In Episode 75 (!), we finally discuss the folklore of the city of New Orleans. We explore the legend of the Casket Girls and the Old Ursuline Convent (were they vampires / were they vampire smugglers / would you rather fight one normal-sized vampire or 500 mini vampires). Then, we discuss the origins and practices of Voodoo and, of course, Marie La…

This month, we discuss the Trier witch trials, one of the four largest witch trials in Germany–specifically, the appeals against the hysteria by priest Cornelius Loos. We also explore the medieval convent of Helfta, which in the 13th century was simultaneously home to some very important female scholars and mystics, including Saints Mechtild of Hac…

This month, we’re back in France and Belgium to discuss St. Hubert of Liege and the Beast of Gévaudan! Enjoying the podcast? Please take a moment to rate/review/subscribe! We'd love to hear from you. Here's how to get in touch with us: Email: saintsandwitchespodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @saintsandwitchespodcast --- Support this podcast: https://pod…

Korea! Hurrah! We’re excited to be here for the first time. First, we explore the early days of the Joseon Dynasty, including that one tumblr meme with the guy falling off his horse and the witchcraft of Deposed Crown Princess Kim (Gim), wife of Munjong of Joseon. Then we take a quick 500ish-year leap forward to catch the end of the Joseon Dynasty …

Episode 71 is a rollercoaster from start to finish. [First of all, WE KNOW that Liz’s audio is not great. We see you, we hear you, we agree with you about that. Thank you for your patience, etc. etc.] First, we take another trip to the Netherlands, where we meet St. Lidwina of Schiedam, a medieval virgin mystic with a story full of body horror, dem…

We recorded this on America's birthday, but we're discussing a topic neither of us know literally anything about: the Mongol Empire. Liz gives us an overview of the history and culture of the Empire, including Genghis/Chinggis Khan's rise to power and the witchcraft accusations against Fatima Khatun, a favorite of Empress Töregene (spoiler alert: w…

Episode 69 calls for a good time, so we decided to explore two chapters of the epic Medici saga. First, we follow Giovanni and Giulio de’ Medici as they infiltrate the church to eventually become Pope Leo X and Pope Clement VII (just two guys swingin' their dicks around!). Then, we explore the insane life and controversy of their descendant, the “B…

This month, we dive into two stories of colonization and betrayal in America that are generally Not a Good Look™. First, we discuss the witchcraft beliefs and practices of the Zuni tribe of New Mexico, including the controversial ethnographic studies of Frank Hamilton Cushing. Then, we follow the life of St. Junípero Serra from Mallorca to the Span…

Hello, casual heretics! Today we discuss two heavy-hitters: philosopher-theologian and Doctor of the Church St. Thomas Aquinas; and physician-theologian and occultist Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. Along the way, we also bare our souls a bit and learn how to cast a spell with Sleepytime™ tea. Everyone’s invited! Enjoying the podcast? Please take a mom…

Our first visit to Austria and we’re already threatening arson! Today we discuss the gruesome and bizarre 17th century Salzburg witch trials, also known as the Magician Jackls process. Then, we hear about the Enlightenment-era Apostle of Vienna, St. Clement Mary Hofbauer. Enjoying the podcast? Please take a moment to rate/review/subscribe! We'd lov…

Happy February! Love is in the air, so today we learn about St. Valentine and how coincidence, Geoffrey Chaucer, and some birds shaped the medieval and modern traditions of Valentine’s Day. Then, we remain in England to discuss the Witches of Belvoir, a mother and her two daughters accused of performing witchcraft on their employers’ children. Also…

Today we make our first trip to Iceland! We take a look at a story from the Eyrbyggja saga that features witchcraft, good old-fashioned jealousy, and some crazy Boy Mom energy. Then, we discuss the patron saint of Iceland, Thorlak Thorhallsson, and the holiday he inspired. It's a good time and you should probably listen, like, now. Enjoying the pod…

