Stigma, Silence, and Survival: Women Accused of Witchcraft

Why do witchcraft accusations persist in modern India, and how do gender and caste inequalities fuel this cycle of violence despite legal protections?Join Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack for a powerful conversation with  Bharvi Shahi, currently pursuing her LL.M. at Christ University, Bengaluru, and Razina Ahmed, Assistant Professor of Law at the School of Law, Presidency University, Bengaluru about from their research work in Northeast India's tribal communities and international human rights law.they explore the complex intersection of belief, tradition, and human rights violations in Northeast India's tribal communities related to witchcraft accusations.What You'll Learn:Understand the critical difference between cultural beliefs and harmful practices under international human rights law. Explore how accusations emerge within community structures when illness or misfortune strikes and medical care is inaccessible. Learn why India's state-level witchcraft laws face massive implementation challenges, and discover the reality of witch-hunt victim communities living in isolation. Our guests reveal how patriarchal structures weaponize supernatural accusations to control and exclude women.Razina Ahmed shares firsthand research challenges, including the startling moment an NGO declined to help her visit a village of survivors, revealing how deeply stigma affects even those working in advocacy. Bharvi Shahi examines how freedom of belief becomes weaponized against the most vulnerable: widows, elderly women, and those with disabilities. This episode reveals how community fear, social isolation, and supernatural accusations create complexities that legal protections alone cannot resolveKeywords: witch hunts India, tribal communities Northeast India, witchcraft accusations, gender-based violence, human rights violations India, superstition and law, vulnerable women, Assam tribal communities, Implementing Human rights, belief vs harmful practicesLinksMore Podcast Episodes Discussing Witchcraft Accusations in IndiaSign the Petition: MA Witch Hunt Justice Project Join One of Our ProjectsThe Thing About Salem PodcastBuy Books in Support of End Witch Hunts NonprofitBirubala Rabha: A life of chasing witch hunters

Playwright Laurie Flanigan-Hegge, two directors, and a puppet artist discuss staging "Prick," a play about Scottish witch trials, now opening in Chicago November 6-16. In August 2023, we spoke with playwright Laurie Flanigan-Hegge about Prick, her play about the Scottish witch trials. It had just premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.Two years later, the play has traveled to New Orleans, Wellington (New Zealand), and opens November 6-16, 2025 at the Den Theater in Chicago.We reunite with Laurie and puppet artist Madeline Helling, and meet two directors: Jeff Mills of Chicago's Proboscis Theater Company and Amy Chaffee from Tulane University.The conversation covers what it's like staging historical violence, why the single puppet design works so powerfully, and how a play about 17th-century Scotland keeps finding new relevance.About the PlayPrick examines the Scottish witch trials through three women: an Unknown Woman lost to history, Marioun Twedy of Peebles, and Isobel Gowdie. The title refers to "pricking"—searching accused women's bodies for the "devil's mark" with sharp instruments.The play moves between past and present, uses dark humor and Scottish folk music, and centers on a single haunting puppet created by Madeline Helling.What They DiscussThe rehearsal process: Both directors talk about the challenge of staging the pricking scenes, even with a puppet. Jeff's Chicago cast continues working through how to show violence respectfully. Amy's New Orleans students couldn't bring the instrument near the puppet—they performed the gesture from twelve feet away.The puppet's power: Madeline designed one puppet to represent all the accused women. It's specific enough to feel real, neutral enough that audiences project onto it. The puppet travels between productions and comes back to her for repairs.Contemporary connections: The play addresses ongoing witch hunts in countries where witchcraft remains a state crime. Amy teaches in Louisiana and discusses working in a politically charged environment. Jeff talks about theater as "rehumanization" in response to current dehumanization.The music: Both productions use songs by Heal and Harrow, a folk duo who created an album for the Witches of Scotland Campaign. Jeff adds Scottish guitar with electronics. Amy's students performed acapella arrangements.Cultural complications: Amy reflects on taking the play to Wellington, New Zealand—a colonial capital—at a conference focused on integrating Māori culture with acting and voice techniques. The play deals with Scotland as both colonized and colonizer, which created complex responses from audiences of different backgrounds."Remembrance Is Resistance"This Witches of Scotland Campaign motto runs through the conversation. The campaign seeks pardons and memorials for nearly 5,000 documented accused. They created a tartan anyone can wear to show support.At Tulane, one student built a monument inscribed with every name from the database and installed it in the lobby.Chicago ProductionNovember 6-16, 2025 The Den Theater, Milwaukee Avenue Tickets: thedentheatre.com (search "Prick")Two weekends only. Proboscis Theater Company's production features new jackdaw puppets and is reaching out to both theater audiences and Chicago's pagan communities.LinksGet Tickets to the Chicago Production at the Den Theatrewww.healandharrow.comNational Archives, Scotland, Early Modern Witch TrialsPrick: A Play of the Scottish Witch Trials Podcast EpisodeSign the Petition: MA Witch Hunt Justice Project Join One of Our ProjectsThe Thing About Salem Podcast

