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.

The conversation then shifts to efforts to exonerate and memorialize victims of historical witch trials, highlighting the importance of these initiatives for justice and education. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing modern witch hunts, also known as harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks. The hosts outline the United Nations' recognition of this issue as a human rights concern and various efforts by governments, NGOs, and grassroots organizations to address the problem. They emphasize the need for a multi-faceted approach to combat these harmful practices, including education, legal reform, community engagement, and challenging harmful beliefs.

Towards the end of the episode, Josh and Sarah announce their upcoming speaking engagements at two academic conferences on witchcraft in England, where they'll discuss modern witch hunts, exoneration efforts, and their project tracking spiritual and ritual abuse in the United States. This comprehensive episode serves as both a retrospective of the podcast's journey and a call to action for addressing ongoing issues related to witchcraft accusations worldwide.

Skeletons in the Closet: The Memorialization of George Jacobs Sr. and Rebecca Nurse after the 1692 Witch-Hunt

End Witch Hunts

The International Network Against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices

International Alliance to End Witch Hunts

Massachusetts Witch Hunt Justice Project

Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project

Witchcraft accusations continue to lead to death around the world. Join us for a rousing discussion of this global crisis happening now.

Welcome to Witch Hunt, the podcast raising awareness of  the violent reality of modern witchcraft accusations. Rather than being a relic of the past, witchcraft accusations remain a devastating issue in many parts of the world, leading to violence, ostracization, economic deprivation, mental health crises, and even death.

In recognition of this global crisis, August 10th has been designated World Day Against Witch Hunts. This year’s theme, "Exposing the Witchfinders," focuses on those who incite violence by suggesting witchcraft as the cause of problems or identifying individuals as witches.

Today's episode examines the role of witchfinders—individuals exploiting faith and belief for personal gain. We’ll explore who they are, their operations, motivations, and the profound impact they have on their victims. Including key insights in the voices of global advocates who have been guests on our podcast, we invite you to join us as we uncover the stark reality behind witchcraft accusations and advocate for a world free from such violence.

Links

Donate: End Witch Hunts UK AdvocacyTrip Fund

World Day Against Witch Hunts August 10th

Germain Aid Agency Missio Website

End Witch Hunts

Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project

Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project

Witch Hunt Website

Salem Witch-Hunt Education Project

Stop Sorcery Violence in PNG

Sorcery National Action Plan

The International Network

Fighting the Wildfire of SARV

Australian National University Wildfire StoryMap Announcement 

Witchcraft Beliefs Around the World: An Exploratory Analysis

BorisGershman.com

Advocacy for Alleged Witches, Nigeria

Advocacy Against Witch Hunts, South Africa

International Alliance to End Witch Hunts

Witch-Hunting in European and World History - Ronald Hutton

Why Witch Hunts are not just a Dark Chapter from the Past

African Witchfinder Documentary 2018

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

In this episode, hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack explore the complex relationships between religion, politics, and harmful practices in India. Joined by experts Arjun Philip George and Giresh Kumar J, they discuss:

1. The persistence of caste-based discrimination across religious lines in India

2. The role of religious texts and traditions in perpetuating gender inequality

3. Challenges in reforming deeply ingrained cultural and religious practices

4. The impact of political leaders and parties on reinforcing or challenging harmful practices

5. The tension between constitutional values and religious beliefs in Indian society

6. The struggle for women's rights in religious contexts, including the Sabarimala temple controversy

7. The use of religion in politics and its effects on India's democratic fabric

8. The difficulty of separating harmful practices from mainstream religious beliefs

9. The need for progressive education and individual choice in religious matters

Key topics:

- Caste system

- Gender discrimination

- Secularism in India

- Religious reform

- Constitutional rights vs. religious practices

- Political use of religion

Guests:

- Arjun Philip George: Legal scholar with expertise in violence against women on social media platforms

- Giresh Kumar J: Professor of international human rights and social justice

- Samantha Spence: Associate Professor of International Human Rights and Social Justice

This episode provides a thought-provoking look at how witch hunt mentalities persist in modern forms, particularly through the lens of religious and cultural practices in India.

End Witch Hunts

Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project

Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project

Witch Hunt Website

Salem Witch-Hunt Education Project

Learn more about Spiritual and Ritual Abuse

In this episode of Witch Hunt, host Antonio Stuckey narrates the life and tragic fate of Martha Carrier, a victim of the Salem Witch Trials. Described by some contemporaries as a “rampant hag” and “the queen in hell,” Martha Carrier has long fascinated people with her take-no-grief attitude in court and her steadfast denial of guilt.

Born Martha Allen in Andover, she married Thomas Carrier and faced suspicion and accusations of witchcraft after a smallpox epidemic hit her community. Despite maintaining her innocence, Martha and her children were arrested and coerced into confessions. She was convicted based on biased testimonies and hanged on August 19, 1692. Her name was cleared in 1711, and she is remembered with memorials honoring her strong character.

Witch Hunt: The Once and Future Witch Hunt with Alice Markham-Cantor

Alice Markham-Cantor, The Once and Future Witch Hunt: A Descendant's Reckoning from Salem to the Present

Emerson W. Baker, A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience

Mary Beth Norton, In the Devil's Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692

Bernard Rosenthal, editor, Records of the Salem Witch-Hunt

Richard Hite, In the Shadow of Salem: The Andover Witch Hunt of 1692

Marilynne K. Roach, The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-By-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege
Stacy Schiff, The Witches: Suspicion, Betrayal, and Hysteria in 1692 Salem

In this gripping episode of Witch Hunt, host Josh Hutchinson unravels the shocking tale of George Burroughs, a Harvard-educated minister who became an unlikely victim of the Salem Witch Trials. 

