Mary DeYoung

Patrick Balch shares his memories of the 1988 filming of Next of Kin in Kentucky, revealing how innocuous events like costume purchases were misinterpreted as satanic signs. Sociologist Mary DeYoung discusses the societal dynamics behind the 1980s moral panic, explaining how professionals inadvertently spread fears of satanic abuse. They explore how media frenzy fueled wild rumors, including a photographer's terrifying escape from a town gripped by hysteria, illustrating the era’s paranoia about children and safety.

Mary DeYoung, an emerita sociology professor and expert on deviance, dives deep into the McMartin case and the satanic panic of the 1980s. She discusses her shocking discoveries about the gravity of false allegations surrounding ritual abuse in preschools. Mary highlights how fear was amplified by sensational media coverage and misguided expert testimonies. She examines the suggestibility of children in interviews and reveals systemic failures in addressing real inter-family abuse. Ultimately, Mary reflects on lessons learned and the regulatory changes spurred by this chaotic period.

Join Sarah Marshall as she chats with Patrick Balch, a local of Hazard, Kentucky, who shares firsthand experiences of the weird rumors surrounding the community during a film production. Mary DeYoung, a Professor Emeritus of Sociology, dives deep into how social dynamics fueled the satanic panic, revealing why children became central to the fears. Together, they explore the impact of media sensationalism and small-town gossip, shedding light on a moral panic that turned mundane events into terrifying accusations. A fascinating look at a bizarre chapter in history!