Devil and the Deep Blue Sea cover image

Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

The Witchmobile

Feb 26, 2025
Rick Emerson, author of *Unmask Alice*, dives into the eerie beginnings of America's satanic panic in the late 1970s. He discusses how the fallout from Watergate and political shifts set the stage for a moral revolution led by figures like Jerry Falwell. The discussion highlights the unsettling influence of Beatrice Sparks' editing of a teenager's diary on public perception and fears surrounding satanism. Emerson also explores the controversial legacy of comedian Mike Warnke, intertwining humor with dark fabrications.
01:02:05

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Watergate scandal shifted public trust away from traditional politics, paving the way for a desire for ethical leadership embodied by Jimmy Carter.
  • Jerry Falwell's formation of the Moral Majority mobilized evangelical voters around conservative ideologies, transforming the political landscape in America.

Deep dives

The Impact of Urban Design

The design of cities and neighborhoods significantly affects the lives of their residents, reflecting societal values regarding investment and marginalization. Urban landscapes reveal who is prioritized in community planning and development, and these decisions can lead to disparities in access to resources. The shaping of our physical environments not only dictates aesthetic appeal but also influences the well-being of individuals living within them. By recognizing the relationship between race and the built environment, discussions can arise about who has the authority to shape these critical aspects of life.

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