The Thing About Witch Hunts Podcast

Category: Devil

The Devil, Demonization, and Dehumanization with Mikki Brock, Richard Raiswell, and David Winter
Episode Description

Dr. Richard Raiswell, Dr. David Winter, and Dr. Mikki Brock—co-editors of The Routledge History of the Devil in the Western Tradition—explore the devil’s complex history, from his biblical origins to his evolution through Western culture. Discover how the devil has been weaponized to demonize marginalized groups throughout history and examine his surprising presence in contemporary society.

What You’ll Learn
- The devil’s backstory and biblical origins
- How the devil’s image transformed across different historical periods
- The dark history of demonization and scapegoating
- The devil’s role in witch hunts and persecution
- Modern manifestations of devil imagery and symbolism
- Expert insights from the comprehensive Routledge History collection
Featured Guests
- Dr. Richard Raiswell
- Dr. David Winter
- Dr. Mikki Brock
Key Topics Covered
- Devil mythology and theology
- Historical persecution and witch hunts
- Cultural representations of evil
- The devil in Western tradition
- Religious history and demonology
- Social scapegoating through history
About the Book

The Routledge History of the Devil in the Western Tradition features contributions from 30 scholars, offering the most comprehensive examination of the devil’s role in Western culture and history.

SEO Keywords

devil history, witch hunts podcast, demonology, religious history, Dr. Mikki Brock, Dr Richard Raiswell, Dr. David Winter, Routledge History of the Devil, Western tradition, cultural history, persecution history, devil mythology, historical scapegoating, theological history

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Transcript

The Devil, Demonization, and Dehumanization with Mikki Brock, Richard Raiswell, and David Winter Download

Read the full transcript online
October 8, 2025
The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief, Part 4: Dissecting the Malleus Maleficarum

Welcome back to the Witch Hunt Podcast. This is the final episode in the four part series:The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief. If you’re just joining us, we recommend checking out the previous series episodes first, though this episode can certainly stand on its own.

This completes our Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft conversation with Professor Richard Raiswell of the University of Prince Edward Island, expert on Devil lore.

In Part 1 we began examining the critical relationship that developed between demons and witchcraft specifically in the 15th century. In Part 2, we delved deeper into how this connection became the driving force behind the witch hunts that devastated communities across Europe. In parts 3 and 4 we reveal shocking and informing details on the Malleus Maleficarum and its authors Heinrich Kramer, aka Institoris, and Jacob Sprenger. Thank you for joining us as we conclude this chilling and fascinating exploration of how demonology fueled witch persecution.

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⁠⁠NEW PODCAST: The Thing About Salem⁠

⁠⁠⁠Check out our new podcast, The Thing About Salem, on YouTube!⁠⁠⁠

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⁠Richard Raiswell⁠

⁠Shop our Nonprofit Bookshop for: The Routledge History of the Devil in the Western Tradition⁠

⁠Purchase the Malleus Maleficarum: The Hammer of Witches, translated by Christopher S. MacKay ⁠

⁠Build Your Witch Trial History Library with a Purchase from our Bookshop!⁠

⁠End Witch Hunts U. S. Nonprofit Organization⁠

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Transcript

The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief, Part 3_ Authors of the Malleus Maleficarum Download

May 27, 2025
The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief, Part 3: The Authors of the Malleus Maleficarum

Today we conclude our series: The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief with Professor Raiswell of the University of Prince Edward Island, an expert in medieval devil lore, with another double episode release. If you’re just joining us, we recommend checking out the previous series episodes first, though this episode can certainly stand on its own.

In this episode, part 3 of the series, Dr. Raiswell takes us into the minds and lives of Heinrich Kramer, aka Institoris, and Jacob Sprenger, the authors of the 15th century witch-hunting book, the Hammer of Witches, formally known as the Malleus Maleficarum.

This Dr. Raiswell series is essential for understanding how theological concepts about Satan evolved into specific witchcraft accusations and largely gendered persecution mechanisms that still influence witch hunting today.

The full series, in four parts, is available now wherever you get your podcasts.

