The Devil You Know with Sarah Marshall Episode 5: The Devil in Delaney
Nov 17, 2025
Delaney, a woman whose life was deeply affected by childhood trauma and the satanic panic of the 1980s, shares her journey through her manuscript. Her struggle with repressed memories leads her to therapy, where she uncovers painful recollections of ritualized violence. The podcast explores the complex dynamics of memory, trauma, and societal influences during this tumultuous time. Delaney’s story reflects on the lasting impacts of her experiences and how she found purpose in community work and advocacy.
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Childhood Through Matt’s Eyes
- Matt remembers childhood moments like drinking tea with Delaney and describes her curly hair and big smile that contrasted with her inner turmoil.
- He recounts frequent moves and Delaney parenting largely solo while she struggled with overwhelming memories and mood swings.
Cultural Moment Shaped Memory Narratives
- The 1980s cultural moment linked recognition of women's trauma to a rise in recovered memory frameworks.
- That era's language turned private suffering into narratives of buried abuse and even satanic explanations.
Repression Returned As Therapeutic Orthodoxy
- Repression and recovered-memory therapy resurfaced as clinicians sought explanations for widespread invisible trauma.
- Therapists often assumed hidden abuse and created methods to excavate memories, normalizing the idea of amnesia for trauma.
