Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Not Sorry Productions

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 of Harry Potter chapter by chapter as Matt and Vanessa 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.

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is produced by Not Sorry Productions, a feminist organization that produces podcasts, educational content, live shows, and immersive experiences with the explicit goal of addressing the spiritual needs of its participants. Through community, rigor, and ritual, we treat traditionally secular things as if they were sacred. To learn more about what we do, visit https://notsorryworks.com/.

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20 episodes
Updated March 27

Episodes20

Newest first

March 27 · 12 min
Special Edition: Why Do We Love Mystery Novels?
Vanessa Zoltan is joined by friend and mentor Dr. Stephanie Paulsell to discuss the appeal of mystery novels and their relationship to religion. If you're interested in joining Stephanie and Casper on the Agatha Christie pilgrimage, you can learn more at commongroundpilgrimages.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 19 · 58 min
Commitment: The Boy Who Lived (Book 1, Chapter 1)
In the very final episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, Vanessa Zoltan, Casper ter Kuile, and Matt Potts revisit Book 1, Chapter 1 through our very first theme of commitment. They discuss why the Dursleys love normalcy, what Dumbledore is thinking when he leaves Harry on the doorstep, and the power of love. Thank you to everyone who has supported this show over the past ten years. If you miss us terribly, remember you can still find new content on our patreon at www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 18 · 22 min
Special Edition: Lectio Divina with Vanessa and Ariana
A new Lectio Divina every week with Vanessa and Ariana. Sign-up on Patreon at www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 12 · 54 min
Whole Series Wrap-Up: Harry Potter and the Sacred Text
Vanessa and Casper look back at the past ten years of making Harry Potter and the Sacred Text and their experience reading Harry Potter. What have they learned along the way? What characters, themes, and questions are staying with them from this project? Next week, our final episode of the show! We'll be reading Book 1, Chapter 1 through the theme of commitment with Matt Potts. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 5 · 45 min
Wrap-Up: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Vanessa and Casper wrap up their discussion of The Deathly Hallows with a look back on the entire book! They discuss Grindelwald's end, Harry's clarity, and the bravery and sacrifice of so many 'side' characters. Next week, we're back with a whole series wrap-up! Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
January 29 · 38 min
Love: Nineteen Years Later (Book 7, Epilogue)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Love in the epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss 'all was well,' Ron as a husband and father, and the power of privacy. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is teasing loving? Thank you to Sophie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're doing a wrap-up of Book 7. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
January 22 · 41 min
Legacy: The Flaw in the Plan (Book 7, Chapter 36)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Legacy in Chapter 36 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Bellatrix's death, the centaurs and house elves joining the battle fray, and Neville's bravery. Throughout the episode we consider the question: can you control your own legacy? Thank you to Rebecca for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading the epilogue, Nineteen Years Later, through the theme of Love. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
January 15 · 40 min
Sympathy: King's Cross (Book 7, Chapter 35)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Sympathy in Chapter 35 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss whether the Voldemort baby could be helped, Dumbledore’s failings as a mentor, and Harry’s return to battle. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is sympathy an action or a feeling? Thank you to Taylor for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 36, The Flaw in the Plan, through the theme of Legacy. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
January 8 · 48 min
Impossibility: The Forest Again (Book 7, Chapter 34)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Impossibility in Chapter 34 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Voldemort’s understanding of Harry, the Resurrection Stone, and Neville! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when do we resign ourselves to perceived impossibility and when do we decide to fight it? Thank you to Emma for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 35, Kings Cross, through the theme of Sympathy. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
Dec 25, 2025 · 1 min
A Christmas Poem from Casper: Priest by Knut Ødegård
Every Christmas, we like to share a favorite poem. This year it's 'Priest' by Knut Ødegård. We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 8th. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 18, 2025 · 34 min
Special Owl Post Edition: Reflecting with Ariana!
This week Vanessa and Casper are joined by their old pal Ariana to respond to a few of the wonderful voicemails we've received while making our final season of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text! Thanks to Johanna & Regine, Jenny, Julie, Kieran, Rowan & Caitlin for their beautiful voicemail contributions! Next week we're reading Chapter 34, The Forest Again, through the theme of Impossibility. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
Dec 11, 2025 · 53 min
Imagination: The Prince’s Tale (Book 7, Chapter 33)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Imagination in Chapter 33 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Petunia’s childhood, Snape & Lily, and Harry’s connection to Voldemort! Throughout the episode we consider the question: under what types of conditions are we able to image best? Thank you to Sam for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 34, The Forest Again, through the theme of Impossibility. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
Dec 4, 2025 · 41 min
Humility: The Elder Wand (Book 7, Chapter 32)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Humility in Chapter 32 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Snape’s final words, Hermione’s plea, and Luna’s words of encouragement! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is humility a hindrance and when is it necessary? Thank you to Robyn for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 33, The Prince’s Tale, through the theme of Imagination. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
Nov 27, 2025 · 40 min
Freedom: The Battle of Hogwarts (Book 7, Chapter 31)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Freedom in Chapter 31 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Fred’s death, Malfoy’s pals, and the very big fire! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can freedom feel like a burden? Thank you to our anonymous listener for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 32, The Elder Wand, through the theme of Humility. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
Nov 20, 2025 · 32 min
Our Favorite Episodes! Friendship: Halloween (Book 1, Chapter 10)
As we wrap up our final season of HPST, we're taking a look back at some of our favorite moments! This week we're revisiting our 2016 episode on Friendship - one of the first times we really connected with Sacred Imagination, reading the scene with Hermione vs. The Troll. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
Nov 13, 2025 · 38 min
Mercy: The Sacking of Severus Snape (Book 7, Chapter 30)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Mercy in Chapter 30 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Harry’s unforgivable curse, Percy’s return, and Slughorn’s options! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what is the cost of mercy? Thank you to Thulasi for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 31, The Battle of Hogwarts, through the theme of Freedom. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
Nov 6, 2025 · 40 min
Growth: The Lost Diadem (Book 7, Chapter 29)
This week, Casper and Jolie Doggett explore the theme of Growth in Chapter 29 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Neville’s growth, the last relatively peaceful moments, and the DA’s resistance! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what is the difference between growth and change? Thank you to Meghan for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 29, The Lost Diadem, through the theme of Mercy. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
Oct 30, 2025 · 29 min
Special Edition: Halloween! with Jackson Bird
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, Vanessa and special guest Jackson Bird are talking about Halloween and their favorite spooky moments throughout the series! Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
Oct 23, 2025 · 48 min
Closure: The Missing Mirror (Book 7, Chapter 28)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Closure in Chapter 28 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Aberforth’s advice, the real story of the Dumbledore family, and the portrait! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when do we gain a sense of closure? Thank you to Elizabeth for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 29, The Lost Diadem, through the theme of Growth with Jolie Doggett. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.
Oct 16, 2025 · 37 min
Advocacy: The Final Hiding Place (Book 7, Chapter 27)
This week, Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Advocacy in Chapter 27 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss empathy for the dragon, Voldemort’s big realization, and next steps for the trio! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is it possible and necessary to advocate for yourself? Thank you to M for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 28, The Missing Mirror, through the theme of Closure. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.