Beyond the Veil

Beyond the Veil is coming to an end. It's been a swell time, and we're grateful for all of y'all who listened. But fear not, hosts Rebecca and Madison aren't going anywhere. Beyond the Veil is shifting into a new show called Storm in a Teacup. Find more details on our socials.

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the fifth chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, “The Whomping Willow." On this episode, we discuss… →Concerning vehicular sentience →Road trip!!!! →A very ranty opening →Snape’s back and we hate it →Accio Fandom: a song by the Whomping Willow →Where is the Hogwarts school code of conduct? What are the rules? →Harry and Ron’s reckless behavior has a cause and it’s DUMBLEDORE →This week's relevant tangent: theater stories, middle school woes, and 45 cut minutes of irrelevant conversation Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the fourth chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, “At Flourish and Blotts.” On this episode, we discuss… →No more fingernails →A Weasley twin race to the top – who will prevail? →In which Madison goes on about ice cream for two minutes straight →Hot Topic for Death Eaters →Fanfiction fodder →Brawl at the bookstore →Draco and redemption →This week's relevant tangent: a self-deprecating advertisement Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the third chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, “The Burrow.” On this episode, we discuss… →A Weasley heavy top eight →Finally, a chance to squee! →Escape rooms with Fred and George →Hedwig’s got an attitude →Harry and Ron are BFFL →Vernon’s a purple cucumber →Accio Fandom: lovely chapter, lovely art →An institution that actually cares about Muggles? →Use domestic magic, not slave labor →Harry is a plant →Dumbledore suuuuucks →The first step of the rest of the series →This week’s relevant tangent: picking locks and magic eight balls Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the second chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, “Dobby's Warning.” On this episode, we discuss… →Owls can’t help it if they offend you →The noise of cats and dogs →Mafalda Hopkirk is a Snitch →Vernon is the opposite of star baker →Ron to the rescue!! →Dobby: less funny than in childhood →Accio Fandom: Mint Humbugs →The bizarre role of house elves →We’re angry, not eloquent →Dobby is trying his best →Starving to death: not a vibe →A wild life for a twelve year old →This week’s relevant tangent: a real outtake reel Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Season three begins! Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on first chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, “The Worst Birthday.” On this episode, we discuss… →Slim pickings for Harry’s top 8 →The return of sassy Harry →Let's talk about necks again →Big thumbs down to food shaming →Accio Fandom: Harry and Dudley shaking hands →Petunia tries to literally murder Harry with a frying pan →Muggles, magic, and safety →Vernon is garbage →Beds empty, no note! →Lucius Malfoy and bizarre Tik Tok trends →Everything is Dumbledore’s fault →This week's relevant tangent: tiny lo mein Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the 17th and final chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “The Man with Two Faces.” On this episode, we discuss… →A very Weasley top eight →Hagrid is pure and perfect →Potty humor →Something positive about...Dumbledore? →That didn't last long →The return of bodyshaming →Accio Fandom: As Different as Can Be →Petty complaints →Disabilities as disguise →The most massive security breach in Hogwarts history →Are we not even gonna talk about how Harry murdered Quirrell? →This week’s relevant tangent: Long Furbies and musical shenanigans Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the 16th chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “Through the Trapdoor.” On this episode, we discuss… →New segment: Harry's Myspace Top 8 →Hermione: clever, brave, emotionally intelligent, perfect →Will all three of us fit under the cloak? →Bamboozling Dumbledore →The body bind was pretty harsh →Accio Fandom: Through the Trapdoor by RiddleTM →Seven trials for seven books →Why are times tables so controversial? →Test anxiety and intersectionality →Neville’s strengths in vulnerability →This week’s relevant tangent: spiders and red apple jelly beans Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Happy Holidays everyone! If you enjoy our silly tangents and tales, this episode is all for you. Our last episode (Episode 15) had so many tangents and funny stories we had to put them into this 10-minute bonus episode for you. Hope it gives you some laughs - happy holidays!!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the 15th chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “The Forbidden Forest.” On this episode, we discuss… →Unicorn slaying →We are not worthy of centaur knowledge →McGonagall comes on strong with the punishment game →Adults only chocolate bars →Accio Fandom: Firenze’s classroom →My father will hear about this →Filch deserves happiness →When everybody hates you overnight →Dumbledore is a centaur →Harry minds his own business for a whole week →Quirrell is having a bad year →This week’s relevant tangent: How would centaurs wear high heeled boots? Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the 14th chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback.” On this episode, we discuss… →Demands for more giant squid pagetime →Hermione: bullet journaler or Google calendar philosopher? →Norbert has major baby Yoda vibes →A disturbing lack of Charlie Weasley →Madame Pomfrey is the real deal →Accio Fandom: 1991 by Tonks and the Aurors →Hagrid: the good, the bad, and the motherly →Oblivating Muggles: not a vibe →Institutional neglect, Dumbledore, and Hagrid →The last childhood months at Hogwarts →This week’s relevant tangent: do frogs have teeth? Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the thirteenth chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “Nicolas Flamel.” On this episode, we discuss… →The suspicious activities of Snape and Quirrell →"Beyond the Veil" origins trivia →Awww, Harry's proud of himself →Ron's roller coaster of emotional intelligence →Confusing feminist messages →Accio Fandom: Neville's courage →Hogwarts needs a supercomputer to keep out Count Olaf... or Voldemort? →New and improved nightmares thanks to the Mirror of Erised →Exercise and mental health →A longing for complexity but a love for simplicity →This week’s relevant tangent: More on why Harry is Detective Pikachu Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the twelfth chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “The Mirror of Erised.” On this episode, we discuss… →Does the wizarding world care about human rights? →The magic of homemade gifts →Draco’s lacking comedy repertoire →All aboard the turnip trolley →Forced heterosexuality? Not a vibe. →Getting drunk in front of children? Not a vibe. →Are curfews necessary at Christmas? →The fantasy of "normal" holidays →Poor Harry →This week's relevant tangent: an Animal Crossing, Harry Potter, and Broadway crossover Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca and special guest Anna Meriano, author of the Love Sugar Magic series and the upcoming This Is How We Fly, for a discussion on the eleventh chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “Quidditch.” On this episode, we discuss… →Limping, betrayal, and mystery: a regular weekday for Harry Potter →Relatable snitch on pitch feels →Evil stepmothers and Quidditch →The murky world of gender identity →Breaking Texan stereotypes →Is Tumblr for old farts? →Capturing Quidditch culture →Distraction as a tool for mental health →The power of fandom spaces →Tea: the second-best mental healthcare in the books →This week's relevant tangent: food carts and college memories Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the tenth chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “Halloween.” On this episode, we discuss… →Hogwarts needs smaller doors →Harry and Ron's excellent adventure →No injuries? No problem! →The problem with bats →Accio Fandom: Introducing the "Beyond the Veil" Book Club, starting January 2021 →The human condition →Let Hermione speak! →Poor punch lines →Gifted and talented Quidditch players →Where is the school counselor? →The benefits of school sports →This week's relevant tangent: primal fluid, Kid Cuisine, and squirrels Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the ninth chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “The Midnight Duel.” On this episode, we discuss… →A deep, shared identity with grumpy old men →Harry is Detective Pikachu →Dean Thomas deserved more page time! →Stop hating on Hermione →The Real House Students of Hogwarts on Black Girls Create →House politics, favoritism, and safety briefings →Poor Neville →Illnesses, injuries, and mental health →Oliver Wood: a big Gryffindor mood →The real magic is the friends we made along the way →The traps of fandom →This week's relevant tangent: yelling at children and hard-boiled eggs Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the eighth chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “The Potions Master.” On this episode, we discuss… →Welcome to Hogwarts, where we all hate Snape →A staircase to nowhere →Accessibility and magic bean bag chairs →Snape, Mr. Darcy, and Victorian flower language →Would you rather wear quintaped fur or a niffler hat? →Should Hogwarts hire former Death Eaters? (Probably not!) →Long term effects of teacher bullying →Mrs. Norris as a service animal →This week’s relevant tangent: ceiling meat Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the seventh chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “The Sorting Hat.” On this episode, we discuss… →Hogwarts Class of 1997 →2020: the year of Peeves →The Hogwarts school song: on-brand silliness →The worst first day of middle school →Turbans are not ridiculous →The problem with sorting →Murder ghosts and ghost therapy →Respecting the wishes of Sir Nicholas →Ewwww, Snape →This week’s relevant tangent: the witch trials  Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the sixth chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.” On this episode, we discuss… →Candy on a train to Seattle →The Weasleys are here! →Scabbers and abandonment? Gross →Accio Fandom: Getting into Draco's head →Choose your volleyball team →Violence, redemption, and Drarry →The Venn Diagram of Dudley and Draco →Mental health is political →This week's relevant tangent: is the Weasleys' second cousin truly an accountant? Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the fifth chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “Diagon Alley.” On this episode, we discuss… →Hagrid is Mary Poppins →Abolish Azkaban! →Accio Fandom: Reading an essay by Emily Burack on Anti-Semitism and goblins →Yeehaw! House politics! →Poor, hateful Draco →Harry living in a dream →Stuttering, trauma, and Quirrell →This week's relevant tangent: the magic of epilogues Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

