The Salem Witch Trials

Aug 18, 2023

This podcast episode delves into the infamous Salem Witch Trials, exploring its causes, consequences, and theories. It discusses the accusations, mass hysteria, and possible hallucinogenic poisoning. The speakers also touch on topics like witches in popular culture, Marvel films, and the dark history of witchcraft. They delve into the role of patriarchy, the lack of evidence in the trials, and the manipulation and psychological abuse inflicted on groups. This informative and entertaining discussion draws parallels to modern-day issues and challenges societal beliefs.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

The Context and Causes of the Salem Witch Trials

01:56 • 5min

Introductions and Preview of the Salem Witch Trials

06:55 • 4min

Career Break and Pandemic Parties

11:01 • 9min

Problematic Themes in Books: Twilight and the Negative Impact on Young Girls' Sexual Identity

19:42 • 17min

Exploring Witches and Witchcraft in Popular Culture

37:09 • 4min

Marvel Films, Paul Rudd, and Harry Potter

41:10 • 24min

The Salem Witch Trials: A Tale of Hysteria, Politics, and Religious Persecution

01:04:57 • 5min

Henry's Role in the Christian Belief and Other Topics

01:09:44 • 2min

DNA Sample Collection and Historical Revolts

01:11:45 • 3min

Religious Conflicts and the Impact on Business Owners and Homeowners

01:14:24 • 26min

The Practice of Witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials

01:40:28 • 23min

Origins of Hysteria and Pleasure Stimulation

02:02:59 • 4min

Role of Doctors and Lack of Evidence in the Salem Witch Trials

02:07:29 • 18min

Patriarchy and Control: Reflections on the Salem Witch Trials

02:25:56 • 4min

Exploring the Relationship Between Patriarchy and Class in the Salem Witch Trials

02:29:42 • 2min

The Salem Witch Trials and Their Connections to Other Events

02:31:46 • 2min

Origins of the Salem Witch Trials and Involvement of European Witches

02:33:19 • 2min

Religious Persecution and Torture

02:35:32 • 15min

Racism Towards Travelers on Social Media

02:50:05 • 21min

Belief in Witchcraft and Harmful Intent

03:11:05 • 3min

Witchcraft, Magic, and Devilry

03:13:40 • 11min

Salem Witch Trials: Accusations and Ergot Poisoning

03:24:41 • 29min

Effects of ingesting drugs and a mention of a sponsor

03:53:47 • 3min

Lube, Vibrators, and Accidental Discoveries

03:56:28 • 12min

Motivations of Accused Women in the Salem Witch Trials

04:08:48 • 18min

Manipulation and Psychological Abuse

04:26:22 • 12min

The Use of Spectral Evidence and the Rushed Nature of the Salem Witch Trials

04:38:03 • 2min

The Salem Witch Trials: Witches, Cakes, and Torture

04:40:25 • 16min

Accused Women and Tortured Confessions

04:56:31 • 26min

The Dark History of Witchcraft

05:22:46 • 14min

The Sleepy Comedian and Their TikTok Videos

05:36:45 • 6min

DEEP DIVE -

On this episode we discuss one of histories most enduring mysteries where accusations flew and farcical trials condemned many young women to death in the name of religious purity which was disguising political subterfuge and using fear of the unknown as a tool of control; this one is all about The Salem Witch Trials.

In 17th Century Massachusetts newly settled puritans began a campaign of accusations against potential witches in their community. Largely led by the testimonies of young girls against other young girls, this crusade against the forces of darkness was a thinly veiled attempt to gain control of a newly emerging civilisation in a new country.

There are many theories as to why the girls acted as they did, and mass psychosis and even hallucinogenic poisoning are cited as the cause of these frivolous and deadly claims. We discuss it all and a whole lot more.

You can watch/listen to the video version of this episode on the Patreon Only feed that now integrates with Spotify. Just click this link https://open.spotify.com/episode/5hnUbxbRfK1QaXdmNvAly9?si=ocQ6EAlKRaC7mdBO_SPBrQ and link your accounts and get Patreon Only content direct to your Spotify app!

Joining me on this episode are comedians Ailish McCarthy and Betsy Speer. You can find them both here:

Ailish can be found here https://www.instagram.com/thesleepycomedian/ and check out her podcast The Party T*ts here https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-party-t-ts/id1541995084 as well as many many live gigs all over the place including The Paddy Power Comedy Festival, Cherry Comedy, and The Craic Den among others.

Betsy can be found here https://www.instagram.com/betsyspeercomedy/ and check out her podcast https://www.instagram.com/badbookbash/ her website here https://www.betsyspeer.com/ and many other live shows she does all over Ireland and beyond like Hysteria Comedy, The Comedy Crunch, and The Comedy Cellar.

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