Witch

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

The Spark In The Fire

20230524

20230530 (R4)

The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now?

Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out.

We find out what it means to call yourself a witch today. India joins a Beltane ritual in Nottingham, where two sisters tell us what it means to them and when they first knew they were witches. They talk about the infamous 'teen-witch' phase and explore why that sense of magic we have as children so often fades away. And how we might start to get it back.

Scored with original music by The Big Moon.

AP: Tatum Swithenbank

Natural Magic

20230525

20230606 (R4)

In episode 2, we explore ancient connections between the natural world around us and the idea of magic and examine why witches today are so drawn to the wild.

Scored with original music by The Big Moon.

AP: Tatum Swithenbank

India Rakusen explores ancient connections between nature and the idea of magic.

The Witches Well

20230526

20230613 (R4)

The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop culture-driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now?

Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out.

In Scotland, a campaign is underway for an official pardon for the women burned as witches centuries ago. India heads to Edinburgh to discuss the deeply embedded misconceptions that still surround the witch hunts.

Scored with original music by The Big Moon.

AP: Tatum Swithenbank

India heads to Edinburgh to discuss misconceptions that still surround the witch hunts.

Enchanted Lands

20230527

20230620 (R4)

The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop culture-driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now?

Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out.

A witch has been created in the Thames Valley to protect a family from eviction. India explores the surprising historical relationship between the figure of the witch and the right to land.

Scored with original music by The Big Moon.

AP: Tatum Swithenbank

The Magic(k)

20230528

20230627 (R4)

The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop culture-driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now?

Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out.

What is magic? In this episode India speaks to witches and scientists to try and untangle the meaning and the real-world impact of magic. From hexes to chants, what lies behind the power of a spell?

Scored with original music by The Big Moon.

Producer: Tatum Swithenbank

What is magic? And what lies behind the power of a spell?

Midwives And Healers

20230529

20230704 (R4)

The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now?

Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out.

A common belief about the witch hunts is that they were a targeted attack on female healers and midwives. But to what extent is that true? India speaks to historians, nurses and activists to find out.

AP: Tatum Swithenbank

Scored with original music by The Big Moon.

India investigates the idea that the witch hunts were a targeted attack on female healers.

Into The Woods

20230530

20230711 (R4)

The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in legends, to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now?

Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out.

As we reach the half way point of our series, we pause to consider why and how The Witch is such a key figure in our folklore and fairy tales. Come with us, as we take a journey deep into the woods to hear stories of the witch.

Scored with original music by The Big Moon

AP: Tatum Swithenbank

Come with us, as India takes a journey deep into the woods to hear stories of the witch.

Hag

20230530

20230718 (R4)

The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now?

Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out.

In this episode, we're investigating what made older women a key target during the witch hunts in many places in Europe. India wants to find out why that was, and how this has subsequently shaped life for older women several hundred years later. We meet modern witches who show us how covens help to break down ageism.

Hag' poem written and performed by Sarah MacGillivray.

Additional voiceover: Emma Taylor

Scored with original music by The Big Moon.

AP: Tatum Swithenbank

How have the witch hunts shaped our ideas of older women today?

To Be Called A Witch

20230530

20230725 (R4)

The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now?

Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out.

It's one thing to choose to be a witch - it's quite another to be accused. India explores historical and modern witch hunts and the impact of being accused of witchcraft.

Scored with original music by The Big Moon.

AP: Tatum Swithenbank

Palms Of Silver

20230530

20230801 (R4)

The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now?

Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out.

India explores the business end of witchcraft, and the murky ways in which people and companies might profit from the idea. From crystals and witch kits, to tarot readings and a high-flying 'industrial intuitive', what are the ethics behind making money from magic?

Scored with original music by The Big Moon.

AP: Tatum Swithenbank

~Witchcraft is big business. What are the ethics behind making money from magic?

Through The Veil

20230530

20230808 (R4)

The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now?

Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out.

~Witches seem to have a rare familiarity and ease with the idea of death But what does that look like in practice? India spends time at an ancestor workshop, talks to Tatum about Silent Suppers and goes to Cornwall to experience a s退ance.

Scored with original music by The Big Moon.

AP: Tatum Swithenbank

~Witches seem to have an ease with the idea of death. What does that look like in practice?

Circle

20230530

20230815 (R4)

The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now?

Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out.

The act of witches gathering together to practise their craft seems to have its own special power. India spends time with a group of witches in Scotland and a coven in Cornwall, and explores the power of group rituals.

Scored with original music by The Big Moon

AP: Tatum Swithenbank

India Rakusen explores the power of group rituals with a coven in Cornwall.

Legacy

20230530

20230822 (R4)

The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now?

Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out.

It's clear that the witch hunts still cast a shadow over our lives. India hears from some of the guests in the series on the legacies of the witch hunts, and how witches today might be a powerful way of resisting and addressing the damage of the past.

Guests: Bones Tan Jones, Mona Chollet, Prof Ronald Hutton, Dr Eleanor Janega

Scored with original music by The Big Moon

AP: Tatum Swithenbank

India considers how witches today are a powerful way of resisting and addressing the past.

