We step behind Broadway's emerald curtain to explore Wicked with two leading scholars. The University of Kansas' Paul Laird, professor emeritus of musicology, received unprecedented access as Stephen Schwartz composed his blockbuster musical and wrote the definitive book on its making, Wicked: a Musical Biography. His colleague Jane Barnette is a professor of theater & dance and the author of Witch Fulfillment: Adaptation Dramaturgy and Casting the Witch for Stage and Screen. She reveals how the evolving story of Oz has redefined witchcraft in modern theater. In this engaging discussion, we prepare for the film while learning more about the book and musical that changed how we see good, evil, and female power and friendship. Article: KU experts comment on ‘Wicked’ film adaptation

Play Episode:Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch

Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch explores the nuanced and powerful portrayal of witches in the highly anticipated Wicked movie. Witch Hunt podcast hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack delve into their immediate reactions and the deeper social themes conveyed through the film

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Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch explores the nuanced and powerful portrayal of witches in the highly anticipated Wicked movie. Witch Hunt podcast hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack delve into their immediate reactions and the deeper social themes conveyed through the film. From the breath-catching spectacle of Galinda's grand entrance to the heartbreaking social justice undertones surrounding Elphaba's journey, this podcast dissects the movie’s profound commentary on othering, power dynamics, and societal hypocrisies. Alongside enthusiastic discussions of standout scenes involving musical numbers, stunts, and emotional turns, Josh and Sarah provide a thorough examination of how the Wicked movie redefines classic witch stereotypes and resonates with contemporary issues. The podcast is an unmissable treat for fans of Wicked, Oz, and beyond, offering a thoughtful and passionate examination of one of the year's most magical films.

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We explore the urgent human rights crisis affecting people with albinism in Africa. Expert guest Jay Mohammed Osman Kamara, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism (SLAPWA), discusses protecting persons with albinism and the critical significance of UN Resolution 47/8 on eliminating harmful practices related to witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks. Drawing from his experiences and presentation at the Witchcraft and Human Rights Conference, Kamara reveals how deeply-rooted supernatural beliefs fuel deadly misconceptions, discrimination, and ritual attacks against persons with albinism. The conversation examines SLAPWA's grassroots advocacy, community education initiatives, and protection strategies, while highlighting how the climate crisis creates extreme vulnerabilities for the albinism community. Learn about the critical need for enhanced data collection, stronger government protections, and international cooperation in safeguarding persons with albinism. Content warning: This episode contains discussions of discrimination, violence, and suicide. Crisis support resources - United States: call/text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org; United Kingdom: call 111 or text SHOUT to 85258; Canada: call/text 988; Sierra Leone: dial 019.

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This is Lancaster Podcast: Witchcraft Accusation in the Modern World

Discover the heartbreaking true story of Goody Glover, an Irish Catholic immigrant who became the last person executed for witchcraft in Boston in 1688. Occurring four years before the infamous Salem Witch Trials began, Glover's case clearly illustrates the injustice of colonial New England's witch hunting history. Standing alone between the 1656 execution of Ann Hibbins and the Salem Witch Trials of 1692-93, Goody Glover's case provides crucial insights into colonial Boston's religious tensions and social dynamics. While Salem would later become synonymous with witch trials, Boston's last execution deserves recognition as a pivotal moment in American religious persecution. This episode is the fourth in Witch Hunt’s Massachusetts Witch Trials 101 series exploring the complex history of witch persecution in colonial New England.

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Welcome to Witch Hunt, the investigative podcast exploring modern-day witch hunting in India. In this eye-opening episode, we investigate a critical human rights crisis: the systematic persecution of women through witchcraft accusations. The statistics are haunting: over 2,000 documented witch-hunting murders between 2000-2012—with countless more cases hidden in rural communities. To analyze this intersection of women's rights, criminal justice, and cultural practices, we're joined by leading experts: Rashika Bajaj, a human rights advocate at Jharkhand High Court, and Jaya Verma, an assistant professor specializing in gender law at Jindal Global University. Human rights researcher Dr. Amit Anand provides essential insights on how traditional beliefs and economic inequality fuel these violent practices. Together, we'll examine urgent policy reforms, legal protection measures, and grassroots solutions needed to combat witch-hunting violence. This powerful episode serves as both an exposé and a call to action—through awareness and advocacy, we can challenge harmful practices and protect vulnerable women. Join our investigation into one of India's most pressing yet under-reported human rights issues. You're listening to Witch Hunt.

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United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8. Elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks

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Modern Halloween emerges from diverse cultural and religious traditions, each contributing distinct elements to today's celebrations. From the Celtic festival of Samhain to the Roman Catholic Hallowtide, this episode uncovers the historical threads that connect ancient celebrations to contemporary practices.

We examine the influences of Roman festivals like Pomonalia and Lemuria, investigate the connections to England's Guy Fawkes Night, and explore parallels with Mexico's Día de los Muertos. Our discussion reveals how these varied traditions merged to create today's Halloween, with special attention to Salem's emergence as America's Halloween capital.

Featuring insights from past guests, this episode offers a scholarly look at Halloween's evolution while exploring its connections to witch hunts, folklore, and enduring cultural practices.

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Witch Hunt Episode: Halloween History and Traditions with Scott Culpepper

Witch Hunt Episode: Ain't it a Scary Halloween with Sean and Carrie

Witch Hunt Episode: Rachel Christ-Doane on the Salem Witch Museum and the Life of Dorothy Good

Witch Hunt Episode: Scottish Witch Trials with Mary W. Craig

Witch Hunt Episode: Marion Gibson on Witchcraft a History in 13 Trials

Witch Hunt Episode: Malcolm Gaskill on the Ruin of All Witches

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In this episode of "Witch Hunt," guest host Antonio Stuckey explores the life and tragic fate of Alice Parker, a victim of the 1692 Salem witch trials. The podcast delves into Parker's background as a resident of Salem Town and her marriage to a local fisherman. Stuckey discusses the accusations against Parker, her arrest, and the subsequent legal proceedings that led to her conviction. The episode provides insight into the nature of the evidence presented against her and the wider context of suspicions surrounding witchcraft in Salem during that period. Stuckey also touches on the aftermath of Parker's trial and execution, including her eventual exoneration centuries later. Through Alice Parker's story, listeners gain a compelling glimpse into the fear, suspicion, and injustice that characterized the Salem witch trials, as well as efforts in recent times to memorialize and honor its victims.