Episode DescriptionWhat do vampires, werewolves, and dragons tell us about ourselves? In this fascinating exploration of monsters in culture and society, we dive deep into why humanity has always been obsessed with creatures that go bump in the night.From the etymology of "monster" (Latin "monstrum" - to warn or demonstrate) to modern cryptids and creepypastas, discover how these frightening figures serve as mirrors reflecting our deepest fears, repressed desires, and cultural anxieties. Learn why monsters aren't just entertainment—they're essential tools for processing trauma, establishing moral boundaries, and creating social cohesion. We'll also examine the dangerous consequences of labeling real humans as monsters—and why this rhetoric prevents understanding, distances us from accountability, and can lead to dehumanization and violence.Key Topics CoveredThe Nature of MonstersWhat defines a monster and the true meaning behind the wordCategories: supernatural beings, humanoid creatures, the undead, cryptids, and human monstersWhy witches became one of history's most enduring monster figuresThe Psychology of FearHow monsters reflect our fear of ourselvesThe intersection of monsters with our anxieties, values, and hopesWhy we're drawn to "delicious fear" in safe contextsCultural Function of MonstersMonsters as warnings that prefigure societal problemsHow monster stories help us handle trauma and explore taboosThe role of monsters in teaching moral boundaries and creating in-groupsThe Danger of Labeling Humans as MonstersWhy dehumanization prevents understandingHow calling people "monsters" distances us from accountabilityThe real-world consequences of monster rhetoricWinning Against MonstersClassic tactics: hunting, outwitting, finding weaknessesThe power of team-ups, protective magic, and courageWhy we need triumph stories to overcome our fearsEpisode Highlights✨ Monsters are cultural constructs that serve as societal mirrors 🧠 Understanding the Latin roots: "to show," "to warn," "to demonstrate" ⚠️ The problem with labeling real people as monsters 💪 How monster stories ultimately help us find courage and triumphEpisode Highlights✨ Monsters are cultural constructs that serve as societal mirrors 🧠 Understanding the Latin roots: "to show," "to warn," "to demonstrate" ⚠️ The problem with labeling real people as monsters 💪 How monster stories ultimately help us find courage and triumphKeywordsmonsters, cultural anthropology, folklore, mythology, psychology of fear, cryptids, supernatural beings, werewolves, vampires, social cohesion, moral boundaries, dehumanization, monster stories, horror culture, cultural fears, societal anxieties, creepypasta, witches in historyConnect With UsHave your own thoughts on what monsters reveal about society? Share your perspective and join the conversation!#Monsters #Folklore #CulturalStudies #Psychology #Horror #Mythology #PodcastLinksPlay the Episode: Ain't Slender Man Scary with Sean & Carrie Ain't It Scary With Sean and Carrie Podcast Sign the Petition: MA Witch Hunt Justice Project Join One of Our ProjectsThe Thing About Salem Podcast

