We’re joined by Antonio Infante, a Salem Witch Trials Historic Tour Guide and author. Antonio shares his journey into becoming a guide, sparked by a personal connection to the Salem witch trials through his ancestor. As he highlights the importance of accurate storytelling, Antonio offers a snapshot look at the Essex National Heritage Area’s historic tour that dispels myths about the trials. This episode also explores broader Massachusetts witch trial history and ongoing efforts for justice for ...
Sep 18, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 105
A critical issue still impacting children in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa is the ongoing crisis of witchcraft accusations. Carolyn Gent, a lawyer and chair of the Stop Child Witch Accusations Coalition, has dedicated her career to community development that prioritizes the safeguarding of children from these harmful accusations and the violence that often accompanies them. Carolyn shares her coalition’s innovative efforts to combat child witch accusations through education, community engagement, ...
Sep 11, 2024•50 min•Ep. 104
In this episode of Witch Hunt Victim Stories, Josh Hutchinson presents the story of Margaret Scott, an enigmatic woman convicted and executed for witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials. Hutchinson provides detailed accounts of the accusations and testimonies against Scott from various witnesses, tracing the events leading to her indictment and execution on September 22, 1692. Scott's name was not cleared until 2001, highlighting the enduring stigma and injustice faced by those accused of witch...
Sep 10, 2024•6 min
This episode is a follow-up to our podcast episode on "The Link between Witchcraft Accusations and Dementia with Berrie Holtzhausen." We interview Andrias Musigeni Mangundu, a registered nurse with the Ministry of Health and Social Services in Namibia. Andrias shares his journey into dementia care, heavily influenced by his experience and friendship with Berrie Holtzhausen, the founder of Alzheimer’s Dementia Namibia. He discusses how dementia impacted his personal life, particularly through his...
Sep 04, 2024•51 min•Ep. 103
In this episode of Witch Hunt Victim Stories, host Josh Hutchinson explores the life and untimely death of Samuel Wardwell, a carpenter and fortune teller from Andover, Massachusetts. Convicted and hanged during the Salem Witch Trials on September 22, 1692, Samuel was the only confessor executed. The episode provides a detailed account of his life, family, and the events leading to his arrest and execution. It also delves into the aftermath for his surviving family members and the eventual rever...
Sep 02, 2024•12 min
Dive with us into one of the most infamous chapters of American history—the Salem Witch Trials. Returning to the show is author and host of The Salem Witch Trials Podcast , Greg Houle, who brings a unique perspective to these events through his historical fiction novel, The Putnams of Salem . As a descendant of Thomas Putnam Jr., a key accuser in the trials, Greg has a personal connection to the story that inspired his writing. Greg shares his journey in crafting The Putnams of Salem , exploring...
Aug 28, 2024•44 min•Ep. 102
This episode explores the story of Wilmot Redd, one of the nine individuals executed during the Salem Witch Trials in September 1692. Detailing accusations, examinations, and trial proceedings, the episode delves into Redd's life in Marblehead and the allegations against her for bewitching various individuals. Despite conflicting testimonies and a grand jury's mixed decisions, Redd was found guilty and hanged on September 22, 1692. The episode also discusses the historical context of her posthum...
Aug 26, 2024•6 min
In this episode of Witch Hunt, host Josh Hutchinson explores the life and tragic fate of John Procter, a victim of the Salem Witch Trials. Hutchinson begins by introducing the real John Procter, contrasting him with Arthur Miller's portrayal in "The Crucible." The episode delves into Procter's background and family life, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the infamous trial. The narrative unfolds with the events leading to John and Elizabeth Procter's accusa...
Aug 24, 2024•17 min
Exorcisms and witchcraft accusations occur all around the world today, including in the United States and the United Kingdom. What does the law say about these things? In this enlightening episode, we sit down with law professors Helen Hall and Javier Garcia Oliva to explore their research at the intersection of law, religion, and supernatural practices like exorcism and witchcraft accusations. Helen Hall, an associate professor at Nottingham Trent University and an Anglican priest, and Javier G...
Aug 21, 2024•39 min•Ep. 101
In this episode of 'Witch Hunt', Mary Bingham tells the story of Salem Witch Trial victim John Willard's pre-trial examination as recorded by Samuel Parris on May 18th, 1692. Willard, accused of witchcraft and the murder of his cousin through magical means, faced a court where his mere presence seemed to induce fits in the afflicted. The episode details the procedural and dramatic moments of the examination, the testimony against Willard, and his staunch denial of guilt. Despite his resistance, ...