On this episode, we discuss… Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of fatshaming and eating disorders. →Good news – Hagrid’s here! →Righteous anger →Sausages and Miracle Gro →Chain of custody →Accio Fandom: The Gayly Prophet Episode 18 and Hagrid as a trans woman →Fatshaming: a diatribe  →Dudley needs therapy →The pureness of Hagrid →This week's relevant tangent: fancy cheese and Rugrats in Paris Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Sources https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/fat-phobia https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/the-impact-of-weight-stigma-on-our-mental-health/ https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/boys-with-eating-disorders/ Just Eat It by Laura Thomas pgs. 171-175 Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the third chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “The Letters from No One.” On this episode, we discuss… →Sick burns from Harry →The inevitability of arrogance →Pain makes a crappy punchline →Fanfictions that imagine Vernon as a better father figure →Vernon Dursley: Giant Hunter →Why do we romanticize the Malfoys but not the Dursleys? →Stop bottling things in! →This week's highly relevant tangent: Buzzfeed Unsolved's Tromp family episode Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the second chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “The Vanishing Glass.” On Episode 50, we discuss… →Snakes and moon jellies →Fat-shaming: not a vibe →Dudley deserved better! →The harsh realities of child abuse →Prostitution, madness, witchcraft, and androgyny →We demand a Muggle parent support group Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Join hosts Madison and Rebecca for a discussion on the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, "The Boy Who Lived." On Episode 49, we discuss... →A lackluster beginning →Your neck does not define you →The healing powers of Wolfstar →Listen to McGonagall! →Dumbledore needs therapy →Our past doesn't have to be our future Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Big changes are coming to Beyond the Veil! We've spent more than a year sharing the stories of Potter fans from around the world. Learning how fans have used the Potter series to manage their mental health symptoms, overcome major life obstacles, and make decisions has been enlightening, magical, and reminded us what truly makes these books such a delight: the fandom. On Episode 48... →Confusing times to be a Potter fan →A reread focused on mental health →The importance of criticizing something you love →Join us next week for Chapter 1! Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

The Harry Potter books are a common thread of stability, joy, and escape in the lives of many fans. In today’s episode, Sabrina joins us to talk about the benefits of receiving a mental health diagnosis, how Sorting can help us find ourselves, and the beautiful lessons about grief the Potter series holds for us. Trigger warning: self-harm, suicidal thoughts, death of a loved one On Episode 47, we discuss... →Being bullied for "nerdy" things →The importance of seeking help at a young age →A mother's love and support →The positive experience of a diagnosis →Spirituality and mental health →When Sorting helps you find yourself →The ones who love us never really leave us Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

