Salem The Podcast

Who doesn't like “a trip to the seaside” to "take in the air"? Well that's exactly why one of Salem's hidden gems was created. Join local tour guides Sarah & Jeffrey as they chat all about Salem Willows Park. Things may have changed over the past 220 years, but we still have those same European white willow trees, there's still a boardwalk filled with restaurants and entertainment, and you can sti...

Who was Salem's King of Hell? Many believed that this former Salem Village minister was leading the coven of witches who had descended upon their communities. Head of the Devil's army on earth, and yet he hadn't been to Salem in nearly ten years. Join Salem tour guides Jeffrey and Sarah as they piece together this strange story of how a Harvard-educated man, living on the Maine frontier, became th...

In our last episode, you heard from the infamous green witch of Salem: BORAH Brewington Snaggletooth XIII. No let's hear from the man behind the makeup. Where did BORAH come from? What inspires such devilish wit? Join us for a behind-the-scenes talk with Brian Sims, the genius behind one of the most iconic street performers of modern Witch City.   https://salemsblackhatsociety.org/index.html

Who exactly is BORAH Brewingington Snaggletooth the 13th? They may be one of the most wickedly famous faces of Salem–often seen hexing tourists, screaming at loving couples, and bringing endless smiles to visitors and locals alike! BORAH brings street performing to a whole new level with their quick wit and over-the-top humor. Join local Salem tour guides Jeffrey and Sarah as they sit down and tal...

Just a few miles inland from modern Witch City sits Danvers, Massachusetts – or what once was Salem Village. Danvers can sometimes be overlooked within the scope of the Salem Witch Trials, but in reality, this is where it all began. Sarah and Jeffrey left the familiarity of their Salem streets and ventured to Danvers to see those the historic sites. From the old foundations of Reverend Parris's ho...

Have you ever tried to contact spirits? Those who are said to dwell beyond the vale? As the planchette moves across the board everything will be revealed. But just in case you don't have a Ouija Board, you can join Jeffrey and Sarah as they talk with John Kozik, owner of the world's only witch board museum. John has a near-encyclopedic knowledge of the talking board. We'll explore everything from...

Eldest of the three sisters, happily married, mother to eight children and many more grandchildren, and a fully coveted member of the Puritan Church. And yet, Rebecca Nurse found herself at the heart of witchcraft accusations in mid-March of 1692. She was tried, found guilty, and executed. Join local Salem tour guides Sarah & Jeffrey for a discussion on the life and tragic death of this well-known...

“An aged man, without an enemy in the world, in his own house, and in his own bed, is made the victim of a butchery murder, for mere pay.” Words spoken by Daniel Webster during Salem's most infamous murder trial. Join local Salem tour guides Jeffrey & Sarah as they recount the harrowing details surrounding the death of Captain Joseph White on that moonlit night in April, nearly 200 years ago. SPEC...

This week, paranormal expert Dr. Vitka of Spellbound Walking Tours joins us for a peek behind the veil. What are what we call ghosts? A lingering spirit, imprints of energy,  We don't promise to have the answers but we’ll share some stories, theories, and even a personal ghostly experiences or two! Note that we gave this episode the big explicit "E". Some topics of discussion may not be suitable f...

Paranormal investigator? Bigfoot serenader? UFO believer? Elvis aficionado? Who exactly is the mysterious Dr. Mike Vitka! Joining Jeffrey & Sarah this week is fellow tour guide Mike Vitka, owner of Spellbound Walking Tours. Spellbound has been haunting the streets of Salem for over 20 years as Witch City’s original haunted tour. *EXPLICIT WARNING* This episode may not be suitable for young ears. S...

At 1:37 PM on June 25, 1914 a fire began at the Korn Leather factory in Salem's manufacturing district. It would burn for 13 hours, destroy a third of the city, and render 18k-20k people homeless. Join local Salem tour guides Sarah & Jeffrey as they talk about this often-overlooked tragedy that devastated Witch City in the early twentieth century. Resources: The Salem Fire.  By Arthur B. Jones. (1...

In Part 1, we covered the life of Bridget Bishop leading up to 1692. We stopped just short of how her story unfolds in the days after her arrest. Although she was hardly the first person accused, she was the first to be brought before the court of Oyer and Terminer. Join local Salem tour guides Jeffrey and Sarah, as they explore the last weeks of Bridget Bishop’s life. Resources: Because Bridget B...

It has certainly been a crazy week here in Witch City! The iconic 9-ft bronze statue of Elizabeth Montgomery was doused in bright red paint. The Satanic Temple was also attacked by an arsonist. Local Salem tour guides Sarah & Jeffrey share some details and discuss the immediate public response. They also chat about attending a memorial service for the 330th anniversary of Bridget Bishop's executio...

