The Thing About Witch Hunts - podcast cover

The Thing About Witch Hunts

Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jackwitchhuntshow.com
The Thing About Witch Hunts is the podcast of historical witch trials and modern-day violent witchcraft persecution. From the Salem Witch Trials to the ramifications of today's harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks, Witch Hunt covers it all. Tune in today to find out why Witch Hunt is an essential podcast for everyone interested in this intriguing subject. #history #witchcraft #SalemWitchTrials #witchhunt
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Episodes

A Voice of Advocacy: Sashiprava Bindhani of Odisha, India

Sashiprava Bindhani, a human rights advocate and legal expert from Odisha, India, has dedicated her life to raising awareness of witch-hunting and advocating for the protection of vulnerable individuals. This impactful oral history conversation explores her life of advocating for individuals accused of witchcraft, examining the social ostracism, physical assaults, and the role of policy and legal intervention in protecting the vulnerable and stopping these practices. She shares her professional ...

Jul 03, 202451 minEp. 94

Story Mode: Origins of the Salem Witch Trials

What triggered the Salem Witch Trials? Join Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack on the 'Witch Hunt' podcast for this abridged edition of the second episode of their 'Salem Witch-Hunt 101' series. In this edition, Josh tells the story without interruption. Watch or listen as he expertly narrates the chilling events of February 1692 in Salem Village, focusing on the strange behaviors of Abigail Williams and Betty Parris that ignited fears of witchcraft. He explores the harsh winter, social tensions, an...

Jun 28, 202426 min

The Salem Witch-Hunt Saga: Beginnings

What triggered the Salem Witch Trials? Join Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack on the 'Witch Hunt' podcast for the second episode of their 'Salem Witch-Hunt 101' series. Josh narrates the chilling events of February 1692 in Salem Village, focusing on the strange behaviors of Abigail Williams and Betty Parris that ignited fears of witchcraft. He explores the harsh winter, social tensions, and the reactions of the community, including the infamous 'witch cake' and accusations against Sarah Good, Sarah...

Jun 26, 202450 minEp. 93

Salem Witch Museum: New Artifacts on Display

In this Bonus episode, we chat with Rachel Christ-Doane Director of Education for the Salem Witch Museum about their new artifacts for the exhibit, "Witches: Evolving Perceptions." The first case features four significant books from the 16th to 18th centuries: - A 1600 edition of Heinrich Kramer’s Malleus Maleficarum. - A 1586 edition of Johann Weyer’s De Praestigiis Daemonum. - A 1729 edition of The Secrets of the Invisible World Disclos’d by Andrew Morton (Daniel Defoe). - A 1796 edition of Ro...

Jun 24, 202413 min

Witch Hunt 15: The Puritans with Francis J. Bremer

Enjoy this bite-sized version of our conversation with Francis J. Bremer, historian of early New England and the Puritans on both sides of the Atlantic. We discuss who the Puritans were and whether they were zealous witch-hunters. Full Episode: The Puritans with Francis J. Bremer Massachusetts Historical Society, Papers of the Winthrop Family Purchase "Puritanism: A Very Short Introduction" by Francis Bremer Purchase "The Plymouth Puritans and the Beginning of English New England" by Francis Bre...

Jun 21, 202414 min

The Puritans with Francis J. Bremer

Dive into the world of the Puritans with Dr. Francis J. Bremer, a historian with over fifty years of expertise in 17th-century New England and Puritanism. Dr. Bremer sheds light on the core beliefs, historical context, and diversity within Puritanism, including the differences between New England Puritans and those who stayed in England. He discusses myths about Puritans as zealous witch hunters and reveals their lasting impact on society, education, and community values. Join us for an episode ...

Jun 19, 202452 minEp. 92

Nathaniel Ingersoll and His Tavern in the Salem Witch Trials

In this special bonus episode of Witch Hunt, hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack detail the history of the Ingersoll's Tavern in Danvers, Massachusetts. The episode highlights Nathaniel Ingersoll and his wife's involvement in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, where their tavern served as a significant location for key events and imprisonments. The episode outlines various examinations, complaints, and testimonies that occurred at the tavern, and discusses how the Ingersolls and their associates p...

Jun 16, 202425 min

Witch Hunt 15: Salem Aftermath with Tom Phillips

Enjoy this 15-minute version of "Salem Aftermath with Tom Phillips. “Salem Aftermath" will be a drama series that explores the strained relationships following the Salem Witch-Hunt and the psychological impacts on those who lived through it like never before. Tom's extensive research and collaboration with leading scholars infuses real life perspective into this often sensationalized period. Find out which historical voices he has brought to life and how science enabled these stories to unfold. ...

Jun 14, 202415 min

Salem Aftermath with Tom Phillips

Welcome to Witch Hunt, where we uncover the truths behind some of history's most compelling events. Today, we are joined by award-winning filmmaker Tom Phillips, who is here to discuss his new award-winning screenplay, "Salem Aftermath." “Salem Aftermath" will be a drama series that explores the strained relationships following the Salem Witch-Hunt and the psychological impacts on those who lived through it like never before. Tom's extensive research and collaboration with leading scholars infus...

