In the 1980s, “Satanic Panic” was a mass hysteria that consumed communities and ruined lives—all over things that never even happened. In this new five-part series, we’re examining the origins of the panic, tracing back through the decades to see how the fear of Satan’s influence in society swept across North America.
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Nov 2022
Waco Siege & Branch Davidians Pt. 1
On February 28th, 1993, ATF agents raided a compound in Waco, Texas, belonging to a religious group known as the Branch Davidians. A 51-day standoff ensued, ending in a violent siege. Eighty-one people lost their lives, many of them children — but to this day, no one knows which ... Show More
33m 53s
Oct 2022
60: Dungeons, Dragons, and Satan Worship
Welcome to the Dark History podcast. What scares parents more than anything else? It’s the Devil, of course. And it wasn’t too long ago where this fear turned into a nationwide craze. In today’s episode we’ll talk about how Satan invaded our board games, music, even our classroom ... Show More
39m 31s
Jan 2025
CLASSIC: Church Burning, Metal, and Scandinavian ‘Satanists’
In the 1990s international media was captivated by a bizarre epidemic of church arsons in Norway, often attributing these crimes to so-called Satanic groups and individuals in Norway's black metal scene. This was wrapped up in the larger phenomenon of "Satanic Panic", a widesprea ... Show More
43m 48s
Oct 2021
New England versus Vampires, Part One: The Brutal, Terrifying Life of Early Colonists
<p>While historians continue to explore the details of the infamous Salem witch trials, another, earlier panic swept through New England -- something modern historians often refer to as the "Vampire Panic." In part one of this two-part series, Ben is joined again with guest host ... Show More
37m 21s
Oct 2025
Introducing: The Devil You Know with Sarah Marshall
<p>Listen now to the first episode of Sarah's new 8-part series with CBC Podcasts, The Devil You Know.</p><p>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 — ... Show More
41m 10s
Aug 2024
Satanic Panic!? Who was behind the Fall River Cult murders?
Hi friends, happy Tuesday!Today's story starts at the onset of the 80s "Satanic Panic" craze in a town called Fall River, Massachusetts. Three young women were murdered in cold blood, all because of a pimp and his satanic cult? And how did they end up being chosen as "human sacri ... Show More
23m 31s
