Best Casper Oliver Podcasts (2025)

1
Storytelling: The Wedding (Book 7, Chapter 8) 51:22

7d ago51:22

51:22

This week, Vanessa and special guest Micaela Blei explore the theme of Storytelling in Chapter 8 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Dumbledore’s legacy, Krum’s wedding experience, and Bill and Fleur’s wedding! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do the stories we tell shape the way we view the world? Thank you to…

1
Our Favorite Guest Episodes! Hope: The Flaw in the Plan - with John Green 1:00:25

14d ago1:00:25

1:00:25

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 2021 episode with John Green, talking about hope in the penultimate chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagr…

1
Progress: The Will of Albus Dumbledore (Book 7, Chapter 7) 47:45

21d ago47:45

47:45

This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by special guest Hana Thomas Uose as they explore the theme of Progress in Chapter 7 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Harry’s 17th birthday, Hagrid’s unicorns, and Scrimgeour’s visit! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what are all the different ways we can measure progress…

1
Commitment: The Ghoul in Pyjamas (Book 7, Chapter 6) 46:14

28d ago46:14

46:14

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Commitment in Chapter 6 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss the trio’s commitments to each other, Molly’s parenting, and Voldemort’s tunnel vision! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we make sure our commitments are serving us? Thank you to Sarah for this wee…

1
Memory: Fallen Warrior (Book 7, Chapter 5) 47:10

1M ago47:10

47:10

This week, Vanessa and special guest Mauricio Bruce explore the theme of Memory in Chapter 5 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Hedwig and Moody’s deaths, and how the body keeps the score in this chapter! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does memory push us forward, and when can it hold us back? Learn more abo…

1
Outrage: The Seven Potters (Book 7, Chapter 4) 42:14

1M ago42:14

42:14

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Outrage in Chapter 4 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss the 6 extra Potters, Hedwig’s death, and Mundungus’s forced service! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can a series of experiences lead us to a place of outrage? Thank you to Melody for this week’s voicema…

1
The Real Question: Should I Take an Art Class in 2025? (with Vanessa Zoltan) 28:13

1M ago28:13

28:13

This week, we want to share with you an episode of another Not Sorry podcast, The Real Question. The Real Question is a show that holds space for life’s tough questions. Each episode, a guest brings a personal question they’re grappling with, and Chaplain Mauricio Bruce helps them find an answer. This season, our focus is on future-oriented questio…

1
Vulnerability: The Dursleys Departing (Book 7, Chapter 3) 43:37

2M ago43:37

43:37

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Vulnerability in Chapter 3 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Dudley, Vernon, and Petunia’s respective vulnerabilities in this chapter! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can showing vulnerability invite others to be more vulnerable themselves? Today's episode i…

1
Boundaries: In Memoriam (Book 7, Chapter 2) 45:51

2M ago45:51

45:51

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Boundaries in Chapter 2 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Dumbledore’s many secrets, Dudley’s misunderstood act of kindness, and Hedwig’s cage! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do our boundaries change over time? Thank you to Chelsea for this week’s voicemail…

1
Success: The Dark Lord Ascending (Book 7, Chapter 1) 50:11

2M ago50:11

50:11

This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by special guest Elizabeth Rowe as they explore the theme of Success in Chapter 1 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Snape’s evolving role as double agent, Voldemort’s measures of success, and the Deatheaters’ meeting! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does the way we me…

1
HPST Re-Run – Suspicion: The Dark Lord Ascending (Book 7, Chapter 1) 40:19

2M ago40:19

40:19

We're still off between seasons, but we though it would be fun to take a look back at our first read through of Book 7, Chapter 1 ahead of our 14th and final season starting back up next week! 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 fiv…

1
Let's Ask Taylor Swift: Cardigan 38:13

3M ago38:13

38:13

We just dropped one of our favorite episodes so far of Let's Ask Taylor Swift with Vanessa and recent HPST guest host Daniel Schroeder, and since we're off between seasons of HPST we wanted to share that in the feed with you here! Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Ac…

