The Devil in the Details

Episode Thirty-Three: John Ramirez, Ex-Satanist Turned Evangelist Oct 31, 2024

Happy Halloween! On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic shares the spooky tale of one's man journey from "Satanic High Priest" to a born again Christian! Yeah, right. This episode is full of more tantalizing sweets than a trick-or-treat bucket, so pour yourself something nice, grab a handful of candy, and listen to how evangelical Christians continue to misrepresent Satanism to scare people to church!

Episode Thirty-Two: Lucifer Rising; Why One Priest Believes Demonic Obsession Is On the Rise Jul 21, 2024

On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic examines claims from a Father Chad Ripperger that 25% of the population is diabolically obsessed and that the number is on the rise! What would have to be the case in order for this to be true, and why exactly does Fr. Ripperger think the Devil is getting stronger?

Episode Thirty-One: Bennett Braun, the Psychiatrist Who Fueled the Satanic Panic May 26, 2024

On this episode, Satanic Skeptic JD Sword commemorates the passing of Church of Satan Magisters Henry Manning and Neil Smith while celebrating the passing of Bennett Braun, a psychiatrist whose work with Dissociative Identity Disorder and belief in Satanic Ritual Abuse conspiracies helped fuel the Satanic Panic while ruining his patient's lives.

Episode Thirty- The Devil on Trial Apr 05, 2024

Netflix's latest documentary, The Devil on Trial, tells the story of David Glatzel who infamous con artists-er, I mean, demonologists- Ed and Lorraine Warren convinced the Glatzel family was possessed. When a young man named Arne Johnson convinces the demon to take him instead, the Warrens claim the evil drove Johnson to commit murder. The ensuing court case and media blitz would be known as the "devil made me do it" case and became a cash cow for the Warrens with their book The Devil in Connecticut and later part of the Conjuring franchise. But what really happened? Were the Warrens fighting the forces of evil, or exploiting a family to line their own pockets? Warlock Sword, the Satanic Skeptic, will give you the rundown.

Episode 29 - The Hanover Witch Hunt or Should Fortune Telling Be Illegal? Jan 14, 2024

On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic discusses laws criminalizing fortune telling and how exactly they might be unconstitutional, as well as giving his own opinions as to whether these laws really protect the public from fraud.

Episode 28 - Anton LaVey, CSICOP, and Pseudoscience Oct 26, 2023

On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic explores Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey's history as a paranormal investigator as well as his familiarity with the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry- the organization which the Satanic Skeptic writes for! Drawing on a long out-of-print essay featured in the Cloven Hoof as well as other archived Church of Satan material, this episode shows just how much Anton LaVey meant it when he said "Herein you will find truth-and fantasy. Each is necessary for the other to exist; but each must be recognized for what it is."

Episode 27 - Did Actors Repress Memories of Abuse by Marilyn Manson? May 16, 2023

Did the actors and assistants who worked for or were in relationships with rockstar Marilyn Manson, and allege that he sexually abused them, really repress the memories of their abuse? The Satanic Skeptic discusses the history and controversy of repressed memories and proposes several alternative explanations as to what might've happened.

Episode 26 - Were "the Finders" a CIA-Fronted Satanic Cult? Mar 01, 2023

On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic reviews an FBI report into a community known as "the Finders" accused of being a CIA-fronted satanic cult involved in child abuse and ritual sacrifice. Are the rumors true? Hell no!

Episode 24 - Once Again, There Is No Evidence of Satanic Ritual Abuse Feb 08, 2023

On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic covers a report, released last year, commissioned by the Minister of Justice for the Netherlands investigating claims of "organized sadistic abuse." The conclusion? Listen to find out!

Episode 23 - The Demon Cat of D.C. Jan 04, 2023

On the first episode of the new year, the Satanic Skeptic, JD Sword, examines a long-standing urban legend of a "demonic cat" said to stalk the halls of the United States Capitol building.

Episode 22 - The Hampstead Hoax Nov 03, 2022

On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic examines a case of alleged Satanic Ritual Abuse that went viral after video interviews between police and children as well as a list of 175 alleged cultists, was leaked online. Ultimately, the children recanted their testimony, confessed their mother and her boyfriend had made it all up and coached them on what to say, and rather than face questioning by police both hoaxers fled the country! But, the story doesn't stop there...

Episode 21 - The Devil in Ohio Sep 21, 2022

On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic examines several plausible candidates for the "true events" which author and showrunner Daria Polatin may have drawn on for inspiration in writing Netflix's latest limited series, "The Devil in Ohio." We're talking a kooky occultnik, a high-profile murder, and a Keystone Cop, all bringing the mass psychogenic illness of the Satanic Panic to poor Toledo, Ohio!

Episode 20 - Kookcytus, or, Where Neo Nazis and Devil Worshippers Meet Jul 27, 2022

On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic investigates a Devil worshipping Neo Nazi group calling themselves the Order of Nine Angles and their ties to the Alt-Right. While a minority among the extremist fringe, the Order of Nine Angles have been linked to several attempted terrorist attacks and actual homicides. Just how dangerous are they?

