Patrick Balch

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.

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!

Diane, a photographer and arts educator, shares her harrowing experience in rural Kentucky during the satanic panic of 1988, where unfounded rumors led to her abrupt departure from a teaching residency. Patrick Balch, a local, adds depth with his memories of the panic and the filming of Next of Kin. They discuss how media amplified fear, the chilling impact of false accusations, and how normal events were twisted into sinister narratives. Their insights reveal the societal anxieties that fueled this moral panic, highlighting the strain it placed on innocent lives.