logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2008
3m 47s

Ergot and the Salem Witchtrials

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode
Some researchers allege that ergot poisoning may have been responsible for triggering the Salem witchcraft trials -- but is this fact, or fiction? Learn more about ergot and the Salem witch trials in this HowStuffWorks podcast. 
Up next
Today
Charles Sumner, Revisited (part 1)
<p>The first installment of the deeper examination of Charles Sumner's life begins with his early years, including his close relationships with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Samuel Gridley Howe.</p> <p><strong>Research:</strong></p> <ul> <li>"Sumner, Charles (1811-1874)." Encycl ... Show More
35m 52s
Nov 22
SYMHC Classics: Thomas Cook
<p>This 2019 episode covers Thomas Cook, a pioneer of the idea of a travel agency to manage tourist holidays. But Cook was initially motivated by his support of the temperance movement and his deeply held religious beliefs.&nbsp;</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener ... Show More
28m 33s
Nov 21
Behind the Scenes Minis: Balloons and Cat Trees
<p>Tracy and Holly talk about the proclivity for destruction that was part of the balloon craze. They also discuss cat trees and how hard it is to find one that's cute.&nbsp;</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.< ... Show More
24m 47s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2021
Were Witches Really Burned at the Stake in Salem?
People were executed as witches in Salem in the 1690s, but no one was burned at the stake. Learn what really happened in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/witches-burned-at-stake-in-salem.htm Learn more about your ... Show More
4m 10s
Oct 2020
Ergotism and the Salem Witch Trials Pt. 2
Modern day researchers are still trying to explain what happened in 17th century Salem. Many have blamed the event on mass hysteria, but one doctor points to an outbreak of a fungus called ergot — the same organism used to create LSD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca ... Show More
49m 29s
Oct 2018
S1 – 4: The Refugees
While the events of the Salem witch trials began within the borders of the Salem village community, many of the forces that drove it forward were external. As we're about to see, Salem was full of more than stories about witchcraft—and those external threats were about to come ho ... Show More
31m 3s
Jan 2019
The Truth Behind the Salem Witch Trials, with Aaron Mahnke
<p>Join Ben and Matt as they interview Aaron Mahnke, the creator of the world-famous Lore podcast, about Unobscured, the new series where he dives deep into the true story of the Salem witch trials. How many people were tried? How many actually died? What does Hollywood get wrong ... Show More
50m 2s
Oct 2021
Salem Witchcraft Trials: More Bonkers Than You Know
<p>Looking back 300 years on, it’s easy to overgeneralize why the Salem Villagers decided to persecute (and execute) their neighbors. But as much as this story has become an American history chestnut, we still don’t understand why Salem lost its mind.</p><p> </p> Learn more about ... Show More
49m 9s
Mar 2024
The Salem Witch Trials
<p>More than 200 accused, 20 executed and a village plagued with hysteria. Were the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and 1693 the work of superstition, a power struggle, fungus or actual witchcraft? What makes them stand out in the history of witch trials?</p><br><p>In this episode, Do ... Show More
40m 52s
Oct 2018
The Salem Witch Trials
<p>Wow. Salem was wild back in the day, guys. You think you know about the infamous Salem Witch Trials but you have no idea how bananas it really got. We take a deep dive into the beginnings of this hysteria, the madness of the &quot;trials&quot; and executions and then we try to ... Show More
1h 21m
May 2024
CLASSIC: The Truth Behind the Salem Witch Trials, with Aaron Mahnke
Join Ben and Matt as they interview Aaron Mahnke, the creator of the world-famous Lore podcast, about Unobscured, the new series where he dives deep into the true story of the Salem witch trials. How many people were tried? How many actually died? What does Hollywood get wrong an ... Show More
51m 14s
Aug 2020
August 19, 1692: Salem Witch Trials
On this day in 1692, five residents of Salem, Massachusetts—including a clergyman—were hanged to death for the crime of witchcraft. They wouldn’t be the last. Guest hosted by Wenndy MacKenzie from the Parcast original podcast, Unsolved Murders. Learn more about your ad choices. V ... Show More
16m 59s
Oct 2023
A Witch Expert on Salem
Salem, Massachusetts has long lived in our public consciousness as both the site of the infamous witch trials of 1692 and 1693 and as a Halloween tourist destination depicted in myriad pieces of literature, pop culture, and art. But what is it actually like to spend time there? L ... Show More
27m 31s