5. The Magic(k)

05/30/23 • 28 min

3 Listeners

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.

Presenter: India Rakusen Executive Producer: Alex Hollands Producer: Tatum Swithenbank Producer: Lucy Dearlove Producer: Elle Scott Production Manager: Kerry Luter Sound Design: Olga Reed

A Storyglass production for BBC Radio 4

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.

Presenter: India Rakusen Executive Producer: Alex Hollands Producer: Tatum Swithenbank Producer: Lucy Dearlove Producer: Elle Scott Production Manager: Kerry Luter Sound Design: Olga Reed

A Storyglass production for BBC Radio 4

Previous Episode

4. Enchanted Lands

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.

Presenter: India Rakusen Executive Producer: Alex Hollands Producer: Lucy Dearlove Producer: Elle Scott AP: Tatum Swithenbank Production Manager: Kerry Luter Sound Design: Olga Reed

A Storyglass production for BBC Radio 4

Next Episode

6. Midwives and Healers

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.

Presenter: India Rakusen Executive Producer: Alex Hollands Producer: Elle Scott Producer: Lucy Dearlove AP: Tatum Swithenbank Production Manager: Kerry Luter Sound Design: Olga Reed

Scored with original music by The Big Moon.

A Storyglass production for BBC Radio 4