The Thing About Witch Hunts Podcast

Category: Ritual Attacks

World Day Against Witch Hunts 2025 with Mary Bingham: Ancient Fears, Modern Victims
The Thing About Witch Hunts: World Day Against Witch Hunts 2025

Episode Description

Join hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack as they sit down with fellow End Witch Hunts nonprofit board member Mary Bingham for a powerful discussion about modern-day witch hunts and spiritual ritual abuse in the United States. In this special episode commemorating World Day Against Witch Hunts (August 10th), we explore the devastating reality of supernatural fears that continue to harm vulnerable people in over 60 countries worldwide.

What You’ll Learn
- The connection between historical witch trials and contemporary spiritual abuse cases
- How modern witch hunts manifest in the United States and globally
- The devastating impact on society’s most vulnerable members
- Personal insights from descendants of Salem witch trial victims
- Actionable ways to combat these harmful practices through education and awareness
Featured Guest

Mary Bingham – End Witch Hunts nonprofit board member and advocate. Mary’s compelling research draws crucial connections between historical persecution and contemporary cases of harm inflicted on those believed to be spiritually or diabolically possessed.

Key Topics Discussed
- Spiritual and Ritual Abuse: Understanding how supernatural fears manifest in harmful practices today
- Global Crisis: The scope of witch hunt-related violence across 60+ countries
- Historical Connections: How past and present persecution share common roots
- Personal Impact: Why this work holds deep meaning for Salem descendants
- Path Forward: Education and awareness as tools for change
Important Dates

World Day Against Witch Hunts: Sunday, August 10th

About The Thing About Witch Hunts

Hosted by Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack, this podcast examines the historical and contemporary reality of witch hunts, exploring their impact on vulnerable communities worldwide and advocating for education and awareness to end these harmful practices.

About End Witch Hunts

End Witch Hunts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about modern-day witch hunts and working to raise awareness about supernatural-based persecution and violence.

Resources

About World Day Against Witch Hunts

About Spiritual and Ritual Abuse

Attend the Online Expert Panel Event August 10th

SarahWildes1692 on Youtube

Read Article: Salem to San Jose by Mary Bingham

Read Blog Post: Understanding Ritualistic Crime

Ghana: Branded for Life Report

Global Review: Addressing Harmful Practices Related to Witchcraft Accusations

Content Warning

This episode discusses violence and harm against vulnerable individuals, including cases of spiritual and ritual abuse that may be disturbing to some listeners.

If you found this episode meaningful, please share it to help raise awareness about World Day Against Witch Hunts and the ongoing work to end these harmful practices.

⁠

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Links

About World Day Against Witch Hunts

About Spiritual and Ritual Abuse

Attend the Online Expert Panel Event August 10th

SarahWildes1692 on Youtube

Read Article: Salem to San Jose by Mary Bingham

Read Blog Post: Understanding Ritualistic Crime

Ghana: Branded for Life Report

Global Review: Addressing Harmful Practices Related to Witchcraft Accusations

Transcript

World Day Against Witch Hunts 2025 with Mary Bingham Download
August 5, 2025
Forensics, Witchcraft Accusations, and Ritual Murders with Dr. Keith Silika

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Dr. Keith Silika, a Zimbabwean-born criminal investigator whose extraordinary journey has positioned him at the crossroads of two worlds most of us never see intersect.

Raised between his father’s traditional healing practice and devout Catholic faith, Dr. Silika brings an unprecedented perspective to one of today’s most misunderstood and dangerous phenomena, ritual attacks. From his early days in Zimbabwe’s police force to his current work in England’s law enforcement and academic circles, he’s witnessed firsthand how supernatural beliefs continue to cause modern-day violence and persecution.

This isn’t your typical true crime discussion. It’s a deep dive into the complex intersection of culture, belief, justice, and human rights that will inspire you to explore this critical issue further and engage in important conversations about protecting vulnerable communities worldwide.

Warning: This episode contains discussions of violence and harm that some listeners may find disturbing.

