Episode 4.4: Toil and Trouble

Happy belated lunar eclipse! Sorry we’re a little late with this (as you know, there’s a lot going on in the world right now), but this episode is definitely worth the wait. We discuss the 2016 comic series Toil and Trouble written by Mairghread Scott and illustrated by Kelly and Nichole Matthews.

CW: discussion of police brutality, George Floyd, Amy Cooper, white supremacy, systemic racism (28:21 – 50:45)

We at Witches in Britches stand in solidarity with everyone using their voice to combat racism and police brutality and to dismantle systems of oppression. We believe Black lives are precious and every Black life matters, and we invite our White listeners to learn about White privilege and how you can help fight systemic racism. This Anti-Racist Reading List, curated by Katie’s other podcast is a great place to start.

Our theme song is “Moon and Spruce” by Sarah Little Drum.

Here’s a listening guide for the episode. (For a description of our segments, go here.)

Startin’ with Tartans (0:00 – 4:30)

Introduction (4:30 – 9:00)

“Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?” (9:00 – 20:53)

“Bald Heads and Queer Noses” (20:53 – 50:46)

“Round About the Cauldron Go”* (50:46 – 1:02:25)

“Treguna Mekoides Trecorum Sadis Dee!” (1:02:25 – 1:14:34)

Final Spells (1:14:34 – 1:22:40)

Outtakes (1:22:40 – 1:24:45)

*This segment name comes from Macbeth!

Screen Shot 2020-05-29 at 7.07.28 PM
Linda’s baby hands

Episode 3.7: The Addams Family

Happy full moon! For our seventh episode, we’re bringing you a very special treat: a discussion of the new Addams Family movie, hosted by Linda and her sister Marcia!

Our theme song is “Moon and Spruce” by Sarah Little Drum.

Here’s a listening guide for the episode. (For a description of our segments, go here.)

Welcome/ Britches in Brief (0:00 – 4:55)

Introduction (4:55 – 7:20)

“Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?” (7:20 – 27:00)

“Bald Heads and Queer Noses” (27:00 – 38:44)

“Treguna, Mekoides, Trecorum, Satis, Dee!” (38:44 – 57:06)

Final Spells (57:06 – 1:03:00)

Important Links:

Studio C- The Property Brothers’ Greatest Renovation 

Episode 2.6: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Happy full moon! This month we’re discussing Netflix’s new show, the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. There will be spoilers!

Content warning: brief mentions of Larry Nassar and Brett Kavanaugh, racial slurs, lynching, homophobia, transphobia.

Our theme song is “Moon and Spruce” by Sarah Littledrum.

Here’s a listening guide for the episode. (For a description of our segments, go here.)

Introduction (0:00 – 3:11)

“Treguna, Mekoides, Trecorum, Satis, Dee!” (3:17 – 32:06)

  • The show’s depiction of witchcraft as an inversion of evangelical Christianity
  • Wicca
  • Appropriation and misapplication of various religious and pagan symbols
  • Sabrina’s visions
  • Exorcism scene (power drawn from the women in Sabrina’s family tree)

Related Links

The Nutcracker/ “girl goes fantasy world”  conversation started on Jeannette Ng’s Twitter

“Bald Heads and Queer Noses” (32:13 – 46:27)

  • Witch bodies vs. human bodies
  • Witches’ lack of respect for others’ bodily autonomy
  • Sabrina’s erasing Harvey’s memories (with a kiss!), cursing Mr. Hawthorne, attempting resurrection
  • Witches’ treatment of familiars
  • Demonic possession and a man-eating Lilith
  • Portrayal of Sabrina’s body in the comics

Related Links

She-Ra is a recent example (on Netflix, too!) of a female character being reclaimed by women: An All-Female Writing Team Gives ‘She-Ra’ a Modern Makeover for a New Netflix Reboot

“Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?” (46:36 – 1:13:15)

  • Susie = a non-binary character (played by Lachlan Watson, a non-binary actor)!
  • The show’s ambiguous, 60s-esque setting + its flat depiction of high school
  • Is Sabrina a good witch or a bad witch?
  • Prudence and the show’s difficulty navigating race
  • White women = complicit in white supremacy
  • Cousin Ambrose and Sabrina’s aunts

Related Links

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina‘s Non-Binary Character Deserves Better

Star Tati Gabrielle Talks Giving Depth to Prudence

In Defense of Prudence Night

Why Can’t Black Witches Get Some Respect in Popular Culture?

Cousin Ambrose is the Most Compelling Part of Sabrina

Final Spells (1:13:19 – 1:26:25)

  • The nature of spells (Latin vs. vernacular, words vs. intention)
  • The comics’ influence on popular ideas about witches
  • Jenny’s lunar ritual: Gemini Sage Moon

Related Links

Tarot-Inspired Character Palettes