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⁠⁠NEW PODCAST: The Thing About Salem⁠

⁠⁠⁠Check out our new podcast, The Thing About Salem, on YouTube!⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Help Us Build Our New Patreon Community for The Thing About Salem Podcast⁠⁠

⁠Richard Raiswell⁠

⁠Shop our Nonprofit Bookshop for: The Routledge History of the Devil in the Western Tradition⁠

⁠Purchase the Malleus Maleficarum: The Hammer of Witches, translated by Christopher S. MacKay ⁠

⁠Build Your Witch Trial History Library with a Purchase from our Bookshop!⁠

⁠End Witch Hunts U. S. Nonprofit Organization⁠

⁠Sign up for our Newsletter⁠

⁠Donate to Witch Hunt Podcast Conference Fund

Transcript

The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief, Part 3_ Authors of the Malleus Maleficarum Download

May 27, 2025
The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief, Part 2

Welcome back to the Witch Hunt Podcast. This is episode 2 in the The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief. If you’re just joining us, we recommend checking out Part 1 first, though this episode can certainly stand on its own.

This marks the continuation of our conversation with Professor Richard Raiswell of the University of Prince Edward Island, who previously joined us for our fascinating “Speak of the Devil” episode where we explored Satan as one of history’s most enduring and complex figures.

In Part 1 of we began examining the critical relationship that developed between demons and witchcraft specifically in the 15th century. Now in Part 2, we’ll delve deeper into how this connection became the driving force behind the witch hunts that devastated communities across Europe.

Professor Raiswell continues to guide us through how theological concepts about Satan evolved into specific accusations and persecution mechanisms. His expertise in medieval devil lore brings clarity to one of history’s darkest chapters.

Remember, both parts of this special episode are available now wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for joining us as we continue this chilling and fascinating exploration of how demonology fueled witch persecution. Both Part 1 and Part 2 are available now wherever you get your podcasts.

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Listen and subscribe wherever you enjoy podcasts:

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Links

Richard Raiswell

Shop our Nonprofit Bookshop for: The Routledge History of the Devil in the Western Tradition

Purchase the Malleus Maleficarum: The Hammer of Witches, translated by Christopher S. MacKay

Help Us Build Our New Patreon Community for The Thing About Salem Podcast

Check out our new podcast: The Thing About Salem on YouTube!

NEW PODCAST: The Thing About Salem

Build Your Witch Trial History Library with a Purchase from our Bookshop!

End Witch Hunts U. S. Nonprofit Organization

Sign up for our Newsletter

Donate to Witch Hunt Podcast Conference Fund

Transcript

The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief, Part 2 Download

May 20, 2025
The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief, Part 1

We have a special treat for our listeners this week – not one but two new episodes dropping simultaneously! Today marks the return of Professor Richard Raiswell of the University of Prince Edward Island, who previously joined us for our fascinating “Speak of the Devil” episode where we explored Satan as one of history’s most enduring and complex figures.

In this two-part special, The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief, Professor Raiswell takes us deeper into the dark intersection where demonology meets witch persecution. We’ll explore the critical relationship that developed between demons and witchcraft specifically in the 15th century – a connection that would become the driving force behind the witch hunts.

If you enjoyed our previous exploration of devil lore, these episodes are essential listening, as Professor Raiswell helps us understand how theological concepts about Satan evolved into specific accusations and persecution mechanisms.

Both Part 1 and Part 2 are available now wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen in Your Favorite App

Listen and subscribe wherever you enjoy podcasts:

Apple

Spotify

YouTube Music

Amazon music

Audible

iHeartradio

Pandora

player fm

Tunein + alexa

YouTUBE

Links

Richard Raiswell

Shop our Nonprofit Bookshop for: The Routledge History of the Devil in the Western Tradition

Purchase the Malleus Maleficarum: The Hammer of Witches, translated by Christopher S. MacKay

Help Us Build Our New Patreon Community for The Thing About Salem Podcast

Check out our new podcast: The Thing About Salem on YouTube!

NEW PODCAST: The Thing About Salem

Build Your Witch Trial History Library with a Purchase from our Bookshop!

End Witch Hunts U. S. Nonprofit Organization

Sign up for our Newsletter

Donate to Witch Hunt Podcast Conference Fund

Transcript

The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief, Part 1 Download

May 20, 2025
Perspectives on Disability, Stigma, and Witchcraft Accusations with Dr. Nora Groce

Anthropologist Dr. Nora Groce from University College London discusses the troubling connection between disability and witchcraft accusations. Dr. Groce shares her research on why people with disabilities are targeted, including her study on the experience of persons with albinism in East Africa. We explore how traditional beliefs create stigma, discuss the global disability rights movement, and examine community-based solutions to protect vulnerable populations. This conversation will inform you on lesser-understood human rights issues related to witchcraft accusations worldwide.

