The Thing About Salem
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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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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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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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May 29, 2025 at 11:25 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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On May 12, 1692:
* The Salem magistrates issued arrest warrants for Ann Pudeator and Alice Parker
* John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin questioned Abigail Hobbs, Ann Pudeator, Alice, Parker, and Mary Warren
* Mary Walcott was allegedly assaulted by the shape of Sarah Buckley
A purple background with text that says "The Thing About Salem: New Podcast Coming June 1, 2025. New Episodes Sundays. Aboutsalem.com." and the text from the body of the post: "On May 12, 1692: * The Salem magistrates issued arrest warrants for Ann Pudeator and Alice Parker * John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin questioned Abigail Hobbs, Ann Pudeator, Alice, Parker, and Mary Warren * Mary Walcott was allegedly assaulted by the shape of Sarah Buckley * Mercy Lewis and Ann Putnam, Jr. supposedly saw the specters of John Willard and Sarah Buckley assault Bray Wilkins, to keep his bladder stopped. On May 12, 1693: * Connecticut's General Court granted Mercy Disborough a reprieve. * The Superior Court cleared the remaining witchcraft suspects and would release them from jail once they paid their jail fees."
May 12, 2025 at 6:58 PM
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On May 2, 1692:
* John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin questioned Sarah Morey, Lydia Dustin, Dorcas Hoar, and Susannah Martin
* George Burroughs was arrested in Maine
* Thomas and Edward Putnam were deposed against Dorcas Hoar
(more in image)
Purple background. Text reads "The Thing About Salem: "On May 2, 1692: * John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin questioned Sarah Morey, Lydia Dustin, Dorcas Hoar, and Susannah Martin * George Burroughs was arrested in Maine * Thomas and Edward Putnam were deposed against Dorcas Hoar * Sarah Bibber, Elizabeth Hubbard, Mary Walcott, Mercy Lewis, Ann Putnam Jr., Nathaniel Ingersoll, Thomas Putnam, and Samuel Parris were deposed against Susannah Martin. * Susannah Martin, Lydia Dustin, Dorcas Hoar, and Sarah Morey were transferred to the Boston jail. On May 2, 1693: * Jailkeeper John Arnold submitted an account of the expenses he had incurred, totalling over 415 pounds. New Podcast Coming June 1, 2025. Aboutsalem.com
May 2, 2025 at 11:18 PM
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The Thing About Salem is . . .
April 27, 2025 at 12:10 AM