We're all searching for a happy ending in one way or another, and the Potter series is one of many ways we can try to find one. In today’s episode, Betty joins us to talk about the struggles of trying to fit in, getting some help from the boy who lived, and why all was well is such an important message from the series. Trigger warning: self-harm, suicidal thoughts On Episode 46, we discuss... →Trying to fit in →Feeling abandoned and out of control →Help from the boy who lived →The significance of all was well →Ceremonial reading of the series →A full circle back to community Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Grief, loss, and sadness are unavoidable parts of life, and we're thankful to have the Potter series to help us process these difficult emotions. In today’s episode, Abbie joins us to talk about death, the memories we have of reading the Potter books, and choosing our own reality. On Episode 45, we discuss... Trigger Warning: suicide, death 8:45-25:00 →Playing pretend at Hogwarts →Harry’s longing for the Mirror of Erised →Goblet of Fire at a time of significance →How death affects family relationships →The joy of Molly Weasley →The smell of memories →Choosing your own reality If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the linked form! At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Books, movies, music, and video games, we can find the Potter world in almost every medium. In today’s episode, Sas joins us to talk about loneliness, learning about magic, and the power of the Harry Potter LEGO games. On Episode 44, we discuss… TRIGGER WARNING: substance use → The loneliness of being an only child → Looking for your people →You aren’t your bad thoughts, you are the choices you make →Learning about magic with Dad →Too deep in the barrel → Video game magic: Lego Harry Potter → We are all deserving of love and access to resources →The power of hindsight

Even after all was well, our stories keep on going. In today’s episode, Stacey joins us to talk about why the past should stay in the past, the profound impact of the Potter story on her life, and her love of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. On Episode 43, we discuss... → How a magical book can be the most stable part of your life → Life is tough when you don't have Potter-head friends → Parents and the expectations of others → Children are more powerful than we give them credit → The story continues... If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the linked form! At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

For those of us who grew up with Potter, Harry’s story has changed the course of our lives. In today’s episode, SpeakBeasty’s Aureo joins us to talk about the impact of growing up with Potter, the magic of the fandom, and how the Potter community can help us find self-acceptance. On Episode 42, we discuss... Trigger Warning: Suicide discussion 17:30-21:30 → Growing up with Potter → The impacts of family conflict → Running away to New Zealand → Discovering Potter podcasts → Finding acceptance and support in the fandom → The many benefits of internet friends If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the linked form! At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Without joy and laughter, it's hard to defeat the anxiety Boggarts we face in day to day life. In today’s episode, Katie shares her love of the Weasley twins, her relationship with the Potter music, and the many ways she manages her mental health. On Episode 41, we discuss... → Anxiety: a cocktail of fears that are difficult to understand → Moving across the world with an anxiety disorder → Being swept away into the vivid magic of Potter → Fred, George, and the power of laughter → The power of the Potter soundtracks → Journey to the studio tour If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the linked form! At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Compassion and positive self-talk are valuable tools for everyone, especially folks who struggle with anxiety. In today’s episode, Nanea Hoffman, the founder of Sweatpants & Coffee, shares wisdom from her own mental health journey, the many ways Harry Potter has brought magic into her life, and lots of information on the Anxiety Blob Comfort and Encouragement Guide. The Anxiety Blob Comfort and Encouragement Journal is available for preorder here, and you can purchase the Anxiety Blob Comfort and Encouragement Guide at newsstands across the country including Bartells, Brookshire Brothers, Brookshire Grocery, Dollar General, Fred Meyer, Giant Eagle, Harris Teeter, HEB, Ingles, Kroger, Lowes, Meijer, Publix, Roundy’s, Target, Walgreens, Walmart, and others. You can also purchase the guide online here. On Episode 40, we discuss... → Finding the Potter fandom before the books → Sweatpants & Coffee: introverts seeking connection through the things that bring us joy → The Potter community providing inspiration for creativity → Anxiety: a vaguely worried potato we must learn to make peace with → The magic of Potter: from Dementors to chocolate to Thestrals → The value of digital relationships for folks with mental and physical health issues → Mental health journaling without pressure: The Anxiety Blob Comfort and Encouragement Journal → The Anxiety Blob Comfort and Encouragement Guide: Accessible, compassionate mental health support on newsstands across the country If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the linked form! At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Mental and physical health are deeply intertwined with each other. In today’s episode, Manveer shares his experiences with therapy, chronic health issues, and how the Potter series was an escape in times he needed it most. On Episode 39, we discuss… → When life gets difficult growing up: chronic health issues, bullying, and trouble at home → The impact of traumatic experiences on mental health → The relationship between mental and physical health → A magical escape into the Potter series → Going beyond the veil: permanently changing the way you see the world If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the linked form! At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more!

