to how when someone says something assuredly, they often mean the exact opposite. In looking at the shapes of letters, Casper does not find a sod.

Resentment: The Goblet of Fire (Book 4, Chapter 16)

Casper wants you to know there is “plenty of parking” at the Holyoke live show venue. Join us on Thursday, March 8th at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church. Tickets here.

Casper starts with a story about how his grandmother did not sufficiently appreciate his childhood art. In the 30 Second Recap, Vanessa paraphrases Hermione in the chapter, saying “Screw you. I’m hot.” Casper coins the phrase “live your hashtag Colin Creevey Life.”

When discussing the Weasley twins, Vanessa and Casper point out how it is harder to breed resentment when in community. Vanessa and Casper examine the fraying relationship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione in this chapter, which they see as a result of the new dynamic of the Triwizard Tournament.

For the first time ever, Vanessa gives Dumbledore the benefit of the doubt in terms of pedagogy. In regards to Hagrid, Vanessa discusses how when we want something, we can’t expect other people to give it to us without asking, and then become resentful when they don’t. Casper shares a Maya Angelou quote: “[Forgiveness] is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself... Forgive everybody. Just forgive it. You are relieved of carrying that burden of resentment.”

In Pardes, Vanessa and Casper explore entrances and exits. Casper talks about premature celebration in moments of immediate gratification. Vanessa expands that idea, saying how once you begin a transition in your life, you sometimes should cheer despite the fact that it may be premature. Casper gets one-third of a sod, associating cheering with rings.

Trauma: Beauxbatons and Durmstrang (Book 4, Chapter 15)

Join us on Thursday, March 8th in Holyoke, MA to hear amazing preacher Marisa Egerstrom (and to see Casper and Vanessa talk about Harry Potter) ! Tickets here.  Also, send in more owl-related Owl Post voicemails to hpsacredtext@gmail.com.

Vanessa tells a story about how experiences that could be traumatic can be reframed with the help of a good therapist. Forgetting Viktor Krum’s name in the 30 Second Recap, Vanessa reminds us that she doesn’t care about sports, even fictional ones. Vanessa and Casper talk about Moody’s lesson on the Imperius Curse. Vanessa proposes a theory about how pain that leads to strengthening is not traumatic, but how a quick change in circumstance can lead to pain becoming traumatic. Casper brings up the concept of integration, and how placing pain into a larger personal narrative can prevent it from sticking as trauma.

In talking about Hagrid’s threat to turn Draco into a ferret, Vanessa and Casper dive into why people hurt others. Casper brings up a meditation practice he is currently doing (link here) and how he has used it to understand generational trauma. Vanessa mentions codified days of mourning, and how there should be a day that allows people to reckon with trauma.

In Sacred Imagination, Casper reads the passage for the second week in a row. Do they do this because people prefer Casper’s British accent over Vanessa’s Valley Girl accent? Just a theory. Vanessa talks about how Madame Maxime has to navigate making an entrance, and Casper imagines himself in Harry’s shoes, thinking about Madame Maxime can show Hagrid that he is not alone.

Transformation: The Unforgivable Curses (Book 4, Chapter 14)

In this episode, Mike McHargue from The Liturgists podcast tells a story about his experience with bullying, relating it to Neville Longbottom’s character arc. Mike, Casper, and Vanessa talk about how being bullied makes you especially sensitive to injustice later in life. Vanessa asks about how we can understand Moody as transformed Barty Crouch when he comforts Neville. They relate this to our current social moment as we increasingly learn troubling information about public figures we used to revere.

In the 30 Second Recap, Casper manages to name only a single Unforgivable Curse. Vanessa clearly should win this week’s recap just for that and you should vote for her here. In a shocking twist, Vanessa empathizes with Snape, talking about the purgatory of changing and having people not recognize that.  Vanessa and Casper discuss Hermione’s founding of S.P.E.W. Casper brings up the transformation that activists undergo as they gain more experience in advocating for their cause. They explore the duality of change—how transformation can happen in an instant, but also how that transformation is a part of larger arc of change.

In Sacred Imagination, Vanessa talks about how excited Harry must be to see Hedwig, perhaps informed by the experience of see her amazingly cute dog Rory after a long time apart. Casper says he feels relaxed by going to the dentist, indicating that perhaps he needs better coping mechanisms for day to day stress. Vanessa agrees about the comfort she feels when “a grown up” enters a situation, which is odd because Casper and Vanessa are both fully grown adults.

Join us on Thursday, March 8th in Holyoke, MA for the first live show of 2018! Tickets here. 

Judgment: Mad-Eye Moody (Book 4, Chapter 13)

The first live show of 2018 will happen Thursday, March 8th in Holyoke, MA! Tickets here.

