
Witch Hunt
Witch Hunt is the podcast of historical witch trials and modern-day witch-hunts. From the Salem Witch Trials to the ramifications of today's harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks, Witch Hunt covers it all. Tune in today to find out why Witch Hunt is an essential podcast for everyone interested in this intriguing subject.
#history #witchcraft #SalemWitchTrials #witchhunt
Latest episodes

Jun 30, 2024 • 15min
Witch Hunt 15: The Beginning of the Salem Witch-Hunt
In this brief episode, you'll hear the story of key events in Salem Village in February 1692.

Jun 28, 2024 • 26min
Story Mode: Origins of the Salem Witch Trials
What triggered the Salem Witch Trials? Join Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack on the 'Witch Hunt' podcast for this abridged edition of the second episode of their 'Salem Witch-Hunt 101' series. In this edition, Josh tells the story without interruption. Watch or listen as he expertly narrates the chilling events of February 1692 in Salem Village, focusing on the strange behaviors of Abigail Williams and Betty Parris that ignited fears of witchcraft. He explores the harsh winter, social tensions, and the reactions of the community, including the infamous 'witch cake' and accusations against Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba. Tune in for an engaging retelling of the early days of the Salem Witch Hunt, based on historical records.
Links
The Sermon Notebook of Samuel of Samuel Parris
End Witch Hunts
The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-By-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege
A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience
The Witches: Suspicion, Betrayal, and Hysteria in 1692 Salem
Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project
Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project
Witch Hunt Website

Jun 26, 2024 • 50min
The Salem Witch-Hunt Saga: Beginnings
What triggered the Salem Witch Trials? Join Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack on the 'Witch Hunt' podcast for the second episode of their 'Salem Witch-Hunt 101' series. Josh narrates the chilling events of February 1692 in Salem Village, focusing on the strange behaviors of Abigail Williams and Betty Parris that ignited fears of witchcraft. He explores the harsh winter, social tensions, and the reactions of the community, including the infamous 'witch cake' and accusations against Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba. In this unique episode, Sarah hears Josh's account for the first time, providing fresh reactions and questions that enhance the storytelling. The episode concludes with reflections on the motivations behind the Salem Witch Trials, with additional insights from Mary Louise Bingham. Tune in for an engaging retelling of the early days of the Salem Witch Hunt, based on historical records.
Links
The Sermon Notebook of Samuel of Samuel Parris
End Witch Hunts
The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-By-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege
A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience
The Witches: Suspicion, Betrayal, and Hysteria in 1692 Salem
Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project
Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project
Witch Hunt Website

Jun 24, 2024 • 13min
Salem Witch Museum: New Artifacts on Display
In this Bonus episode, we chat with Rachel Christ-Doane Director of Education for the Salem Witch Museum about their new artifacts for the exhibit, "Witches: Evolving Perceptions." The first case features four significant books from the 16th to 18th centuries:
- A 1600 edition of Heinrich Kramer’s Malleus Maleficarum.
- A 1586 edition of Johann Weyer’s De Praestigiis Daemonum.
- A 1729 edition of The Secrets of the Invisible World Disclos’d by Andrew Morton (Daniel Defoe).
- A 1796 edition of Robert Calef’s More Wonders of the Invisible World.
These books provide unique perspectives on early modern beliefs about witchcraft, from the notorious Malleus Maleficarum to the critical De Praestigiis Daemonum.
The second case explores witchcraft in popular culture with:
- An 1868 edition of the grimoire Les Secrets Merveilleux De La Magie Naturelle Du Petit Albert.
- A 1919 booklet, “Your Fortune in a Tea Cup,” by Dr. V.M Pierce.
- A signed first edition of Gregory Maguire’s Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.
- A signed first edition of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Rachel shares the stories behind these artifacts and the ongoing renovations at the museum. These new additions provide a deeper understanding of how perceptions of witchcraft have evolved over time.
Tune in to learn about these fascinating artifacts and their impact on the narrative of witchcraft through history and culture and how you can see them for yourself.
Salem Witch Museum

Jun 21, 2024 • 14min
Witch Hunt 15: The Puritans with Francis J. Bremer
Enjoy this bite-sized version of our conversation with Francis J. Bremer, historian of early New England and the Puritans on both sides of the Atlantic. We discuss who the Puritans were and whether they were zealous witch-hunters.
Full Episode: The Puritans with Francis J. Bremer
Massachusetts Historical Society, Papers of the Winthrop Family
Purchase "Puritanism: A Very Short Introduction" by Francis Bremer
Purchase "The Plymouth Puritans and the Beginning of English New England" by Francis Bremer
Purchase "John Winthrop:America's Forgotten Founding Father" by Francis Bremer
Purchase "First Founders: American Puritans and Puritanism in an Atlantic World" by Francis Bremer
Purchase "Puritans and Puritanism in Europe and America: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia" by Francis Bremer
Purchase "Lay Empowerment and the Development of Puritanism" by Francis Bremer
Support Us! Buy Book Titles Mentioned in this Episode from our Book Shop
Petition to recognize those accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts
List of those accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts
Come Visit Us On Youtube