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	The Spark In The Fire	20230524	20230530 (R4)	The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out. We find out what it means to call yourself a witch today. India joins a Beltane ritual in Nottingham, where two sisters tell us what it means to them and when they first knew they were witches. They talk about the infamous 'teen-witch' phase and explore why that sense of magic we have as children so often fades away. And how we might start to get it back. Scored with original music by The Big Moon. AP: Tatum Swithenbank
02	Natural Magic	20230525	20230606 (R4)	In episode 2, we explore ancient connections between the natural world around us and the idea of magic and examine why witches today are so drawn to the wild. Scored with original music by The Big Moon. AP: Tatum Swithenbank India Rakusen explores ancient connections between nature and the idea of magic.
03	The Witches Well	20230526	20230613 (R4)	The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop culture-driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out. In Scotland, a campaign is underway for an official pardon for the women burned as witches centuries ago. India heads to Edinburgh to discuss the deeply embedded misconceptions that still surround the witch hunts. Scored with original music by The Big Moon. AP: Tatum Swithenbank India heads to Edinburgh to discuss misconceptions that still surround the witch hunts.
04	Enchanted Lands	20230527	20230620 (R4)	The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop culture-driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out. A witch has been created in the Thames Valley to protect a family from eviction. India explores the surprising historical relationship between the figure of the witch and the right to land. Scored with original music by The Big Moon. AP: Tatum Swithenbank
05	The Magic(k)	20230528	20230627 (R4)	The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop culture-driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out. What is magic? In this episode India speaks to witches and scientists to try and untangle the meaning and the real-world impact of magic. From hexes to chants, what lies behind the power of a spell? Scored with original music by The Big Moon. Producer: Tatum Swithenbank What is magic? And what lies behind the power of a spell?
06	Midwives And Healers	20230529	20230704 (R4)	The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out. A common belief about the witch hunts is that they were a targeted attack on female healers and midwives. But to what extent is that true? India speaks to historians, nurses and activists to find out. AP: Tatum Swithenbank Scored with original music by The Big Moon. India investigates the idea that the witch hunts were a targeted attack on female healers.
07	Into The Woods	20230530	20230711 (R4)	The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in legends, to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out. As we reach the half way point of our series, we pause to consider why and how The Witch is such a key figure in our folklore and fairy tales. Come with us, as we take a journey deep into the woods to hear stories of the witch. Scored with original music by The Big Moon AP: Tatum Swithenbank Come with us, as India takes a journey deep into the woods to hear stories of the witch.
08	Hag	20230530	20230718 (R4)	The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out. In this episode, we're investigating what made older women a key target during the witch hunts in many places in Europe. India wants to find out why that was, and how this has subsequently shaped life for older women several hundred years later. We meet modern witches who show us how covens help to break down ageism. Hag' poem written and performed by Sarah MacGillivray. Additional voiceover: Emma Taylor Scored with original music by The Big Moon. AP: Tatum Swithenbank How have the witch hunts shaped our ideas of older women today?
09	To Be Called A Witch	20230530	20230725 (R4)	The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out. It's one thing to choose to be a witch - it's quite another to be accused. India explores historical and modern witch hunts and the impact of being accused of witchcraft. Scored with original music by The Big Moon. AP: Tatum Swithenbank
10	Palms Of Silver	20230530	20230801 (R4)	The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out. India explores the business end of witchcraft, and the murky ways in which people and companies might profit from the idea. From crystals and witch kits, to tarot readings and a high-flying 'industrial intuitive', what are the ethics behind making money from magic? Scored with original music by The Big Moon. AP: Tatum Swithenbank ~Witchcraft is big business. What are the ethics behind making money from magic?
11	Through The Veil	20230530	20230808 (R4)	The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out. ~Witches seem to have a rare familiarity and ease with the idea of death But what does that look like in practice? India spends time at an ancestor workshop, talks to Tatum about Silent Suppers and goes to Cornwall to experience a s退ance. Scored with original music by The Big Moon. AP: Tatum Swithenbank ~Witches seem to have an ease with the idea of death. What does that look like in practice?
12	Circle	20230530	20230815 (R4)	The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out. The act of witches gathering together to practise their craft seems to have its own special power. India spends time with a group of witches in Scotland and a coven in Cornwall, and explores the power of group rituals. Scored with original music by The Big Moon AP: Tatum Swithenbank India Rakusen explores the power of group rituals with a coven in Cornwall.
13	Legacy	20230530	20230822 (R4)	The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out. It's clear that the witch hunts still cast a shadow over our lives. India hears from some of the guests in the series on the legacies of the witch hunts, and how witches today might be a powerful way of resisting and addressing the damage of the past. Guests: Bones Tan Jones, Mona Chollet, Prof Ronald Hutton, Dr Eleanor Janega Scored with original music by The Big Moon AP: Tatum Swithenbank India considers how witches today are a powerful way of resisting and addressing the past.