Witch Hunt Podcast | Listen on Amazon Music

Witch Hunt

Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack

Witch Hunt is the essential witch trials podcast for students, researchers, academics, descendants of witch trial victims, advocates, and everyone else interested in this intriguing subject. We cover the past, present, and future of witch-hunting in search of solutions that will help end witch hunts. Join us for an immersive journey through the intriguing and often misunderstood world of witch trials, both historical and contemporary. #salemwitchtrials #witchhunt #witchtrials (Formerly Thou Shalt Not Suffer: The Witch Trial Podcast) Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/support read less
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Episodes

The Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project Marks Anniversary of Exoneration
Today
The Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project Marks Anniversary of Exoneration
Join us for a special episode marking the first anniversary of the groundbreaking legislation that cleared the names of Connecticut’s witch trial victims. On May 25, 2023, House Joint Resolution 34 was adopted, officially absolving the innocent victims of the colonial witch trials and offering a formal state apology to their descendants. In this episode, hear from the five advocates who founded the Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project in 2022 as they reflect on their journey to legislative success, share their personal experiences, and discuss the profound impact of the 2023 resolution. We'll delve into their efforts to raise awareness, the plans for a state memorial, and how this historical victory resonates with the ongoing modern witch hunt crisis worldwide. Don't miss this insightful conversation about justice, remembrance, and the continued fight against wrongful persecution. Come Visit Us On Youtube ConnecticutWitchTrials.org CT W.I.T.C.H. Memorial State Representative Jane Garibay Mary-Louise Bingham’s YouTube video at Proctor's Ledge about Connecticut victims Diana DiZoglio Senate Floor Speech Exoneration of Elizabeth Johnson, Jr. 05/26/22 Support Us! Buy Book Titles Mentioned in this Episode from our Book Shop Sign the Petition to recognize those accused of witchcraft in MassachusettsList of those accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts Youtube - Connecticut Witch Trials with Dr. Scott Culpepper Windsor Historical Society New London Connecticut Historical Society Historical Sites with witch trial ties First Church in Windsor Connecticut's Old State House Barnard Park also known as South Green Hartford Ancient Burial Ground Witch Hunt: Connecticut Witch Trials episodes Connecticut Witch Trials with Beth Caruso and Tony Griego of CT WITCH Memorial Should Connecticut Witch Trial Victims be Exonerated? Connecticut Witch-Hunts and John Winthrop, Jr. with Dr. Scott Culpepper Descendants of Connecticut Witch Trial Victims Introducing The Last Night, a Connecticut Witch Trials Play Between God and Satan with Beth Caruso and Katherine Hermes Representative Jane Garibay on Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Legislation Goody Bassett, Accused Witch of Stratford, Connecticut Andy Verzosa on Museums, Mary Barnes, and Farmington, Connecticut Connecticut Witch Trials 101, Part 1 Connecticut Witch Trials 101, Part 2: Witchcraft Belief, the Founding of Connecticut, and Alice Young Connecticut Witch Trial Victim Exoneration Testimony with William and Jennifer Schloat Connecticut Witch Trials 101 Part 3: 1648-1661 Connecticut Witch Trials 101 Part 4: The Hartford Witch-Hunt of 1662-1665 Before Salem with Richard S. Ross III Connecticut Witch Trials 101 Part 5: 1666 to 1691 Connecticut Witch Trials 101 Part 6: 1692 and Beyond --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/support
The Once and Future Witch Hunt with Alice Markham-Cantor
May 8 2024
The Once and Future Witch Hunt with Alice Markham-Cantor
We present a thought-provoking episode that considers the enduring legacy of witch hunts, tracing their historical roots through the Salem Witch Trials to the present day with Martha Carrier descendant and author Alice Markham-Cantor. Her personal journey and research, lead our reflection on the economic, political, and personal motivations driving witch hunts. Witch hunt history reveals how accusations of witchcraft, intertwined with social disputes and global dynamics, persist across time, necessitating a call for historical truth, awareness of ongoing injustices, and activism against this continuing phenomenon. Alice’s new book, The Once and Future Witch Hunt: A Descendant’s Reckoning from Salem to the Present, releases May 8, 2024, and stay tuned to awitchstory.com for updates on the new documentary, A Witch Story, featuring Alice. Buy the book "The Once and Future Witch: A Descendants Reckoning from Salem to the Present" By Alice Markham Cantor https://www.alicemarkhamcantor.com/ https://awitchstory.com/ United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8. Elimination of harmful practices related to 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 'Witch Hunt' Podcast Episode: Ending Sorcery Accusation Related Violence in Papua New Guinea with Miranda Forsyth 'The Briefing' Podcast Episode: Why Witch Hunts are Still Happening in 2024 with Miranda Forsyth End Witch Hunts Why Witch Hunts are not just a Dark Chapter from the Past The International Network against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices Grassroots organizations working with The International Network --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/support