Imagine a respected minister accused of being the ringleader of witches and a servant of Satan. How did George Burroughs, once a village minister, find himself at the center of one of history's most infamous witch hunts?

Josh takes listeners on a haunting journey through Burroughs' life, from his early days as a frontier preacher to his final moments on the gallows. You'll hear spine-chilling accounts of supposed supernatural feats, whispers of murdered wives, and tales of secret witch meetings led by this "little black beard man."

But was Burroughs truly guilty, or was he caught in a perfect storm of fear and injustice? The episode explores the web of accusations, the dramatic trial, and the heart-wrenching execution.

With twists and turns worthy of a thriller, this true story challenges our understanding of justice and the power of fear. From courtroom drama to family tragedy, the tale of George Burroughs will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the Salem Witch Trials.

This is one witch hunt story you won't want to miss!

Emerson W. Baker, A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience

Mary Beth Norton, In the Devil's Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692

Bernard Rosenthal, editor, Records of the Salem Witch-Hunt

Marilynne K. Roach, The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-By-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege

Stacy Schiff, The Witches: Suspicion, Betrayal, and Hysteria in 1692 Salem

Hear the first court proceedings of the Salem Witch Trials: the questioning of Sarah Good, Sarah Osburn, and Tituba on March 1 and 2, 1692.

Donate: End Witch Hunts UK Advocacy Trip Fund

End Witch Hunts

Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project

Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project

Witch Hunt Website

Salem Witch-Hunt Education Project

Learn more about SARA

Thank you for joining us for this narrative history of the Salem Witch Trials. This third part of our Salem Witch-Hunt 101 series focuses on the first arrests and interrogations of Sarah Good, Sarah Osburn, and Tituba in late February and early March 1692. 

On Witch Hunt, the people and key events are real. The examinations are taken directly from the historical record. The depositions of afflicted persons Elizabeth Hubbard and Ann Putnam Jr. are paraphrased for natural conversation, while the deposition of the adult men Samuel Parris, Thomas Putnam, and Ezekiel Cheever is presented verbatim. 

Join us as we spend time in the early moments of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, based on actual words from the historical documents. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious listener, this episode promises to be both informative and enjoyable. 

Links:

Witch-Hunting in European and World History - Ronald Hutton

Donate: End Witch Hunts UK Advocacy Trip Fund

End Witch Hunts

Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project

Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project

Witch Hunt Website

Salem Witch-Hunt Education Project

Learn more about SARA

In this 15-minute episode, Jordan Alexander, chair of the UK’s National Working Group on Spiritual and Ritual Abuse (SARA), joins Witch Hunt hosts Josh Hutchinson, Mary Bingham, and Sarah Jack. Jordan explores the complexities of spiritual and ritual abuse, providing concrete examples, discussing the UK’s systemic response, and highlighting the need for awareness and legislative changes.

Prism Training, Safeguarding Solutions for Professionals

Spiritual and Ritual Abuse Conference: Survivor Stories, Manchester UK, November 27, 2024

A Little Town Loses a Star

Learn more about SARA

Donate: End Witch Hunts UK Advocacy Trip Fund

End Witch Hunts

Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project

Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project

Witch Hunt Website

Salem Witch-Hunt Education Project

In this edition of Witch Hunt Victim Stories, Sarah Jack tells the story of Rebecca Nurse, a victim of the Salem Witch Trials, who was hanged on July 19, 1692.

The story of Rebecca Nurse is tragic. Born Rebecca Towne in 1621, Rebecca was seventy-one years old when she was arrested, and she had been in bed a week when she was hauled away from home. She languished in chains more than three months before she was brought out for her trial. At first she was acquitted, but then she was convicted. Next, she was reprieved, but then that was revoked and a death warrant was issued. All the while, Rebecca and her family and friends told anyone who would listen that she was innocent. Refusing to confess to something she did not do, Rebecca ultimately lost her life.

She is remembered today in multiple memorials, and her legacy lives on through her countless descendants.

For more listen to our episode, Rebecca Nurse of Salem with Dan Gagnon, which was released on December 29, 2022.

Please see also the following:

Witch Hunt: Rebecca Nurse of Salem with Dan Gagnon

Emerson W. Baker, A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience

Mary Beth Norton, In the Devil's Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692

Bernard Rosenthal, editor, Records of the Salem Witch-Hunt

Daniel A. Gagnon, A Salem Witch: The Trial, Execution, and Exoneration of Rebecca Nurse

Marilynne K. Roach, The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-By-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege

Marilynne K. Roach, Six Women of Salem: The Untold Story of the Accused and Their Accusers in the Salem Witch Trials

Stacy Schiff, The Witches: Suspicion, Betrayal, and Hysteria in 1692 Salem

In this edition in our Witch Hunt Victim Stories series, Mary Bingham tells the story of Sarah Wildes, a victim of the Salem Witch Trials. 

On July 2, 1692, Sarah Wildes was convicted of afflicting Mercy Lewis with malefic witchcraft. Learn about her life and trial in this poignant episode. 

Emerson W. Baker, A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience

Mary Beth Norton, In the Devil's Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692

Bernard Rosenthal, editor, Records of the Salem Witch-Hunt

Marilynne K. Roach, The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-By-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege

Stacy Schiff, The Witches: Suspicion, Betrayal, and Hysteria in 1692 Salem