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Updated 3 days ago

25/03/2025

Hell's Bells

Do you hear what I hear? Backmasking. From the Beatles to Led Zeppelin, rumors of hidden, subversive messages in popular music sent Christians into a frenzy. Backmasking wasn’t just a recording trick—it was seen as proof that rock musicians weren’t just after album sales but after the very souls of our children. Today, we’re unpacking the hysteria around backmasking, but first let’s explore the conservative resurgence and the world events that set the stage for a full-blown moral panic. We’ll begin at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where megachurches mobilized thousands of evangelists to the spiritual frontlines of the world games, then we’ll head south to the buried secrets within the Southern Baptist Convention. At the center of this resurgence were two men with unchecked power—Paul Pressler and Paige Patterson. Their legacy was once seen as the North Star of conservative values but would later be tainted by allegations of abuse and cover-ups that exposed the very evil they claimed to stand against. Join our Facebook group for deeper conversations and behind-the-scenes content. Can’t wait for the next episode? Join host Mike Cosper for a livestream every other Monday on the CT YouTube channel or the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea Facebook page. Resources: Matthew D. Taylor, scholar and author, The Violent Take it By Force Robert Downen, reporter, The Texas Tribune Sarah Pulliam Bailey, religion reporter Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a production of Christianity Today Hosted and written by Mike Cosper Produced by Rebekah Sebastian, with production assistance by Dawn Adams Sound Design and Mix Engineer: TJ Hester Sound Design, Animation, and Video: Steve Scheidler Graphic Design: Nim Ben Reuven Music by Dirt Poor Robins Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper are the executive producers of CT Media Podcasts, and Matt Stevens is our senior producer. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help more people find the show. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25/03/2025

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1h 25m
22/04/2025

Joke's On Us

Remember Mike Warnke, the world’s #1 Christian comedian from Episode 3? We’ll revisit his story with a little fact-checking, but first, we introduce you to another infamous figure of the Satanic Panic: Lauren Stratford. Her memoir, Satan’s Underground, recounted her harrowing experience with satanic ritual abuse in vivid, gruesome detail—capturing the imagination of millions. However, years after her book became a bestseller, her story was thoroughly debunked as a complete fabrication. But Lauren wasn't done. She resurfaced with a new name and a whole new grift. As we unpack her rise and fall, we’ll also explore the broader cultural forces at play during the Satanic Panic. From the rise of daycare culture sparking anxieties around working mothers to the growing awareness of child sexual abuse, we examine how these societal fears were manipulated by the media to create and spread exaggerated, harmful narratives. Resources: Dr. Laura Robinson, New Testament Scholar, Butler University Satan’s Sideshow: The True Lauren Stratford Story by By Bob & Gretchen Passantino and Jon Trott Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a production of Christianity Today Hosted and written by Mike Cosper Produced by Rebekah Sebastian, with production assistance by Dawn Adams Sound Design and Mix Engineer: TJ Hester Sound Design, Animation, and Video: Steve Scheidler Graphic Design: Nim Ben Reuven Music by Dirt Poor Robins Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper are the executive producers of CT Media Podcasts, and Matt Stevens is our senior producer. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help more people find the show. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22/04/2025

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43 min
26/02/2025

The Witchmobile

August 8, 1974—Richard Nixon resigns. The country watches as the law-and-order president falls under the weight of his own corruption, leaving behind a legacy of paranoia, scandal, and a crisis of trust in American institutions. But as one political era collapsed, another movement began to take shape. In this episode, we track the shifting tides of the 1970s—from Watergate’s unraveling to the unlikely rise of Jimmy Carter, a Southern Baptist reformer who captured the White House and disrupted the evangelical vote. But not everyone in the church was ready to embrace Carter’s vision. While the culture wars simmered, a new battle was brewing. Jerry Falwell and his allies were setting the stage for a moral revolution—one that would define the next era of American politics. And as they sharpened their message, they found inspiration in some unlikely places: a doomsday preacher from San Francisco, an infamous diary that would stoke America’s growing fears about Satanism, and a Christian comedian with a dark secret and an unforgettable mode of transportation. Resources: Rick Emerson, Unmask Alice Nixon library Jonestown Institute, SDSU Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a production of Christianity Today Hosted and written by Mike Cosper Produced by Rebekah Sebastian, with production assistance by Dawn Adams Sound Design and Mix Engineer: TJ Hester Sound Design, Animation, and Video: Steve Scheidler Graphic Design: Nim Ben Reuven Music by Dirt Poor Robins Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper are the executive producers of CT Media Podcasts, and Matt Stevens is our senior producer. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help more people find the show. Thanks for listening. Can’t wait for the next episode? Join Host Mike Cosper for a live stream every other Monday on the CT YouTube channel or the Devil and The Deep Blue Sea Facebook Page. Join our Facebook group for deeper conversations, behind-the-scenes content, and the chance to submit your questions ahead of our live stream! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26/02/2025