During difficult times, we all need a refuge from the stresses of the outside world. In today’s episode, Ally shares the many ways the Potter series has been a sanctuary for her and the absolute magic of the fandom community. On Episode 38, we discuss... → Being an only child and pretending to be Harry in the cupboard under the stairs, waiting for the magic to arrive → Our attachments to our physical, original copies of the Potter books → Having Harry around to keep us from losing the magic → The importance of the Deathly Hallows symbol for some folks with anxiety → I open at the close, graduation, and walking to a better place than before. If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the linked form! At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

Host Madison is taking a break from podcast duties this time to make some extra time for self-care - please take care of yourselves and stay safe!

Sometimes when life gets hard, we learn something that helps us move forward for a long time afterward. In today’s episode, Jeff shares his mental health journey and shows us how the Potter series weaves so beautifully into all he’s learned. TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide, death On Episode 37, we discuss... → The mental health consequences of pressure to perform exceptionally in school → Feeling isolated during hospitalization → The difficult process of managing your emotions → Letting go of others’ goals for you → If you’re not a part of the solution, you’re part of the problem: Harry and willingness to take action → Using the language of Potter to help someone who was struggling → The importance of living your own story → Living your life in reverse If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the linked form!  At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

During uncertain times, holding close to the stories that give us great comfort is more important than ever. In this episode, Deanna shares how the Potter series has helped her get through uncertain times and career changes throughout her life.   On Episode 36, we discuss... → Neverending change in the career world → Harry Potter as a constant in times of uncertainty → Self-care beyond the world of Potter → How Potter can inform your interests and choices → Reflecting on the Potter books as each change comes → Learning to sort out our priorities → What's coming will come, and we'll meet it when it does If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the linked form!  At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

On this episode, the tables have turned on host Madison! The show’s first guest, Emily Garrison, plays host and interviews Madison about how the Harry Potter series has impacted her life and mental health. TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual assault, substance abuse On Episode 35, we discuss... → The struggles of OCD and how the Potter series helped: turning noise into music → When the role of Potter becomes complicated → Grieving for someone who’s still alive → Bad coping mechanisms, new relationships, and a lost sense of self → Rekindling a love for Potter by getting involved in the fandom → The power of sharing your story and your pearls If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the linked form! https://forms.gle/aDkmAhh1kxBk5YCt8 At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!

As of today, we’ve had one year of wonderful conversations with Harry Potter fans from all around the world about the impact of the series on their lives and mental health journeys. To celebrate this anniversary, enjoy this follow-up interview with Julianna Coughlin of Accio Politics and SpeakBeasty, who shares the ways diving deeper into the Potter fandom has improved her mental health. On Episode 34, we discuss... → Life updates: running, relationships, and health → Joining a Potter community → Becoming a Potter podcaster → A more “grown up” Potter experience → The positive power of fandom → Mental health lessons over the year If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the linked form! https://forms.gle/aDkmAhh1kxBk5YCt8 At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!  

