The Devil You Know with Sarah Marshall
CBC
In the 1980s and 90s, Satan and his followers were accused of brainwashing children, sacrificing babies, and infiltrating North American society on a massive scale — yet these thousands of alleged Satanists were nowhere to be found. Even so, the narrative became embedded in our cultural memory, warping everything it touched — including the lives of innocent people.. And it never quite died out.In a new 8-part series, Sarah Marshall (You’re Wrong About) explores the tangled web of the Satanic Panic, in a journey that will take you everywhere from Victoria, B.C. to rural Kentucky to San Antonio, Texas. This is a show about the people who experienced the Satanic Panic in real-time — the believers, the skeptics, the bystanders, and the wrongfully-convicted. What was it like to be a psychologist told to look for Satanists in every case; a mother slowly recovering memories of supposed Satanic abuse; a teenager accused of conspiracy to murder? The stories of these eyewitnesses point us toward the real underlying problems — individual and societal — that the Panic was a response to. The fault, as ever, was not with Satanists, but in ourselves.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 17, 2025 • 53min
Episode 5: The Devil in Delaney
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.
Nov 13, 2025 • 37min
A second helping from Satan: Arab Spring, Satanic Summer
Cherine Amr, founder of the Egyptian all-female metal band Massive Scar Era, shares her harrowing experiences of being accused of possession during the moral panic following the Arab Spring. She discusses how heavy metal music was viewed in Egypt, often labeled as satanic and foreign. Pasqualina Eckerström provides academic insights into the political implications of such accusations, emphasizing the gendered nature of the panic. Together, they explore music as a means of cultural expression and healing amidst oppression.
28 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 48min
Episode 4: Bad Times, Good TV
Whitney Phillips, an assistant professor at the University of Oregon and co-author of The Shadow Gospel, delves into the dark world of the Satanic Panic. She explores how 90s TV shows, like The X-Files, shaped societal fears. The conversation covers the historical roots of satanic imagery, sensational media narratives, and how cultural phenomena like The Exorcist fueled public anxiety. They also discuss the role of evangelical media and the evolution of demonology in today’s politics, revealing a continuous cycle of fear and sensationalism.
9 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 45min
Episode 3: Moral (Panic) Entrepreneurship
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.
Oct 30, 2025 • 47min
A second helping from Satan: A closer look at Michelle Remembers
Canadian director Sean Horlor’s film, Satan Wants You (2023), is a deep dive into the book "Michelle Remembers.” In this bonus episode, he talks to Sarah about the process of making that film and what it was like growing up in Victoria at its so-called satanic heyday.
16 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 44min
Episode 2: Marylyn Remembers
Marilyn Harris, the former wife of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder, shares her harrowing experience with the fallout from the Michelle Remembers case, revealing how it strained her family and marriage. Cheryl Proby Ostman, sister of Michelle Smith, offers a unique perspective on their childhood and critiques the book's portrayal of their lives. Both provide deep insights into the personal and societal chaos caused by the book, shedding light on the emotional toll and moral panic that ensued. Their stories highlight the stark difference between familial memories and the sensational narrative that captivated a nation.
16 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 39min
Episode 1: Did Swayze Start the Fire?
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.
Oct 7, 2025 • 3min
Introducing The Devil You Know with Sarah Marshall
In this new 8-part series, host Sarah Marshall (You’re Wrong About) takes a closer look at the people who experienced the Satanic Panic in real-time—the believers, the skeptics, the bystanders, and the wrongfully-convicted.
