Secrets of Harry Potter

SHP#36 - Looking At Death

SQPN — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:03:16 +0000

Part 2 of our analysis of Chapter 22 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The Elder Wand, Harry and Voldemort: two attitudes towards death; the value of storytelling.Post your comments below, or send us an email: harrypotter [ a t. ] sqpn.com

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SHP#35 - The Wand, the Cloak and the Stone

SQPN — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 04:06:24 +0000

Part 1 of our analysis of Chapter 22 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The hidden meaning of the Invisibilty Cloak, the Elder Wand and the Resurrection Stone.

Links:

Bob McWilliams on Twitter and Plurk | Bob’s blog
Maria Johnson on Twitter and Plurk | Maria’s blog
Jim Beeghley on Twitter and Plurk | Jim’s Blog
Fr. Roderick’s Daily Breakfast, blog, Twitter, Facebook, Plurk

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SHP#34 - The Secret Sign

SQPN — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:43:11 +0000

Today, we explore chapter 21 of The Deathly Hallows: The Tale of the Three Brothers. We talk about the secret sign, about fools and faith; about the quest for eternal life and about the story behind the story of the Three Brothers.

Click here to read how to vote every day for the Secrets of Harry Potter at the Podcast Awards 2008!!

Bob McWilliams on Twitter and Plurk | Bob’s blog
Maria Johnson on Twitter and Plurk | Maria’s blog
Jim Beeghley on Twitter and Plurk | Jim’s Blog
Fr. Roderick’s Daily Breakfast, blog, Twitter, Facebook, Plurk

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SHP#33 - The Lovegoods

SQPN — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:01:47 +0000

While fighting colds and crashing computers, we bring you a new episode of the Secrets of Harry Potter, in which we explore chapter 20 of The Deathly Hallows: Xenophilius Lovegood. We also have lots of feedback from listeners and a new round of tough trivia!

Links:

Potter Puppet Pals on YouTube
Bob McWilliams’ blog
Maria Johnson’s blog
Jim Beeghley on Twitter
Fr. Roderick’s Daily Breakfast, blog, Twitter, Facebook, Plurk

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SHP#32 - The Sword and the Silver Doe

SQPN — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:30:15 +0000

In this episode of the Secrets of Harry Potter, we analyze the literary, mythological and religious themes in chapter 19 of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’.

Links:

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SHP#31 - The Wand and the Staff

SQPN — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:42:20 +0000

In this episode of the Secrets of Harry Potter, we analyze the literary, mythological and religious themes in chapter 18 of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’.

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SHP#30 - Bathilda’s Secret

SQPN — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:30:24 +0000

In this episode, we analyze chapter 17 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Bathilda’s Secret.

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SHP#29 - Where Your Heart Is

SQPN — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:22:22 +0000

In this episode we talk about the hidden meaning of the inscriptions on the tombstones of the graveyard at Godric’s Hollow.

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SHP#28 - Godric’s Hollow

SQPN — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:08:41 +0000

The Secrets of Harry Potter series is back with a number of new episodes! In episode #28, we will follow Harry and Hermione to Godric’s Hollow and explore the hidden secrets in chapter 16 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

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SHP#27 - The Burden

SQPN — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:10:04 +0000

In this episode, we continue our exploration of the symbols and themes in chapters 13-15 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience. Join Talkshoe at www.talkshoe.com to listen and participate!

Maria Johnson on the web
Wikipedia entry on Pius XII

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SHP#26 - Harry Christmas!

SQPN — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 22:39:13 +0000

A special Christmas episode of the Secrets of Harry Potter! This episode was recorded in front of a live audience.

Link: Harry Potter Christmas Carols

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The Night Before Christmas and Dumbledore Came
By Maria Johnson (with a nod to Clement C. Moore)

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when through Gryffindor House
Not a house-elf was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney floos with care,
In hopes that dear Dumbledore soon would be there.

The students were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of chocolate frogs hopped in their heads.
McGonegall in her ‘kerchief, and Fat Lady in her frame,
Were satisfied their charges were settled and tame.

