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The Thing About Salem
@thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
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The official podcast of the Salem Witch Trials, featuring lively discussions on all things related to the witch-hunt of 1692-1693.
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thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
In our first episode of The Thing About Salem, we explored the life and witchcraft arrest of Tituba, the enslaved woman featured in Arthur Miller's The Crucible and the first victim of the Salem Witch-Hunt.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zmj...

#salemwitchtrials #witchhunt #Tituba #salemma #salem
Cover art for the podcast episode "The Thing About Tituba" presented by The Thing About Salem podcast, which is hosted by Sarah Jack and Josh Hutchinson. Purple background with yellow text that reads, "The Thing About Tituba." White text reads, "Presented by The Thing About Salem." Headshots of Sarah Jack and Josh Hutchinson with the names Sarah and Josh written beneath each, respectively.
November 4, 2025 at 2:47 PM
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Play The Thing About Salem in Apple Podcasts and learn about a different aspect of the Salem Witch Trials every week.

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
The Thing About Salem
History Podcast · Updated Weekly · The Thing About Salem is the ultimate podcast of the Salem Witch Trials. Each week, we bring you an engaging 15-minute discussion of a different
podcasts.apple.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:46 AM
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The Thing About Salem and The Thing About Witch Hunts present your chance to win MORE WEIGHT by Ben Wickey.

To enter, Subscribe to one of our YouTube Channels: YouTube.com/@aboutsalem, YouTube.com/@aboutwitchhunts
Or
Sign up for the free plan at patreon.com/aboutsalem

witchhuntshow.com/contests
The Thing About Salem and The Thing About Witch Hunts present your chance to win MORE WEIGHT by Ben Wickey. To enter, Subscribe to one of our YouTube Channels: YouTube.com/@aboutsalem, YouTube.com/@aboutwitchhunts Or Sign up for the free plan at patreon.com/aboutsalem logos for The Thing About Salem and The Thing About Witch Hunts podcasts Cover art of MORE WEIGHT Headshot of Ben Wickey Full giveaway rules at https://witchhuntshow.com/2025/09/17/thingaboutmoreweight/
September 19, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Reposted by The Thing About Salem
witchhunt.bsky.social
@thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social and The Thing About Witch Hunts present your chance to win a copy of the hit new graphic novel about the Salem Witch Trials, More Weight by Ben Wickey. For more, read the Alt Text or visit witchhuntshow.com/2025/09/17/t...
HOW TO ENTER: Choose ONE of these entry methods: FOR NEW SUBSCRIBERS: Subscribe to The Thing About Witch Hunts Podcast YouTube channel, Subscribe OR Subscribe to The Thing About Salem Podcast YouTube channel, Subscribe OR Subscribe to The Thing About Salem Podcast Patreon community (free tier) Subscribe FOR EXISTING SUBSCRIBERS: Comment #ThingAboutMoreWeight on any of our recent YouTube videos Entry Period: October 7, 2025 - October 25, 2025 (11:59 PM ET) That's it! Two lucky winners will each receive a copy of "More Weight: A Salem Story" shipped directly from IDW Publishing. OFFICIAL RULES: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Eligibility: Open to legal residents of the United States, 18 years of age or older. Entry Period: September 28th, 2025 - October 9th, 2025 (11:59 PM ET) How to Enter: During the entry period, choose ONE of the following entry methods: Subscribe to the Witch Hunts Podcast YouTube channel, OR Subscribe to The Thing About Salem Podcast YouTube channel, OR Subscribe to The Thing About Salem Podcast Patreon community (free tier), OR Comment #ThingAboutMoreWeight on any of our recent YouTube videos (for existing subscribers) Note: Winners who entered via YouTube subscription (options 1-2) must provide a screenshot of their logged-in user channel showing subscription status for verification. Limit one entry per person/household regardless of method chosen. Winner Selection: Two winners will be selected at random from all eligible entries (new subscriptions and hashtag comments). Winners must be from different households (same address disqualifies duplicate winner). Winners will be announced on both podcast channels and social media platforms. Prize: Two copies of "More Weight: A Salem Story" by Ben Wickey, published by IDW Publishing. Each winner receives one book. Approximate retail value per book: $39.99 (total prize value: $59.98). Prizes will be shipped directly from IDW Publishing to winners' addresses within the United States. Winner Notification: Winners will be contacted through YouTube comments (reply to their hashtag comment) or through available platform messaging for subscription-based entries. Winners must respond within 48 hours with their mailing address to claim prize. General Conditions: Void where prohibited by law Limit one entry per person/household Two winners will be selected from different households Prizes are non-transferable and no cash substitution allowed Winners responsible for all applicable taxes Sponsors reserve the right to verify eligibility and re-draw if winners are from same househ… Win Ben Wickey's "More Weight: A Salem Story" - The Graphic Novel That's Being Called "What From Hell Did for Jack the Ripper" Every word is an accusation... and every whisper kills. After a decade in development, animator Ben Wickey's haunting debut solo graphic novel has arrived, and critics are calling it a masterpiece. Publishers Weekly praised this "impressive first solo graphic novel" that "does for Salem, Mass., what From Hell did fo[r]" the Jack the Ripper story - delivering the same kind of deep, atmospheric horror that made Alan Moore's legendary work a classic. What Makes This Book Special: Spans three timelines (1692, 1860s & present day) showing how Salem's witch trials cast their shadow across centuries Explores the infamous Salem witch trials and their lasting impact over 300 years later through the story of Giles and Martha Corey Created by a descendant of Mary Eastey, one of the executed accused witches Features "gorgeous" art that feels "quite cinematic" according to readers Critics praise its "captivating illustrations" and examination of how "Hawthorne, Longfellow, and we today are all attempting to understand and find meaning in the nightmare" This isn't just another witch trial retelling - it's a multi-generational epic that connects the dots between historical horror and modern pop culture's obsession with Salem. Perfect for fans of The Crucible, The Witch, American Horror Story: Coven, and anyone who loves graphic novels that tackle real historical nightmares with artistic brilliance. The Thing About Salem and The Thing About Witch Hunts present your chance to "Win More Weight by Ben Wickey", cover of More Weight by Ben Wickey, headshot of Ben Wickey, logos of The Thing About Salem and The Thing About Witch Hunts
September 19, 2025 at 4:25 AM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
Ben's interview will also be aired in 3 parts on The Thing About Salem. aboutsalem.com
witchhunt.bsky.social The Thing About Witch Hunts @witchhunt.bsky.social · Sep 17
Watch or listen to Illustrating the Salem Witch Trials: Ben Wickey on His Graphic Novel More Weight to learn about this amazing new literary work.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kQv...
September 17, 2025 at 11:47 PM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
Watch or listen to our landmark interview with Ben Wickey, author and illustrator of More Weight: A Salem Story, the hit new graphic novel of the Salem Witch Trials.

