One month in, and we’re finding our rhythm with The Thing About Salem podcast.
Running two weekly podcasts keeps us busy, but dedicating one entirely to Salem has been a blast. We’re enjoying the focused approach, and each week brings new aspects of the story to life.
Our First Four Episodes
The Thing About Tituba started us off with the real story about the “witch cake” and how it set everything in motion. We started to separate the documented facts from the legends that have grown up around Tituba.
Salem Witch Trial Judges Played with Poppets examined how judges brought poppets into the court proceedings and experimented with their power. Be sure to catch the extended cut on Patreon.
Why The Crucible Never Gets Old examined Arthur Miller’s play and its continued relevance. We discussed how its themes connect to modern culture and society.
Dining with the Devil in the Pastor’s Pasture explored how accusations evolved from simple claims to elaborate stories being accepted as evidence. These witches’ sabbath tales marked a significant escalation in the 1692 trials.
What We’re Pulling from the Records
Salem’s court records and contemporary accounts reveal many complexities. The documentation shows patterns that extend far beyond 1692—connections between legal procedures, community tensions, and individual motivations that help explain not just what happened, but why it happened the way it did.
Looking Ahead
Next up is an episode on spectral evidence, which was central to the accusations and convictions. We’re looking forward to breaking down this complicated view of the natural and unnatural worlds and how it played out in the courtroom.
Thanks to everyone who’s been listening and engaging with the show. Come play with us on Patreon for even more Salem discussion and behind-the-scenes content. And take a look at The Thing About Witch Hunts for deep analysis of witch trials around the world.
There’s still plenty more to cover. What aspects of Salem are you most curious about? Let us know. We’re just getting started.
Thank you,
Sarah Jack and Josh Hutchinson