Killers, Cults and Queens

Cheryl Druce and Nikki Druce are deep diving into the childhood of one of the most infamous cult leaders of modern day history, Charles Manson. After a rocky childhood spending most of his years in and out of schools for troubled teens and maximum security prisons, Charles heads to Berkeley to find a family of his own… Was Charles destined for the horrible fate he was racing towards, or was the nightmare ahead a product of his own making? Cheryl and Nikki are going to find out. Expect tales of the most delinquent teen of all time, an enormous amount of car stealing, and LSD fuelled orgies. 

This episode contains graphic details of violence and murder, and is not intended for all audiences. Listener discretion is strongly advised.  

00:00 - Introduction
05:34 - Nikki sets the scene
07:15 - Charles’ Manson’s early life
20:31 - Charles gets sent to boarding school
24:08 - Charles tries to make a life on his own as a criminal apprentice
31:54 - Charles meets his first wife, Rosalie Willis
32:31 - Charles is determined to start over
34:39 - Charles learns how to charm
43:47 - Berkeley gets a new resident 
45:53 - Charles starts to accumulate a following
49:55 - The original members of The Manson Family
53:14 - Charles sets off to find his makeshift family a new home
53:42 - Outro

For all things Killers, Cults and Queens, head over to @killerscultsqueens on Instagram. And follow Cheryl Hole @cherylholequeen and Nikki Druce @macabrelondonpodcast.

Produced by Alexandra Jueno at Audioboom Studios. 

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, please consider contacting the following resources:

The Samaritans helpline: 116 123
Confidential Emotional Support Line: 01708 765200
Refuge domestic abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247 (live chat is also available at https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us *times apply)
Safeline domestic abuse helpline: 01926 402 498 
Safeline national male survivor helpline: 0808 800 5005
Sexual Assault Support Line: 01708 765200
Sane mental health line: 0300 304 7000

The knowledge out there on this topic is vast, so if your interest is peaked by this episode. Please take a look at our sources:
Two former Manson followers discuss how cult family, 1969 murders changed their lives
Charles Manson - Wikipedia
THE BIZARRE STORY OF CHARLES MANSON
Charles Manson: The Cult of the Manson Family
Crazy Facts About The Manson Family (True Crime)
*GRAPHIC* Sharon Tate's FINAL Moments Before Death | The Charles Manson Murders Breakdown (18+ only) 
What happened to the Manson 'family'? A look at key figures, decades after horrific murders - Los Angeles Times
Tate–LaBianca murders - Wikipedia
Spahn Ranch - Wikipedia
Tex Watson - Wikipedia
Susan Atkins - Wikipedia
Squeaky Fromme - Wikipedia
Sharon Tate - Wikipedia 
Kathleen Maddox
Charles Manson's Family Reveals They Were 'Not Surprised' After Learning He Was the Mastermind Behind the 1969 Murders - Biography