Night Vale Presents Verse

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Persistence in chapter twenty-six of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we discuss Voldemort's fatal flaws, Harry's great strengths, and the imminent loss of Dumbledore will all its implications. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when do you know that you should persist on someone else's behalf?

Thanks to Katherine for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-seven, The Lightning-Struck Tower, through the theme of Earnestness.


Listen, discuss.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Regret in chapter twenty-four of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we are joined by writer, pastor, and theologian Nadia Bolz-Weber, who shares an opening story about the way that accidents weigh on us. Casper and Vanessa discuss how much they blame Harry for hurting Draco, Snape’s punishment, and Harry and Ginny’s first kiss. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to live with no regrets?



Thanks to Rachel Friedensen for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-five, The Seer Overheard, through the theme of Indignation.

Listen, discuss.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Bitterness in chapter twenty-two of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss why Hermione doesn’t want to go to Aragog’s funeral, whether Slughorn does a good eulogy, and Miriam from the story of Exodus. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Does bitterness have something to do with sorrow?

Thanks to Eve for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-three, Horcruxes, through the theme of Memory.

Listen, discuss.

Owl Post Edition: How to Be in Community with Burns Stanfield

How and why should we be in community? This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Reverend Burns Stanfield from 4th Presbyterian Church in Boston. Together they discuss how community gets us better at loving one another and ourselves.

This episode we also hear owl post from Karen, Natalie, Cara, Christoffel, and Rachel.

Next week we’re reading Chapter 21, The Unknowable Room, through the theme of Affirmation.

Listen, discuss.

Note: Harry Potter and The Sacred Text is no longer uploading to SoundCloud. The RSS url is now http://feeds.harrypottersacredtext.com/harrypottersacredtext

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Good Will in chapter twenty of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss Dumbledore’s disappointment with Harry, Luna’s burgeoning friendship with Ron, and the backstory of Hepzibah Smith. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when does Good Will become naiveté? We’re taking two weeks off for the holiday but we’ll be back on January 9th with an Owl Post episode.

Listen, discuss.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Recklessness in chapter eighteen of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss Casper’s experience in graduate school, Harry’s privilege in Potion’s class, and the three ‘D’s of apparition. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Is recklessness in the eye of the beholder? Next week we’re reading chapter nineteen, Elf Tails, through the theme of Harmony.

Listen, discuss.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Erosion in chapter sixteen of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we are joined by writer and mentor Terry Tempest Williams, who shares an opening story about the landscape of Utah. Casper and Vanessa discuss Molly’s tireless work for her family, the way Harry stands up to Scrimgeour, and how Vanessa came to love musicals. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we stay open to change without degrading sense of self? Next week we’re reading chapter seventeen, A Sluggish Memory, live from Washington D.C., through the theme of Attention.



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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of resistance in chapter fourteen of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss LARPing, Vanessa’s experience in Business School, and how the patriarchy acts on Ron. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do our fears keep us from learning? Next week we’re reading chapter fifteen, The Unbreakable Vow, through the theme of Sacrifice.

Listen, discuss.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of resilience in chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss Harry’s obsession with Draco, why Filch is still at Hogwarts, and Katie’s amazing friend Leanne. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we know when to keep going and when to quit? Next week we’re reading chapter thirteen, The Secret Riddle, through the theme of Superstition, and we’ll be joined by special guest Mike Shubert from the Potterless Podcast!

Listen, discuss.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of temptation in chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa unpack the tragic story of Merope Gaunt, considering her abuse and the way she perpetuates it with Tom Riddle Sr. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we interrupt temptation when it leads us astray? Next week we’re reading chapter eleven, Hermione’s Helping Hand, through the theme of Pleasure.

Listen, discuss.