Why does the figure of the devil keep returning in moments of political panic, social anxiety, and cultural decay? In this episode, we sit down with author Grafton Tanner about exorcism, possession, moral panic, and the strange new life of demonology in contemporary America. We trace how neoliberal collapse, social media, and ideological confusion reanimate the satanic imaginary across the political spectrum. The conversation also explores fear, fantasy, and why authoritarian movements rely on demons—literal or metaphorical—to justify themselves.
Boycott Watkins on IG: https://www.instagram.com/boycottwatkins/
Support the podcast:
Current classes at Acid Horizon Research Commons (AHRC): https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/ahrc-main
Website: https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/acidhorizon
Acid Horizon on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acidhorizonpodcast
Boycott Watkins Media: https://xenogothic.com/2025/03/17/boycott-watkins-statement/
Join The Schizoanalysis Project: https://discord.gg/4WtaXG3Qxn
Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast: https://pod.link/1512615438
Merch: http://www.crit-drip.com
Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast platform: https://pod.link/1512615438
LEPHT HAND: https://www.patreon.com/LEPHTHAND
Happy Hour at Hippel's (Adam’s blog): https://happyhourathippels.wordpress.com
Split Infinities (Craig’s Substack): https://splitinfinities.substack.com/
Music: https://sereptie.bandcamp.com/ and https://thecominginsurrection.bandcamp.com/
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.