The Distaff Podcast
This conversation explores the historical significance of the distaff as a symbol of women's work, delving into the life of Mary Burt and the witch trials of Puritan society. It examines the dynamics of community relationships, the role of religion and superstition, and the lasting impact of these events on gender narratives. Through a detailed discussion, the speakers highlight the complexities of women's experiences and the societal fears that fueled the witch trials. This conversation delves into the historical context of the Salem Witch Trials, exploring the roles of key figures like Tituba and John Willard, the dynamics of power and hysteria in the community, and the impact of these events on women's history. The discussion highlights the complexities of the trials, the motivations behind accusations, and the societal implications of such mass hysteria, ultimately leading to reflections on the healing process within the community and the significance of women's contributions throughout history.
Episodes
22 episodes
Pack That Ship Up: The Magic and Science of Viking Travel. S2:E9
In this episode we talk about Viking Travel. Gudrid and the Greenlanders are preparing to sail west. What boats will they use, how much food, clothing, and supplies should they bring? And yes, what type of magic can come along? This is a fun...
The Making of a Man, From a Woman's Perspective: Gudrid finally meets Thorfinn Karlsefni. S2:E8
A newly widowed Gudrid returns to Brattahlid to be with her in-laws. There she meets Thorfinn Karlsefni "The Making of a Man" and marries him. Kim and Sarah discuss life on Greenland, Karlsefni and his history, and so much more. Join us as w...
Negotiations With the Un-Dead. Love, Loss and Religion. S:2, E:7
In this Episode, Gudrid finds love, marries the most handsome man in Greenland and prepares to settle down in wedded bliss. But, it is not to be. Illness and chaos find Gudrid again, this time she will need to negotiate with the living as we...
Eastside Vikings: The Rus and Queen Olga of Kiev. S:2, E:6
In this episode we take a peak over the horizon at our Eastern Norse, The Rus. River Kings and warriors, this group of Viking Age Scandinavians fought, raided and settled on rivers throughout Eastern Europe and even into modern-day Russia. O...
How Christian Kindness Saved A Pagan Ritual: Gudrid and the Spae-Queen. S:2,E:5
In this episode Kim and Sarah tell the story of Gudrid's first winter in Greenland. After a shipwreck that killed many of her loved ones, Gudrid winds up on a remote farm on the coast of Greenland. This escape from her old life in Iceland en...
Ask, Embla and Erik The Red. S:2, E:4
So, where did all these Vikings come from? In this episode we talk about the Norse "origin story." A tale of a man named Ask and a woman named Embla. Then we travel down the road a few centuries and discuss Erik the Red, another OG worthy of...
Ygdrassil, Pagan Gods and Christian Women.S:2, E:3
As a kid, did you ever wish you could live in the ultimate tree house? Well, according to Norse mythology, you're living in one. Ygdrassil, with its nine worlds, branches that tangle with clouds, gods sliding down rainbows and wells th...
Aud the Deep-Minded: The Original Ice Queen. S:2, E:2
Aud Ketilsdottir, born over 1000 years ago, stitched together kingdoms and farms, freed thralls and converted rulers. She was the master weaver of Christian and Pagan threads, Celtic and Norse traditions, folklore and gospel. Generations lat...
Viking Women: Gudrid the Well Traveled S2:E1
Gudrid Thornbjarnardottir is our host Flyga for Season 2 of the Distaff Podcast. What is a flyga? And how did a woman, born on a cold and wind-swept island over 1000 years ago venture into the world enough to be titled The Well Traveled? We tal...
A Reckoning: The Springfield Raid and The Deerfield Massacre. S:1,E:11
In this final episode of the Distaff Podcast Season 1, we say goodbye. Goodbye to the wild and crazy Puritans, the witches and reverends, and the Agawam people who rode the wave of the Puritan experiment for as long as they could. When we're...
Mary Bliss Parsons: A Colonial Richy-Witch? S1:E10
Mary Bliss Parsons (not to be confused with the first witch trial of Mary Lewis Parsons) was shrouded in mystery. She wandered the swamps at night, had a knack for finding hidden keys and knew how to throw the most spectacular fits.&nb...
Salem Witch Trials: Which Witch is Which? S:1, E:9
Were there actual Puritan Witches in Colonial America? Did years of witch hunts, witch trials and shrieking teenagers actually conjure up the village witch? Or is there a better explanation for these opinionated, independent and often ...
Do I Smell Pudding? The Unhappy Consequences of Hugh and Mary Parsons. S:1, E:8
Throw a little pudding in your fireplace and see who comes knocking. It could be a witch, it could be Hugh Parsons. In this episode we talk about the Hugh and Mary Parsons witch trial, as well as a little family history venting a...
A Wicked Good Puritan Timeline: The Accidental Episode, S1:E7
What starts out as a work meeting between our hosts Kim and Sarah turns into one of our favorite episodes. With the lurking shadow of the Witch Trials yet to come, we talk about strange phenomenon, naughty Puritans, and colonial gossip. We f...
Birthin’ Babies. Midwifery in Springfield. S1:E6
This conversation delves into the historical practices of childbirth in colonial America, focusing on the role of midwives and the transition to male-dominated medical practices. It explores the impact of superstition, witch trials, and soci...
The Indigenous Woman and the Puritan Woman. Same Land, Different Worlds. S:1, E:5
It is 1636 in New England. The mist rises over the low land, the day is just beginning. Two women meet on a path. One woman is of the Agawam Nation, the other is a Puritan. What do they see in the other? Both women are mothers, wive...
Distaff Podcast: Dear Prudence. S1: E4
Dear Prudence…”"Surely these were Amazonian times when women had strength."This conversation delves into the historical narrative of Prudence and Miles Morgan, exploring their journey, family connections, and the significance of the Bay...
The Distaff Podcast: Dear Prudence. S:1, E:4
Dear Prudence…”"Surely these were Amazonian times when women had strength."This conversation delves into the historical narrative of Prudence and Miles Morgan, exploring their journey, family connections, and the signi...
The Distaff Podcast: Lascivious Women, Colonially Speaking. S:1, E:3
What!? Lascivioius Puritan women? Yes, and we're here to talk about it. We get into the nitty-gritty of our ancestor Mary Burt and some of her fellow Puritan women in Springfield, MA, Massachusetts Bay Colony circa 1640. What did a ...
Take me to Church, Springfield MA Bay Colony
Join Sarah and Kim as they delve into the fascinating history of Springfield, MA, exploring the lives and legacies of its early settlers. From the intricacies of church seating arrangements to the dramatic court cases that shaped the community,...
Take me to Church, Springfield MA Bay Colony
Join Sarah and Kim as they delve into the fascinating history of Springfield, MA, exploring the lives and legacies of its early settlers. From the intricacies of church seating arrangements to the dramatic court cases that shaped the community,...
The Distaff: A Symbol of Women's Work--Episode One One
This conversation explores the historical significance of the distaff as a symbol of women's work, delving into the life of Mary Burt and the witch trials of Puritan society. It examines the dynamics of community relationships, the role of reli...