Salem The Podcast
Episodes
93. Holiday History and Pagan Roots
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
‘Tis the season! Or so we say... A season for celebrations and traditions, some of which date back thousands of years. Whether it's Christmas, Satu...
92. Witch Trials: The Putnams (part 2)
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Let's jump back into the Putnam Problem. After discussing the differences between Salem Village and Salem Town, both religious and social, and some of...
91. Witch Trials: The Putnams (part 1)
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to 1692. We're spending a couple weeks in Salem Village, with the Puritans who lived there. Specifically, the infamous Putnam family. Tho...
90. Salem History: The Salem Common
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our beloved Common is one of the many hearts and historic centers of Salem. From the first muster of what is now the National Guard over 350 years ago...
89. Special Interview: Bringing the Hocus Pocus Cast to Salem
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This October, Salem had the pleasure of hosting four cast members from the original Hocus Pocus film, thirty years after it premiered. But how does on...
88. Goodbye October 2023
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
And that, friends, is another October in the books! That's thirty-one days of spooky scary skeletons done and gone, leaving behind them a trail of tin...
87. Salem History: The Smiling Widow & The Kiss-and-Tell Cop
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Halloween! And welcome to part two of our true crime series. Sarah’s taking the reins on this one and bringing us back to the 1930s, when Fire...
86. Interview with Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, and Jason Marsden
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Come little children, let us take thee away! Do we have a special treat for you. The kids from your favorite Halloween movie were back in the Witch C...
85. Salem History: The Boston Strangler
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ready for some true crime? It is history after all... We've got two cases for you! And with that, two episodes! Join your favorite Salem tour guides ...
84. Hello October 2023
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Well...it is October in Salem. And it's a wild one. We have seen so much out there on the streets that we’re bringing you some feedback and some tip...
83. Interview: Thomas Vallor, Satanic Salem Walking Tours
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's October and the season is upon us! And what better way to start the Halloween season than with a fellow Salem tour guide. Tom is a staple of Sale...
82. Salem History: Haunted Happenings
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's spooky season in the Witch City and we have a slew of Haunted Happenings for you. From parades and movie nights to concerts and costume balls, Sa...
81. Witch Trials: Wilmot Redd
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There was just one person accused of witchcraft from Marblehead, the small ocean town that rests just to the southeast of Salem. Her name was Wilmot R...
80. Salem History: The Parker Brothers
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Clue. Sorry. Ping-Ping. Nerf. Rook. Ouija. And Monopoly! These are just a few of the classic games produced by the Parker Brothers right here in Salem...
79. PEM Exhibit: Restoring Justice
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Peabody Essex Museum is the custodian of many artifacts and documents from the Salem Witch Trials. AND, they have a new exhibit! So you know we ha...
78. Salem History: Chestnut Street
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The streets of Salem are infamous; Essex, Derby, Washington, Hawthorne, Lafayette. They all have their charm, but none compare to Chestnut Street -- t...
77. Witch Trials: John Willard
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On August 19th 1692, five more innocent victims were hanged in Salem for the crime of "Sundry Acts of Witchcraft." One of them was John Willard, forme...
76. Interview: Captain Mike of the Schooner Fame
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever sailed the waters of Salem aboard a replica of a nineteenth-century privateer vessel? If you haven't, you're missing out! In this episo...
75: Review of ”Mass Hysteria” (2019)
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How did we overlook this gem of Salem pop culture?! Mass Hysteria is a fun indie film set in Salem on Halloween night. Young historical reenactors fi...
74. Witch Trials: Sarah Good (part 2)
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We return to our discussion of Witch Trials victim, Sarah Good. In part 1 we covered much of her life leading up to her arrest and trial. Now let's di...
73. Witch Trials: Sarah Good
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are back in 1692 and talking about another victim of the Salem Witch Trials. Sarah Good, a homeless woman with a newborn child and a fo...
Update: Just checking in!
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We've got plenty in the works for the rest of this year. Listen for a little recap and news of what's to come!
72. LIVE SHOW: Oddities of the Peabody Essex Museum
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
LIVE from Diehl Marcus & Company on July 11th
71. Interview: Christian and Erika, Owners of Diehl Marcus & Company
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been to 11 Central Street, where the wonderful Diehl Marcus and Company is located? If not, you are certainly missing out! One of the fi...
70. Witch Trials: Descendant Stories
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
UPDATE: Live Show & Harvard Morgue Scandal
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What's up guys?! We've got a little update for you! Listen to hear details about our upcoming live show and what we know about the trafficking of huma...
