The Thing About Witch Hunts

Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch explores the nuanced and powerful portrayal of witches in the highly anticipated Wicked movie. Witch Hunt podcast hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack delve into their immediate reactions and the deeper social themes conveyed through the film. From the breath-catching spectacle of Galinda's grand entrance to the heartbreaking social justice undertones surroundin...

We explore the urgent human rights crisis affecting people with albinism in Africa. Expert guest Jay Mohammed Osman Kamara, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism (SLAPWA), discusses protecting persons with albinism and the critical significance of UN Resolution 47/8 on eliminating harmful practices related to witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks. Drawing...

Discover the heartbreaking true story of Goody Glover, an Irish Catholic immigrant who became the last person executed for witchcraft in Boston in 1688. Occurring four years before the infamous Salem Witch Trials began, Glover's case clearly illustrates the injustice of colonial New England's witch hunting history. Standing alone between the 1656 execution of Ann Hibbins and the Salem Witch Trials...

Welcome to Witch Hunt, the investigative podcast exploring modern-day witch hunting in India. In this eye-opening episode, we investigate a critical human rights crisis: the systematic persecution of women through witchcraft accusations. The statistics are haunting: over 2,000 documented witch-hunting murders between 2000-2012—with countless more cases hidden in rural communities. To analyze this...

Modern Halloween emerges from diverse cultural and religious traditions, each contributing distinct elements to today's celebrations. From the Celtic festival of Samhain to the Roman Catholic Hallowtide, this episode uncovers the historical threads that connect ancient celebrations to contemporary practices. We examine the influences of Roman festivals like Pomonalia and Lemuria, investigate the c...

Returning guest Dr. Scott Culpepper, professor at Dordt University, joins us to examine the social phenomenon known as the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and early 1990s. Drawing from his extensive research for his forthcoming scholarly book and his novel, "The Demonologists' Daughters," Dr. Culpepper analyzes how this period of heightened social anxiety developed and influenced American society. We e...

In this episode of "Witch Hunt," guest host Antonio Stuckey explores the life and tragic fate of Alice Parker, a victim of the 1692 Salem witch trials. The podcast delves into Parker's background as a resident of Salem Town and her marriage to a local fisherman. Stuckey discusses the accusations against Parker, her arrest, and the subsequent legal proceedings that led to her conviction. The episod...

Explore one of Europe's most notorious witch hunts - the Basque Witch Trials in France and Spain - with historian Jan Machielsen, author of the new release "The Basque Witch Hunt: A Secret History." We uncover the complex factors behind the trials, including the role of sex-obsessed judge Pierre de Lancre. Machielsen shares the unique Basque Sabbath descriptions and the controversial use of child...

In this episode, we explore the life and tragic fate of Martha Cory, one of the victims of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Learn about: - Martha's background and the mysteries surrounding her early life - The events that led to her accusation of witchcraft - Her experiences during the trials - The surprising role her husband played in her story - Martha's ultimate fate and legacy Join us as we uncove...

Join Sarah and Josh as they talk about their recent experiences at two dynamic UK conferences focused on witchcraft and human rights. In this fun and reflective episode, our hosts share the insights gained from the York CREMS Magic and Witchcraft Conference 2024 and the Lancaster "Witchcraft and Human Rights: Past, Present, Future" conference, which centered on the implementation of United Nations...

Fresh from the release of his book The Witch of Pungo: Grace Sherwood in Virginia , historian Scott O. Moore joins us to uncover the true story behind colonial Virginia's only witch trial. In 1706, Grace Sherwood faced an unusual trial by water—but what really happened, and why does it still captivate us today? Moore examines both the legend and reality of Grace Sherwood, showing how local tension...

In this gripping episode of Salem Witch Hunt 101, we delve into the pivotal period of March 8-24, 1692, when the Salem witch trials reached a fever pitch. We explore the dramatic escalation of accusations and arrests that rocked Salem Village, including the unexpected cases of respected community members Martha Cory and Rebecca Nurse, as well as the shocking arrest of 4-year-old Dorothy Good. The...

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...

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 coalit...

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 wa...

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 o...

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...

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 s...

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 fou...

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 t...

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. He...

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 mome...

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 effor...

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...

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 exp...