Episode 19 - The "Haunted" Home of Katharine Hepburn? Jun 08, 2022

On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic revisits an article he wrote for Skeptical Inquirer back in 2021, investigating a video in the tabloid, The Sun, allegedly showing a ghost manipulating a lamp in the haunted former home of both Katharine Hepburn and Boris Karloff! https://www.the-sun.com/news/1655849/poltergeist-ghost-shakes-lamp-katharine-hepburn-video/

Episode 18 - To Massacre Children is Decidedly UN-Satanic Jun 03, 2022

Incensed by an article titled "The Devil Went Down to Texas" in which Director of Content and editor-in-chief at the Foundation for Economic Education, Dan Sanchez, writes that "To Massacre Children is Literally Satanic," The Satanic Skeptic addresses the popular narrative of school shooters as "outcasts" and social rejects and argues why, in fact, massacring children is decidedly un-Satanic!

Episode 17 - Zombies: Science or Superstition? May 25, 2022

In 1983, ethnobotanist Wade Davis published The Serpent and the Rainbow- an account of his journeying to Haiti in search of a fabled zombi powder used by Vodou bokors to induce a state of somnambulism. Davis claimed to have obtained samples of the powder, and hypothesized that one of the main ingredients was a deadly neurotoxin known as tetrodotoxin, setting off a firestorm of academic controversy. The Satanic Skeptic examines Davis's claims as well as those of his critics. Is there a scientific basis for zombi folklore, or are they mere superstition?

Episode 16 - Are Herbal Abortions Safe and Effective? May 16, 2022

On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic examines the safety and efficacy of abortifacients- herbs taken to induce miscarriage- as well as a "Woman's DIY Guide" to herbal abortions circulating on social media. While the use and interest of abortifacients is nothing new, the recent threat of the United States Supreme Court to overturn the 1973 ruling of Roe v. Wade has the potential to create conditions whereby more women may turn to these herbs when they no longer have access to adequate medical care. How effective and dangerous are these herbs?

Episode 15 - Diabolus in Musica Apr 13, 2022

On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic, JD Sword, examines the musical myth that the Catholic Church banned what's known as the tritone during the Middle Ages for being Diabolus in Musica. Is there any truth to this myth and what relationship does the tritone have to rock and heavy metal music?

Episode 14 - Is Evolutionary Science Making Room for Adam and Eve? Feb 16, 2022

On this mini episode, the Satanic Skeptic reviews the 2019 book, The Genealogical Adam and Eve, after reading a January 2, 2022 Fox News article "Christians point to genetics breakthroughs to show Adam and Eve are not incompatible with evolution." Life finds a way, but the Satanic Skeptic finds this book unconvincing

Episode 13 - Ritual Magic Feb 09, 2022

On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic examines ritual magic, specifically, whether or not there is reason to believe ritual magic works by way of human will influencing the physical world, or, does ritual magic work on the individual as self-transformative psychodrama?

Episode 12 - The Satanic Temple Jan 28, 2022

On this episode, the Satanic Skeptic examines The Satanic Temple, a political activist group who also claim to be Satanists- but are they really? We'll be discussing some of their more well-known publicity stunts such as the Baphomet Statue and their After School Satan program, whether or not their strategy is actually effective, and finally, whether or not they are a religion at all and, if so, are they Satanic?

Episode 11 - Religion Makes People Feel Better, But Tax Churches Anyway Oct 29, 2021

On this mini-episode, the Satanic Skeptic reviews a paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, "National Religiosity Eases the Psychological Burden of Poverty." Is religiosity, the degree of religious belief, likely a major factor that makes poor people feel better? Is that true of both developing and developed (first world) nations? As Satanists, why should we care? What does that have to do with taxing churches? Listen to the show and found out!

Episode 10 - The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel Aug 11, 2021

JD Sword, the Satanic Skeptic, examines the case of Anneliese Michel, who's exorcism inspired the movie "The Exorcism of Emily Rose." Diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy, was this a case of neurological disorder or diabolical possession?

Episode Nine - The Exorcist Jun 03, 2021

On this LONG overdue episode, I examine the true story behind William Peter Blatty's novel and film, The Exorcist, and reveal the true identity of the boy who inspired the character of Regan.

Episode Eight - Exorcism and Demonic Possession Mar 03, 2021

On this episode, we're going to begin a new series exploring exorcism and demonic possession! What are the origins of the practice of exorcism or belief in demonic possession? How can you tell if someone is possessed by a demon? Most importantly, are exorcisms really that bad if they make people feel better?

Episode Seven - Recovered or False Memories of Satanic Ritual Abuse? Oct 29, 2020

This episode is dedicated to the memories of James "The Amazing" Randi and Anton Szandor LaVey, both incredible conjurors who forever changed my life and helped set me on the path to diabolical doubt.
Concluding the series on the Satanic Panic, on this episode we'll look at the long debate between accusations of recovered memories of Satanic Ritual Abuse and False Memories. We'll examine the evidence cited by both skeptics and advocates for their conclusions, weigh the evidence, and settle on the closest we can to a scientific consensus.
Happy Halloween and Hail Satan!

Episode Six - QAnon Oct 28, 2020

On this episode, let's talk about QAnon, because hey, everything else 80s is making a comeback, why not the Satanic Panic? QAnon believers argue that politicians and celebrities such as Hillary Clinton, George Soros, and Tom Hanks are all part of a pedophile, devil worshipping cult that sucks the essence out of babies, and macho man Donald Trump, with his very good brain, is part of a resistance movement to save us all and bring the Cabal to justice! The evidence for these claims? Cryptic posts by an anonymous person (or persons) known only as "Q" Sounds legit.

Episode Five - The McMartin Trial Sep 23, 2020

On this episode, Citizen Sword examines one of the most infamous Satanic Ritual Abuse day-care court cases of the Satanic Panic, as well as one of the longest and most expensive criminal cases in American history- the McMartin Trial! Examine the claims and evidence put forward as proof of secret tunnels beneath the preschool and ritual sites where children were allegedly abused! Learn about the suggestive questioning techniques, pseudoscientific chicanery, and political intrigue that made a modern American witch hunt!

Episode Four - Satan's Underground Jul 22, 2020

On this episode, Citizen Sword examines the most famous of the copy-cat memoirs of Satanic Ritual Abuse to be published in the wake of "Michelle Remembers"- Lauren Stratford's "Satan's Underground." A lurid tale of Satanic cultists, sexual perversion, pornography, and...Nazis?

Episode Three - Michelle Remembers Apr 03, 2020

On this episode, we're going to examine the memoir which gave birth to the myth of Satanic Ritual Abuse and became the template for future cases of SRA during the Satanic Panic, "Michelle Remembers." Published in 1980 by Dr. Lawrence Pazder and Michelle Smith, the book allegedly recounts how Michelle recovered repressed memories of childhood abuse at the hands of her mother and a group of Satanists while undergoing therapy with Dr. Pazder. But is that what really happened? We'll examine the claims made within "Michelle Remembers" and whether there's any actual evidence to support them.
It is my intention to provide information that is both factual and educational. I conduct my research drawing on what I judge to be the most trustworthy, authoritative source material available, and will readily cite my sources. That being said, I recognize that it is entirely possible I will make mistakes from time to time. I encourage you all to do your own research and invite you to reach out with any questions or comments you may have.
To learn more about The Devil in the Details visit: https://thedevilinthedetails.net/
To learn more about skepticism or the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry visit: https://skepticalinquirer.org/
To learn more about Satanism or the Church of Satan visit: https://www.churchofsatan.com/
Music by Adrian von Ziegler: https://adrianvonziegler.bandcamp.com/

Episode Two - The Satan Seller Apr 03, 2020

On this episode, we're going to investigate the book that became the foundation for the Satanic cult conspiracy, Mike Warnke's "The Satan Seller." Published in 1972, it contains the lurid tale of how "America's Number One Christian Comedian" descended into drug addiction and Satanism before being saved and converting to Christianity. Or does it? We'll examine the claims contained within The Satan Seller, and then cover the book which, at the height of Mike Warnke's fortune and fame, exposed him as a liar and fraud- "Selling Satan: The Tragic History of Mike Warnke."
It is my intention to provide information that is both factual and educational. I conduct my research drawing on what I judge to be the most trustworthy, authoritative source material available, and will readily cite my sources. That being said, I recognize that it is entirely possible I will make mistakes from time to time. I encourage you all to do your own research and invite you to reach out with any questions or comments you may have.
To learn more about The Devil in the Details visit: https://thedevilinthedetails.net/
To learn more about skepticism or the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry visit: https://skepticalinquirer.org/
To learn more about Satanism or the Church of Satan visit: https://www.churchofsatan.com/
Music by Adrian von Ziegler: https://adrianvonziegler.bandcamp.com/

Episode One - The Satanic Panic Apr 01, 2020

On the first episode of The Devil in the Details, we're going to examine the Satanic Panic- a case of mass hysteria that swept across North America during the 1980's and early 90's and involved claims of organized cults of Satanists ritualistically abusing and sacrificing children. We'll look at an overview of what the Satanic Panic was, then go deeper into who was involved and investigate the specific claims made by those who believed in the dangers of organized Satanic cults, ritual abuse, and cult crime. We'll examine the evidence (or lack thereof) to support claims of Satanic cults and ritual abuse, offer alternative explanations, and finally arrive at the current scientific consensus on the subject.
It is my intention to provide information that is both factual and educational. I conduct my research drawing on what I judge to be the most trustworthy, authoritative source material available, and will readily cite my sources. That being said, I recognize that it is entirely possible I will make mistakes from time to time. I encourage you all to do your own research and invite you to reach out with any questions or comments you may have.
To learn more about The Devil in the Details visit: https://thedevilinthedetails.net/
To learn more about skepticism or the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry visit: https://skepticalinquirer.org/
To learn more about Satanism or the Church of Satan visit: https://www.churchofsatan.com/
Music by Adrian von Ziegler: https://adrianvonziegler.bandcamp.com/

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