Aug 18, 2024•16 min
Learn about modern-day witch hunts and what is being done about them in this abridged version of our 100th episode. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing modern witch hunts, also known as harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks. The hosts outline the United Nations' recognition of this issue as a human rights concern and various efforts by governments, NGOs, and grassroots organizations to address the problem. They emphasize the need fo...
Aug 17, 2024•15 min
Prepare to be captivated by the shocking true story of George Jacobs Sr., one of the most compelling victims of the infamous Salem Witch Trials! In this gripping episode of Witch Hunt Victim Stories, host Sarah Jack, a Salem Witch Trial descendant, uncovers the dramatic tale of the oldest person executed during this dark chapter of American history. Discover how George Jacobs Sr., a respected farm owner, found himself at the center of a terrifying witch hunt that tore families apart and sent inn...
Aug 16, 2024•11 min
In this milestone 100th episode of Witch Hunt Podcast, hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack reflect on their journey of exploring historical witch trials and modern witchcraft accusations. The episode begins with a recap of the podcast's evolution from its initial focus on early modern witch trials to its current coverage of the ongoing global crisis of witch hunts. The hosts discuss their exploration of historical witch trials in various locations, particularly in New England and Europe, delvin...
Aug 14, 2024•46 min•Ep. 100
Witchcraft accusations continue to lead to death around the world. Join us for a rousing discussion of this global crisis happening now. Welcome to Witch Hunt, the podcast raising awareness of the violent reality of modern witchcraft accusations. Rather than being a relic of the past, witchcraft accusations remain a devastating issue in many parts of the world, leading to violence, ostracization, economic deprivation, mental health crises, and even death. In recognition of this global crisis, Au...
Aug 07, 2024•55 min•Ep. 99
In this episode, hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack explore the complex relationships between religion, politics, and harmful practices in India. Joined by experts Arjun Philip George and Giresh Kumar J, they discuss: 1. The persistence of caste-based discrimination across religious lines in India 2. The role of religious texts and traditions in perpetuating gender inequality 3. Challenges in reforming deeply ingrained cultural and religious practices 4. The impact of political leaders and par...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 98
In this episode of Witch Hunt, host Antonio Stuckey narrates the life and tragic fate of Martha Carrier, a victim of the Salem Witch Trials. Described by some contemporaries as a “rampant hag” and “the queen in hell,” Martha Carrier has long fascinated people with her take-no-grief attitude in court and her steadfast denial of guilt. Born Martha Allen in Andover, she married Thomas Carrier and faced suspicion and accusations of witchcraft after a smallpox epidemic hit her community. Despite main...
Jul 29, 2024•7 min
In this gripping episode of Witch Hunt, host Josh Hutchinson unravels the shocking tale of George Burroughs, a Harvard-educated minister who became an unlikely victim of the Salem Witch Trials. Imagine a respected minister accused of being the ringleader of witches and a servant of Satan. How did George Burroughs, once a village minister, find himself at the center of one of history's most infamous witch hunts? Josh takes listeners on a haunting journey through Burroughs' life, from his early da...
Jul 27, 2024•30 min
Hear the first court proceedings of the Salem Witch Trials: the questioning of Sarah Good, Sarah Osburn, and Tituba on March 1 and 2, 1692. Listen to the full episode, "Salem Witch Hunt Saga: The First Arrests" Witch-Hunting in European and World History - Ronald Hutton Donate: End Witch Hunts UK Advocacy Trip Fund End Witch Hunts Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project Witch Hunt Website Salem Witch-Hunt Education Project Learn more about SARA...
Jul 26, 2024•16 min
Thank you for joining us for this narrative history of the Salem Witch Trials. This third part of our Salem Witch-Hunt 101 series focuses on the first arrests and interrogations of Sarah Good, Sarah Osburn, and Tituba in late February and early March 1692. On Witch Hunt, the people and key events are real. The examinations are taken directly from the historical record. The depositions of afflicted persons Elizabeth Hubbard and Ann Putnam Jr. are paraphrased for natural conversation, while the de...
Jul 24, 2024•47 min•Ep. 97
In this 15-minute episode, Jordan Alexander, chair of the UK’s National Working Group on Spiritual and Ritual Abuse (SARA), joins Witch Hunt hosts Josh Hutchinson, Mary Bingham, and Sarah Jack. Jordan explores the complexities of spiritual and ritual abuse, providing concrete examples, discussing the UK’s systemic response, and highlighting the need for awareness and legislative changes. Prism Training, Safeguarding Solutions for Professionals Spiritual and Ritual Abuse Conference: Survivor Stor...
