Episode Details

The Charles Manson Story: Manipulation and Transformation - Crime Time Inc. Ep.2

In episode 2 of The Charles Manson Story, Alex delves into Charlie Manson's difficult return to McMechen, navigating strained family relations and battling isolation. Struggling to fit in, Charlie finds employment but yearns for control over others. His obsession with manipulation grows, spurred by his fascination with pimps and later fueled by Dale Carnegie's teachings. After multiple run-ins with the law, a stint in prison introduces him to significant influences, including Scientology and mentors like Alvin 'Creepy' Karpis. Charlie's ambitions intensify amidst the countercultural surge of Berkeley, setting the stage for his dark path ahead. Join Alex, Simon, and Tom for an in-depth analysis and expert commentary in this gripping episode of Crime Time Inc.

00:00 Introduction to The Charles Manson Story

00:14 Charlie's Struggles in McMechen

01:04 Charlie's Social Isolation and Rejection

02:00 Charlie's Religious Influences

03:20 Charlie's Troubled Relationships

05:10 Marriage and Brief Normalcy

06:08 Descent into Crime

06:38 Arrest and Imprisonment

07:26 Life at Terminal Island

07:56 Learning from Pimps

09:53 Rosalie's Departure and Parole Denial

11:09 Rehabilitation Efforts in Prison

12:34 Influence of Dale Carnegie

15:39 Charlie's Release and New Ambitions

16:27 Charlie's Return to Crime

19:48 McNeil Island Penitentiary

20:35 Charlie's Manipulative Education

27:21 Charlie's Musical Aspirations

29:15 Charlie's Parole and Move to Berkeley

30:03 Expert Analysis and Conclusion

Tom Wood is a former murder squad detective and Deputy Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police in Scotland. Tom worked on many high profile murder cases including Robert Black, Peter Tobin and was part of the team investigating The World’s End Murders from day one until 37 years later when the culprit, Angus Sinclair was finally convicted. Tom was latterly the detective in overall charge of The World’s End murder investigation. 

Tom is now retired from the Police and is a successful author.

Tom Wood's Books

 Ruxton: The First Modern Murder https://amzn.eu/d/25k8KqG

The World's End Murders: The Inside Story https://amzn.eu/d/5U9nLoP

Simon is a retired Police Officer and the best selling author of The Ten Percent, https://amzn.eu/d/5trz6bs a memoir consisting of

stories from the first part of his career as a police officer. From joining in 1978,

being posted in Campbeltown in Argylll, becoming a detective on the Isle of

Bute, Scotland, through to the Serious Crime Squad and working in the busy Glasgow

station in Govan.

#CharlesManson

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Further reading on the Charles Manson which helped influence this podcast:

Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson by Jeff Guinn

Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry

Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA and the Secret History of the Sixties by Tom O'Neill

About Crime Time Inc.

Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic.

This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history.

Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how c