Jun 12, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 91

Witch Hunt 15: Witch-Hunting and the Law in India

In this abridged version of "Legal Perceptions of Witch-hunting in India with Riya A Singh and Amit Anand," we learn about the existing laws against witch-hunting in some Indian states and the need for a national law to curb these harmful practices. For the full episode, please visit https://open.spotify.com/episode/43tSyuiOoXNtZkArtQryLe

Jun 07, 202415 min

Legal Perceptions of Witch-hunting in India with Riya A Singh and Amit Anand

In this episode, hosts Josh and Sarah explore the complexities of witchcraft legislation relating to witch branding and witch hunting in India. They are joined by Riya A. Singh, a third year law student specializing in human rights, and Dr. Amit Anand, an Assistant Professor of Law at Reva University. They discuss the differences in legal frameworks and implementation across Indian states, underscoring the urgent need for central legislation. The discussion highlights how the shortcomings of cur...

Jun 05, 202458 minEp. 90

The Connecticut Witch Trials Trilogy with Beth Caruso

In this episode, we welcome back Beth M. Caruso, author of the compelling novel One of Windsor and its sequel The Salty Rose , to discuss her latest book, Between Good and Evil: Curse of the Windsor Witch's Daughter , the final entry in her Connecticut Witch Trials trilogy. Beth takes us through the chilling history of the Connecticut Witch Trials, focusing on Alice Young Jr., the daughter of the first person executed for witchcraft in Connecticut. Beth shares insights into Alice Jr.'s experienc...

May 29, 202456 minEp. 89

The Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project Marks Anniversary of Exoneration

Join us for a special episode marking the first anniversary of the groundbreaking legislation that cleared the names of Connecticut’s witch trial victims. On May 25, 2023, House Joint Resolution 34 was adopted, officially absolving the innocent victims of the colonial witch trials and offering a formal state apology to their descendants. In this episode, hear from the five advocates who founded the Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project in 2022 as they reflect on their journey to legislativ...

May 22, 202453 minEp. 88

Mary Beth Norton on Salem Witch Trials Research

In this episode of "Witch Hunt," we are privileged to share the expert insights of Mary Beth Norton, a distinguished historian specializing in early American history. Mary Beth shares her profound research on the impact of frontier warfare on the dynamics of the Salem Witch Trials, offering a unique perspective that centers on the accusers. Mary Beth gives insights from her experiences teaching this intriguing topic of history at Cornell University, alongside the compelling witch trial research ...

May 15, 202453 minEp. 87

The Once and Future Witch Hunt with Alice Markham-Cantor

We present a thought-provoking episode that considers the enduring legacy of witch hunts, tracing their historical roots through the Salem Witch Trials to the present day with Martha Carrier descendant and author Alice Markham-Cantor. Her personal journey and research, lead our reflection on the economic, political, and personal motivations driving witch hunts. Witch hunt history reveals how accusations of witchcraft, intertwined with social disputes and global dynamics, persist across time, nec...

May 08, 202459 minEp. 86

The Intersection of Spiritual Belief and Gender Roles in Hinduism with Akanksha Madaan and Amit Anand

This comprehensive discussion brings together experts Dr. Akanksha Madaan and Dr. Amit Anand, focusing on witch hunts, the intersection of spirituality and gender roles in societies, particularly within Hinduism, and comparisons with African contexts. Dr. Madaan, an Assistant Professor of Law with extensive study in Victimology, and Dr. Anand, also an Assistant Professor who has researched violence against women in India, including aspects of witchcraft and honor-based abuse, discuss the histori...

May 04, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 85

Harmful Traditional Practices with Naveen Suresh and Samantha Spence

This episode features a comprehensive discussion on superstitions and their impact on child rights in India, specifically focusing on the harmful ritual of Pillai Thookkam . The guests, Naveen Suresh, a PhD researcher on anti-superstition law in India, and Dr. Samantha Spence, an expert in human rights law, dive into the legal, cultural, and psychological aspects of superstitions and their enforcement. Naveen shares unsettling details about Pillai Thookkam , a ritual involving putting babies at ...

Apr 24, 202448 minEp. 84

Cotton Mather and the Demoniac with Brendan Walsh

In today's episode, we sit down with Brendan Walsh, an expert in Early Modern Intellectual History and Religion to examine a chilling account of a 17th century demonic child possession in Connecticut, as chronicled in Cotton Mather’s "Memorable Providences Relating To Witchcrafts And Possessions." Brendan takes us through the golden age of demonic possession, spotlighting significant figures such as the English exorcist John Darrell and notorious New England minister Cotton Mather. As we conside...

Apr 17, 202451 minEp. 83

The Ultimate Introduction to the Salem Witch Trials

Witch Hunt presents “The Ultimate Introduction to the Salem Witch Trials,” the first episode of the Salem Witch-Hunt 101 series. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the Salem Witch Trials, emphasizing the event's extensive reach, the variety of people involved, and its unique characteristics compared to other witch hunts in history. We discuss the origins and progression of the witch hunt, debunking myths and shedding light on the social, legal, and political factors feeding the cr...