69. Witch Trials: Descendants (part 1)
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are all descended from someone. In fact, we are descended from thousands of people! The Salem Witch Trials took place over three centuries ago and ...
68. Interview: Scott and Karen of Tiki Hut Boats
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We may not be in Salem's Great Age of Sail anymore, but that doesn't mean you can't go out and enjoy the harbor! And what better way to see Salem's co...
67. The Scarlet Letter & The House of the Seven Gables
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Book reports are due! Did Sarah and Jeffrey do their homework? Absolutely. Join us as Sarah covers Hawthorne's first major novel The Scarlet Letter a...
66. Salem History: Nathaniel Hawthorne
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes called Salem's favorite son, Nathaniel Hawthorne remains one of Witch City's most famous residents. He was a novelist, a poet, and a short s...
65. Interview: David Moffat, The House of the Seven Gables
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Perhaps one day we'll summon Caroline Emmerton from the grave... But until then, we got you the next best thing: David Moffat, Visitor Services Speci...
64. Salem History: Caroline Emmerton
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are very few individual people who have had as much of an impact on Salem as Caroline Emmerton. Philanthropist is the best word to describe her,...
63. Witch Trials: Jail Deaths
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Osbourne. Roger Toothaker. Mercy Good. Ann Foster. Lydia Dustin. Casualties of the Salem Witch Trials are traditionally taught as 19 hanged and ...
62. ”Dead Hot” Review
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Vanessa Hudgens recently premiered her documentary on witchcraft and the paranormal. Her and her friend, GG Magree, embarked on a journey to Salem, Ma...
61. Salem History: Charlotte Forten
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Salem is a wildly diverse city, with a historical pattern that is just as complex. Our little coastal new england city so often reflects the larger go...
60. Witch Trials: Sir Govna Phips
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the first appointed Royal Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Sir William Phips is integral to the complicated story that is the Salem Witch ...
59: Interview: Kelly Homan, Owner of Red’s Sandwich Shop
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rounding out our historic location/restaurant trilogy, we decided to go to one of the most iconic places in Salem: Red’s Sandwich Shop! Coffee in ha...
58. Salem History: Town House Square
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
(AKA the First Church, Daniel Low & Co., and Rockafellas) Get your mystery shots ready because we're diving into the history of Town House Square! ...
57. Salem History: Lyceum Hall
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you ask where the best seafood restaurant in Salem is, most people will say Turner's without hesitation. But, like so many things in this town, the...
56. Prohibition in Salem - LIVE from FFTT
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This one's a little different... This week's episode was recorded LIVE at Far From the Tree in Salem. Thank you to our hosts and to all the listeners ...
55. Our First Birthday!
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Huzzah! Has it really been a year? 55 EPISODES (and then some). Over 300 years, witch trials, local interviews, woodcarvers, merchants, millionaires, ...
54. Salem History: The Crowninshield Elephant
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
During the Great Age of Sail, Salem's harbor grew larger, and the world became smaller. Merchants traveled the globe and brought back with them variou...
53. Salem History: Leslie’s Retreat
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While the infamous “shot heard round the world” may have been in Concord, Massachusetts on April 19, 1775, the first blood drawn and first retreat...
52. Witch Trials: Tituba (part 2)
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Get tickets for the live show HERE This young woman's experience exists at the heart of the Salem Witch Trials. And while we will likely never know ...
51. Salem Love Nuggets
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Valentine's Day friends! When people say Salem holds a special place in their hearts… they sure aren't kidding! While Witch City is a destinat...
50. Witch Trials: Tituba (part 1)
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Enslaved woman. Confessed witch. A catalyst of the Salem Witch Trials. Tituba is perhaps one of the most well-known figures of 1692 Salem. She is also...
49. Interview: Erik Rodenhiser, Owner of Gallows Hill Theatre
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lifelong Salem resident and professional troublemaker Erik Rodenhiser is a man of many hats. He is the owner of Gallows Hill Theatre and Museum, the p...
48. Affliction: The Game Part 2
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
ARE YOU READY FOR ROUND TWO!? If you tuned in for part one, you’ll know all about influence and accusation tokens, arrests, our little puritan game ...
47. Affliction: The Game Part 1
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Affliction: Salem 1692 is a 2-4 player board game that features historical figures from the Salem Witch Trials. The objective? Gain influence, create ...
46. Salem History: The Murder of Martha Brailsford Part 2
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we return to 1991 Salem. Tom Maimoni had confessed...but not to murder. His story of the "rogue wave" couldn't be proven otherwise - t...
