Ending Witch Hunts in the Americas: Podcasthon Edition

A cornerstone message of our Witch Hunt podcast and End Witch Hunts nonprofit centers on community-based advocacy paired with holistic intervention programs. Experts are illustrating that sustainable change requires coordinated efforts that empower local communities while addressing the complex root causes that perpetuate these harmful practices across the Americas.

This final episode in our Podcasthon series examines unique manifestations of witch hunts throughout North, Central, and South America – from colonial Salem to contemporary accusations in rural communities. We explore how historical contexts and cultural dynamics have shaped these phenomena differently across the hemisphere, while identifying common patterns and effective intervention strategies.

We encourage our listeners to catch the full series to gain comprehensive understanding of this global issue. By connecting the dots between episodes, you’ll discover how lessons learned in one region can inform approaches elsewhere, creating a powerful framework for lasting change.

In this special episode for Podcasthon 2025, hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack explore the history of witch trials throughout the Americas, with a particular focus on New England. As descendants of both victims and accusers from the Salem Witch Trials, they provide a unique perspective on this dark chapter of history. The hosts trace witch trials from their earliest occurrences in Virginia and New Mexico in 1626 through the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692-1693 and beyond, demonstrating the interconnectedness of these historical events and their lasting impact on families and communities.

Key Topics Covered

Josh and Sarah’s personal connections to the Salem Witch Trials and other New England witch trials
The first documented witchcraft accusations in America (1626)
Timeline of witch trials in Connecticut and Massachusetts before Salem
The “perfect storm” of conditions that led to the Salem Witch Hunt
Overview of the Salem Witch Trials (156 accused, 30 convicted, 19 hanged, 1 pressed to death)
Post-Salem witch trials in Hartford, Vermont, and Virginia
Recent witch hunt violence in Haiti (December 2024)