Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Christianity Today
They say the Devil’s in the details, but when conspiracies captivate our imaginations, we often overlook the real devils walking among us.From the creators of the hit podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill comes a new show, Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, which takes you back to the Satanic Panic that gripped America in the 1980s and 90s.This limited series explores how hysteria gripped parents and teens through cautionary tales like Go Ask Alice, influenced notorious criminal cases like the West Memphis Three, and catapulted the political agenda of the Moral Majority.Join as we seek to understand how this wave of panic devastated innocent lives and diverted the church’s attention from the evil lurking in its own pews.
Episodes
Mentioned books
27 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 42min
BONUS: What Does It Mean to Believe Survivors? In Conversation with Mary DeMuth and Colleen Ramser
Colleen Ramser is a dedicated trauma therapist passionate about helping others, while Mary DeMuth is a survivor and author sharing profound insights on abuse. In this heartfelt conversation, they tackle the complexities of trauma and the importance of believing survivors. They explore the challenges posed by systemic failures in faith communities and the personal burdens of silence and shame. With a focus on healing through storytelling, they advocate for compassionate support in acknowledging trauma and fostering understanding in church settings.
12 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 54min
BONUS: Livestream Q&A with Mike Cosper, Matthew D. Taylor, and Robert Downen
In this thought-provoking conversation, Amy Isham, a Catholic theological librarian, shares the chilling story of Joan Leonora Taylor's exorcism in rural Australia, highlighting how mental health often clashed with faith. Matthew D. Taylor discusses the New Apostolic Reformation’s influence on American politics, particularly following the events of January 6th. Robert Downen addresses the rise of Christian nationalism in Texas while honoring abuse survivor Duane Rollins, revealing a complex web of faith, politics, and lasting societal impacts.
57 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 54min
Forgetting What Happened
The finale dives into the intriguing threads of the Satanic Panic, analyzing its echoes in today’s conspiracies like QAnon and Pizzagate. It features an interview with a former celebrity turned evangelist, shedding light on fame's dark costs and wrongful convictions. Historical scapegoating, moral panic, and the intertwining of faith and politics are examined, while the build-up to the January 6 insurrection is dissected. Hints of future explorations into trauma and justice add an enticing note to the discussion.
38 snips
May 5, 2025 • 58min
The Spell Breaks
In this intriguing conversation, Kenneth Lanning, a retired FBI agent and skeptic of the Satanic Panic, shares his insights on the unfounded allegations that circulated during that era. Joining him is Elizabeth Loftus, a leading cognitive psychologist renowned for her groundbreaking work on memory distortion. Together, they discuss how false memories can be easily implanted and the profound implications for justice. Rebekah Sebastian helps guide the discussion, emphasizing the shift away from fearful narratives as the panic faded, revealing the complexities of memory and belief in society.
40 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 43min
Joke's On Us
In this episode, Laura Robinson, a New Testament scholar at Butler University and Substack writer, dives into the dark legacy of Lauren Stratford and her infamous memoir, 'Satan's Underground.' They discuss the sensationalism surrounding the Satanic Panic, revealing how cultural fears were shaped and distorted by media. The conversation highlights the psychological manipulation behind Stratford's claims, the societal anxieties fueling the panic, and the tragic consequences of misinformation on genuine cases of child abuse. A thought-provoking exploration of history and truth!
25 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 19min
BONUS: Deep Dive with Mike Cosper: Q&A + Best of DDBS Live Streams
Dive into the lasting echoes of the Satanic Panic and its effects on today's faith communities. Discover the true story behind the show's title and engage in a rich discussion about the Southern Baptist Church's historical figures amidst cultural upheaval. The complexities of drug use and its societal perceptions are explored, along with reflections on influential artists from the 80s. Additionally, hear highlights from live streams that offer a candid look at the intersections of spirituality, narrative, and societal challenges.
92 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 25min
Hell's Bells
Robert Downen, a Texas Tribune reporter known for exposing abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention, and Sarah Pulliam Bailey, a seasoned religion reporter, dive deep into the moral panic surrounding rock music. They discuss the phenomenon of backmasking, revealing how hidden messages in songs fueled fears about youth corruption. The conversation further uncovers the dark legacy of influential church leaders, allegations of abuse, and the culture of silence within religious institutions, urging reform and accountability. It's a gripping exploration of power, faith, and music's impact.
27 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 50min
Remembering What Never Happened
Dive into the chilling landscape of fear and false memories, examining the sensational tales of 'Jay's Journal' and 'Michelle Remembers'. Explore how Sigmund Freud's concepts laid the groundwork for a century of psychological uncertainty. Discover the notorious McMartin Preschool case and its catastrophic consequences fueled by panic and unverified tales. The podcast raises crucial questions about the real victims in these narratives and the morality of those who profit from fear. Uncover the intertwined complexities of trauma, memory, and societal horror.
56 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Witchmobile
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.
58 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 13min
Runaway Girls, Runaway Fears
Rick Emerson, former radio host and author of 'Unmasked Alice', alongside Daniel Silliman, Senior news editor at Christianity Today, dive into the anxieties of the 1960s. They explore the tragic story of Diane Linkletter and the societal panic over runaway girls and drugs. The conversation shifts to 'Go Ask Alice', its impact, and debates around its authenticity. Finally, they dissect the emergence of the Jesus People Movement and its clash with counterculture ideals, revealing the intersection of fear, faith, and political tensions during this tumultuous time.