Sometimes labeling ourselves can feel limiting or constrictive, but other times it can be a source of new possibilities. In this episode, Sara shares her stories about the power of fandom and identifying as a Hufflepuff. On Episode 33, we discuss... → Coping with loneliness after a friend moves away → The key to new friendships? Harry Potter, of course → Losing an identity, but finding a new one in Hufflepuff → The amazing power of online fandom, even when you’re a lurker → The enormous emotional power of IRL Potter events → Love is the best weapon we have → Surrounding yourself with what you become If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the form on our website. At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story. You can also submit anonymous stories through our form. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, and Google!  

Throughout the Potter series, Harry loses his parents, Cedric, Sirius, Dumbledore, and many more loved ones. Grief is hard enough, but it’s made even more difficult when we lose more loved ones before we’ve truly been able to process other prior losses. In this episode, Erica shares the story of how grief affected her mental health and how Harry Potter was able to help her cope. Trigger Warning: Death of a loved one, suicide On Episode 32, we discuss... → Death, depression, and turning off your emotions → The difficulty of losing multiple people close to one another → Being able to see thestrals → The role of anger in grieving → Learning from Harry's unrelenting grief → The importance of community → Escaping with Potter → Learning to express what you need during grief If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the form on our website. At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story.   Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more!   Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things we experience in life, and the Potter series is one of the many resources here to help us better understand our feelings after the fact. In this episode, Jean shares the story of someone she lost and how the Potter series has helped her move with her grief. TRIGGER WARNING - Death of a loved one, grief On Episode 31, we discuss... → Finding a new relationship in the absence of a father figure → The strangeness of a person entering our lives exactly when we need them → The harrowing loss of someone who’s larger than life → Unreality in the aftermath of grief → Returning to Potter with a new perspective → “You care so much you feel as though you will bleed to death with the pain of it” → Reflections on Harry, Sirius, and James → The obsessive nature of grief → Lessons on depression and sadness from Sirius If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out the form on our website. At the end of every show, we also read anonymous submissions from anyone who doesn’t want to have their name shared with their story.    

Although Harry Potter’s life is roller coaster ride of different traumatic events, he’s able to grow and recover after these difficult times, and so can we. In this episode, Dr. Katy-Lauren Ford shares her knowledge on attachment styles, the impact of trauma on our worldview, and how to better make sense of these topics through the lens of the Potter series. On Episode 30, we discuss... → Potter academia: teaching a course on trauma and PTSD in the Potter series → A refresher on the basics of trauma & PTSD → The four attachment styles: secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized → Learning about attachment through the golden trio → How our interactions with our caregivers influence the way we see the world, our friends and romantic connections, and how we deal with emotional distress → The complex relationship of trauma and attachment style → How to keep your traumas from defining you If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out our submission form. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! You can now support us on Patreon! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!    

The most wonderful time of the year doesn’t always live up to its name. Grief, seasonal depression, and the pressure around the holiday season can make this time of year really difficult for some of us. Join host Madison Ford for some tips on how to keep the holidays magical, even when you feel like this time of the year is a burden. On Episode 28, we discuss... → What do you do when you can’t spend the holidays at Hogwarts? → The plethora of ways the holidays can make us feel not so wonderful → Listener responses: what makes the holidays difficult for you, and how do you fight off the Dementors? → Self-care tips for a Potter-ful holiday If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Please fill out our submission form. Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! You can now support us on Patreon! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!  