45. Salem History: The Murder of Martha Brailsford
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
True Crime: an increasingly popular genre in media. Whether it's books, Netflix specials, or podcasts, every town has its own dark story to tell. Sale...
Update: Good News and Bad News
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Your favorite Salem tour guides need a quick rest and will be returning January 10th! Thank you for all the support throughout the year. This communit...
44. ”The Crucible” with Rebecca Johnson
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Last week we spoke about Arthur Miller, the award-winning playwright and author of The Crucible. Now, let's dive into this iconic interpretation of Sa...
43. Arthur Miller
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NEW INSTAGRAM: @salemthepod Arguably the most influential playwright of the 20th century, Arthur Miller wrote Tony Award winning and critically accla...
42. KRAMPUS!
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Who is Krampus may you ask? And no this is not BORAH!'s third cousin.. You're likely familiar with the name. Maybe you've even dressed up as this my...
41. Salem History: Samuel McIntire Part 2
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
40. Salem History: Samuel McIntire Part 1
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
He was known as "the Architect of Salem." From the Federalist mansions on Chestnut Street to the commanding presence of the Gardner Pingree house, ...
39. What caused the Salem Witch Trials?
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
History is complicated and messy, and we rarely have all the answers. The Salem Witch Trials are like a puzzle where we're missing half the pieces and...
38. Interview: John Andrews, Founder of Creative Collective
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While the Witch City may be best known for its 400 years of history, today it is a unique and vibrant city filled with hundreds of small businesses. E...
37. Houdini in Salem
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Halloween everyone!
36. Ghost Stories Vol. II
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
‘Twas a dark and stormy night… Or perhaps just another day in the Witch City. Salem is full of spooky stories. From our sorted maritime trade, to ...
35. Happy October From Salem
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's October and the Halloween spirit is in full force here in Salem. The leaves are changing and pumpkins and skeletons can be seen all around! Join ...
34. Interview: James Lurgio, Owner of Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
So you like horror films? From classics like Nosferatu and Dracula to fan favorites like Freddy and Jason, this Salem gem has it all. Join your favori...
33. Hocus Pocus 2 Review
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nearly three decades after Hocus Pocus was released, we FINALLY have a sequel to this beloved cult classic. In Hocus Pocus 2, the Sanderson Sisters fi...
BONUS: Mini update from Salem!
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hi Friends! Enjoy a brief overview of our experience at this year's Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival. We also touch on some local controversy and prov...
32. Salem in Pop Culture (Part 2)
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 1, we talked about Salem representations in books, plays, TV shows, comics, and even a video game! Now let’s jump into Part 2 of our pop cul...
31. Witch Trials: Giles Corey
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Within the scope of the Salem Witch Trials, 19 innocent people were hanged and 1 was tortured to death – pressed over the course of two days. Giles ...
30. Interview: Father Sebastiaan - Author, Fangsmith, and Impresario
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Sarah & Jeffrey for a true interview with a vampire. He is also a fangsmith, an author, and the Impresario of the Endless Night brand. You have h...
29. Salem in Pop Culture
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone knows Salem! Maybe from the cult classic Hocus Pocus, perhaps the cat in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, or the The Crucible by Arthur Miller, jus...
28. Salem History: The Salem Willows
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Who doesn't like “a trip to the seaside” to "take in the air"? Well that's exactly why one of Salem's hidden gems was created. Join local tour gui...
27. Witch Trials: Rev. George Burroughs
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Who was Salem's King of Hell? Many believed that this former Salem Village minister was leading the coven of witches who had descended upon their com...
26. Interview: Brian Sims (aka BORAH!)
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In our last episode, you heard from the infamous green witch of Salem: BORAH Brewington Snaggletooth XIII. No let's hear from the man behind the makeu...
25. Interview: BORAH!
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Who exactly is BORAH Brewingington Snaggletooth the 13th? They may be one of the most wickedly famous faces of Salem–often seen hexing tourists, scr...
24. Field Trip to Danvers
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Just a few miles inland from modern Witch City sits Danvers, Massachusetts – or what once was Salem Village. Danvers can sometimes be overlooked wi...
23. Interview: John Kozik, Owner of Salem Witch Board Museum
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever tried to contact spirits? Those who are said to dwell beyond the vale? As the planchette moves across the board everything will be revea...
22. Witch Trials: Rebecca Nurse
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eldest of the three sisters, happily married, mother to eight children and many more grandchildren, and a fully coveted member of the Puritan Church. ...
21. Salem History: Murder of Captain White
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“An aged man, without an enemy in the world, in his own house, and in his own bed, is made the victim of a butchery murder, for mere pay.” Words s...
