Episode 214: Appalachian Folk Practices pt. 2

Welcome back, Witches! This week we're continuing our Appalachian Folk Practices series with Part 2, where we're exploring the traditions of Granny Women and Midwifery. We'll dive into the history, healing practices, folk magic, and vital role these women played in their communities, preserving generations of herbal knowledge and spiritual wisdom. So get in, Loser, because this week we're heading deep into the heart of Appalachia to uncover the legacy of the mountain healers.

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Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio- The Witch

Resources

1. Beyer, Rebecca. Mountain Magic. 2023. Quarto Publishing Group.
2. Cieslik. Appalachian Folk Magic: Generations of “Granny Witchcraft” and Spiritual Work. (2023) Folk Life. https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/appalachian-folk-magic?__cf_chl_f_tk=8fzfzAQFYn7mMFSquNdGHhCDsBX3iom2mRy0xGyX1FY-1783080080-1.0.1.1-8zrvMLrs.8InGv47rkwjCwommxPHbvVEfRz3DPmggvA
3. Carmichael, Tim. The Granny Women of Appalachia: Mountain Medicine and Folk Healing. (2025). Appalachian Memories. https://appalachianmemories.org/2025/02/22/the-granny-women-of-appalachia-mountain-medicine-and-folk-healing/
4. Scott, Shaunna. “Grannies, Mothers and Babies: An Examination of Traditional Southern Appalachian Midwifery.” Central Issues in Anthropology, vol. 4, no. 2, 1982, pp. 17–30., doi:10.1525/cia.1982.4.2.17.
5. Cavender, Anthony. Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia. The University of North Carolina Press, 2003.
6. Jess Kimball (2025). A brief look at midwifery in Southern Appalachia. Jess Kimball. https://www.jess-kimball.com/blog/a-brief-look-at-midwifery-in-southern-appalachia#/
7. Lucas Adcock (2026). Midwife of the Mountains- training for birth-work in Appalachia. The Pocahantas Times. https://pocahontastimes.com/midwife-of-the-mountains-training-for-birth-work-in-appalachia/
8. Hunter Library Omeka Collections. Midwifery in Early 20th Century Appalachia. https://digitalhumanities.wcu.edu/omeka/exhibits/show/frank-fry/midwiferyinappalachia