Friendship Bench Website

Dr. Silika’s Report: Forensic Investigation and Prevention of Witchcraft-Related Harmful Practices: A Study of Law Enforcement and Human Rights Perspectives in Southern Africa

Forensic Investigation and Prevention of Witchcraft-Related Harmful Practices: A Study of Law Enforcement and Human Rights Perspectives in Southern Africa

Dr. Silika’s Article: Running for Community Healing: Why I Ran the Manchester 10K for the Friendship Bench

The International Network Against Witchcraft Attacks and Ritual Abuse

⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠

Support Us! Buy a book from our independent book shop

⁠

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

⁠⁠Friendship Bench Website

Dr. Silika’s Report: Forensic Investigation and Prevention of Witchcraft-Related Harmful Practices: A Study of Law Enforcement and Human Rights Perspectives in Southern Africa

Forensic Investigation and Prevention of Witchcraft-Related Harmful Practices: A Study of Law Enforcement and Human Rights Perspectives in Southern Africa

Dr. Silika’s Article: Running for Community Healing: Why I Ran the Manchester 10K for the Friendship Bench

The International Network Against Witchcraft Attacks and Ritual Abuse

⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠

Support Us! Buy a book from our independent book shop

Transcript

Forensics, Witchcraft Accusations, and Ritual Murders with Keith Silika Download

July 29, 2025
Miss Albinism Africa with Sierra Leone’s Daniella Garrick
In this powerful episode, we explore the discrimination faced by persons with albinism across Africa through conversations with two remarkable advocates from the Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism (SLAPWA).

Join us as we welcome back Jay Kamara, a familiar voice to our listeners, alongside Daniella Garrick, a model, youth leader, and advocate who is representing Sierra Leone in the upcoming Miss Albinism Africa pageant in June 2025.

Our guests share how marginalized communities can transform visibility from a source of vulnerability into a platform for challenging misconceptions. Through initiatives like the Miss Albinism Africa pageant, they demonstrate how advocacy can operate effectively for communities that have faced persistent discrimination.

This episode offers valuable insights into:
- The specific support needed by persons with albinism in Sierra Leone
- How pageantry becomes an unexpected vehicle for profound human rights advocacy
- Ways you can participate in these important advocacy efforts
How to support: The Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism is seeking support for Daniella’s travel, accommodation, and competition expenses for the Miss Albinism Africa pageant. Learn more at albinismsierraleone.org or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/slapwa17.

Witch Hunt is dedicated to helping you learn about others’ experiences and providing meaningful opportunities to take action. Join us for this transformative conversation.

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Listen and subscribe wherever you enjoy podcasts:

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Audible

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Links

email: slapwa.sl@gmail.com

Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism

Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism Facebook Page

End Witch Hunts U. S. Nonprofit Organization

Pro Victimis

Medical Assistance Sierra Leone

Transcript

Miss Albinism Africa with Sierra Leone’s Daniella Garrick Download
April 1, 2025
Human Rights Day and Albinism: Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond on Witchcraft Accusations and Ritual Attacks

On Human Rights Day, December 10th, marking 75 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we explore one of humanity’s ongoing challenges: how differences continue to be met with fear, persecution, and violence.

We welcome special guest Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, United Nations Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Persons with Albinism, for a critical discussion that epitomizes Human Rights Day 2024. Her vital work documents how harmful practices and ritual attacks continue to threaten the lives of persons with albinism in Africa and globally, challenging the fundamental principles the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created to protect.

Our conversation examines how beliefs that lead to harm continue to target persons with albinism, particularly women and children. Through the framework of United Nations Resolution 47/8 on accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks, we explore how countries worldwide are developing protective measures while respecting cultural contexts.

As we mark International Human Rights Day and its vision of dignity for all people regardless of race, color, religion, abilities, or status, this discussion provides both a sobering look at ongoing human rights challenges and hope through education, awareness, and community engagement. Join this crucial exploration of human rights protection, where harmful practices meet National Action Plans, and learn how global communities are working together to ensure safety and dignity for persons with albinism.