The Intersection of Spiritual Belief and Gender Roles in Hinduism with Akanksha Madaan and Amit Anand
May 4 2024
The Intersection of Spiritual Belief and Gender Roles in Hinduism with Akanksha Madaan and Amit Anand
This comprehensive discussion brings together experts Dr. Akanksha Madaan and Dr. Amit Anand, focusing on witch hunts, the intersection of spirituality and gender roles in societies, particularly within Hinduism, and comparisons with African contexts. Dr. Madaan, an Assistant Professor of Law with extensive study in Victimology, and Dr. Anand, also an Assistant Professor who has researched violence against women in India, including aspects of witchcraft and honor-based abuse, discuss the historical and sociocultural facets of witch-hunting. They examine how witch hunts have been influenced by various factors, including patriarchal structures, lack of education, and misconceptions about religious and spiritual practices. The conversation extends beyond India, touching on similar practices in Africa and drawing parallels to historical European witch trials, highlighting the universal scapegoating of women in such accusations. The discussion underscores the complexity of tackling witch hunts, calling for multidimensional approaches involving law, education, and community engagement to address this grave human rights issue. Film: Testimony of Ana End Witch Hunts AVARNAN | SHORT FILM | NAVEEN SURESH | AMAL OSCAR | SHAMAL CHACKO | VISHNU SUJATHAN - YouTube Why Witch Hunts are not just a Dark Chapter from the Past The International Network against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices Grassroots organizations working with The International Network International Alliance to End Witch Hunts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/support
Harmful Traditional Practices with Naveen Suresh and Samantha Spence
Apr 24 2024
Harmful Traditional Practices with Naveen Suresh and Samantha Spence
This episode features a comprehensive discussion on superstitions and their impact on child rights in India, specifically focusing on the harmful ritual of Pillai Thookkam. The guests, Naveen Suresh, a PhD researcher on anti-superstition law in India, and Dr. Samantha Spence, an expert in human rights law, dive into the legal, cultural, and psychological aspects of superstitions and their enforcement. Naveen shares unsettling details about Pillai Thookkam, a ritual involving putting babies at risk without safety measures, to highlight the severe neglect of child rights under the guise of tradition. Both guests discuss the complexities of applying existing laws against such practices, emphasizing the importance of scientific temper, education, and mental health awareness. The episode concludes with insights into how media and education can play pivotal roles in combating superstitions and fostering a rational and empathetic societal outlook towards child welfare. Street Play on Witch Hunting by I-CARD Film: Testimony of Ana End Witch Hunts AVARNAN (The Colorless People) | SHORT FILM | NAVEEN SURESH Why Witch Hunts are not just a Dark Chapter from the Past The International Network against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices Grassroots organizations working with The International Network International Alliance to End Witch Hunts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/support
Cotton Mather and the Demoniac with Brendan Walsh
Apr 17 2024
Cotton Mather and the Demoniac with Brendan Walsh
In today's episode, we sit down with Brendan Walsh, an expert in Early Modern Intellectual History and Religion to examine a chilling account of a 17th century demonic child possession in Connecticut, as chronicled in Cotton Mather’s "Memorable Providences Relating To Witchcrafts And Possessions." Brendan takes us through the golden age of demonic possession, spotlighting significant figures such as the English exorcist John Darrell and notorious New England minister Cotton Mather. As we consider the account of the "Boy of Tocutt," Brendan elucidates how such reports reflect the fundamental Puritan perceptions of the diabolical or malevolent and their assault on the spiritually weak. Join us for a fascinating journey into the past, exploring how immemorial  beliefs in witchcraft, the devil’s pact, demonic obsession and possession continue to shape our understanding of evil in our society and ourselves. "The Boy of Tocutt" and the Demonic Covenant in Seventeenth-Century New England Demonology Memorable Providences Relating to Witchcrafts and Possessions Salem Witch-Hunt Daily Report Save Ingersoll's Tavern Facebook Group Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project Facebook Group Sign the MA Witch Hunt Justice Project Petition Join One of Our Projects Support Us! Buy Books from our Book Shop End Witch Hunts  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/support
