True Crime Obsessed · True Crime Obsessed

Satan Wants You

February 10, 2026·1 hr 14 min·5 clips

Michelle Smith describes being caged and forced into satanic rituals as a child, sparking a nationwide panic.

This episode of True Crime Obsessed covers the documentary "Satan Wants You," which examines the origins of the 1980s satanic panic. Hosts Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle, known for their comedic and passionate true crime commentary, break down the film's exploration of a foundational book. The documentary focuses on "Michelle Remembers," a book co-written by Michelle Smith and her psychiatrist Dr. Lawrence Pazder about her alleged childhood satanic ritual abuse. The story begins in 1976 Victoria, Canada, where Michelle returned to therapy with Pazder after a miscarriage. Through self-hypnosis sessions lasting up to six hours, Michelle "recalled" memories of a cult involving animal sacrifices, fetuses, and her mother's involvement. Sarah Marshall, host of the "You're Wrong About" podcast, labels the book the "patient zero" of the satanic panic. Michelle's sister Cheryl describes their difficult childhood with an alcoholic, violent father and notes Michelle had a "big imagination." Pazder's ex-wife Mary Lynn and their daughter Teresa provide insights into his charismatic and religious personality. The narrative expanded when Pazder and Michelle, aided by a priest and Bishop Remy Deroux, took the story to the Vatican. A key moment is the extensive audio of Michelle sobbing during therapy sessions, contrasting her calm television appearances. The book received a $245,000 advance and led to a major publicity tour, including an appearance on the game show "To Tell the Truth." Pazder later presented the concept of "satanic ritual abuse" at an American Psychiatric Association meeting. The documentary features Charles Ennis, a self-described first Wiccan priest in law enforcement, discussing the book's dangerous impact. Skepticism is highlighted through questions about the lack of evidence, such as where the abuse occurred and why Michelle's sisters were unaware. The hosts express disbelief at claims like the Virgin Mary speaking to Michelle in French. They emphasize how the story, despite no proof, influenced law enforcement and social workers, creating widespread fear. The tone is conversational, humorous, and deeply critical of the central figures, with the hosts frequently interjecting personal anecdotes and jokes. Listeners who enjoy cultural history, critiques of moral panics, and comedic true crime analysis will appreciate this episode. Those seeking a straightforward, somber documentary recap might find the style too irreverent.

As heard by us

A brisk look at how Satanic panic turns fear into authority.

Satan Wants You tracks the rise of Satanic panic and recovered-memory claims with a blunt, comic edge that keeps the timeline easy to follow. Charles Ennis, the male witch, stands out as a vivid detail, but the episode is really about how Michelle Remembers and the panic around…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get Charles Ennis, Michelle Remembers, and a skeptical look at how satanic ritual abuse got treated like settled fact.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from True Crime Obsessed