When out in the Quidditch field there arose such a clatter,
We sprang from our beds to see what was the matter.
Away to the window we flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Gave the luster of of mid-day to objects below,
When who to our wondering eyes should arrive,
But Hagrid on Sirius’ bike, magical creatures! Alive!

With a hal-giant driver, so lively and quick,
We knew in a moment the Headmaster was near.
More rapid than snitches his creatures they came,
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name.

“Now Aragog! Now, Fang!, Now gentle Buckbeak!
On Skrewts! And ye Thestrals1 On Fiery Dragons!
To the top of the tower! To the top of the castle!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!

As Weasley spells that commotions make fly
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the castle-top the magical creatures flew,
With the sidecar full of spells, and dear Dumbledore, too!

And then in a twinkling, we heard on the roof,
The prancing and pawing of each creature’s hoof.
As we drew in our heads, and were turning around,
Out of the floo came Dumbledore with a bound.

He was dressed all in purple, from his head to his toes,
And his clothes were all shining with crystals and bows.
He softlt called “lumos” as he looked at our room,
And set upon placing some gifts with a boom!

His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His glasses were perched on his nose like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The end of his wand he held tight in his hand.
As the sparks, they encircled his head like a band.
He had a broad face and a depth to his eye,
That danced when he laughed, and when angered was wry!

He was stoic and clever, a wizard with power,
And we cheered when we saw him, in spite of the hour!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave us to know we had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger, aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the floo then he rose!

He sprang to his escort, but knew in a fix,
That his exit was quicker on his friend the phoenix.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he flew out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

SHP#25 - Magical Maintenance

SQPN — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:28:26 +0000

Discussion of the symbols and themes in chapters 10-12 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience.

Links: Excerpts of J.K. Rowling’s The Tales of Beedle the Bard at Amazon.com

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SHP#24 - Dumbledore’s Will

SQPN — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 23:22:49 +0000

Discussion of the symbols and themes in chapters 7-9 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This episode is hosted by Fr. Roderick and Maria Johnson. A big ‘thank you!’ to Brother Giles for hosting the Secrets of Harry Potter podcast for many episodes! Because of his work schedule, br. Giles could no longer find the time to continue as a host. But he might join the live recordings from time to time!

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SHP#23 - Breaking the Ties that Bind

SQPN — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:07:10 +0000

Coming of age… our hero Harry stands on the brink of his 17th Birthday – ready to break ties with being a child, as well as his ties to Privet Drive and since we know his plan is not to return to Hogwarts – he’s breaking ties there too – but you’ll have to join us to discover just how much is actually broken! Symbols we’ve never discussed before and a single word never seen in the series before will lead to interesting surprises and secrets – exactly what we’re about in the Secrets of Harry Potter!

Music for this episode is from the Magnatunes Compilation album:

South by Southwest – Track 11 “The Cuckoo” by Lisa Debenedictis [LINK]

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SHP#22 - ‘Goodbye’ seems to be the hardest word

SQPN — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 20:54:53 +0000

It’s time to leave our world and venture into Harry’s World – one last time – as we begin to uncover the secrets found in The Deathly Hallows! Keep watch on our spoiler warnings and no, we’re not divulging anything here but, you are invited to join Brother Giles Baker for our symbols, secrets, new information and emotional climate analysis in chapters 1, 2, and 3.

Music for this episode is from the album “Ambiencellist II”
by Claire Fitch [LINK]

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SHP#21 - Epigraphs: Before the Hallows Dawn

SQPN — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:20:11 +0000

Today, we launch our new series of special podcasts on “The Secrets of the Deathly Hallows!” Join Brother Giles Baker as we explore the symbolism, connections, and surprises hidden in the 7th book, starting this 7th month, of 2007. With 36 chapters and an epilogue, our journey is sure to be as interesting as your “first-read-through.” Episode 21 is entirely about the epigraphs JKR has chosen and placed right before the start of Chapter 1 – so, if you haven’t started reading yet, this episode won’t spoil your adventure – it just might make it more interesting!