Welcome back to Italy for another episode of Saints & Witches! Today we finally tackle the legendary St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order and one of the patron saints of Italy. Then, we discuss the findings of the 16th- and 17th-century Roman Inquisition, including the astral-projecting benandanti and the Fisherwife of Palermo. En…

Happy November! Today we return to Sweden and the Katarina witch trials, part of the 17th-century Great Noise (for more on these trials, check out Episode 28). Then, we discuss St. Ansgar (Anskar? Anschar? Oscar Mayer Weiner?), the first missionary to Sweden. Enjoying the podcast? Please take a moment to rate/review/subscribe! We'd love to hear fro…

Welcome to Part II of the Saga of the Nerds Who Fuck and Kill Each Other: AKA, the Frankish Merovingian Dynasty. If you loved Episode 21 (XOXO, Caesar), you're in the right place! If you haven't listened, never fear: we'll give a quick recap and jump right into two stories of seduction, murder, and betrayal in 6th century Gaul. First, we focus on S…

Ireland, you are always a joy! Today we have two 19th-century Irish tales of mayhem and misconduct. First, the stories of Moll Anthony and Bridget “Biddy” Early, two Irish cunning women who (surprise, surprise) perplexed and enraged the Church. Then, we take a hard left turn into Downerville with a discussion of the Great Famine and how it changed …

Scotland, we’ve been asking for years now if you’re okay, and we still haven’t received confirmation. Today’s episode is, in fact, further proof that you’re NOT okay. Today, we discuss St. Margaret of Scotland / Wessex, the Norman-Conquest-era queen who married a Scottish warlord and *attempted* to teach him how to read. Then, we finally hop forwar…

Today we revisit Germany/Holy Roman Empire in the midst of the Thirty Years’ War. First, we learn about the Würzburg witch trials, one of Europe’s largest mass executions, and the Jesuit Friedrich Spee who spoke out against it. Then, we discuss the life of Athanasius Kircher, the Jesuit priest and inventor who wrote about everything, but got it all…

Sarah went on a pilgrimage and now she’s making it everyone’s problem! Today, in celebration of the U.S. relics tour of St. Bernadette, we discuss the saint and the famous Marian apparitions at Lourdes. Then, we explore the crazy life and lasting legacy of author, occultist, and almost-priest Eliphas Levi. **As we announce at the end of this episod…

Today we’re back in 17th-century England discussing two pairs of con men and all-around douchebags. First, we discuss Matthew Hopkins and John Stearne, witch-hunters during the English Civil War who amassed hundreds of victims. Then, we explore the fabricated Popish Plot of 1678-1681. Enjoying the podcast? Please take a moment to rate/review/subscr…

We’re back with a vengeance this week, talking all things medieval French insanity! We begin with Marguerite Porete, the French-Belgian beguine whose book rocked the entire Holy Roman Empire. Then, we discuss the 1609 Labourd witch-hunt and its judge, Pierre de Lancre, who, among other contemporary witch-hunters and theologians, had an unfortunate …

We are a podcast created by, researched by, hosted by, and produced by women. The vast majority of our listeners are women and nonbinary people. This week, we are standing in solidarity with the women (both cis and trans) of America (www.mothersdaystrike.com), and we do not have an episode for you. Instead, we have a short message that we hope you'…

Hold on to your leopards, folks: we’re back with another episode! This week, we travel to India to explore the work of Dr. Ian Stevenson, a psychiatrist who investigated cases of reincarnation in India in the 20th century. Then, we finally dive into the life, legacy, and controversy of St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta. Caviar? In this economy?? Enjo…

Climb down from the penis tree, you goofballs: it's time for another episode of Saints & Witches! Today, we're talking about the country our newest listeners are from: Uganda! First, we look at the history of the region's colonization: specifically, the introduction of Catholicism in the late 19th century by the Missionaries of Africa (also known a…

