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The Distaff Podcast

The Distaff Podcast

Written by: Kim & Sarah
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About this listen

This conversation explores the historical significance of the distaff as a symbol of women's work, delving into the life of Mary Burt and the witch trials of Puritan society. It examines the dynamics of community relationships, the role of religion and superstition, and the lasting impact of these events on gender narratives. Through a detailed discussion, the speakers highlight the complexities of women's experiences and the societal fears that fueled the witch trials. This conversation delves into the historical context of the Salem Witch Trials, exploring the roles of key figures like Tituba and John Willard, the dynamics of power and hysteria in the community, and the impact of these events on women's history. The discussion highlights the complexities of the trials, the motivations behind accusations, and the societal implications of such mass hysteria, ultimately leading to reflections on the healing process within the community and the significance of women's contributions throughout history.

© 2025 The Distaff Podcast Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • A Reckoning: The Springfield Raid and The Deerfield Massacre. S:1,E:11

    A Reckoning: The Springfield Raid and The Deerfield Massacre. S:1,E:11
    Dec 19 2025

    In this final episode of the Distaff Podcast Season 1, we say goodbye. Goodbye to the wild and crazy Puritans, the witches and reverends, and the Agawam people who rode the wave of the Puritan experiment for as long as they could. When we're done, much like 350 years ago, Springfield will be razed to the ground, the Puritan experiment nearly destroyed and the landscape of western Massachusetts left with only the memories of a people that had cared and tended to it for thousands of years.

    Find all of our sources on our website, distaffpodcast.com

    Contact us at distaffpodcast@gmail.com
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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • Mary Bliss Parsons: A Colonial Richy-Witch? S1:E10

    Mary Bliss Parsons: A Colonial Richy-Witch? S1:E10
    Dec 12 2025

    Mary Bliss Parsons (not to be confused with the first witch trial of Mary Lewis Parsons) was shrouded in mystery. She wandered the swamps at night, had a knack for finding hidden keys and knew how to throw the most spectacular fits. Any other Puritan woman would have been called "Witch" and thrown in jail. But not this Mary. We talk about Puritan fears, politics and the righteous balance of religion and reputation.

    Find all of our sources on our website, distaffpodcast.com

    Contact us at distaffpodcast@gmail.com

    Chapters

    00:00 The Context of Witch Trials in Springfield

    02:59 The Role of Community in Witchcraft Accusations

    05:59 The Impact of Fear on Native Communities

    09:05 The Dynamics of Gender and Accusations

    11:49 Mary Bliss Parsons: A Case Study

    15:08 The Interplay of Wealth and Witchcraft Accusations

    18:02 The Influence of Childbirth on Witchcraft Beliefs

    20:53 The Vulnerability of Women in Childbirth

    23:37 The Role of Religion in Witchcraft Accusations

    26:45 The Intersection of Fear and Motherhood

    34:28 The Bridge Between Sex and Birth

    36:46 Cultural Perspectives on Childbirth

    39:07 Spiritual Practices and Birth Experiences

    40:34 The Role of Women in Childbirth

    42:39 The Impact of Superstitions on Women

    44:02 Witch Trials and Community Dynamics

    46:36 Testimonies and Accusations

    51:31 The Influence of Gossip on Witchcraft Accusations

    01:04:28 The Impact of Childbirth and Death on Community Dynamics

    01:06:59 Testimonies and Accusations: The Witchcraft Narrative

    01:08:56 The Role of Gossip and Community Relationships

    01:11:46 The Intersection of Abuse and Witchcraft Accusations

    01:14:27 Defamation and Legal Proceedings in Witch Trials

    01:17:13 The Aftermath of Witch Trials and Community Changes

    01:20:58 The Legacy of Witchcraft Accusations in Family Histories

    01:26:03 Connecting Historical Events to Modern Perspectives
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • Salem Witch Trials: Which Witch is Which? S:1, E:9

    Salem Witch Trials: Which Witch is Which? S:1, E:9
    Dec 5 2025

    Were there actual Puritan Witches in Colonial America? Did years of witch hunts, witch trials and shrieking teenagers actually conjure up the village witch? Or is there a better explanation for these opinionated, independent and often underestimated men and women who ended up swinging from the Colonial gallows?

    Find all of our sources on our website, distaffpodcast.com

    Contact us at distaffpodcast@gmail.com
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    1 hr and 41 mins
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