Casper tells a story about how, as a child, he vowed to never be a goth. Secondarily, the story is also about how we are often the most critical of ourselves. In the continuing conversations about the Failed Pedagogy of Hogwarts, Vanessa and Casper’s hypothetical book, Vanessa compares Parvati and Lavender’s defense of Professor Trelawney and Hermione’s defense of Hagrid. This leads Casper and Vanessa to explore the codependent relationships between teachers and students in the text.

They discuss how teachers fail in their duty of care when they refuse to judge the negative repercussions of their actions. When talking about Hagrid’s lesson, Casper talks about “the tyranny of functionalism”—the idea that living things are only valuable when they are useful. This eventually leads to the conclusion that Hagrid’s poor lesson plans act as absurdist humor about the poor teaching at the school.  

In Sacred Imagination, Vanessa and Casper imagine themselves in a scene of confrontation between Ron and Draco. Vanessa discusses the functionality of women as it relates to the disappearance of Bertha Jorkins, circling back to the discussion of functionalism. 

Excitement: The Triwizard Tournament (Book 4, Chapter 12)

Vanessa talks about how she went to the Oscars and spent the whole time feeling badly that her parents had to sit through traffic in order to drive her there. Casper and Vanessa start to name the memoirs of themselves and characters in the book, the best being the “Still Life” by Colin Creevey. Casper talks about how excitement sometimes needs time to bloom. Vanessa and Casper discuss whether pomp and ceremony boost or undercut excitement.

Vanessa wonders if Gryffindor and Slytherin could have come together in their excitement about the Triwizard Tournament. Casper points out how institutionalized rivalry, displayed when the Weasley twins hiss at First Years as they get sorted into Slytherin, can undermine joy. Casper argues that knowledge is a precursor to excitement. Vanessa rightfully describes how finding out that a building was made by chickens would be exciting, but only after you learn that fact.

In Sacred Imagination, Vanessa and Casper think about what it would be like to see Mad Eye Moody for the first time. They explore the relationship between Barty Crouch Jr. and Moody. Vanessa discusses Hermione’s reaction to Moody and Casper compares it to how she reacts to finding out how House Elves are making the food.

As Vanessa tweeted, were they high on cold medicine when they recorded this episode? Discuss!

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Special Edition: Puffs + T-Shirt Contest Winner!

Chelsea Kleven has won the t-shirt contest with her “Got Snake Milk?” design that wonderfully mocks Vanessa and Casper. For those who don’t remember, Vanessa and Casper believed that milking a snake involved a lactating reptile.

Vanessa talks about her and Ariana’s trip to New York to see the Puffs play. Vanessa describes it as “a lot of very funny jokes and a lot of death” which is a rave review from her. Ron and Hermione are played by a mop and a candlestick with rope on it, respectively.

Vanessa and Casper explore whether or not loyalty is a good thing, since it leads to so many Hufflepuff deaths. Casper thinks about how Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy’s loyalties deeply affect the trajectory of the books. Vanessa advocates for the Housing system at Hogwarts to be abolished, or at least randomized. Ever referenced, she brings up how this would be a chapter of Vanessa and Casper’s hypothetical book The Failed Pedagogy of Hogwarts. Vanessa talks about how she loves the 90s and Casper similarly confesses he has been on a Green Day bout.  

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Special Edition: Owl Post and Marya Bangee

In this edition of Owl Post, Vanessa and Casper first respond to a voicemail from a listener with alopecia, and how she relates to Harry and his scar. Vanessa and Casper talk how attention and love can be the same thing, and the importance of staying present when you are engaging with someone. Another listener complicates Hermione’s S.P.E.W. campaign by relating it to their experience as a trauma victim advocate, which reminds Casper of how internalized narratives can negatively impact marginalized groups.

In response to a Havruta about Fred and George’s bet at the Quidditch World Cup, a listener presents the idea that the twins are displaying resilience and confidence, not recklessness.  A listener shares their story about the relationship between trauma and memory. They make the argument that the act of obliviation is an act of violence. A listener from Greece asks a Havruta question about her experience living abroad and relates that to how Hermione rarely talks about the muggle world.

Marya Bangee, founder and CEO of SILA Consulting, talks about her experience working with the entertainment industry to bring the voices of vulnerable and underrepresented communities into popular media. Casper asks about the intersection of her experience as a Muslim American woman and the portrayal of Muslim people in entertainment. Vanessa asks Marya the Havruta question about Hermione’s muggle life, and Marya proposes that Hermione might not always want to call out how she is different. Marya talks about rereading the Harry Potter series in order to process the troubling events of the year. The three discuss the role of sacred texts in their lives, and how the Qur’an is different that sacred texts in other religions. She recites a piece of the Qur’an called Surat al-Fatiha. Link to a translation here.