The Ultimate Introduction to the Salem Witch Trials
Apr 10 2024
The Ultimate Introduction to the Salem Witch Trials
Witch Hunt presents “The Ultimate Introduction to the Salem Witch Trials,” the first episode of the Salem Witch-Hunt 101 series. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the Salem Witch Trials, emphasizing the event's extensive reach, the variety of people involved, and its unique characteristics compared to other witch hunts in history. We discuss the origins and progression of the witch hunt, debunking myths and shedding light on the social, legal, and political factors feeding the crisis. Also covered are some of the key accusers, victims, opposition, and lasting legacy of the trials, with an emphasis on the importance of remembrance and learning from this dark chapter in history. Hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack, descendants of people hanged for witchcraft in the Salem Witch-Hunt, welcome you to explore the witch-hunt in great detail in this episode and the rest of the series. Look for much more in-depth Salem coverage over the coming months and years. Salem Witch-Hunt 101 Bibliography A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience by Emerson W. Baker The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-By-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege by Marilynne K. Roach Records of the Salem Witch-Hunt by Bernard Rosenthal, editor The Ruin of All Witches: Life and Death in the New World by Malcolm Gaskill Witchcraft: A History in Thirteen Trials by Marion Gibson The Once & Future Witch Hunt: A Descendant's Reckoning from Salem to the Present by Alice Markham-Cantor Marion Gibson on Witchcraft A History in 13 Trials Owen Davies on Grimoires, Magic, and Witch Hunts Finding Your Salem Witch Trial Ancestors with David Allen Lambert Malcolm Gaskill on The Ruin of All Witches --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/support
Witchcraft Accusations in Ghana with John Azumah
Apr 3 2024
Witchcraft Accusations in Ghana with John Azumah
Joined by John Azumah, an expert who sheds light on the origins and societal impacts of witchcraft accusations, we navigate the intricate landscape of family disputes, community fears, and the national efforts to combat this grave injustice. Our journey takes us into the heart of communities torn apart by fear and suspicion, where accusations of witchcraft have long led to banishment and the resulting formation of 'witch camps.' Azumah's insights offer a profound look at the cultural and societal dynamics that perpetuate these practices, as well as the ongoing struggles to reintegrate victims into their communities amidst threats of re-accusation and violence. This episode is a deep dive into the efforts at various levels to address and hopefully eradicate the stigma and harm caused by these ancient accusations, highlighting the urgent need for reform and protective measures for those unjustly accused. Recommended Reading United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8. Elimination of harmful practices related to 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 Websites of Note The Sanneh Institute: Research, Religious, Society Total Life Enhancement Center, Ghana Songtaba.org  Securing Basic Rights for Women and Girls Women's International League for Peace and Freedom  Action Aid Ghana Legal Resource Centre Ghana Amnesty International, Ghana End Witch Hunts Why Witch Hunts are not just a Dark Chapter from the Past The International Network against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices Grassroots organizations working with The International Network International Alliance to End Witch Hunts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/support
Witchcraft Accusations and Gender Inequality with Dr. Samantha Spence
Mar 6 2024
Witchcraft Accusations and Gender Inequality with Dr. Samantha Spence