Special episode coming out Wednesday this week, with additional installments next Sunday and Wednesday.

bookshop.org/a/90227/9781...
“Every word is an accusation…and every whisper kills.” This staggering graphic novel explores the infamous Salem witch trials and the long shadows they cast more than 300 years later. In Salem, Massachusetts, 1692 is a year of terror. When accusations of witchcraft plunge the community into paranoia and death, curmudgeonly farmer Giles Corey and his great-souled wife Martha are forced to confront their troubled pasts, fighting to hold onto their principles even at the cost of their lives. In the 1860s, famed writers Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow stroll the streets of Salem together, reflecting on their own dark connections to those wicked days. Today, graphic novelist Ben Wickey wrestles with the complex legacy of “the Witch City” and what it shows us about the best and worst of humanity. Based on true events, set in three centuries, and hand-drawn over a decade, More Weight is a stunning visual symphony — a unique and profound inquiry into the infamous Salem witch trials and the long shadows they still cast on us all.
September 15, 2025 at 3:32 AM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
We have released an extended version of "Bewitched and Bothered: The Real Witch’s Brew of Salem" on Patreon, and it's free for the public. Watch now to learn about what really caused the Salem Witch Trials.

www.patreon.com/posts/direct...
An image of Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack recording the episode "Director's Cut: Bewitched and Bothered: The Real Witch’s Brew of Salem" for The Thing About Salem podcast.
September 11, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Reposted by The Thing About Salem
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The Other: Understanding Witch hunts
ONLINE, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025, 7-8:30pm ET

Join award-winning historian Emerson “Tad” Baker in this wide-ranging discussion of New England witch hunts, guest moderated by podcasters Sarah Jack and Josh Hutchinson
historicbostons.org/upcomingevents
The Other: understanding witch hunts ONLINE, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025, 7-8:30pm ET EMERSON BAKER, SARAH JACK AND JOSH HUTCHINSON Presented by Partnership of Historic Bostons Join award-winning historian Emerson “Tad” Baker in this wide-ranging discussion of New England witch hunts, guest moderated by podcasters Sarah Jack and Josh Hutchinson of End Witch Hunts. Why did neighbors accuse one another of dark, invisible crimes? What fears, rivalries, and beliefs fueled the frenzy? And why were some individuals marked as evil while others were spared? A timely conversation about one of the most haunting chapters in American history. https://historicbostons.org/upcomingevents
September 4, 2025 at 10:43 PM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
Listen to The Thing About Salem on Apple Podcasts

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...