Live from the desert: it’s another episode of Saints & Witches! This week, we finally take a closer look at our hated/beloved home state of Illinois. First, we analyze Michael Kleen’s Witchcraft in Illinois: A Cultural History, a deep dive into the history of witchcraft (accusations, trials, and remedies) in Illinois. Then, we discuss the first rec…

Ah, the age-old saying! Today, we discuss two sagas filled with general slut behavior. First, we examine the 10th century Saeculum obscurum, or "dark age" of the papacy. (This. Story. Has. Everything.) Then, we head over to 16th century Britain to discuss three interconnected witch trials involving slaughtered hogs, some Lunchables, and a cat named…

Happy Golden Anniversary! For our fiftieth episode, we take a deep dive into the Aztec Empire. First, we explore the history and culture of the indigenous Mexica people, and then we discuss the fall of the Empire from both the Mexica point of view and from the point of view of their enemies, the Spanish conquistadors and the Tlaxcalan Nation. Final…

Gather round, children! This week we take a look at two legendary female figures whom medieval people had a really tough time categorizing. We discuss the myth of the female Pope Joan and the testicle chair that inspired it, then explore a few Arthurian legends that focus on the mysterious Morgan le Fay. Oh, and we get really mad along the way. Enj…

Welcome to Episode 48, in which we make our first trip to China! (Only we would unknowingly record this episode on the Chinese Lunar New Year and only realize it a few hours later.) Today, Liz dives into the drama and witchcraft accusations in the court of Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty (This. Story. Has. Everything), and Sarah gives an overview of …

Today's episode marks our long-overdue first visit to Brazil! We discuss the Catholic medium and "psychic surgeon" João Teixeira de Faria*, who performed healings and surgeries from his spiritual hospital in Abadiânia for 40+ years. Then, we discuss a series of grisly murders*, which some Brazilian citizens have blamed on practitioners of Candomblé…

It’s a brand new year, and we’re so thankful that you’re still hanging out with us! Today, we explore another case in the 17th-century cluster of French possessions, the Aix-en-Provence possessions. Then, we finally take a deep dive into the history of exorcism in the Catholic church. The devil? In this economy?? Enjoying the podcast? Please take a…

A very merry Christmas, blessed Yule, and... all the other ones... to everyone celebrating this week! Today, we focus on two stories of revelation and prophecy. First, our special guest tells us the story of the 1917 apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal. Then, we discuss the 17th-century figure Coinneach Odhar, otherwise known as the Braha…

Today we welcome our third special guest: ancient Roman historian, classicist, and writer David Ballard! (You may know him as the narrator of Blanket Fort Radio Theater's A Knight of Another Sort, which the two of us also helped produce.) Today's episode is all about ancient Rome. First, Liz discusses the mythology of the strix, a mysterious birdli…

A very happy Thanksgiving to witches and feral Catholics alike! In keeping with the theme of Thanksgiving, we've rounded up two very different stories of family drama, both crazy enough to put your Republican uncle to shame. First, we explore the life of medieval St. Jadwiga, the only female "King" of Poland. Then, we discuss the Pendle-witch-adjac…

More 17th century fun this week! First, we dive into the scandal and intrigue of the Connecticut Witch Trials (more crazy Puritans!), and then we hop back across the pond to finally discuss the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Mass hysteria, disease, torture, and a truly unforgettable ensemble cast! Enjoying the podcast? Please take a moment to rate/review/…

Pour yourself a cup of hot dirty wine and pull up a chair! Today's episode is all about Halloween: traditions, origins, history, and everything in between. We discuss the Catholic solemnity of Allhallowtide, including All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, then explore the pagan holiday of Samhain and its influence on Halloween as we know it today. Ex…

Our fortieth (!!!) episode takes us back to Germany again, where we discuss the 17th century Bamberg witch trials: specifically, the imprisonment and execution of Johannes Junius. Then, we explore the life of St. Walpurga, including her syncretization with an ancient pagan archetype. Enjoying the podcast? Please take a moment to rate/review/subscri…

