Episode #020910: How Witchcraft Works - Movies You Should Know

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Witches are perhaps one of the most reviled and misunderstood groups in history -- but why? Join Josh and Chuck as they break down the Stuff You Should Know about witchcraft in this episode.

AI Summary

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Chuck and Josh dive deep into the fascinating and often misunderstood world of witchcraft throughout history. They explore everything from the medieval witch hunts and the infamous Salem witch trials to modern-day Wiccan practices, debunking common misconceptions along the way. The hosts examine how witchcraft transformed from accepted folk medicine and spiritual practice into a source of deadly persecution, and they discuss the beliefs, rituals, and tools of contemporary witches, revealing how different reality is from popular stereotypes.

Movies Discussed

American Movie

1999 1h 47m

★ 7.6

"Coven, if you're a fan of American movie... It's good. You should definitely see American movie. — Josh references the documentary about a filmmaker who mispronounces 'coven' as 'coven' in his short film." — Josh

Boogie Nights

1997 2h 36m

★ 7.6

"John C. Riley as the illusionist at the end of Boogie Nights. Remember he became a magician at the end? — Josh mentions how John C. Reilly's character became a magician after his porn career ended in the film." — Josh

Caligula

1979 2h 36m

★ 6.0

"And it does not actually take place, like Caligula style in front of everyone. — Josh clarifies that Wiccan sexual rituals are private, not public orgies like depicted in the notorious film Caligula." — Josh

Nell

1994 1h 52m

★ 6.5

"Can't you see Nell? They typo Nell. Putting like a hex on somebody. That was the worst movie ever. — Chuck imagines the character from the movie Nell practicing Appalachian folk magic, calling it the worst movie ever." — Chuck

The Crucible

1996 2h 3m

★ 6.6

"If you've read the Crucible, we're talking about Salem witch trials — Chuck references the famous play/film when discussing the Salem witch trials of 1692." — Chuck

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