Everyone has a unique experience in the Potter fandom, and it's incredible how fan fiction, headcanons, and deep conversations with friends allow us to make the series our own. In this episode, Jessie and Lark of The Gayly Prophet podcast share their thoughts on intersectionality in fandom, their mental health experiences, and how the Potter series has played a role in their lives. On Episode 28, we discuss... → Our wishes for better Potter movies → "The Gayly Prophet: a #ruthless Potter podcast that looks at the books with a critical but funloving eye → How diverse headcanons open up space for interesting and nuanced conversation → Vague character descriptions: the good and the bad → Juggle mental health, marginalized identifies, and participating in the Potter fandom → Practicing intersectionality within the fandom → How to talk about personal experiences on a podcast → The many benefits of Potter for your mental health If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!  

Throughout the years, Harry Potter has been there to help fans in so many different ways. In this episode, Benjamin Marshall shares his experience with wand carving as a way to help with the negative thoughts that accompany depression and OCD. TRIGGER WARNING: This entire episode contains a candid discussion about suicide. Much of our discussion takes place from 20:44-26:45, but the subject comes up throughout the entire discussion. If you're struggling, please know that you're not alone. You can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or chat with a representative online. On Episode 27, we discuss… → OCD: how to cope when intrusive thoughts come pounding at the door → Feeling out of place at home after six days in a psychiatric hospital → A life-changing new hobby: wand carving → Where mental health and wand carving collide → Reading the books with new empathy → The importance of sharing your mental health experiences with others, spoken and in writing → If you’d like to read Benjamin’s book, please visit his website: http://benjaminjamesmarshall.com/ If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!  

Harry Potter has been a part of our world long enough that many who first read it as children are now adults. On this episode, Haley Futch shares the way the Potter series helped her during her school years and how it continues to help her as a teacher. On Episode 26, we discuss… → Finding Potter friends: online and offline → Fan fiction as a source of hope, healing, inspiration, and realizing that you deserve better → Lessons from Lily in relationships → Draco Malfoy the healer → Potter podcasts and audiobooks for the few free hours of a graduate student with a job → Learning from the failures of Harry’s teachers → The responsibility of teachers going beyond the content they teach If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!  

  One of the most magical parts of the Potter series is getting to see Harry become part of the big, happy Weasley family after a childhood of abuse by the Dursleys. On this episode, Jacqueline Frank shares how the Potter series was an escape for her during a very trying childhood. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode may be triggering for survivors of childhood abuse. Suicide mention 15:45 – 16:53. On Episode 25, we discuss… → How growing up with a narcissistic parent can feel like living in the cupboard under the stairs → Harry Potter: a secret escape → Learning to choose your own family → The issue with the importance of blood relatives in the Potter series → Fighting injustice alongside Hermione → How do you actually cast a Patronus? → Hagrid’s most relatable teacher moments If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!  

We know how Harry, Ron, Hermione, and our other favorite characters in the Potter universe cast a spell to keep Dementors out of their lives, but how can we use this metaphor in the Muggle world? In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of Dementors, Patronuses, and what we can do to manage our feelings when life gets really difficult. On Episode 24, we discuss… → What exactly is a Dementor? What exactly is a Patronus? → How a Dementor is like depression → Sirius Black protected himself from Dementors without his wand, and so can we → Listener thoughts on Dementors, Patronuses, and mental health → How to cast your own Patronus If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast! Share your thoughts on this episode with us below in the comments! Be sure to check out Beyond the Veil on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, Potter and mental health discussions, and more! Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast, and Google!  

Someday we will all face loss in our lives, and the Potter series has countless lessons on death, grief, and love that can help us move through those difficult times. On this episode, we talk to McKay Strong about how the Potter series helped keep her grounded in the face of grief. TRIGGER WARNING: Death, loss of loved ones On Episode 22, we discuss… → Feeling like you never get a break when it comes to loss, just like Harry → How loss can affect anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues → Unconsciously turning to the Potter books when you need them → Why do universal lessons about loss have more impact from the Potter series? → Using the Potter books as an anchor in day to day life to relive positive memories → It’s okay to love the Potter books… a lot! If you have a Potter story you want to share, we’d love for you to join us as a guest on the podcast!