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Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

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.

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  • Harry Potter and the Sacred Text: Series Trailer

    03:50
    Welcome to Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, a podcast by Not Sorry Productions!Learn more at https://www.harrypottersacredtext.com/
  • Commitment: The Boy Who Lived (Book 1, Chapter 1)

    25:16
    In the premiere episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, Casper and Vanessa talk about why they are starting this project and analyze the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone through the theme of commitment. 
  • Loneliness: The Vanishing Glass (Book 1, Chapter 2)

    30:11
    Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of loneliness in chapter two of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss the Dursleys' parenting choices, the significance of numbers, and the birthday blues. A small correction: In this week’s epsiode, Vanessa says that the letters for chai are יה (yud hay), when they are actually חי (chet yud).
  • Fear: The Letters From No One (Book 1, Chapter 3)

    26:09
    Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of fear in chapter three of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Vernon Dursley's illusion of control, the psychology of bullies, and climate change. 
  • Generosity: The Keeper of the Keys (Book 1, Chapter 4)

    25:43
    Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of generosity in chapter four of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Casper demonstrates his excellent Hagrid impression and Vanessa addresses whether we can or should empathize with the Dursleys. 
  • Being a Stranger: Diagon Alley (Book 1, Chapter 5)

    28:50
    Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "being a stranger" in chapter five of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss hefty ideas like consumerist culture in the wizarding world, Hagrid's status as an outsider, and mentorship. 
  • Expectations: The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters (Book 1, Chapter 6)

    25:17
    Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of expectations in chapter six of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Harry and Ron's budding friendship, the unusual bravery of Scabbers the rat, and how our bodily practices relate to our spiritual experience. 
  • Vulnerability: The Sorting Hat (Book 1, Chapter 7)

    26:22
    Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of vulnerability in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss how Harry’s experience with the sorting hat teaches us to reclaim our own narratives after trauma, and extend blessings both to know-it-all Hermione and know-nothing Neville.*NB: Vanessa’s opening story is about sexual assault. If you want to skip it, the 30-second recap starts about 5 minutes into the episode. *
  • Promises: The Potions Master (Book 1, Chapter 8)

    28:06
    Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of promises in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss tropes in bad 80s tv shows, Harry's reaction to his own fame, and Hermione's destiny to smash the patriarchy.