Podcast Ep#7: Witches, Witchcraft and Menopause
Why were menopausal women targeted as witches in Early Modern Europe?
On episode seven of the podcast, get ready for a true tale that may scare you. Narrated by host Lori L. Tharps, it's a story gleaned from history about witches, witchcraft and menopause. Since we’re just a few days away from celebrating Halloween in many countries, what better time to share this horrific history lesson about the creepy connection between witches and menopause. A connection that goes all the way back to the 15th century, but still has massive repercussions for all of us women today.
In this episode you’ll learn how and why a menopausal woman became the poster child for a witch in Early Modern Europe and why we’re still fighting those stereotypes today.
It’s a short but important story told in four chapters:
Chapter 1: Why were women, instead of men, classified as witches?
Chapter 2: What made women over 50 especially suspect to witch hunters?
Chapter 3: Why were certain menopause symptoms interpreted as witchcraft?
Chapter 4: Why are women still being persecuted as witches today?
The Epilogue: What are the lingering effects of history’s witch hysteria on menopausal women today?
Episode Sponsors
The My Bloody Hell Membership Community, which is now open for business.
Yumday, an online subscription snack box company that prioritizes snack brands led by women and people of color. Visit Yumday.co and use the code MBHPOD15 for 15% off your order.
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If you really want to learn more about the history of witches, from a positive historical perspective, check out this podcast episode from Lori L. Tharps' other podcast, My American Meltingpot about America’s history of multicultural witches.
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