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Buy Book: Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language: Hereditary Deafness on Martha’s Vineyard Co-Authored by Nora Groce

Disability & Inclusion Network Africa

Prof. Nora Groce on World Disability Day

CRIP CAMP Trailer

Check out our new podcast: The Thing About Salem on youtube!

End Witch Hunts U. S. Nonprofit Organization

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Transcript

Perspectives on Disability, Stigma, and Witchcraft Accusations with Dr. Nora Groce Download

May 6, 2025
The Myth of the Witches’ Flying Ointment with Michael Ostling

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of explicit sexual content related to historical witchcraft allegations.

In this scholarly episode of Witch Hunt Podcast, hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack welcome historian Dr. Michael Ostling to examine one of witchcraft history’s most persistent legends: the hallucinogenic flying ointment.

Dr. Ostling carefully separates historical evidence from modern misconceptions, revealing how contemporary interpretations often reflect our own misogynistic projections rather than the experiences of those accused of witchcraft. Through thoughtful analysis, this episode respects the memory of innocent victims while providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how witchcraft myths evolve and persist across centuries.

This conversation challenges popular assumptions and offers valuable historical context on this fascinating yet frequently misunderstood aspect of witch hunt history.

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Michael Ostling’s Research

Buy: Fairies, Demons, and Nature Spirits ‘Small Gods’ at the Margins of Christendom, edited by Michael Ostling

Buy: Emotions in the History of Witchcraft, co-edited by Michael Ostling

Buy: Between the Devil and the Host Imagining Witchcraft in Early Modern Poland, by Michael Ostling

Check out our new podcast: The Thing About Salem on youtube!

End Witch Hunts U. S. Nonprofit Organization

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Transcript

The Myth of the Witches’ Flying Ointment with Michael Ostling Download

April 29, 2025
Maryland Witch Trial Exoneration with Elizabeth Pugliese-Shaw

“Witch Hunt” explores Maryland’s forgotten witch trial history through a revealing conversation with attorney Elizabeth Pugliese-Shaw, who’s spearheading efforts to exonerate those accused of witchcraft in colonial Maryland. While the colony saw fewer witch trials than its Puritan neighbors, these cases still resulted in tragedy – including the 1685 execution of Rebecca Fowler and the death of Moll Dyer, who froze to death after townspeople drove her from her home.

Pugliese-Shaw discusses how Maryland’s unique status as a Catholic colony with religious tolerance laws may have influenced its handling of witch accusations. She shares promising developments in her exoneration campaign, including a pre-filed legislative resolution to posthumously clear the names of Maryland’s accused witches.

Through historical records and enduring local legends – including Moll Dyer’s story, which later inspired “The Blair Witch Project” – this episode illuminates a lesser-known chapter of colonial American history while examining modern efforts to address historical injustices.

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⁠Maryland House Joint Resolution 2

MD Witch Exoneration Project Website

Sign the Maryland Petition

Sign the Massachusetts Petition

Witch Hunt podcast

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Transcript

Maryland Witch Trial Exoneration with Elizabeth Pugliese-Shaw Download

January 16, 2025
Speak of the Devil with Richard Raiswell

Explore the fascinating evolution of the concept of Satan in Western civilization with medieval devil lore expert Dr. Richard Raiswell from the University of Prince Edward Island. Dr. Raiswell reveals how our modern understanding of the devil emerged not only from biblical texts, but through centuries of popular belief and cultural transformation.

Discover why the devil has endured, reflecting society’s deepest fears across eras – from ancient monasticism to witch hunts, Cold War politics, and contemporary debates. This episode challenges common misconceptions about the devil’s biblical origins while tracing his powerful influence on Western thought, religion, and culture.

Keywords: devil, Satan, medieval history, theology, Western culture, witch hunts, Richard Raiswell, religious history, demonology, Christian theology

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⁠Richard Raiswell

Devil 2024 Conference ⁠

⁠Free Ticket to Connecticut Remembrance Event February 1, 2025⁠

⁠Remembering the Innocent Victims of the Connecticut Witch Trials – Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project⁠

⁠Contribute to End Witch Hunts⁠

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Transcript

Speak of the Devil with Richard Raiswell Download

January 8, 2025