When we think of witches, we might picture broomsticks, spells, and Halloween costumes, but behind those images lies a history of fear, control, and power.

In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Rachel Christ-Doane, Director of Education at the Salem Witch Museum, to uncover the truth about the Salem Witch Trials and the deeper human patterns that made them possible. They explore how tension, uncertainty, and moral panic led neighbors to turn on one another, and why those same dynamics still echo in modern society.

Their conversation moves beyond myth to reveal the real story: how ordinary people became both accusers and accused, how fear fueled injustice, and how the archetype of the “witch” evolved into a symbol of autonomy and empowerment.

From scapegoating and social anxiety to pop culture and reclaiming identity, this episode invites listeners to look closely at what history can teach us about courage, conformity, and the enduring need to question collective fear.

Key Takeaways

• Scapegoating as instinct: When fear takes hold, people often look for someone to blame, usually those who already live outside accepted norms.

• Patterns that repeat: The witch trials reveal how easily societies slip into moral panic and how similar dynamics still surface in modern culture.

• The witch as mirror: What began as an accusation became an archetype, now reclaimed by many as a symbol of self-trust, empowerment, and rebellion.

• Empathy over villainy: Even those who fueled the trials were human, acting out of fear and belief. Seeing their humanity helps us recognize our own biases.

• Curiosity as resistance: Learning history through empathy and open inquiry reminds us that awareness, not denial, is what keeps history from repeating itself.

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.

Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com

Connect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman

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The guest on this episode, Rachel Christ-Doane is the Director of Education at the Salem Witch Museum. She holds a BA in History from Clark University and MA in History and Museum Studies from Tufts University. As Director of Education she trains museum docents, works with students and teachers, creates educational programming, oversees exhibit curation, and engages in a range of research. Her recent publications include, “The Salem Witch Trials Memorial: Finding Humanity in Tragedy” (Smithsonian Folklife, 2022) and “The Untold Story of Dorothy Good, Salem’s Youngest Accused Witch” (American Ancestors, 2023).

Connect with Rachel and learn more:

Website: www.salemwitchmuseum.com

Instagram: @salemwitchmuseum