The Heal & Harrow Podcast

The Heal & Harrow Podcast

Rachel Newton and Lauren MacColl in conversation with writer Màiri Kidd, discussing the women behind the stories that inspired their acclaimed album and show ’Heal & Harrow’ . In each episode, extracts from the stories are read by 10 brilliant Scottish voices. Scottish Witch Trials / Folklore & Mythology / Women’s History / Modern Day Parallels. Heal & Harrow seeks to pay tribute to the thousands of people accused, tried and executed during the Scottish Witch Trials.

Episodes

July 2, 2023 31 mins

Our final episode in this series tells of the ultimate 'baddie' of Gaelic folklore - the Eachlair Ùrlar, featuring the voice of singer and actor Alyth McCormack. 

Mark as Played

We find some light in the dark in this episode - 'Tam O' Shanter' told through Nanny's perspective -  featuring the voice of actor and musician Annie Grace.

Mark as Played
June 18, 2023 25 mins

This week's episode centres around Màiri nighean Alasdair Ruaidh,  a women said to have composed her poetry on the threshold. Featuring the voice of Skye musician, educator and podcaster Deirdre Graham.

Mark as Played
June 11, 2023 31 mins

The intriguing life of 'witch-pricker' Christian Caddell (Caldwell) shines a light on a different side to the Scottish Witch Trials. What would drive someone to follow this path? Featuring the voice of director, actor, playwright and musician Cora Bissett.

Mark as Played

In this week's episode we discuss how Màiri approached fictionalising difficult aspects of our history. Featuring the voice of singer, presenter and linguist Cass Ezeji.

Mark as Played

This week's story sparks discussion around how little is known about the lives of the women persecuted for witchcraft, assumptions that are sometimes made about their lives, and what could be found within the trial records. Featuring the voice of poet and Scots language advocate Len Pennie.   

Mark as Played
May 21, 2023 35 mins

A fictional case based on Foula, Shetland leads to discussion around place, community, dialect and artistic freedom vs. authenticity. Featuring the voice of musician, producer and composer Inge Thomson.

Mark as Played
May 14, 2023 34 mins

In this week's episode, we discuss the case of Katherine MacKinnon, who died some ten years after the Witchcraft Act was repealed in Scotland, with story reading by Màiri Kidd herself. 

Mark as Played

In this episode we discuss why it felt important to include Scotland's most well documented and much-discussed witchtrial case - that of Isobel Gowdie -  in our project. With story reading by singer and songwriter Kathryn Joseph. 

Mark as Played
April 30, 2023 29 mins

In this first episode we discuss the inspiration behind 'Lilias', with extracts from the story read by Gerda Stevenson.

Mark as Played
April 4, 2023 2 mins

A preview of our upcoming Heal & Harrow podcast. Rachel Newton & Lauren MacColl in conversation with Màiri Kidd discussing the women who inspired the project 'Heal & Harrow'. Scottish Witch Trials / Folklore & Mythology / Women's History / Modern Day Parallels. Featuring extracts from 10 stories read by 10 brilliant Scottish voices

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    Betrayal: Weekly

    Betrayal Weekly is back for a brand new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-4 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.