1
Wrap-Up: The Half-Blood Prince 59:21

3M ago59:21

59:21

Vanessa and Casper wrap up their discussion of The Half-Blood Prince with a look back on the entire book! They discuss Dumbledore's strengths and weaknesses as a leader, Harry's final year at Hogwarts, and Hermione's unique role in this book. We're off for a few weeks between seasons, but we can't wait to get into Book 7 with you all! Stick around …

1
Love: The White Tomb (Book 6, Chapter 30) 49:39

3M ago49:39

49:39

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Love in Chapter 30 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Hagrid’s role as patron saint of transitions, Bill and Fleur, and Harry’s pity for Draco! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how are grief and love interconnected? Thank you to Ellen for this week’s voicemail! Ne…

1
Separation: The Phoenix Lament (Book 6, Chapter 29) 44:17

3M ago44:17

44:17

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Separation in Chapter 29 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the relationship dynamics on display in this chapter, Hagrid’s advice, and the end of Harry’s time at Hogwarts! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what causes us to feel separate from others? Thank you to…

1
Apocalypse: Flight of the Prince (Book 6, Chapter 28) 52:18

4M ago52:18

52:18

This week, Vanessa and special guest Hannah McGregor explore the theme of Apocalypse in Chapter 28 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Snape’s subtle display of care, Hagrid’s hut, and chaos as a liminal space! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we continue after an apocalyptic event? Thank you to Heather fo…

1
Holly Stars - Murder Mysteries, Drag, and Stand-up 44:22

4M ago44:22

44:22

Surprise special episode with Holly Stars (she/her)! As we work on editing and preparing the next season of interviews, we have a special guest here telling us about her new drag murder mystery comedy: "Murder In The Dressing Room". This book is the first in her series of queer mysteries and is available through Penguin Randomhouse, wherever you ge…

1
Helplessness: The Lightning Struck Tower (Book 6, Chapter 27) 45:42

4M ago45:42

45:42

This week, Vanessa and special guest Daniel Schroeder explore the theme of Helplessness in Chapter 27 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry’s immobilization, Dumbledore’s master plan, and Draco’s task! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when can a feeling of helplessness actually help force us to act? Thank you…

1
Fear: The Cave (Book 6, Chapter 26) 51:46

4M ago51:46

51:46

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Fear in Chapter 26 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry and Dumbledore’s opposite experiences of the cave, fear of the unknown, and Voldemort’s obstacle course! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we decide which fears are valid? Thank you to our anonymo…

1
Jealousy: The Seer Overheard (Book 6, Chapter 25) 48:48

4M ago48:48

48:48

This week, Vanessa and special guest Jolie Doggett explore the theme of Jealousy in Chapter 25 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Romilda Vane, the Prince’s gender, and Trelawney’s many admirers! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can jealousy be useful information? Thank you to Chris for this week’s voicemail…

1
Impulsivity: Sectumsempra (Book 6, Chapter 24) 44:09

4M ago44:09

44:09

This week, Vanessa and special guest Courtney Brown explore the theme of Impulsivity in Chapter 24 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Draco and Harry’s fight, Hermione’s “I told you so” moment, and the big kiss! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is impulsivity fun and when is it harmful? Thank you to Julia f…

1
HPST Re-Run – Frustration: The Boy Who Lived (Book 1, Chapter 1) 50:46

5M ago50:46

50:46

We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 9th, but in the meantime we thought it would be fun to revisit Matt's first episode as a regular host. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
A Christmas Poem from Casper: Snowy Night, by Mary Oliver 2:19

5M ago2:19

2:19

Every Christmas, we like to share a favorite poem. This year it's 'Snowy Night' by Mary Oliver. We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 9th. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Ambivalence: Horcruxes (Book 6, Chapter 23) 44:54

5M ago44:54

44:54

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Ambivalence in Chapter 23 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Slughorn’s lesson, the splitting of souls, and Harry’s destiny! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does our ambivalence still lead us to a choice? Thank you to Marissa for this week’s voicemail! We're …

1
Special Edition: The Marauders! 23:15

5M ago23:15

23:15

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 the Marauders and some of their favorite moments from the friends throughout the series! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W.…

