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PODCAST

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

history

All Episodes

82:38

Ask, Embla and Erik The Red. S:2, E:4

The Distaff Podcast ·

2026/03/27

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 an origin story all his own. Enjoy!

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96:47

Ygdrassil, Pagan Gods and Christian Women.S:2, E:3

The Distaff Podcast ·

2026/03/19

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 that are just, well, wyrd. We talk in this episode about all of that and so much more. Gudrid The Well-Traveled remains our tour guide this episode through her Viking world. Thank you for listening!

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107:43

Aud the Deep-Minded: The Original Ice Queen. S:2, E:2

The Distaff Podcast ·

2026/03/10

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 later, Aud's handiwork becomes the world that Gudrid will be forced to reckon with. We talk about all this, along with some Viking fashion advice from a real dandy. Join us!

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71:01

Viking Women: Gudrid the Well Traveled S2:E1

The Distaff Podcast ·

2026/02/26

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 talk about this and so much more on Episode 1 of our brand new season. We'll explore and weave stories about Vikings, Norse Gods, Christian Pagans and all of the key players during one of history's most pivotal times.

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102:06

A Reckoning: The Springfield Raid and The Deerfield...

The Distaff Podcast ·

2025/12/19

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 done, much like 350 years ago, Springfield will be razed to the ground, the Puritan experiment nearly destroyed and the landscape of western Massachusetts left with only the memories of a people that had cared and tended to it for thousands of years...

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91:11

Mary Bliss Parsons: A Colonial Richy-Witch? S1:E10

The Distaff Podcast ·

2025/12/12

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. Any other Puritan woman would have been called "Witch" and thrown in jail. But not this Mary. We talk about Puritan fears, politics and the righteous balance of religion and reputation. Find all of our sources on our website, distaffpodcast.com C...

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101:21

Salem Witch Trials: Which Witch is Which? S:1, E:9

The Distaff Podcast ·

2025/12/05

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 underestimated men and women who ended up swinging from the Colonial gallows? Find all of our sources on our website, distaffpodcast.com Contact us at distaffpodcast@gmail.com

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85:27

Do I Smell Pudding? The Unhappy Consequences of Hugh...

The Distaff Podcast ·

2025/11/29

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 about a different kind of witch hunt closer to home. Enjoy! Find all of our sources on our website, distaffpodcast.com Contact us at distaffpodcast@gmail.com Episode Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Online Genealogy 00:34 Connecting with Ancestry 03:35 The Exci...

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87:27

A Wicked Good Puritan Timeline: The Accidental...

The Distaff Podcast ·

2025/11/21

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 finish off with a lesson on how to summon a witch right to your door, or maybe just how to summon one of your really weird neighbors. You decide. Enjoy! For Sources please visit our website: distaffpodcast.com Contact us! Email distaffpodcast@gmail.com, or ...

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104:20

Birthin’ Babies. Midwifery in Springfield. S1:E6

The Distaff Podcast ·

2025/11/14

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 social status on midwifery, as well as the importance of community support during childbirth. The discussion reflects on the modern implications of these historical practices and emphasizes the need for patience and understanding in the childbirth experience. ...

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97:31

The Indigenous Woman and the Puritan Woman. Same...

The Distaff Podcast ·

2025/11/06

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, wives, members of a community. Both are making a life in the land they stand on. One is a leader in her nation, the other, not so much. We try to unravel and re-weave their story. In this episode we focus on the Indigenous woman. What did her world lo...

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70:04

Distaff Podcast: Dear Prudence. S1: E4

The Distaff Podcast ·

2025/10/31

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 Path. The speakers discuss the challenges of historical research, the role of women in early settlements, and the romanticized view of history. Through their exploration, they highlight the importance of communication and connection in the past, ultimately p...

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70:04

The Distaff Podcast: Dear Prudence. S:1, E:4

The Distaff Podcast ·

2025/10/31

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 Path. The speakers discuss the challenges of historical research, the role of women in early settlements, and the romanticized view of history. Through their exploration, they highlight the importance of communication and connection in the past, ultimately pa...

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89:49

The Distaff Podcast: Lascivious Women, Colonially...

The Distaff Podcast ·

2025/10/23

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 colonial woman do when she found herself in a compromising position? Did her family and their standing in the community determine her fate? And what of the other women in the town, how did they navigate the expectations laid on them regarding behavior, love a...

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59:53

Take me to Church, Springfield MA Bay Colony

The Distaff Podcast ·

2025/10/17

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, this episode uncovers the rich tapestry of 17th-century life. Discover how power dynamics, social norms, and personal stories intertwine in this captivating journey through time. Tune in to learn about the trials, triumphs, and tales of those who laid ...

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59:53

Take me to Church, Springfield MA Bay Colony

The Distaff Podcast ·

2025/10/17

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, this episode uncovers the rich tapestry of 17th-century life. Discover how power dynamics, social norms, and personal stories intertwine in this captivating journey through time. Tune in to learn about the trials, triumphs, and tales of those who laid ...

en-us

92:42

The Distaff: A Symbol of Women's Work--Episode One One

The Distaff Podcast ·

2025/10/16

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 delv...

en-us

17 results

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