This is a free-form, spontaneous conversation between Tyll, Jessica and Katharina about teaching – or rather facilitating the learning of – theory. We talk about the discrepancy we experience between the immense empowerment the ‘wielding’ of theory gives us as opposed to the way many students seem to experience theory: as something complicated, scary or even inaccessible. We not only explore the reasons for that but also talk about concrete teaching practices that can make it more likely for students to eventually experience theory as empowering.