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American Trickster: In Conversation with Ru Marshall
Published 1 week ago
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NEW 11-PART SERIES 'THE INSTASCAMMER' AVAILABLE NOW
In this episode, Kacey interviews author Ru Marshall about Ru's new book American Trickster: The Hidden Lives of Carlos Castaneda. Ru describes how decades-long curiosity about Castaneda led Ru to investigate after reading about the discovery of Nury Alexander’s skeleton and speaking with memoirist Amy Wallace. Ru outlines Castaneda’s rise after 1968’s The Teachings of Don Juan, the slow debunking of its anthropology claims, and the parallel development of a secretive high-control group that later publicised “Tensegrity,” promised ascension, concealed Castaneda’s liver cancer, and saw five women vanish after his 1997 death. Ru details interview-driven research, how UCLA dynamics and Harold Garfinkel aided credibility, and publishing battles including “cult wars,” UC Press resistance, and legal threats before OR Books released the book.
Writing - Ru Marshall
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In this episode, Kacey interviews author Ru Marshall about Ru's new book American Trickster: The Hidden Lives of Carlos Castaneda. Ru describes how decades-long curiosity about Castaneda led Ru to investigate after reading about the discovery of Nury Alexander’s skeleton and speaking with memoirist Amy Wallace. Ru outlines Castaneda’s rise after 1968’s The Teachings of Don Juan, the slow debunking of its anthropology claims, and the parallel development of a secretive high-control group that later publicised “Tensegrity,” promised ascension, concealed Castaneda’s liver cancer, and saw five women vanish after his 1997 death. Ru details interview-driven research, how UCLA dynamics and Harold Garfinkel aided credibility, and publishing battles including “cult wars,” UC Press resistance, and legal threats before OR Books released the book.
Writing - Ru Marshall
CRIMECON UK - www.crimecon.co.uk - USE CODE CULT FOR 10% DISCOUNT!