Jun 19, 2024 • 52min
The Puritans with Francis J. Bremer
Dive into the world of the Puritans with Dr. Francis J. Bremer, a historian with over fifty years of expertise in 17th-century New England and Puritanism. Dr. Bremer sheds light on the core beliefs, historical context, and diversity within Puritanism, including the differences between New England Puritans and those who stayed in England. He discusses myths about Puritans as zealous witch hunters and reveals their lasting impact on society, education, and community values. Join us for an episode filled with historical insights and surprising revelations about this influential group.
Links
Massachusetts Historical Society, Papers of the Winthrop Family
Purchase "Puritanism: A Very Short Introduction" by Francis Bremer
Purchase "The Plymouth Puritans and the Beginning of English New England" by Francis Bremer
Purchase "John Winthrop:America's Forgotten Founding Father" by Francis Bremer
Purchase "First Founders: American Puritans and Puritanism in an Atlantic World" by Francis Bremer
Purchase "Puritans and Puritanism in Europe and America: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia" by Francis Bremer
Purchase "Lay Empowerment and the Development of Puritanism" by Francis Bremer
Support Us! Buy Book Titles Mentioned in this Episode from our Book Shop
Petition to recognize those accused of witchcraft in MassachusettsList of those accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts
Come Visit Us On Youtube

Jun 16, 2024 • 25min
Nathaniel Ingersoll and His Tavern in the Salem Witch Trials
In this special bonus episode of Witch Hunt, hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack detail the history of the Ingersoll's Tavern in Danvers, Massachusetts. The episode highlights Nathaniel Ingersoll and his wife's involvement in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, where their tavern served as a significant location for key events and imprisonments. The episode outlines various examinations, complaints, and testimonies that occurred at the tavern, and discusses how the Ingersolls and their associates participated in the witch hunts. The preservation efforts for this historical site, now under threat of decay, are also covered, emphasizing the importance of the tavern in understanding the infamous witch trials.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:48 The Ingersoll Family History
01:36 Ingersoll's Tavern and Its Role in Salem Witch Trials
03:12 Key Events and Testimonies at Ingersoll's Tavern
18:03 The Decline of Witch Hunt Activities at Ingersoll's
21:05 Post-Witch Hunt and Legacy of Nathaniel Ingersoll
23:45 Current Preservation Efforts and Conclusion
Petition to recognize those accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project
Salem Witch-Hunt Facebook Page
SAVE Ingersoll's Tavern Facebook Group
More on Ingersoll’s Ordinary

Jun 14, 2024 • 15min
Witch Hunt 15: Salem Aftermath with Tom Phillips
Enjoy this 15-minute version of "Salem Aftermath with Tom Phillips.
“Salem Aftermath" will be a drama series that explores the strained relationships following the Salem Witch-Hunt and the psychological impacts on those who lived through it like never before. Tom's extensive research and collaboration with leading scholars infuses real life perspective into this often sensationalized period. Find out which historical voices he has brought to life and how science enabled these stories to unfold. Additionally we discuss the powerful Massachusetts Witch Hunt Justice Project, an active effort working to exonerate the remaining accused witches of Massachusetts. Below, you can check out Tom Phillips' award-winning film "Chasing the Dead: Requiem," streaming now. Please see links below to get in touch with Tom’s team or to join the Justice Project efforts.
Full Episode: Salem Aftermath with Tom Phillips
Agency Representing "Salem Aftermath"
How to see Salem Witch Hunt Examine the Evidence through the Essex National Heritage Area
America’s Hidden Stories: Salem’s Secrets
Murderous Minister | National Geographic Expedition Week: Salem: Unmasking the Devil: Produced by Tom Phillips.
Trailer, Chasing the Dead: Requiem
Tom Phillips Interview on Chasing the Dead: Requiem film
Tom Phillips on IMDB.com
Support Us! Buy Book Titles Mentioned in this Episode from our Book Shop
Petition to recognize those accused of witchcraft in MassachusettsList of those accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts
Come Visit Us On Youtube

Jun 12, 2024 • 1h 4min
Salem Aftermath with Tom Phillips
Welcome to Witch Hunt, where we uncover the truths behind some of history's most compelling events. Today, we are joined by award-winning filmmaker Tom Phillips, who is here to discuss his new award-winning screenplay, "Salem Aftermath." “Salem Aftermath" will be a drama series that explores the strained relationships following the Salem Witch-Hunt and the psychological impacts on those who lived through it like never before. Tom's extensive research and collaboration with leading scholars infuses real life perspective into this often sensationalized period. Find out which historical voices he has brought to life and how science enabled these stories to unfold. Additionally we discuss the powerful Massachusetts Witch Hunt Justice Project, an active effort working to exonerate the remaining accused witches of Massachusetts. Below, you can check out Tom Phillips' award-winning film "Chasing the Dead: Requiem," streaming now. Please see links below to get in touch with Tom’s team or to join the Justice Project efforts.
Agency Representing "Salem Aftermath"
How to see Salem Witch Hunt Examine the Evidence through the Essex National Heritage Area
America’s Hidden Stories: Salem’s Secrets
Murderous Minister | National Geographic Expedition Week: Salem: Unmasking the Devil: Produced by Tom Phillips.
Trailer, Chasing the Dead: Requiem
Tom Phillips Interview on Chasing the Dead: Requiem film
Tom Phillips on IMDB.com
Support Us! Buy Book Titles Mentioned in this Episode from our Book Shop
Petition to recognize those accused of witchcraft in MassachusettsList of those accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts
Come Visit Us On YouTube

Jun 7, 2024 • 15min
Witch Hunt 15: Witch-Hunting and the Law in India
In this abridged version of "Legal Perceptions of Witch-hunting in India with Riya A Singh and Amit Anand," we learn about the existing laws against witch-hunting in some Indian states and the need for a national law to curb these harmful practices.
For the full episode, please visit https://open.spotify.com/episode/43tSyuiOoXNtZkArtQryLe
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