What makes a monster? In this spine-tingling episode, Josh and Sarah welcome back fellow podcasters Sean and Carrie from the hit show Ain't it Scary with Sean and Carrie to explore one of the internet's most notorious creations: Slender Man.From creepypasta legend to real-world tragedy, discover how this faceless, tentacled entity became modern folklore and what it reveals about our relationship with monsters. Four podcasters who love things that go bump in the night dive deep into digital horror, viral legends, and—because it's The Thing About Witch Hunts—somehow end up discussing the Salem witch trials.Whether you run toward mysterious figures in the woods or away from them, this episode will make you question why we create monsters and what happens when fictional nightmares bleed into reality.Episode Highlights🎃 What is Slender Man? - The origins of the internet's most infamous boogeyman 👻 Creepypasta to Crisis - How digital folklore goes viral in the modern age 🕯️ Monster Theory - Why do we need monsters? Why do we treat humans as monsters? 🔮 Salem Connections - The unexpected link between witch hunts and modern monster-making 🎙️ Skeptic Meets Spooky - Sean and Carrie return with their signature perspectives on the paranormalAbout Our Returning GuestsSean & Carrie host Ain't it Scary with Sean and Carrie, where a skeptic and a believer explore the unknown, unsolved, unbelievable, and just plain weird. With their passion for history and uncovering truth, they bring complementary perspectives to every mystery they tackle.KeywordsSlender Man, creepypasta, digital folklore, internet legends, monsters, witch hunts, Salem witch trials, paranormal podcast, horror podcast, Ain't it Scary, folklore, urban legends, monster theory, viral horror, true crimeListen & SubscribeDon't wander off the path—subscribe to The Thing About Witch Hunts and join us every episode as we explore the monsters, myths, and witch hunts throughout history.Also check out: Ain't it Scary with Sean and Carrie wherever you listen to podcasts!Keep the porch light on. 🎃LinksAin't It Scary With Sean and Carrie Podcast Sign the Petition: MA Witch Hunt Justice ProjectJoin One of Our ProjectsThe Thing About Salem Podcast

Dr. Richard Raiswell, Dr. David Winter, and Dr. Mikki Brock—co-editors of The Routledge History of the Devil in the Western Tradition explore the devil's complex history, from his biblical origins to his evolution through Western culture. Discover how the devil has been weaponized to demonize marginalized groups throughout history and examine his surprising presence in contemporary society.The devil's backstory and biblical originsHow the devil's image transformed across different historical periodsThe dark history of demonization and scapegoatingThe devil's role in witch hunts and persecutionModern manifestations of devil imagery and symbolismExpert insights from the comprehensive Routledge History collectionDr. Richard RaiswellDr. David Winter - Dr. Mikki Brock - Key Topics CoveredDevil mythology and theologyHistorical persecution and witch huntsCultural representations of evilThe devil in Western traditionReligious history and demonologySocial scapegoating through historyThe Routledge History of the Devil in the Western Tradition features contributions from 30 scholars, offering the most comprehensive examination of the devil's role in Western culture and history.Subscribe to The Thing About Witch Hunts for more deep dives into the fascinating intersection of history, culture, and belief.#WitchHunts #DevilHistory #HistoryPodcast #Demonology #ReligiousHistory #CulturalHistoryLinksBuy the book "The Routledge History of the Devil in the Western Tradition" Halloween Episodes on The Thing About Witch Hunts PodcastsThe Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠The Thing About Witch HuntsSupport the nonprofit End Witch Hunts Podcasts and Projects

