Does “om” invite a demon? Fearing the Satanic panic of the 80’s, 90’s & today

This week’s podcast episode finds Becky and Merie exploring the phenomenon called Satanic Panic, its victims (Yoga; the West Memphis 3; McMartin Preschool workers, not the children; yoga; Ouija boards; rock music; Dungeons & Dragons…), and its connection to QAnon and conspiracy theories of today. Along the way they address the burning questions you didn’t know you had, like:

How would Merie’s hairstyle have caused her to be the first suspect if somebody had been murdered at her church? If you said you were flushed down a toilet and came out the other side, would the police believe you? Whose weekend plans include a car wash, a game of “naked movie star” AND a hot air balloon ride? Does Becky’s repeated use of a name accidentally summon Satan? What word does Merie repeat so much that Becky tries ASMR to get her to stop? If you play this episode backwards, what secret messages do you get?

Come for the spiritual dinners. Stay for the fart threats.

Bonus points for whoever catches Becky’s unattributed “Friends” quoting.

Sources for this episode include: The Austin-American Statesman. CBS News. ABC 7 Chicago. Texas Monthly and Texas Monthly.