In this poignant episode of "Witch Hunt" we're honored to welcome Dr. Samantha Spence back. Merging the commemorative spirits of International Women's Day and Women’s History Month into a deep dive on the entwined paths of witch-hunting and women's struggles worldwide, Dr. Spence brings to light the multifaceted adversities that ensnare women accused of witchcraft - from social ostracization to economic hardships, legal injustices, and educational blockades. These barriers not only underscore their marginalization but also underscore the urgency of a collective global response. Through our discussion, Dr. Spence underscores the pivotal role of international collaboration, enhanced data gathering, and rigorous research in crafting both national and global strategies to counteract these injustices comprehensively. A staunch advocate for gender equality, she points out the transformative power of education for all genders and the undeniable influence of female leadership in dispelling harmful myths, challenging age-old stereotypes, and uplifting communities. Furthermore, Dr. Spence passionately argues for the critical necessity of healthcare access, with a particular emphasis on sexual and reproductive health services, as a cornerstone in safeguarding women's rights and well-being. Join us as we explore these essential themes with Dr. Spence, gaining insights into how solidarity, knowledge, and action can illuminate the darkest corners of witch hunts and pave the way for a just, equitable future that inspires inclusion. The International Network Against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8. Elimination of harmful practices related to 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 Pan African Parliament Guidelines for Addressing Accusations of Witchcraft and Ritual Attacks Film: Testimony of Ana Why Witch Hunts are not just a Dark Chapter from the Past Storymap explaining the dynamics of sorcery accusation related violence End Witch Hunts Movement  Petition to recognize those accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/support
15 Minutes on Witch-Hunts in India with Neelesh Singh
Mar 1 2024
15 Minutes on Witch-Hunts in India with Neelesh Singh
In this episode of Witch Hunt, hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack explore the troubling issue of gender-based violence in India, including witch hunts, with expert Neelesh Singh from India's National Rural Livelihood Mission. Singh focuses on gender issues and social inclusion, discussing the prevalent issues of witch hunting. Singh emphasizes the importance of collective action by women's collectives, sensitizing them to these issues and empowering them to support their fellow members. A case of witch-branding is discussed, portraying the real-life horrors these women face and detailing how theatre training and ongoing involvement can help them heal and raise awareness in their communities. The episode concludes with the positive impact of a public display of support for a victimized woman, which led to a significant signature campaign prompting the local chief minister to issue a stand against witch-branding and -hunting in the state. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation 00:58 Understanding Gender-Based Violence in India 02:14 The Role of Women Collectives in Tackling Gender-Based Violence 03:39 Real-Life Stories of Witch-Branding and Collective Action 07:31 The Power of Theater in Healing and Awareness 11:13 Collective Action and Public Support Against Witch-Branding 13:35 The Impact of Collective Action and Future Strategies 14:37 Conclusion and Farewell --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/support
A Voice Against Injustice: Neelesh Singh on Witch Hunts in India
Feb 28 2024
A Voice Against Injustice: Neelesh Singh on Witch Hunts in India
In this episode of Witch Hunt, we dive into an enlightening conversation with Neelesh Singh, a champion for social inclusion and gender equality with India's National Rural Livelihood Mission. Neelesh emphasizes the urgent imperative to confront and mitigate gender-based violence at every stage of life, highlighting the importance of comprehensive strategies that protect and empower individuals from infancy through to old age.From combating infanticide to empowering widow survivors of witchcraft allegations, Neelesh's work spans a broad spectrum of initiatives aimed at fostering resilience, healing, and collective empowerment among women in rural India. Learn about therapeutic approaches including art therapy for expression and healing, the formation of women's collectives to combat domestic violence, and the development of strategies for prevention, risk mitigation, and redressal of gender-based violence. Neelesh also discusses the importance of survivor networks in influencing policy and media, underscoring the critical role of the state in acknowledging and combating these practices. Join us for a profound discussion on the journey towards gender equity and the end of witch hunts for alleged witches in India. Witch Hunts in Ghana & India by John Azumah & Neelesh Singh 10.13.21 Streethttps://youtu.be/gjqaLyt5d6w?si=94JqfPJQYMM1b6ys Play on Witch Hunting by I-CARD Film: Testimony of Ana End Witch Hunts Stop Witchcraft Accusations and Trial by Ordeal in Guinea Bissau by Leo Igwe Why Witch Hunts are not just a Dark Chapter from the Past The International Network against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices Grassroots organizations working with The International Network International Alliance to End Witch Hunts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/support