What Chuck Bryant has said about Salem witch trials

Bryant believes the panic might have taken a completely different course had the original doctor not diagnosed bewitchment.

“I feel like if that original doctor hadn't said the word witch, it could have gone in a completely different direction”

Stuff You Should Know: Selects: Salem Witchcraft Trials: More Bonkers Than You Know (Oct 31, 2026) · Listen from 23:21

Bryant argues the speed of the trials meant that by the time level-headed residents recanted or spoke up, dozens had died.

“it happened so quickly that, you know, before you know it, there's, you know, a couple of dozen people have died”

Stuff You Should Know: Selects: Salem Witchcraft Trials: More Bonkers Than You Know (Oct 31, 2026) · Listen from 38:17

Bryant reports that Giles Corey stood mute in protest of the proceedings rather than to protect his estate, since most of it had already been taken.

“he even wrote down that he was standing mute to protest the sham proceedings”

Stuff You Should Know: Selects: Salem Witchcraft Trials: More Bonkers Than You Know (Oct 31, 2026) · Listen from 49:54