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Play: Aboard the Hogwarts Express (Book 4, Chapter 11)

Casper tells a story of about how his parents cleverly turned cleaning their house into a game. While talking about where Queen Victoria used to pee, Vanessa makes multiple attempts to do a British accent which Casper mysteriously does not mock. Casper spends the majority of his 30 Second Recap lamenting how no one wants to talk about owls with him. Vanessa obliges him, so send in your owl-related voicemails for an Owl Post episode to harrypottersacredtext@gmail.com.

Casper points out that games often create a different construction of reality where earnest belief allows you to experience joy. As the text frames the end of summer as gloomy, Casper talks about how to find the happiness at the beginnings of a school year. Vanessa builds upon that idea, saying sadness around summer or a weekend ending does not necessarily signal that work is bad, but merely that people must grapple with things coming to an end. Vanessa suggests how play can be used to subvert traditions, and shares a personal story about how humor can be used in times of sadness and fear.

In Sacred Imagination, Casper imagines himself as Hermione and wishes he understood science. Vanessa remembers times where she learns groundbreaking new information, and how that can make you feel small or alternatively, make the world seem very large.

Promises: Mayhem at the Ministry (Book 4, Chapter 10)

Vanessa tells a story about the promise of shomer negiah in Orthodox Jewish communities, and how sometimes it is hard to see beyond the sacrifices involved in promises. Casper and Vanessa explore why people keep promises, and whether there is always an element of selfishness in that. Vanessa requests a vegetarian casserole if she ever gets cancer and ends up in the hospital.

Vanessa mentions the promises that journalists make to the public to promote the truth and hold people in power accountable. Casper intertwines trust and promises between government and their constituents. Casper and Vanessa talk about personality as a promise, and how familial roles also are promises that can shift.  

In Havruta, Vanessa and Casper question why the Weasley twins test their products directly in front of Molly. Casper talks about how wisdom and knowledge are intertwined, especially in the context of acceptance. In the bloopers, Casper does a Tiny Tim impersonation that you definitely should listen to.

Grudges: The Dark Mark (Book 4, Chapter 9)

It was recently Casper’s birthday, and he has turned 26 (again). He turns back the clock and tells a story about high school bullies on the theme of grudges. Reminded of our current state of domestic terrorism, Casper and Vanessa dig into how we are complicit when we don’t speak up to bullies.

Vanessa brings up the intersection of personal and systemic grudges, and how sometimes it is beneficial to de-program ourselves from these.  Casper discusses how conversations about truth and memory can prevent the continuation of oppression in the context of wizards harassing the Veelas, and of former Death Eaters wearing their outfits publicly without any kind of reckoning.

In Havruta, Casper talks about the importance of citing sources. Vanessa responds with calling upon Dr. Stephanie Paulsell’s wise ministerial practice of stating facts as a way to manage difficult conversations. If Dr. Paulsell is not mentioned, is it really an episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text?

Fandom: The Quidditch World Cup (Book 4, Chapter 8)

In this episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, Kevin T. Porter from Gilmore Guys and Good Christian Fun begins with a story on fandom and Bruce Springsteen. Vanessa and Casper talk about how communities are formed within the crowds of sporting events, mentioning the childcare option of temporarily leaving your kid with strangers. Casper discusses how identifying with a sports team can cause you to excuse wrongs too quickly. Perplexed by seemingly arbitrary sports team allegiances, Vanessa wonders what we cheer for when we support a team. She agrees with Jerry Seinfeld, concluding that we are just rooting for laundry.

Vanessa and Casper examine the teams’ mascots: Leprechaun and Veelas. Casper sees them as representing the empty promises of fandom, while Vanessa understands them as the spoils of war—women and money. From the analogy, Vanessa perceives the Veelas’ anger as the rage of women who are simultaneously harassed and lauded for their beauty.

During Havruta, Vanessa and Casper contemplate what it means for a team success to be based on one person. They recommend a week-long Harry Potter movie marathon in January, and Vanessa, unable to get through an episode without mentioning dogs, rightly suggests that you donate to the Houston SPCA while doing it. Link here! 

T-Shirt Design Contest Finalists!

THE VOTES ARE IN! TUNE IN THURSDAY, the 28th! To find out who won!!!!

We had so many amazing submissions to our T-Shirt Design contest. Here are our 4 finalists by 3 designers. The Winner will get TWO TICKETS to The Puffs Play in New York City and of course, a free T-Shirt! Thank you to everyone who submitted and congrats to the finalists!

Vote is closed! Winner will be announced

Our talented designers are: Emily Jose, Madeline Rice and the last two are both by Chelsea Kleven