Music used in this episode is by Spanish composer Joaquin Taboada, titled: Heroes of Eve [LINK]

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SHP#20 - The Order of the Phoenix

SQPN — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:22:15 +0000

A special episode of the Secrets of Harry Potter on the occasion of the premiere of the movie ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’. We have an eye witness report straight from the red carpet premiere of the movie in Hollywood where all the stars of the movies were seeing the finished movie for the first time, and Fr. Roderick talks about some central Christian themes and symbols hidden in the fabric of the story about the Order of the Phoenix.

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SHP#19B - Death Eaters and True Disciples

SQPN — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 21:11:37 +0000

It’s a question of personal commitment - of challenge and choice - as the story of Discipleship continues. The adherents, devotees, fans, fanatics, followers and partisans are discovered and identified. The dark lord’s best-kept secret is revealed, and we learn what the death-eaters won’t ever attain – no matter how pure and talented they believe they are! Join us as we unlock the secrets of being a true Disciple — in Episode 19 part 2 of the Secrets of Harry Potter.

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SHP#19A - Discipleship for Wizards and Muggles

SQPN — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 16:33:07 +0000

These are perilous times for Wizard and Muggle – for Goblin and Elf – for Giant and creature alike…as the dark lord continues to make his presence known. Difficult challenges await, difficult choices abound - Who’s side are you on? Where will you go? What will you do? Join us on a journey from our real world into the fantasy world of Harry Potter to discover the secrets of being a disciple, - and what Discipleship means for Wizard and Muggle alike in Episode 19 part 1 of the Secrets of Harry Potter.

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SHP#18 - Valentine’s Love

SQPN — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:11:41 +0000

Happy St. Valentine’s Day! In this special edition of the Secrets of Harry Potter, LOVE is the word, the topic and, just maybe, the ultimate answer. So, whether you speak Parsletongue or the tongues of men and of angels – you’ll discover what is essential when you join us today.
Music in this episode:

“Light of Earandil” by Joaquín Taboada at
http://www.soundclick.com/joaquintaboada
“The Airs of Wales” by Cheryl Ann Fulton at
http://magnatune.com/artists/fulton
“Love Your Enemies” by Katy Whel at
http://music.podshow.com/

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SHP#17 - Deathly Hallows

SQPN — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 22:21:28 +0000

What’s in a name? Well, quite a lot if the name is “DEATHLY HALLOWS”! In this episode of the Secrets of Harry Potter we’ll explore J. K. Rowling’s cryptic use of names and titles… and how it’s a bit like entering a magical maze of mixed up thoughts, myths, legends and theories that might be true, could be true or may be all rubbish… so join us now as we enter that foggy world of speculations!

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SHP#16B - The Hero’s Journey

SQPN — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 10:30:39 +0000

In this episode of the Secrets of Harry Potter we look at the hidden spiritual meaning of the magical beasts in Harry Potter: the Unicorn, the Phoenix, Owls, Centaurs, the Hippogryph, the Red Lion. Also in this episode: similarities between Arthur’s Knights and Harry Potter’s friends.

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SHP#16A - The Hero in Harry

SQPN — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 17:06:59 +0000

In this two-part special of the Secrets of Harry Potter episode 16, we pull together the strands of storytelling throughout history to find the great themes, images and symbols of The Hero in Harry Potter. From King Arthur to Superman we find recurring patterns in the Secrets of Harry Potter…

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SHP#15 - Professor Lupin

SQPN — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 14:05:34 +0000

Episode 15 of the Secrets of Harry Potter takes an in-depth look at Hogward’s professor Lupin.

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SHP#14 - Tournaments and World Cups

SQPN — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 19:52:49 +0000

Listener feedback: The Triwizard Tournament and the Quidditch World Cup; Durmstrang, the Flying Dutchman and the Four Elements; the books vs. the movies; the Wands; was Igor Karkaroff really repentent or just scared? Spain and Hermione.