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1h 2m
28/01/2025

The Devil Went Down To Arkansas

On the face of it, TLC’s show about the Duggar family and Damien Echols, one of the infamous West Memphis Three, seem to have little in common. But what if we told you that both stories, which begin and end in Arkansas, are the perfect launching points for our new limited series on the Satanic Panic? Welcome to Season 1 of Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, where we explore the strange and troubling era of the 1980s and ’90s when America—especially the evangelical church—became convinced that satanic ritual abuse and occult activity hid around every corner. From local news reports warning of dark rituals to churches hosting “record burnings” to purge secular music, fear of a hidden, demonic conspiracy dominated the cultural landscape. If you grew up during this era, you might even remember being warned by Sunday school teachers to avoid Halloween because of its “satanic” roots. Maybe you were forbidden from playing Dungeons & Dragons or using an Ouija board at sleepovers because they were considered direct portals to Satan. But beyond these odd and, at times, laughable memories lie a darker reality—with real-world consequences. False accusations, wrongful imprisonments, and abuse of power by religious and political leaders left lasting scars and a wake of destruction. The Satanic Panic is a cautionary tale about how fear and misinformation can spiral into real danger—something still relevant today, as conspiracy theories continue to shape our world in new and troubling ways. In today’s pilot episode, we begin in Arkansas, examining two stories that seem worlds apart—the Duggar family, a symbol of conservative Christian values, and The West Memphis Three, a tragic case driven by hysteria and misinformation. Join as we ask; How did this wave of panic devastate innocent lives and divert the church’s attention from the evil lurking in its own pews? Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a production of Christianity Today Hosted and written by Mike Cosper Produced by Rebekah Sebastian, with production assistance by Dawn Adams Sound Design and Mix Engineer: TJ Hester Sound Design, Animation and Video: Steve Scheidler Graphic Design: Nim Ben-Reuven Music by Dirt Poor Robins Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper are the Executive Producers of CT Media Podcasts, and Matt Stevens is our Senior Producer. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help more people find the show. Thanks for listening. Join our Facebook group for deeper conversations and behind the scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28/01/2025

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1 hr
05/05/2025

The Spell Breaks

As we approach the end of the series, we learn that the Satanic Panic didn’t end with a bang. It was more of a slow fade-out. The Religious Right had secured major political and cultural victories. Evangelicals no longer needed Satan to galvanize their movement—their influence was cemented. Fear of the Devil simply became less useful. Today’s episode marks a turning point in the series. Join us as we revisit the concept of memory—this time with two experts who spent their careers trying to properly understand it. Retired FBI agent Kenneth Lanning, one of the earliest skeptics inside law enforcement during the Satanic Panic, reveals how disturbing allegations collapsed under the weight of their own implausibility. Elizabeth Loftus, renowned cognitive psychologist and professor, has shown how easily false memories can be implanted, reshaped, and believed with unwavering conviction. Together, these two experts help us begin to answer a central question of this season: How did the Satanic Panic end? And what are the consequences of believing, prosecuting, and punishing based on memory alone? Resources: Kenneth Lanning, retired FBI agent Elizabeth Loftus, PhD, psychologist and educator Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a production of Christianity Today Hosted and written by Mike Cosper Produced by Rebekah Sebastian, with production assistance by Dawn Adams Sound Design and Mix Engineer: TJ Hester Sound Design, Animation, and Video: Steve Scheidler Graphic Design: Nim Ben Reuven Music by Dirt Poor Robins Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper are the executive producers of CT Media Podcasts, and Matt Stevens is our senior producer. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help more people find the show. Thanks for listening. Can’t wait for the next episode? Join host Mike Cosper for a livestream every other Monday on the CT YouTube channel or the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea Facebook page. Join our Facebook group for deeper conversations and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

05/05/2025

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58 min
20/05/2025

The Politics of Tyranny with Roger Berkowitz

News headline roundup. The politics of tyranny. Find us on YouTube. In this episode of The Bulletin, Mike and Clarissa discuss cruelty, the talks between the US and Russia, the bombing of a fertility clinic in California, former president Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis, and the anniversary of George Floyd’s death. Then, Mike talks with Roger Berkowitz about the politics of tyranny. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUEST: Roger Berkowitz is founder and academic director of the Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities and professor of politics, philosophy, and human rights at Bard College. Berkowitz is the author of The Gift of Science, the introduction to On Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau and Hannah Arendt, and The Perils of Invention. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The American Interest, Bookforum, The Forward, The Paris Review online, and Democracy. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