#salemwitchtrials #podcast #history
August 30, 2025 at 12:31 AM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
The Salem judges, in their infinite wisdom, decide to have more experiments done in the courtroom, just like with the Goody Glover trial. They order Candy to swallow the blade of grass, which that itself sounds absurd to me, but according to minister John Hale, Candy was burned that night.
June 13, 2025 at 2:16 AM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
On June 6, 1692 in the Salem Witch Trials:
* Bartholomew Gedney, John Hathorne, and Jonathan Corwin interrogated Mary Ireson. Rev. Samuel Willard's brother Simon recorded the examination.
* The magistrates issued a warrant for the arrest of Ann Dolliver, daughter of Salem's senior minister
purple background with yellow paint splotches Yellow text at top: "The Thing About Salem" Body text in a text box: "On June 6, 1692 in the Salem Witch Trials: * Bartholomew Gedney, John Hathorne, and Jonathan Corwin interrogated Mary Ireson. Rev. Samuel Willard's brother Simon recorded the examination. * The magistrates issued a warrant for the arrest of Ann Dolliver, daughter of Salem's senior minister, John Higginson, Sr. * Magistrates interviewed Ann Dolliver." White text at bottom: "Investigating the Salem Witch Trials. New episodes Sundays. Aboutsalem.com
June 6, 2025 at 9:22 PM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
Episode 1 is out now!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvmm...
The Thing About Tituba
YouTube video by The Thing About Salem Podcast
www.youtube.com
June 1, 2025 at 5:03 AM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
Check out this free preview of episode one, The Thing About Tituba, which premieres in about an hour and a half.

www.patreon.com/posts/thing-...

#salemwitchtrials
The Thing About Tituba Preview | The Thing About Salem
Get more from The Thing About Salem on Patreon
www.patreon.com
June 1, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Reposted by The Thing About Salem
witchhunt.bsky.social
@thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social

