Witch Hunt

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...

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, includin...

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 detai...

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 exorci...

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 shed...

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....

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. Ho...

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...

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...

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, o...

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 e...

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 ...

"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 pi...

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 hardsh...

What happens when an astrologer, a witch, and a poltergeist walk into a barn in colonial Massachusetts? In this third installment of Massachusetts Witch Trials 101 on Witch Hunt, we delve into the intricate narratives of various Massachusetts witch trials that span from 1657 to 1687. Several significant cases are broken down such as those involving Elizabeth Morse, Mary Webster, and John Godfrey.These cases illustrate the trials of...

This episode of the Witch Hunt podcast, featuring human rights lawyer Preethi Lolaksha Nagaveni, focuses on her extensive research on caste-based discrimination and untouchability in India. The conversation delves into the urgent need for societal transformation and accountability to eliminate harmful practices. The exchange also highlights the brutal realities faced by Dalit women, explore historical background, and emphasize the ...

In this episode of Witch Hunt, hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack explore the troubling issue of gender-based violence in India, including witch hunts, with expert Neelesh Singh from India's National Rural Livelihood Mission. Singh focuses on gender issues and social inclusion, discussing the prevalent issues of witch hunting. Singh emphasizes the importance of collective action by women's collectives, sensitizing them to...

In this episode of Witch Hunt, we dive into an enlightening conversation with Neelesh Singh, a champion for social inclusion and gender equality with India's National Rural Livelihood Mission. Neelesh emphasizes the urgent imperative to confront and mitigate gender-based violence at every stage of life, highlighting the importance of comprehensive strategies that protect and empower individuals from infancy through to old age...