1
Let's Ask Taylor Swift: Tim McGraw 31:40

5M ago31:40

31:40

Not Sorry has launched its first new podcast since 2020! Let's Ask Taylor Swift is co-hosted by Vanessa and podcaster, writer and cultural critic: Daniel Schroeder. In each episode Daniel and Vanessa will focus on one song from Taylor's discography, asking themselves, each other, and you— the audience— what it is about Taylor's music that resonates…

1
Failure: After The Burial (Book 6, Chapter 22) 44:43

6M ago44:43

44:43

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Failure in Chapter 22 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry’s lucky day, Ron’s apparition test, and Ernie’s potion! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when are success and failure out of our control? Thank you to Christine for this week’s voicemail! Next week w…

1
Patience: The Unknowable Room (Book 6, Chapter 21) 47:46

6M ago47:46

47:46

Patience: The Unknowable Room (Book 6, Chapter 21) This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Patience in Chapter 21 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry’s stakeout, Hermione’s new approach to Ron and Lavender, and the upcoming promise of Apparition! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does patience r…

1
Possibility: Lord Voldemort’s Request (Book 6, Chapter 20) 48:57

6M ago48:57

48:57

This week, Vanessa and special guest Mauricio Bruce explore the theme of Possibility in Chapter 20 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Dumbledore’s memory of Voldemort, Harry’s quest, and Hermione and Ron’s reconciliation! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we hold space for a multitude of possibilities? Th…

1
Rebellion: Elf Tails (Book 6, Chapter 19) 40:55

6M ago40:55

40:55

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Rebellion in Chapter 19 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Snape and Dumbledore’s agreement, Dobby and Kreacher’s quarrel, and McLaggen’s big game! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we rebel in both big and small ways? Thank you to Travis for this week’s voi…

1
Discovery: Birthday Surprises (Book 6, Chapter 18) 41:56

7M ago41:56

41:56

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Discovery in Chapter 18 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Slughorn’s poisoned mead, Harry’s life saving bezoar, and Romilda Vane’s love potion! Throughout the episode we consider the question: are we always on some journey of discovery? Thank you to Auryn for this week’s voice…

1
Knowledge: A Sluggish Memory (Book 6, Chapter 17) 41:22

7M ago41:22

41:22

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Knowledge in Chapter 17 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry’s lesson with Dumbledore, early Slug Clubs, and Slughorn’s titular memory! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do raw facts turn into knowledge? Thank you to Simone for this week’s voicemail! Next w…

1
Worthiness: A Very Frosty Christmas (Book 6, Chapter 16) 48:27

7M ago48:27

48:27

This week, Vanessa and special guest Julia Argy explore the theme of Worthiness in Chapter 16 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the value of peeling sprouts by hand, Percy’s Christmas, and Ron’s new necklace! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what are we weighing when we decide the worthiness of something? Thank…

1
Symbiosis: The Unbreakable Vow (Book 6, Chapter 15) 38:53

7M ago38:53

38:53

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Symbiosis in Chapter 15 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Slughorn’s exclusive holiday party, the ripple effect of Hermione and Ron’s tiff, and Draco’s plan! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we create symbiotic relationships that aren't just transactional…

1
Special Edition: Drama! 32:26

7M ago32:26

32:26

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 Margaret H. Willison are talking about the idea of Drama and some of their favorite dramatic moments throughout the series! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.…

1
Innocence: Felix Felicis (Book 6, Chapter 14) 49:12

8M ago49:12

49:12

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Innocence in Chapter 14 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, featuring a charming opening story from friend of the pod Rosy Hosking! They discuss Ron’s first kiss, Hermione’s army of little birds, and the big Quidditch match! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is innocence …

1
Procrastination: The Secret Riddle (Book 6, Chapter 13) 45:40

8M ago45:40

45:40

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Procrastination in Chapter 13 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Tom’s solo trip to Diagon Alley, Dumbledore’s choices, and Mrs. Cole’s orphanage! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when are we procrastinating and when are we prioritizing other values? Thank you t…