#HumanRightsDay #PersonsWithAlbinism #UnitedNations #HumanRights #AlbinismRights

Listen in Your Favorite App

Listen and subscribe wherever you enjoy podcasts:

Apple

Spotify

YouTube Music

Amazon music

Audible

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player fm

Tunein + alexa

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Links

United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8

Study on the situation of the violations and abuses of human rights rooted in harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks, as well as stigmatization

Papua New Guinea Sorcery and Witchcraft Accusation-Related Violence National Action Plan

Pan African Parliament Guidelines for Addressing Accusations of Witchcraft and Ritual Attacks

IK Ero On Next Steps For Ending Witch Hunts TINAAWAHP

Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism

Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism Facebook Page

Pro Victimis

Medical Assistance Sierra Leone

End Witch Hunts

Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project

Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project

Salem Witch-Hunt Education Project

Transcript

Human Rights Day and Albinism_ Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond Reports on Witchcraft Accusations and Ritual Attacks Download

December 10, 2024
Modern Witch Hunts: Human Rights and Legal Solutions with Kirsty Brimelow KC
Explore the pressing global challenge of modern witch hunts with Kirsty Brimelow KC, one of Britain’s leading human rights barristers and incoming vice chair of the Bar Council. Drawing parallels between harmful traditional practices worldwide, Brimelow shares insights from her groundbreaking work developing protection orders and contributing to the 2021 United Nations resolution on witch hunting and ritual attacks.

Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and violence related to witchcraft accusations.

Brimelow shares expert insights on developing effective community engagement strategies while respecting cultural sensitivities. She demonstrates how fear and deeply held beliefs can trigger accusations, illustrating her points with compelling examples from her extensive legal career, policy development work, and international case studies. This episode provides essential context for understanding modern witch hunts as a contemporary global human rights issue requiring coordinated international response. Through examining successful interventions against FGM, we explore proven strategies for combating harmful traditional practices through combined legal action and community engagement.

Join us for this critical discussion about protecting vulnerable populations and building effective systems for monitoring and preventing witch hunting in the modern world.

Key Topics Covered:
- Religious freedom and harmful traditional practices
- Comparative analysis of legal approaches to FGM and witchcraft accusations
- Role of religious leaders in perpetuating or preventing accusations
- Challenges facing law enforcement in remote communities
- Connection between disability discrimination and witchcraft allegations
- Implementation strategies for the 2021 UN resolution
- Global initiatives targeting elimination of harmful practices by 2030
Listen in Your Favorite App

Listen and subscribe wherever you enjoy podcasts:

Apple

Spotify

YouTube Music

Amazon music

Audible

iHeartradio

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player fm

Tunein + alexa

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Links

Kirsty Brimelow KC

National FGM Centre

United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8. Elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks

Pan African Parliament Guidelines for Addressing Accusations of Witchcraft and Ritual Attacks

Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights: Study on the situation of the violations and abuses of human rights rooted in harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks, as well as stigmatization

World Day Against Witch Hunts

End Witch Hunts

Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project

Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project

Maryland Witches Exoneration Project

Witch Hunt Website

End Witch Hunts Bookshop

Transcript

Modern Witch Hunts_ Human Rights and Legal Solutions with Kirsty Brimelow KC Download
December 3, 2024
On Protecting Persons with Albinism with Jay Mohammed Osman Kamara

Safeguarding Persons with Albinism

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 from his experiences and presentation at the Witchcraft and Human Rights Conference, Kamara reveals how deeply-rooted supernatural beliefs fuel deadly misconceptions, discrimination, and ritual attacks against persons with albinism. The conversation examines SLAPWA’s grassroots advocacy, community education initiatives, and protection strategies, while highlighting how the climate crisis creates extreme vulnerabilities for the community. Learn about the critical need for enhanced data collection, stronger government protections, and international cooperation in safeguarding persons with albinism. Content warning: This episode contains discussions of discrimination, violence, and suicide. Crisis support resources – United States: call/text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org; United Kingdom: call 111 or text SHOUT to 85258; Canada: call/text 988; Sierra Leone: dial 019.

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 to learn more and become a partner for persons with albinism:

email: slapwa.sl@gmail.com

SLAPWA

SLAPWA Facebook Page

End Witch Hunts U. S. Nonprofit Organization

Pro Victimis

Medical Assistance Sierra Leone

Transcript

On Protecting Persons with Albinism with Jay Mohammed Osman Kamara Download

November 19, 2024