20. Ghost Stories & the Paranormal
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, paranormal expert Dr. Vitka of Spellbound Walking Tours joins us for a peek behind the veil. What are what we call ghosts? A lingering spir...
19. Interview: Dr. Vitka, Owner of Spellbound Tours
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Paranormal investigator? Bigfoot serenader? UFO believer? Elvis aficionado? Who exactly is the mysterious Dr. Mike Vitka! Joining Jeffrey & Sarah this...
18. Salem History: The Great Fire of 1914
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At 1:37 PM on June 25, 1914 a fire began at the Korn Leather factory in Salem's manufacturing district. It would burn for 13 hours, destroy a third of...
17. Witch Trials: Bridget Bishop (Part 2)
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 1, we covered the life of Bridget Bishop leading up to 1692. We stopped just short of how her story unfolds in the days after her arrest. Alth...
BONUS: Bewitched Statue Vandalized!
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It has certainly been a crazy week here in Witch City! The iconic 9-ft bronze statue of Elizabeth Montgomery was doused in bright red paint. The Satan...
16. Witch Trials: Bridget Bishop (Part 1)
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bridget Bishop may be the most well-known name from the Salem Witch Trials, and for good reason. She was the first person to be brought to trial, and ...
15. Witch Trials: Familiars
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What's a familiar may you ask? Black cats? Toads? Humans-faced yellow birds? Perhaps all of the above and more! Join local Salem tour guides Jeffrey a...
14. Cemeteries of Salem (Part 2)
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our cemetery adventures continue! Salem tour guides Sarah & Jeffrey head closer to downtown to talk about Howard Street Cemetery, Broad Street Cemeter...
13. Cemeteries of Salem (Part 1)
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a taphophile? (Someone who has a passion or enjoyment of cemeteries). We sure are! Join your favorite Salem tour guides Jeffrey and Sarah as t...
12. Salem History: Elias Hasket Derby
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Who was America's first millionaire? How did he build his wealth? Join Salem tour guides Sarah and Jeffrey as they talk about Salem's most prosperous ...
11. Interview: Ben & Lex, Owners of Vampfangs
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Interview with some Vampires? Local tour guides Sarah and Jeffrey sit down with Lex and Ben–owners of Vampfangs–for a taste of Salem vampire cultu...
10. The Salem ”Catacombs”
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Did someone say secret tunnels? Long has it been rumored that there are miles upon miles of underground passageways weaving beneath the oldest streets...
9. Interview: Angelica & Eric, Owners of Odd Meter Coffee
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For their first on-site interview, local tour guides Sarah & Jeffrey sit down with the owners of Odd Meter Coffee. New to Salem and already a staple a...
BONUS: Q&A With Your Hosts
17 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The first BONUS episode! Join local Salem tour guides Sarah Black and Jeffrey Lilley as they field questions from listeners. From our favorite hidden ...
8. Salem History: Black Gold & Legal Pirates
14 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hello! Join local Salem tour guides Sarah Black and Jeffrey Lilley for a discussion on Salem's rich and diverse maritime history. Centuries ago, this ...
7. The Founding of Salem
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join local Salem tour guides Sarah Black and Jeffrey Lilley as they talk about the founding of Salem. This nearly 400-year-old city was one of the fir...
6. Witch Trials: The Witch House
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hello! Join local Salem tour guides Sarah Black and Jeffrey Lilley as they talk about the Witch House. Also known as the Jonathan Corwin House, it is ...
5. Tourism in Salem
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join local Salem tour guides Jeffrey Lilley and Sarah Black as they explore Salem as a five-season city. The tourist industry is largely considered th...
4. Salem History: Bewitched the TV Show
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join local Salem tour guides Sarah Black and Jeffrey Lilley as they talk about the classic TV show Bewitched! Originally on air from 1964-1972, Bewitc...
3. Interview: Anton James, Official Magician of Salem
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join local Salem tour guides Jeffrey Lilley and Sarah Black as they interview Anton James, The Official Magician of Salem. Learn about his unusual ori...
2. Witch Trials: Intro to 1692
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join local Salem tour guides Sarah Black and Jeffrey Lilley as they give a brief overview of the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. There’s a lot ...
1. Welcome to Salem The Podcast
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join local Salem tour guides Jeffrey Lilley and Sarah Black in this inaugural episode as they introduce Salem: The Podcast. They’ll talk episode str...
Official Trailer
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Just a trailer! Go have a listen and check out our socials: @salemthepodcast. Subscribe and share. First five episodes drop March 20th!