20/05/2025

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31 min
15/04/2025 · BONUS

BONUS: Deep Dive with Mike Cosper: Q&A + Best of DDBS Live Streams

The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea team is on spring break, so we’re taking this opportunity to bring you something a little different. In this interview with show creator and host Mike Cosper, we explore how the ripple effects of the Satanic Panic still echo today. You’ll also learn the story behind the series title—and Mike answers a burning question: Has the church ever truly reckoned with its role in the panic? Then, stick around for a special bonus: some of our favorite moments from the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea livestreams, where we go off-script and deeper into the story with special guests and listeners like you. Join the DDBS Facebook group to be part of the group and catch our next livestream. We will be back in one week with an all-new episode. Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a production of Christianity Today Hosted and written by Mike Cosper Produced by Rebekah Sebastian, with production assistance by Dawn Adams Sound Design and Mix Engineer: TJ Hester Sound Design, Animation, and Video: Steve Scheidler Graphic Design: Nim Ben Reuven Music by Dirt Poor Robins Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper are the executive producers of CT Media Podcasts, and Matt Stevens is our senior producer. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help more people find the show. Thanks for listening. Can’t wait for the next episode? Join host Mike Cosper for a livestream every other Monday on the CT YouTube channel or the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea Facebook page. Join our Facebook group for deeper conversations and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

15/04/2025 · Bonus

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1h 18m
08/04/2025

Measles and Public Health with Lydia Dugdale

The Bulletin welcomes Lydia Dugdale for a conversation about measles, public health, and the creative work of God. Find us on YouTube. In this episode of The Bulletin, Clarissa Moll speaks with Lydia Dugdale, professor of medicine at Columbia University’s medical center and director of the Center for Clinical Medical Ethics. They discuss a recent measles outbreak in Texas, vaccinations, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s statements on the disease. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUEST: Lydia Dugdale is the Dorothy L. and Daniel H. Silberberg Professor of Medicine at the Columbia University Medical Center and director of the Center for Clinical Medical Ethics. She also serves as codirector of clinical ethics at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center. A practicing internist, Dugdale moved to Columbia in 2019 from Yale University, where she previously served as associate director of the Program for Biomedical Ethics. Her scholarship focuses on end-of-life issues, the role of aesthetics in teaching ethics, moral injury, and the doctor-patient relationship. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a weekly (and sometimes more!) current events show from Christianity Today hosted and moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

08/04/2025

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35 min
13/11/2025 · BONUS

BONUS: Survivors & Abuse Continued - Rachel Denhollander on Faith and Accountability

In this bonus episode, Mike Cosper sits down with attorney and advocate Rachel Denhollander, the first woman to publicly accuse Larry Nassar of sexual abuse. Together, they discuss what it really costs to tell the truth, the devastating realities survivors face, and how the church can either protect the vulnerable, or fail them completely. Denhollander offers a powerful perspective on justice, accountability, and the Christian community’s responsibility to confront both false narratives and the real evil within its walls. We are grateful for Rachel Denhollander’s time, expertise, and contribution to this episode. Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a production of Christianity Today. Hosted and written by Mike Cosper Produced by Rebekah Sebastian, with production assistance by Dawn Adams Sound Design and Mix Engineer: TJ Hester Sound Design, Animation, and Video: Steve Scheidler Graphic Design: Nim Ben Reuven Music by Dirt Poor Robins Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper are the executive producers of CT Media Podcasts Matt Stevens is our senior producer. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help more people find the show. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

13/11/2025 · Bonus

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1 hr
29/11/2024

Coming Around Again

Family estrangement, scarcity, and wild turkeys. Find us on Youtube. The Bulletin welcomes Alison Cook to talk about family estrangement. Then, Russell, Mike, and Clarissa get honest about Black Friday shopping and the scarcity mindsets that shape our gratitude. Finally, our associate producer, Leslie Thompson, joins the show to chat with New England Patriots Super Bowl champion Matt Light and retired archaeologist Mary Weahkee about how wild turkeys are bringing people together. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Email us with your favorite segment from today’s show at podcasts@christianitytoday.com. Grab some Bulletin merch in our holiday store! Check out Leslie’s series about wild turkeys. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Alison Cook, PhD, is a therapist and host of The Best of You podcast. She is the author of the ECPA-bestselling book The Best of You and coauthor of Boundaries for Your Soul. Widely recognized as an expert at the intersection of faith and psychology, Cook empowers individuals to heal from past wounds, develop a strong sense of self, forge healthy relationships, and experience a loving God who is for them. Matt Light was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2001, launching what would be a storied NFL career, winning three Super Bowls. It was during Light’s early days in the NFL that he and his wife, Susie, decided to found The Light Foundation to give young people the opportunity to experience and enjoy the outdoors and develop the skills, values, and mindset they need to create meaningful and productive futures. Mary Motah Weahkee is a registered tribal member of Comanche Nation who has spent 16 years as a field anthropologist and archaeologist for the Department of Cultural Affairs, Office of Archaeological Studies, and the Center for New Mexico Archaeology. Mary has become known for her turkey-feather blankets and recently had one featured in the film Here, starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

29/11/2024

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1h 5m

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