Apr 10, 202452 minEp. 82

Witchcraft Accusations in Ghana with John Azumah

Joined by John Azumah, an expert who sheds light on the origins and societal impacts of witchcraft accusations, we navigate the intricate landscape of family disputes, community fears, and the national efforts to combat this grave injustice. Our journey takes us into the heart of communities torn apart by fear and suspicion, where accusations of witchcraft have long led to banishment and the resulting formation of 'witch camps.' Azumah's insights offer a profound look at the cultural and societa...

Apr 03, 202450 minEp. 81

Detestable and Wicked Arts with Paul Moyer

Paul Moyer delves into New England's witch-hunt history this week on Witch Hunt . Drawing from his book, Detestable and Wicked Arts , Moyer discusses the origins of witchcraft beliefs, transatlantic connections, and infamous trials like Salem and Hartford. Learn about the societal pressures behind these hunts, from religious conflicts to political turmoil, and gain new insights into this haunting chapter of American history. How did heavy societal expectations on family and marriage bring out th...

Mar 27, 202443 minEp. 80

Witch Hunt 15: Stacy Schiff Explains the Salem Witch Trials in Under 15 Minutes

This episode features an interview with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stacy Schiff, discussing her book 'The Witches: Suspicion, Betrayal, and Hysteria in 1692 Salem' and exploring the Salem Witch Trials. Schiff addresses common misconceptions about the trials, such as the method of execution and the demographics of the accused, and delves into the complicated array of factors that led to the witch-hunt, including political, social, and environmental influences. The episode also touches on the b...

Mar 23, 202414 min

Stacy Schiff on the Salem Witch Trials

Pulitzer-prize-winning author Stacy Schiff joins hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack for a dive into the heart of the Salem Witch Trials on this week's episode of Witch Hunt. Celebrated for her book, The Witches: Suspicion, Betrayal, and Hysteria in 1692 Salem , Stacy sheds light on the trials' misunderstandings, explores their actual origins, and spotlights the pivotal individuals involved. Her insights and story telling make history accessible and engaging. Together, they reflect on the timel...

Mar 20, 202434 minEp. 79

Newcastle Witch Trials in 15 Minutes with Dr. Katie Liddane

This episode of 'Witch Hunt' explores the Newcastle Witch-Hunt, its historical obscurity compared to other trials like the Pendle Witch Trials, and the efforts spearheaded by Dr. Katie Liddane to remember and honor those accused of witchcraft. Dr. Liddane, a recent PhD graduate from Northumbria University with expertise in 17th-century Northeast English witchcraft, discusses her workshop at Newcastle Castle for students, outreach efforts, and the importance of memorialization. The conversation d...

Mar 16, 202415 min

Newcastle Witch Trials with Dr. Katie Liddane

In this week’s captivating episode, we are excited to welcome Dr. Katie Liddane, an expert in the History and Heritage of Witch Hunting in the North East of England. Katie takes us through her research and her dedicated efforts to illuminate the Newcastle Witch Trials. We delve into why the Newcastle Witch-Hunt remains less known compared to events like the Pendle Witch-Hunt and discuss Newcastle Castle's creative approach to engaging the community with workshops on witch trial history. Katie al...

Mar 13, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 78

Witchcraft A History in 13 Minutes with Marion Gibson

In this abridged version of our interview with Marion Gibson, we learn about her book, Witchcraft: A History in 13 Trials . She explains how magic and witchcraft have been defined historically. The conversation features a discussion of demonology, specifically Heinrich Kramer's Malleus Maleficarum. This episode closes with a segment about Harmful Practices Related to Accusations of Witchcraft and Ritual Attacks , otherwise known as modern witch hunts. Originally aired January 17, 2024 as "Marion...

Mar 11, 202413 min

15 Minutes on Witchcraft Accusations and International Women's Day

"Witch Hunt" podcast delves into the entwined paths of witch-hunting and women's struggles worldwide. Dr. Samantha Spence emphasizes the urgent need for global response, gender equality, healthcare access, and education to combat the grave issue of gender inequality perpetuated by witchcraft accusations. The discussion sheds light on the multifaceted adversities faced by women accused of witchcraft, emphasizing the pivotal role of international collaboration, enhanced data gathering, and rigorou...

Mar 08, 202415 min

Witchcraft Accusations and Gender Inequality with Dr. Samantha Spence

In this poignant episode of "Witch Hunt" we're honored to welcome Dr. Samantha Spence back. Merging the commemorative spirits of International Women's Day and Women’s History Month into a deep dive on the entwined paths of witch-hunting and women's struggles worldwide, Dr. Spence brings to light the multifaceted adversities that ensnare women accused of witchcraft - from social ostracization to economic hardships, legal injustices, and educational blockades. These barriers not only underscore th...

Mar 06, 202457 minEp. 77
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