Prepare your offerings, because today is our first-ever episode in Mexico! We discuss the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego, then take a look at many different forms of syncretic Christianity and brujeria throughout the ages. Enjoying the podcast? Please take a moment to rate/review/subscribe! We'd love to hear from you. Here's…

We're back in Ireland this week, discussing all things gaslighting, gatekeeping and, of course, girlbossing! In particular, we discuss the gruesome 1895 murder of Bridget Cleary. Then, we take a deep dive into the legend of Brigid: both the Celtic goddess and the saint who seems suspiciously similar... Enjoying the podcast? Please take a moment to …

We're on a boat, bitch: today's episode is all about the Titanic! Whether you've been a Titanic slut since childhood or you don't even know the ship's country of origin, there's something for everyone. Join us as we discuss the journey of Father Thomas Roussel Byles, the Catholic priest who has recently taken the very first step toward sainthood. T…

Calling all fairytale sluts! (Philosopher sluts and historical accuracy sluts, maybe not so much.) This week we finally visit Switzerland, where we discuss the life and trial of 18th-century Anna Göldi, sometimes referred to as the "last witch" in Europe. Then, we hop back to the 12th century and examine the multiple legends surrounding the local s…

Welcome back to another episode where we air out all of England's ye olde dirty laundry, from political rivalries to occultist rituals to brutal executions. We discuss one of England's most famous and influential saints, 12th century martyr Thomas Becket, then explore the trials of Eleanor Cobham and Margery Jourdemayne, two of the earliest witch t…

We welcome another special guest this week, Hellenistic pagan witch Hannah Bute Howe, who gives us a much-needed overview of Greek magical beliefs and practices before we discuss Theoris of Lemnos, a fourth-century BC witch whose trial constitutes the most detailed account of a witch trial to survive from Classical Greece. Then, we discuss the cont…

In today's episode, we focus on two soldiers who couldn't be more different: 16th-century Spanish mystic and founder of the Jesuit Order St. Ignatius of Loyola, and first-century Celtic warrior queen Boudica. We talk sexist scholarship and Renaissance-era medicine, and play our favorite game: Those People Were Alive at the Same Time! Enjoying the p…

Another listener request! And it MUST be examined on a hag-by-hag basis. Today we discuss the legendary Slavic folklore figure, Baba Yaga. Then, we take a look at one of the few saints shared by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, warrior princess St. Olga of Kiev. And we have one question for Eastern Europe: what's up with all the co…

We always say that there's nothing like a good, healthy gaggle of nuns. Nuns feature prominently in both of our stories today: first, we welcome our VERY FIRST guest storyteller, former Catholic missionary Madeline McDougall, as she tells the story of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as the Little Flower. Then, we discuss the crazy AF Louviers Po…

Here's Part 2 of our Witches v. Catholics interrogation special! Be sure to check out Part 1 if you missed it, and join us next time for our regularly scheduled nonsense. Enjoying the podcast? Please take a second to rate/review/subscribe! We'd love to hear from you. Here's how to get in touch with us: Email: saintsandwitchespodcast@gmail.com Insta…

Welcome to the two-part Saints & Witches special in which Sarah and Liz interrogate each other at gunpoint. Okay, it's not that serious. But hopefully it will answer any questions you might have about Catholicism, witchcraft, and all the weird stuff in between. Got questions we didn't answer? Stick around for Part 2, coming soon! Enjoying the podca…

If you’ve listened to the podcast for a while, you know by now how we feel about King James. He’s not our favorite. Today we return to Scotland to discuss the North Berwick witch trials and the only post-Reformation Scottish saint, St. John Ogilvie. Get ready for angsty Jesuits, pubic hair, and a cow who fell in love. Enjoying the podcast? Please t…

Long week? Fold yourself up hot dog style and tune in for another episode of Saints & Witches! This episode takes us back to North Africa. [Including Egypt, which is in fact a part of Africa! Who knew?] We discuss the mega-important philosopher, theologian, and Doctor of Grace St. Augustine of Hippo, then explore the mystery and magic of the ancien…