youtube.com/shorts/lVdTo...
Interested in the Salem Witch Trials? Check out our new podcast, The Thing About Salem
YouTube video by Witch Hunt Podcast
youtube.com
May 31, 2025 at 5:19 PM
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Only 3 more days until we release the first episode of The Thing About Salem! Join us June 1 for a talk about Tituba. Available on YouTube and all the podcast apps.
An arm with the hand holding a megaphone. A dialogue box says "3 Days to Go". The frame around this is purple with yellow paint splotches. The words "The Thing About Salem. New Podcast Coming June 1, 2025. New Episodes Sundays. Aboutsalem.com" are printed on the frame.
May 29, 2025 at 11:24 PM
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5 days!
May 27, 2025 at 2:08 PM
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On May 22, 1692, in the Salem Witch-Hunt, the specter of Philip English allegedly threatened to kill Susannah Sheldon with a knife if she refused to sign the devil's book. Joseph Rabson's ghost showed up and accused English of murder and told Susannah he'd pester her until she informed the justices.
Purple background with yellow paint splotches and a light purple text box. Yellow text at the top reads, "The Thing About Salem." White text at the bottom reads, "New Podcast Coming June 1, 2025. New Episodes Sundays. Aboutsalem.com." The text box reads, "On May 22, 1692, the specter of Philip English allegedly threatened to kill Susannah Sheldon with a knife if she refused to sign the devil's book. Joseph Rabson's ghost showed up and accused English of murder and told Susannah he'd pester her until she informed the justices. Then English threatened to cut off Sheldon's legs, but a glowing angel showed up and drove English away. As English left, he declared that he would assassinate Governor Phips."
May 22, 2025 at 4:41 PM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
On May 21, 1692 in the Salem Witch Trials
* Mary Esty was shackled, and then Mercy Lewis began to recover from supposedly almost dying at the hands of Esty's specter.
* John and Thomas Putnam filed complaints against Susannah Roots, Sarah Bassett, and Sarah Procter.
#salemwitchtrials #salemma #salem
purple background with yellow paint splotches. Text reads "The Thing About Salem: New Podcast Coming June 1, 2025. New Episodes Sundays. Aboutsalem.com" and a text box reads ""On May 21, 1692: * Mary Esty was shackled, and then Mercy Lewis began to recover from supposedly almost dying at the hands of Esty's specter. * John and Thomas Putnam filed complaints against Susannah Roots, Sarah Bassett, and Sarah Procter. * Magistrates issued a warrant for the arrest of Susannah Roots. * Specters of Daniel Andrews, Sarah Procter, and George Jacobs, Jr. allegedly assaulted Susannah Sheldon. * Elizabeth Hubbard was deposed against Mary Esty, John Willard, and Mary Whittredge.""
May 21, 2025 at 10:51 PM
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We spoke at the Magic and Witchcraft Conference in York, England last year.
Josh Hutchinson standing before a projector screen with the official image for the Magic and Witchcraft Conference 2024 in York, England. Sarah Jack and Josh Hutchinson stand before a medieval building in York England. An ornate royal crest adorns the wall above the door.
May 21, 2025 at 10:42 PM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
This photo was taken in Danvers, Massachusetts (formerly Salem Village) in May 2023. Putnam Pantry stands on land once owned by Joseph Putnam, the half-brother of Sgt. Thomas Putnam.
A portrait of Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack standing in front of Putnam Pantry in Danvers, Massachusetts.
May 21, 2025 at 1:45 AM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
On May 20, 1692:
* The afflicted girls attending Mercy Lewis on what she believed was her death bed were supposedly assaulted by Sarah Procter, Sarah Bassett, and Susannah Roots.
* John Putnam and Benjamin Hutchinson lodged a witchcraft complaint against Mary Esty.
"On May 20, 1692: * Phoebe Chandler of Andover experienced pressure on her chest and legs, as well as swelling on her face and hand. * Specters of Mary Esty, John Willard, and Mary Witheredge allegedly assaulted Ann Putnam Jr., Abigail Williams, and Mary Walcott. Esty's specter also tormented Mercy Lewis. * John Putnam and Benjamin Hutchinson lodged a witchcraft complaint against Mary Esty. * The afflicted girls attending Mercy Lewis on what she believed was her death bed were supposedly assaulted by Sarah Procter, Sarah Bassett, and Susannah Roots. * Specters of Daniel Andrews and Sarah, Elizabeth, and John Procter allegedly attacked Susannah Sheldon and Elizabeth Booth. * John Hale, James Kettle, Elizabeth Balch, and Abigail Waldon were deposed against Sarah Bishop. * Jonathan Putnam, James Darling, Benjamin Hutchinson, Samuel Braybrook, and George Herrick were deposed against Mary Esty. * Bernard Peach was deposed against Susannah Martin. * Elizabeth Booth was deposed against Elizabeth Procter, Sarah Procter, and John Procter." "On May 20, 1695: * Deborah Knight, Sarah Cave, and George Jacobs Jr. swore that they had witnessed Mary Putnam sign her will with her mark." On May 20, 1692, John Putnam and Benjamin Hutchinson lodged a witchcraft complaint against Mary Esty for allegedly attempting to murder Mercy Lewis through witchcraft. Esty had been released from jail, and the afflicted people were not happy. On May 20, 1692, the afflicted girls attending Mercy Lewis on what she believed was her death bed were supposedly assaulted by Sarah Procter, Sarah Bassett, and Susannah Roots. On May 20, 1692, Jonathan Putnam, James Darling, Benjamin Hutchinson, Samuel Braybrook, and George Herrick were deposed against Mary Esty. According to the men, Mary Esty had tried to bewitch Mercy Lewis to death.
May 20, 2025 at 9:46 PM
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"Pretty much anyone with even a drop of New England ancestry does not have to look all that far to find a relative involved in the witch trials, given that more than 70 people were afflicted, resulting in at least 169 accused"
- Emerson W. Baker
A Storm of Witchcraft
A quote: "Pretty much anyone with even a drop of New England ancestry does not have to look all that far to find a relative involved in the witch trials, given that more than 70 people were afflicted, reulting in at least 169 accused, which led to more than 200 people signing petitions of support for the accused. Beyond this there were nine judges, two prosecuting attorneys, dozens of jurors, and a nearly endless number of people who observed the trials." - Emerson W. Baker A Storm of Witchcraft
May 19, 2025 at 9:35 PM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
On May 19, 1692, Mary Esty's specter allegedly afflicted Mercy Lewis at constable John Putnam's home, where Mercy was then staying.
May 19, 2025 at 9:29 PM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
Are you curious about the Salem Witch Trials? Fascinated? Intrigued? Maybe even fully obsessed? Josh and Sarah from Witch Hunt podcast bring you The Thing About Salem, a podcast dedicated to uncovering all things about the Salem Witch Trials. Each week, in 15 minutes or less, we cover another thing.
May 13, 2025 at 10:37 PM
thethingaboutsalem.bsky.social
On May 13, 1692:
* Abigail Soames' specter supposedly tortured Mary Warren
* Hathorne & Corwin issued a warrant for apprehension of Abigail Soames
* The magistrates questioned Abigail Soames.
* Jarvis Ring deposed against Susannah Martin.
* Joseph Ring deposed against Susannah Martin & Thomas Hardy.
May 13, 2025 at 10:28 PM