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!

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Linda’s baby hands

Minisode 1.1: Salem Witch Museum

Today, to celebrate the new moon and solar eclipse, we’re bringing you a very special minisode about Claire’s visit to the Salem Witch Museum. We also share some thoughts about modern witch hunts (in the forms of racism and xenophobia, especially) and how to foster greater understanding in the face of difference. We at Witches in Britches condemn white supremacy and bigotry in all forms and encourage you to take a stand against intolerance and hate wherever it is found in your communities.

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

Related Links

Salem Witch Museum

Tituba and Your Fear of Witches

Stuff You Should Know: Is a Head Transplant Really a Thing?

Stuff You Should Know: What is Collective Hysteria?

Stuff You Should Know: How Witchcraft Works

Resources for Combatting White Supremacy

NPR: A Reformed White Nationalist Speaks Out on Charlottesville

Life After Hate

Ijemoa Oluo: So You Want to Fight White Supremacy

Katherine Fisher: Facebook Post

Secret Feminist Agenda (Hannah McGregor): Taking Up Space and Feeling Safe Again

Katie’s Blog Post: Don’t Be Complicit

Solar Eclipse Fun

NPR: Rituals to Sprinkle A Little Magic Into Your Eclipse Experience

Stuff to Blow Your Mind: Gazing Into the Eclipse

Our next episode, about Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, will air September 6. See you then!