Jul 21, 2024•15 min
In this edition of Witch Hunt Victim Stories, Sarah Jack tells the story of Rebecca Nurse, a victim of the Salem Witch Trials, who was hanged on July 19, 1692. The story of Rebecca Nurse is tragic. Born Rebecca Towne in 1621, Rebecca was seventy-one years old when she was arrested, and she had been in bed a week when she was hauled away from home. She languished in chains more than three months before she was brought out for her trial. At first she was acquitted, but then she was convicted. Next...
Jul 19, 2024•14 min
In this edition in our Witch Hunt Victim Stories series, Mary Bingham tells the story of Sarah Wildes, a victim of the Salem Witch Trials. On July 2, 1692, Sarah Wildes was convicted of afflicting Mercy Lewis with malefic witchcraft. Learn about her life and trial in this poignant episode. Emerson W. Baker, A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience Mary Beth Norton, In the Devil's Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692 Bernard Rosenthal, editor, Records of the Salem...
Jul 18, 2024•15 min
In this episode of Witch Hunt Victim Stories, host Mary Bingham delves into the life of Susannah Martin, born in Olney, England in 1621. The episode explores her early life, migration to Massachusetts, and subsequent hardships. Susannah faced accusations of infanticide and witchcraft amid legal battles over her father's estate. Despite numerous appeals, she and her family often lost in court, culminating in her conviction and execution for witchcraft in 1692. Susannah's resilience is remembered,...
Jul 17, 2024•12 min
In this episode, guest host Mary Louise Bingham and special expert Jordan Alexander, chair of the UK’s National Working Group on Spiritual and Ritual Abuse (SARA), join Witch Hunt hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack. Jordan shares his journey from the police force and safeguarding roles to advocacy, exploring the complexities of spiritual and ritual abuse, providing concrete examples, discussing the UK’s systemic response, and highlighting the need for global awareness and legislative changes. ...
Jul 17, 2024•49 min•Ep. 96
In this edition in our Witch Hunt Victim Stories series, Antonio Infante tells the story of Elizabeth Howe, a victim of the Salem Witch Trials. On June 30, 1692, Elizabeth Jackson Howe was convicted of bewitching Mary Walcott and Mercy Lewis. She was executed on July 19. Learn about her life and trial in this special episode. Please see also the following: Emerson W. Baker, A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience Mary Beth Norton, In the Devil's Snare: The Salem Witch...
Jul 16, 2024•3 min
In this first episode in our new Witch Hunt Victim Stories series, Josh Hutchinson tells the story of Sarah Good, a victim of the Salem Witch Trials. In fact, Sarah Good and her daughters were all victims of the witch hunt. Unfortunately, Sarah was executed, her infant daughter died in jail, and daughter Dorothy was imprisoned in chains for nearly 9 months. Join us as we explore Sarah’s life and trial. For more, listen to our episode, The Salem Witch-Hunt Saga: Beginnings , which was released on...
Jul 15, 2024•15 min
Mary Bingham of End Witch Hunts presents the case of Kimberly Felder, a mother who believed her daughter was possessed by demons. The exorcism Kimberly performed on her daughter at popular Centerville Beach shocked and horrified witnesses. Fortunately, the 11-year-old girl's life was saved by one of these witnesses. Violent exorcisms are harmful practices and examples of spiritual and ritual abuse. The performer of this type of exorcism generally believes they are attacking demons or evil spirit...
Jul 14, 2024•6 min
In this episode, we travel to Namibia to meet Berrie Holtzhausen, founder of Alzheimer's Dementia Namibia and advocate against witchcraft accusations. He tells the story of how he met Ndjinaa, a woman chained for 20 years after she was accused of bewitching people and livestock to death. Learn how Berrie worked for Ndjinaa's freedom after discovering she was living with dementia, a condition which Berrie and others have found is commonly mistaken for witchcraft.
Jul 13, 2024•13 min
Welcome to Witch Hunt, where we uncover the ongoing crisis of modern witch hunts and harmful practices. In this episode, we talk with Berrie Holtzhausen, founder of Alzheimer’s Dementia Namibia. Berrie’s incredible journey to become a dementia advocate highlights his dedication to educating communities where those with dementia are often mistaken for harming their community with witchcraft. Hear Berrie’s powerful stories of resilience, his fight against stigma, and his efforts to create dementia...
Jul 10, 2024•42 min•Ep. 95
In this brief episode, learn about the public interest litigation used by Sashiprava Bindhani to compel the Indian state of Odisha to take action against witch-branding, the practice of labeling people as witches, dayans, dahanis, or any other word used to mean a person using harmful magic. Around the world, this practice results in ostracism, trauma, physical and emotional harm, and even murder.
Jul 07, 2024•15 min