This October, we're diving into the fascinating story of Margaret Jones—the first woman tried for witchcraft in Massachusetts—through Andrea Catalano's debut novel The First Witch of Boston. Josh and Sarah explore this gripping historical fiction that sheds light on a witch trial that happened decades before Salem, in 1648. Discover why this lesser-known story deserves your attention and hear from the author herself about bringing Margaret Jones's tale to life.October Witchcraft Season: Josh and Sarah kick off the spookiest month with increased witchcraft contentPre-Salem History: Learn about Massachusetts witch trials that occurred 44 years before the famous Salem trialsMargaret Jones's Story: The 1648 execution that changed colonial historyAuthor Interview: Exclusive conversation with debut novelist Andrea CatalanoChart-Topping Success: How this historical fiction novel reached the top of Amazon chartsHistorical Accuracy Meets Fiction: Why Margaret Jones's story was "ripe for telling"First Massachusetts witch trial (1648)Margaret Jones executionPre-Salem witchcraft persecutionColonial Boston historyHistorical fiction as a vehicle for forgotten women's storiesAndrea Catalano's research and writing processThe First Witch of Boston by Andrea CatalanoGenre: Historical FictionSubject: Margaret Jones, executed for witchcraft in 1648Amazon bestseller with positive critical receptionIf you're interested in:Witch trial history beyond SalemColonial American historyWomen's forgotten storiesHistorical fictionOctober/Halloween contentWitchcraft historyWitch trials, Massachusetts history, Salem witch trials, Margaret Jones, 1648, colonial America, witchcraft history, historical fiction, Andrea Catalano, The First Witch of Boston, Boston history, pre-Salem witch hunts, Halloween podcast, October episodes, women's history, forgotten historyJoin Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack every week for your dose of witchcraft history. Subscribe to The Thing About Witch Hunts for more fascinating stories about persecution, superstition, and the women who were accused.Perfect listening for October, Halloween season, or anytime you want to explore the darker corners of American colonial history.⁠Buy the book: The Last Witch of Boston, Andrea Catalano⁠Buy the book with John Winthrop transcriptions on Margaret Jones: Witch Hunting in 17th Century New England by  David D. HallHalloween Episodes on The Thing About Witch Hunts PodcastsThe Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠⁠The Thing About Witch HuntsSupport the nonprofit End Witch Hunts Podcasts and Projects

Why This Crossover?Hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack are featuring The Thing About Salem podcast on The Thing About Witch Hunts podcast to introduce our listeners to our companion 15 minute sized episode podcast! Both shows are produced by the End Witch Hunts nonprofit, and we want to make sure you don't miss out on the incredible stories we're telling about Salem's witch trials. This crossover episode gives Thing About Witch Hunts listeners a taste of the detailed historical storytelling you'll find over on The Thing About Salem.What if the Salem witch trials could have been prevented? In this compelling crossover episode, we examine the critical turning points between January 1692 and May 1693 when different decisions could have stopped America's most notorious witch hunt in its tracks.From the arrest of four-year-old Dorothy Good to Martha Carrier's infamous designation as "Queen of Hell," we explore how a series of escalating choices transformed a local Massachusetts crisis into colonial America's deadliest legal disaster.Historical Turning PointsCritical moments when the Salem witch trials could have been haltedThe shocking case of Dorothy Good, the youngest accused witchHow local accusations spiraled into regional hysteriaKey Historical FiguresCotton Mather and his contradictory influence on the trialsGovernor William Phips and his delayed interventionMartha Carrier and her notorious title as "Queen of Hell"The role of judges, ministers, and community leadersGeographic SpreadSalem Village and Salem Town dynamicsHow 45 Andover residents became entangled in accusationsThe regional impact across Massachusetts Bay ColonyLegal and Social AnalysisSpectral evidence and its dangerous precedentCourt procedures that enabled the witch hunt's growthCommunity tensions that fueled the accusationsThis crossover episode reveals how a perfect storm of fear, superstition, and poor decision-making created one of America's darkest chapters. We examine the moments when cooler heads could have prevailed and the individuals who either fanned the flames or attempted to restore reason.The Salem witch trials (1692-1693) resulted in the execution of 20 people and the imprisonment of hundreds more. This episode explores the human decisions behind the historical tragedy and the lessons we can learn about mass hysteria, due process, and the importance of critical thinking in times of crisis.Colonial American historyLegal history and judicial reformSocial psychology and mass hysteriaWomen's history and gender dynamics in early AmericaReligious history and Puritan societyTrue crime and historical mysteriesSalem witch trials, Massachusetts Bay Colony, Cotton Mather, spectral evidence, Dorothy Good, Martha Carrier, Governor Phips, Andover witch trials, colonial America, Puritan society, mass hysteria, historical true crime, 1692 witch hunt, Salem Village, judicial historyJoin The Thing About Salem and The Thing About Witch Hunts for this special crossover episode exploring how different choices could have changed the course of American history.This episode contains historical content about persecution, execution, and legal proceedings from the 17th century. Listener discretion advised.Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription ProjectMassachusetts Court of Oyer and Terminer Documents, ⁠The Salem Witch Trials Collection, Peabody Essex MuseumRecords of the Salem Witch-HuntThe Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts

With his highly anticipated debut graphic novel "More Weight: A Salem Story" releasing, Massachusetts-born author Ben Wickey joins us for an exclusive pre-launch interview about this Alan Moore-praised "appalling masterpiece." The Edward Gorey Award-winning artist's first solo work tells the harrowing tale of Giles Corey, the only person pressed to death under stones during the infamous 1692 Salem Witch Trials.What makes this upcoming graphic novel release extraordinary? Beyond Wickey's stunning and unmatched visual storytelling that brings historical horror to visceral life, he is a descendant of Salem Witch Trial victim Mary Easty, bringing deeply personal perspective to this decade-long project that Publishers Weekly compared to "From Hell." We explore the pre-release excitement, Wickey's meticulous research using historical documents, and his innovative dual-timeline narrative featuring Nathaniel Hawthorne interludes. Using the graphic novel format, Wickey cuts through pop culture mythology to restore the genuine horror and humanity of Salem's history.Discover how Corey transformed from testifying against his wife Martha to defiantly uttering his final words "more weight," and why this Salem witch hunt story will captivate readers everywhere.#SalemWitchTrials #BenWickey #MoreWeight #GraphicNovel #HistoricalHorrorBuy the Graphic Novel "More Weight" Read the Alan Moore World Blog: Ben Wickey An Extraordinary Enchanter More Weight Preview Page on TopShelfComix.com Sign the Petition: MA Witch Hunt Justice Projectwww.massachusettswitchtrials.orgThe Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts

Nearly 100 years after Salem, a German immigrant widow in Vermont faced trial by water ordeal for witchcraft. In 1785, Margaret Krieger was dropped through ice into the freezing Hoosick River—and survived.Guests:Joyce Held, Pownal Vermont Historical Society - researcher who uncovered Margaret's full storyJamie Franklin, Bennington Museum Curator - connected the trial to post-Revolutionary War political tensionsKey Points:Margaret Schumacher Krieger (1725-1790) married Johann Krieger in 1741, moved to frontier VermontAfter Johann's death in 1785, neighbors accused her of witchcraft to seize the family's mill and landRecent research suggests the family were Loyalists, adding political motivation to the accusationsMargaret was acquitted after surviving the water test and moved back to MassachusettsModern Legacy:Historical marker installed 2023 at Strobridge Recreation Park, North Pownal, VTAnnual Witches Walk commemorating "extraordinary women" - next event September 13, 2025Connect:Facebook: Pownal Historical SocietyWebsite: www.pownal.orgThis case reveals how witchcraft accusations often masked land disputes, cultural tensions, and political conflicts in post-Revolutionary America.LinksAmericans 1943: Realists and Magic-RealistsAP Article: Group seeks to clear names of all accused, convicted or executed for witchcraft in MASign the Petition: MA Witch Hunt Justice ProjectPownal Historical Society on FacebookBennington Museum Special ExhibitsWatch: New England Legends: Ghosts and Witches  Season 2024 Episode 2The Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts

Episode Summary: Jennifer Tozer, librarian at Pueblo Community College in Colorado, shares how she created "Witch Trials: Accusation to Exoneration" - a comprehensive month-long educational program running throughout October. When traditional museum exhibits weren't available, Jennifer built her own visual displays from scratch, featuring poster exhibits, author presentations, virtual tours with the Salem Witch Museum, and discussions connecting historical witch trials to modern-day accusations.For Educators: This episode offers practical inspiration for teachers looking to create engaging historical programming with limited budgets. Jennifer's approach demonstrates how to make distant history relevant to today's students while addressing misconceptions and encouraging critical thinking.Program Details: "Witch Trials: Accusation to Exoneration" runs throughout October at Pueblo Community College Library, featuring interactive exhibits, scavenger hunts, and community presentations.Perfect for history teachers, librarians, and educators interested in innovative programming that brings historical events to life for modern students.LinksBuy the book A Salem Witch by Dan A GagnonBuy the book The Heretics Daughter by Kathleen KentPueblo Community College's Humanities Newsletter with Witch Trials History Event DatesThe Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts