Podcast Summary: Devil and the Deep Blue Sea – Episode: "Joke's On Us"

Introduction

In the episode titled "Joke's On Us," hosted by Mike Kosper under the banner of Christianity Today, the podcast delves deep into the Satanic Panic that plagued America during the 1980s and 90s. This episode examines how figures like Lauren Stratford and Mike Warnke exploited societal fears, contributing to widespread hysteria and diverting attention from genuine moral issues within religious communities.

The McMartin Daycare Scandal and Its Aftermath

The episode begins by revisiting the McMartin Daycare scandal, a pivotal event that ignited the Satanic Panic. As Mike Kosper narrates at [00:48], the scandal originated from a single accusation by a parent grappling with addiction and mental illness. This accusation spiraled into a nationwide panic, with authorities sending panic-inducing letters to hundreds of parents and employing coercive social workers. The media's voracious appetite for sensational stories exacerbated the situation, allowing misinformation to spread unchecked:

"There's that old cliche, the lie that gets halfway around the world before the truth can get its pants on. And the satanic panic is certainly that kind of story." ([00:48])

Kosper explains how the McMartin case served as a catalyst for numerous similar cases fueled by fear and paranoia, laying the groundwork for opportunists like Lauren Stratford to emerge.

Lauren Stratford: Rise and Fall

Lauren Stratford, originally born Laurel Rose Wilson, becomes a central figure in the Satanic Panic. Introduced at [02:25], Stratford's claims of witnessing satanic ritual abuse resonated with the heightened fears of the time. She appeared on Christian media outlets, including the variety show Fire by Night, where her disturbing accounts captivated audiences. In a clip from the show at [02:25], Stratford describes grotesque acts of animal cruelty purportedly committed by Satanists:

"We're talking about animals that have been skinned while they're alive... tortured in the name of Satan." ([02:25])

Kosper references a Cornerstone magazine report from 1990, which uncovers Stratford's fabricated background. Initially connecting to the McMartin case in 1986, Stratford's stories intensified after she published her memoir, "Satan's Underground" in 1988. Despite her widespread influence, as highlighted at [04:57], her narratives were ultimately proven false:

"She never fooled the McMartin parents... Why did she fool the rest of us?" ([04:57])

Laura Robinson, a New Testament scholar, provides insight at [08:18], emphasizing Stratford's manipulative strategies and the lack of credible evidence supporting her claims. Stratford's elaborate tales of abuse and satanic rituals were later scrutinized, revealing inconsistencies and the absence of corroborative evidence. Her demise came after exposing her fabricated stories, leading to the withdrawal of her successful memoir.

Mike Warnke: Fabricated Stories and Exposure

Parallel to Stratford's story is that of Mike Warnke, a Christian comedian who positioned himself as an expert on Satanism in America. Introduced through a clip at [07:14], Warnke's claims of former Satanic affiliations and personal experiences mirrored Stratford's fabricated narratives. A detailed investigation by Cornerstone magazine revealed the truth behind Warnke's deceit:

At [21:25], Warnke recounts his fake Satanic past:

"I was a $125 a day heroin addict in 1964... a Satanist." ([21:25])

However, as Kosper details, Cornerstone unearthed discrepancies in Warnke's stories. For instance, Warnke claimed to have met Charles Manson at a Church of Satan meeting in 1965, despite Manson being incarcerated at the time. Additionally, testimonies from Warnke’s college girlfriend contradicted his claims of Satanic involvement:

"If he says he was a Satanist between September of 1965 to June of 1966, he's lying." ([22:41])

Further exposure revealed financial mismanagement within Warnke's ministry and a history of abusive relationships, tarnishing his credibility. Warnke's attempts at restitution, including claims of exaggeration and financial reforms, did little to salvage his reputation.

Cultural Analysis: Roots of the Satanic Panic

Laura Robinson offers a profound analysis of the societal factors contributing to the Satanic Panic at [30:46]. She connects the phenomenon to broader anxieties about child abuse, gender roles, and the rise of daycare culture. Robinson explains:

"A lot of where the satanic panic came from... we know abuse of children is common, but we don't want to face the fact that it's mostly done by parents." ([32:44])

She argues that the panic served as a means to externalize fears about domestic abuse and the evolving role of women in the workforce. The alignment of satanic myths with contemporary issues, such as the abortion debate highlighted at [16:40]-[19:00], further cemented the panic's foothold in public consciousness.

Robinson also critiques the evangelical culture's superlative bias, which seeks out grandiose narratives and perfect dichotomies between good and evil. This cultural inclination made exaggerated and fabricated stories, like those of Stratford and Warnke, highly appealing and readily accepted by the audience.

Conclusion: Legacy and Lessons

The episode concludes by reflecting on the lasting impact of the Satanic Panic and the lessons learned from figures like Lauren Stratford and Mike Warnke. Kosper underscores the dangers of credulity and the exploitation of societal fears by charismatic individuals. The legacy of the Satanic Panic serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of critical thinking and the perils of sensationalism.

Robinson's final thoughts encapsulate the episode's core message:

"What I think we can see in cases like these... they have a certain kind of antenna to the world around them." ([30:46])

The episode emphasizes the need to address genuine moral issues without succumbing to fear-driven narratives, urging listeners to remain vigilant against those who would manipulate societal anxieties for personal gain.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "The lie that gets halfway around the world before the truth can get its pants on." – Mike Kosper [00:48]
• "I will probably have nightmares tonight about it..." – Lauren Stratford [04:57]
• "She seemed to be telling us exactly what we wanted to hear." – McMartin Parent [04:57]
• "Have you read the book Sybil?" – Source on Stratford's fabricated stories [12:21]
• "Right now I am the Messiah." – Lauren Stratford [38:32]
• "Most sexual abuse of children is done by stepfathers or boyfriends or fathers." – Laura Robinson [32:48]
• "We tell ourselves stories in order to live." – Mike Kosper [33:49]

Final Thoughts

"Joke's On Us" offers a comprehensive examination of the Satanic Panic, highlighting how fabricated narratives by individuals like Lauren Stratford and Mike Warnke capitalized on societal fears. Through meticulous investigation and cultural analysis, the episode underscores the importance of discerning truth from sensationalism and the enduring need for vigilance against manipulative forces within society.

Produced by Mike Kosper and Rebecca Sebastian, "Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" is a production of Christianity Today, exploring the dark chapters of American history with depth and clarity.