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SHP#13 - Mad Eye Moody

SQPN — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 19:49:11 +0000

In this episode of the Secrets of Harry Potter, we’ll meet Harry Potter’s fourth year Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and explore the religious references and mythological symbols related to Moody’s mysterious Mad-Eye…

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SHP#12 - Wizarding Schools

SQPN — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 11:09:47 +0000

In this episode we will explore the secrets of the three Wizarding Schools who compete in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. We’ll learn a bit about their histories, the meanings of their names, their Head masters, and in one case… a Headmistress! So be prepared for an interesting journey that will take us all across Europe, from cold regions, to mountainous regions of France, and back again to Hogwarts. but, not to worry, we won’t need any spending money, or a passport — for this is a magical journey and it’s about to begin.

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SHP#11 - Labyrinths and Magical Mazes

SQPN — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 09:36:00 +0000

In this episode of the Secrets of Harry Potter we will explore the symbolism and the ancient origins of labyrinths and magical mazes.

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SHP#10 - Hogwarts Lake and the Merpeople

SQPN — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 09:34:20 +0000

In this episode, we will dive deep into the mysteries of the dangerous depths of Hogwarts Lake!

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SHP#9 - Dragons

SQPN — Sun, 08 Jan 2006 09:32:27 +0000

In this episode, we will explore the secrets of the first challenge of the Triwizard Tournament: Dragons!

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SHP#8 - Death Eaters and the Dark Mark

SQPN — Sun, 20 Nov 2005 09:30:16 +0000

Starting with episode 8 of the Secrets of Harry Potter, we explore the symbols and themes in the fourth installment of the Harry Potter movies: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This episode examines the secrets of the Death Eaters and the Dark Mark.

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SHP#7 - Fluffy, Buckbeak and the Inferi

SQPN — Sat, 08 Oct 2005 09:28:27 +0000

What do the editors of the Daily Prophet have in common with Yoda and John the Baptist? Where do the dreaded inferi come from? Is Fluffy originally from Greece, and does Buckbeak have an Italian father? Find out in this new edition of the Secrets of Harry Potter!

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SHP#6 - Bellatrix and Narcissa

SQPN — Mon, 01 Aug 2005 09:26:52 +0000

In this episode, we will follow the two evil sisters Bellatrix and Narcissa when they visit the sinister streets of Spinner’s End in search of Snape. Where do their strange names come from? And what are the secret origins of the Dark Mark and of the strange ceremony we witness?

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SHP#5 - Wizards and Muggles

SQPN — Wed, 27 Jul 2005 09:25:07 +0000

The wizarding world and the world of Muggles have always been separate from one another, and for good reasons. However, with the rise of Lord Voldemort, this separation is threatened. In this podcast, we will examine the parallels with our real world.

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SHP#4 - The Half-Blood Prince

SQPN — Mon, 18 Jul 2005 08:49:12 +0000

My spoiler-free review of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince! Join me as we use floo-powder to head over to Flourish and Blotts Bookstore in Diagon Alley where I’ll share with you my review of the story, the characters and the style of this sixth book!

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SHP#3 - Potter and the Pope

SQPN — Thu, 14 Jul 2005 08:46:28 +0000

Vatican Radio clears up the confusion about pope Benedict’s alleged condemnation of the Harry Potter series! Listen to a special podcast in which a Vatican official says that there’s nothing wrong with Harry Potter.

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SHP#2 - The Wand, the Owl and the Phoenix

SQPN — Tue, 12 Jul 2005 08:43:06 +0000

In this episode we will visit Diagon Alley, where we will discover the secrets of the magic wands used by Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. We will explore the intriguing past of the mysterious Phoenix and we will learn why Harry’s owl is called ‘Hedwig’.

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SHP#1 - Harry the Orphan

SQPN — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 08:37:59 +0000

Harry Potter is an orphan, raised by the Dursley family. He is unaware of this true origin, and he is not the only one… In this episode we will examine similar stories in myth and in biblical writings.

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