Bridget Bishop may be the most well-known name from the Salem Witch Trials, and for good reason. She was the first person to be brought to trial, and subsequently the first to be found guilty and executed. She was hanged on June 10th 1692. Join local Salem tour guides Sarah and Jeffrey as they cover what we know of her story leading up to 1692. Resources: Because Bridget Bishop can be such a conte...

What's a familiar may you ask? Black cats? Toads? Humans-faced yellow birds? Perhaps all of the above and more! Join local Salem tour guides Jeffrey and Sarah as they talk all-things familiar. These creatures are peppered throughout the narrative of the Salem Witch Trials and their spectral presence alone could be used as proof of supernatural malevolence.  Resources Malleous Maleficarum https://l...

Our cemetery adventures continue! Salem tour guides Sarah & Jeffrey head closer to downtown to talk about Howard Street Cemetery, Broad Street Cemetery, and the old Quaker cemetery. We'll commence with the second-oldest colonial burying ground in the country: Old Burying Point, AKA Charter Street Cemetery. Let’s talk more about the dead! You know what to do: www.salemthepodcast.com Instagram - @sa...

Are you a taphophile? (Someone who has a passion or enjoyment of cemeteries). We sure are! Join your favorite Salem tour guides Jeffrey and Sarah as they take you through the cemeteries of Salem. Resources: https://friendsofgreenlawn.org/ https://www.harmonygrovesalem.org/ You know what to do: www.salemthepodcast.com Instagram - @salemthepodcast  Email - hello@salemthepodcast.com Youtube - Salem T...

Who was America's first millionaire? How did he build his wealth? Join Salem tour guides Sarah and Jeffrey as they talk about Salem's most prosperous merchant, Elias Hasket Derby. Let's learn life, his legacy, and how his presence is still felt around the Witch City today. Resources "Derby House". Salem Maritime National Historic Site. https://www.nps.gov/places/derby-house.htm "Elias Hasket Derby...

Interview with some Vampires? Local tour guides Sarah and Jeffrey sit down with Lex and Ben–owners of Vampfangs–for a taste of Salem vampire culture. They talk Vampfangs history, their personal journeys within the community, and how they bring vampires to you through their exclusive events; rituals, classes, salons, and grand balls. They’ve got everything you need to discover your inner vampire! *...

Did someone say secret tunnels? Long has it been rumored that there are miles upon miles of underground passageways weaving beneath the oldest streets of Witch City. Some say they were used for smuggling, some say for drugs--and if all rumors are to be believed--they were even used to hide the dead. Join local tour guides Jeffrey and Sarah as they get to the bottom of this story, as history and ha...

For their first on-site interview, local tour guides Sarah & Jeffrey sit down with the owners of Odd Meter Coffee. New to Salem and already a staple amongst locals and visitors alike, Odd Meter is a quaint yet vibrant place right in the heart of downtown. You’ll learn about their core values, how they endured through their first October, and the mystical undercurrents of this favorite Salem spot....

The first BONUS episode! Join local Salem tour guides Sarah Black and Jeffrey Lilley as they field questions from listeners. From our favorite hidden gems to Halloween itineraries, this episode touches on a lot of aspects of Salem--with plenty of local anecdotes and laughs along the way. A big thanks to everyone who wrote in! You know what to do: www.salemthepodcast.com Instagram - @salemthepodcas...

Hello! Join local Salem tour guides Sarah Black and Jeffrey Lilley for a discussion on Salem's rich and diverse maritime history. Centuries ago, this city was known around the world. Not for witches–but as a hub for international trade. Let's talk pepper, pirates, and America's first millionaire!  Resources "Historic Maps of Salem" Salem Historical Society  http://www.salemhistorical.org/maps-of-s...

Join local Salem tour guides Sarah Black and Jeffrey Lilley as they talk about the founding of Salem. This nearly 400-year-old city was one of the first major Puritan settlements in the “New World”. From the indigenous peoples who lived here to the name "Salem" itself, let's see how it all started.  You know what to do: www.salemthepodcast.com Instagram - @salemthepodcast Email - hello@salemthepod...

Hello! Join local Salem tour guides Sarah Black and Jeffrey Lilley as they talk about the Witch House. Also known as the Jonathan Corwin House, it is the only structure here in Witch City with direct ties to those infamous trials. Dating back to 1642 and now preserved as a historic house museum, it is a great glimpse into what life was like in Puritan New England. Resources https://www.thewitchhou...