
About this episode
🧙♀️🐈⬛🧪
What kind of mischief were the Windsor witches into? Were they shapeshifters? And what’s the deal with black cats? Professor Asma dives into the infamous stories of witchcraft and witch trials, exploring the dark, mysterious history behind them.
The Professor sheds light on the use of Voodoo dolls within witchcraft, while also breaking down real-world, practical theories about the Salem Witch Trials—could lead poisoning have driven some of the hysteria?
Plus, we tackle the big questions: Why do witch scares keep surfacing? Why are witches such easy scapegoats throughout history? Come by for a spellbinding discussion, and get ready to be bewitched!
Paul Giamatti is a Golden Globe award winning actor and producer. Stephen Asma is a professor and author specializing in the philosophy of science, religion, and art.
🧙♀️🐈⬛🧪
=========
Make sure to follow us @chinwagpod 👉🏼
IG: https://www.instagram.com/chinwagpod/
Tik: https://www.tiktok.com/@chinwagpod
Website: http://chinwagpod.fm
YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chinwagpod
Send your stories, Qs, or thoughts to 📧 questions [at] chinwagpod [dot] fm
=========
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma

The Final Wag
Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma
Feb 26, 20252:01:11pending

Philosophy of Film 101 with Bill Hader
Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma
Feb 19, 20251:09:45pending

CHINWAG LIVE: He Said Droids, Not Druids!
Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma
Feb 12, 202535:59pending

CHINWAG LIVE: Monolith Mania
Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma
Feb 5, 202554:35pending