New to The Thing About Witch Hunts? We recommend these episodes for an overview of historic witch trials and contemporary witchcraft accusations. These introductory episodes cover The Thing About Witch Hunt‘s main themes. Subjects include the European witch trials, the Salem Witch Trials, Connecticut’s witch trials, and the Massachusetts Witch Trials. Several of these episodes also discuss contemporary human rights abuses against persons accused of witchcraft. These episodes discuss harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks and spiritual and ritual abuse.
Marion Gibson on Witchcraft a History in 13 Trials
Join us for a fascinating discussion on the history of witchcraft persecution with scholar Marion Gibson. In her book “Witchcraft: A History in Thirteen Trials,” Gibson examines over 600 years of witch hunting through pivotal trials. Subjects range from the demonology theories of Heinrich Kramer in the 15th century to modern accusations of “witch hunts.”
Gibson provides an in-depth look at how notions of magic and the stereotype of the “witch” have evolved over centuries. She talks about how the witch has served as a scapegoat for broader societal fears and prejudices. Women accused of being too outspoken, sexually deviant, or simply not conforming to strict gender roles have been especially vulnerable to charges of witchcraft. Gibson traces how this myth persists today in contemporary cases of witchcraft-related violence across the world.
By humanizing the victims of historic witch hunts, Gibson aims to reveal ongoing injustices and prevent such persecution today. Tune in for this timely and enlightening discussion on the gendered and political dimensions of witch hunting past and present!
The Ultimate Introduction to the Salem Witch Trials: Salem Witch-Hunt 101 Part 1
Take a look at one of history’s most infamous and mystifying events with our podcast episode, “The Ultimate Introduction to the Salem Witch Trials (Salem Witch-Hunt 101 Part 1).” Hosted by Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack, direct descendants of individuals entangled in the Salem Witch Trials, this episode unravels the complex web of fear and human dynamics that led to the notorious witch hunt of 1692-1693 in colonial America.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the origins, key players, legal proceedings, and the societal conditions that paved the way for the trials. From the initial accusations sparked by the mysterious afflictions of Betty Parris and Abigail Williams to the tragic outcomes and lasting legacy of the trials, join us as we navigate through the intricate details of this pivotal moment in history.
Ikponwosa Ero on Ending Witch Hunts
In this profound interview, Ikponwosa Ero unpacks her work advocating for human rights of victims of witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks. As a lawyer by training and a former United Nations Human Rights Council member, she shares her professional journey, early migration from Nigeria to Canada, and personal experience living with albinism. Through the interview, she provides extensive data on the nature and scale of the problem, explaining the global presence of harmful practices beyond Africa, in North and South America and Europe. She talks about her contribution at the United Nations, emphasizing the importance of human rights framework in combating these harmful practices. The conversation also covers the need for grassroots collaborations, the collection of reliable data, the importance of cross-movement partnerships, and the role of climate change in these harmful practices.
Witch Trials and Modern Witchcraft Accusations: Insights from 100 Episodes
In this milestone 100th episode of Witch Hunt Podcast, hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack reflect on their journey of exploring historical witch trials and modern witchcraft accusations. The episode begins with a recap of the podcast’s evolution from its initial focus on early modern witch trials to its current coverage of the ongoing global crisis of witch hunts. The hosts discuss their exploration of historical witch trials in various locations, particularly in New England and Europe, delving into the social, religious, and political factors that contributed to these events. They examine the impact of witch trials on individuals, families, and communities, both historically and in the present day.
Massachusetts Witchcraft Trials 101 Part 1: 1648-1656
This introduction to the history of witch trials in Massachusetts focuses on the period before the infamous Salem Witch Trials. We discuss the early witchcraft accusations and trials in Boston and other parts of Massachusetts. The conversation highlights key cases and the social dynamics that fueled these events. The hosts provide detailed accounts of several individuals accused of witchcraft, including Margaret Jones, Alice Lake, Elizabeth Kendall, and Anne Hibbins, among others. They explore the themes of child envy, the role of confession, and the harsh realities faced by those accused.
Connecticut Witch Trials 101, Part 1
Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack introduce the first part of their Connecticut Witch Trials 101 series. This episode serves as an introduction to witch-hunting in Connecticut, covering the period between 1647 and 1697. During this time, 45 individuals were accused of witchcraft, 34 were indicted, and 11 were executed. The first execution was Alice Young in 1647, and the last was Mary Barnes in 1663. Although the last execution occurred in 1663, trials continued until 1697, with the final indictments involving Winifred Benham, Sr. and her daughter.
Modern Witch-Hunts 101 Part 1: A Dialogue on the Nature of Today’s Witch Persecutions
Josh and Sarah look into the disturbing phenomenon of modern-day witch-hunts. They explore how and why these atrocities are happening today, drawing parallels with historical witch trials. The episode features a special announcement from Mary Louise Bingham about the Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project’s recent success in passing House Joint Resolution 34, which acknowledges the innocence of 34 indicted witch trial victims in Connecticut.
Jordan Alexander Discusses Spiritual and Ritual Abuse
In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Jordan Alexander, chair of the National Working Group in the United Kingdom on spiritual and ritual abuse (SARA). Discover the shocking reality of this often-overlooked form of abuse and its alarming rise in modern society.
Key points covered:
✔️ What is spiritual and ritual abuse?
✔️ The 43% increase in SARA cases in the UK since 2017
✔️ Challenges in addressing SARA globally
✔️ The role of media in perpetuating harmful stereotypes
✔️ Importance of training professionals to recognize SARA
Dr. Leo Igwe on the Deadly Witch-Hunts of the 21st Century
In this powerful episode, Josh and Sarah are joined by Dr. Leo Igwe, a leading advocate against modern witch-hunts. Dr. Igwe shares his experiences and insights on the ongoing crisis of witch-hunting in the 21st century. The discussion covers the historical connections between past and present witch hunts, the current situation in various countries, and the efforts needed to end these human rights abuses.
World Day Against Witch Hunts
Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack discuss the ongoing issue of witchcraft accusations and the violence associated with them. They highlight the severe consequences for victims, including physical violence, social ostracization, economic deprivation, mental health issues, and even death. The episode is dedicated to World Day Against Witch Hunts, observed on August 10th, and focuses on exposing those who facilitate violence against individuals accused of witchcraft.
Key Topics:
- Introduction to World Day Against Witch Hunts
- Nature of Witch Hunts
- Historical and Modern Context
- Causes and Motivations
- Consequences for Victims
- Efforts to Combat Witch Hunts
- How to Get Involved