1
Special Patreon Bonus - Monthly Bloopers ! 9:19

8M ago9:19

9:19

We hope you enjoy this sneak peak into our Patreon content, where each month patrons receive a curated selection of bloopers from the last 4 episodes! If you enjoy our work, please consider signing up on our Patreon so we can continue to make this show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Access: Silver and Opals (Book 6, Chapter 12) 44:12

8M ago44:12

44:12

This week, Matt and Jackson Bird explore the theme of Access in Chapter 12 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Slughorn’s exclusive club, Katie Bell’s curse, and Mundungus’s thievery! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we fight for access when we’ve been excluded? Thank you to Angela for this week’s voicemai…

1
Special Patreon Bonus - Matt & Vanessa's Every Flavored Bean! 3:43

8M ago3:43

3:43

We hope you enjoy this sneak peak into our Patreon content, where each week patrons receive a bonus discussion inspired by the chapter! In this mini ep from Chapter 10, Matt and Vanessa discuss whose memory they'd like to take a peek into. If you enjoy our work, please consider signing up on our Patreon so we can continue to make this show! Hosted …

1
Despair: Hermione’s Helping Hand (Book 6, Chapter 11) 37:41

8M ago37:41

37:41

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Normalcy in Chapter 11 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Hagrid’s grief, Ron’s tryout, and Slughorn’s continued pursuit of Harry! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does despair manifest? Thank you to Alison for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Ch…

1
Ambition: The House of Gaunt (Book 6, Chapter 10) 43:41

9M ago43:41

43:41

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Ambition in Chapter 10 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the Half Blood Prince’s gender, Snape’s ambition, and Merope’s blossoming romance! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do our ambitions shift over time? Thank you to Natalie for this week’s voicemail! Next…

1
Empowerment: The Half Blood Prince (Book 6, Chapter 9) 45:36

9M ago45:36

45:36

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Empowerment in Chapter 9 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss McGonnagall’s excellent leadership, Harry’s snappy come-backs, and how to be a good quidditch captain! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do you redistribute power in broken systems? Thank you to our …

1
Chance: Snape Victorious (Book 6, Chapter 8) 41:37

9M ago41:37

41:37

This week, Vanessa and special guest Micaela Blei explore the theme of Ambition in Chapter 8 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the role of jokes during wartime, Tonks’ protection, and Snape’s escort! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do chance and effort interact in our lives? Thank you to Ned for this week’…

1
Special Edition: Celebrating Ron! 29:54

9M ago29:54

29:54

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, Matt and special guest Jolie Doggett are celebrating everyone's favorite bff, Ron Weasley! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Adversity: The Slug Club (Book 6, Chapter 7) 42:05

10M ago42:05

42:05

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Adversity in Chapter 7 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Luna’s friendships, Ginny’s bat-bogey hex, and the titular Slug Club! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does adversity shape our perspective? Thank you to Kate for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're …

1
Sophia Wang on the new tools helping her find answers in old data 37:22

10M ago37:22

37:22

On our final episode this season of Working Smarter we talk to Sophia Wang, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Stanford University. Wang leads the school’s ophthalmic informatics and artificial intelligence group, which uses the latest machine learning techniques to analyze electronic health records. In practice, that means looking at dispa…

1
Gratitude: Draco’s Detour (Book 6, Chapter 6) 43:07

10M ago43:07

43:07

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Gratitude in Chapter 6 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the twins’ joke shop, Harry’s wealth, and the changes in Diagon Alley! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we maintain gratitude? Thank you to Sarah for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading …

1
Concern: An Excess of Phlegm (Book 6, Chapter 5) 48:55

10M ago48:55

48:55

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Concern in Chapter 5 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Molly’s many concerns, the relativity of concern, and Fleur as future sister-in-law! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is concern helpful? Thank you to Nancy for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're rea…

1
CEO Drew Houston on solving the biggest problem with modern work 39:39

10M ago39:39

39:39

For our seventh episode of Working Smarter we’re talking to Drew Houston, the co-founder and CEO of Dropbox. If you’ve been online long enough, it’s likely Dropbox was your introduction to the cloud. The goal is still more or less the same—give you one organized place for all your stuff—but it’s no longer just about storing and syncing files. A hun…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Casper Oliver Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen