Dive into the dark origins of one of history's most notorious criminals in "Morbid: A True Crime Podcast," with episode 7 captivatingly presented by hosts Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart. Venture into the twisted early years of Charles Manson as the hosts meticulously dissect his childhood of neglect, a questionable exchange involving the young Manson, and the reform schools that chiseled his budding delinquency into estranged and emotional wreckage. These formative experiences are laid bare, along with the speculative musings on what might have been had Manson's musical dreams been realized.
The episode then spirals into the intricate development of the infamous Manson Family, from the initial enchantment of Mary Bruner to the integration of notorious figures like 'Squeaky' Fromme. Alongside an exploration of Manson's magnetic yet malign influence within the 1960s counter-culture scene, the hosts untangle Manson's celebrity interactions and the bitter remnants of his unachieved musical career. And as the concept of "Helter Skelter" takes center stage, Ash and Alaina delve into the manipulative masterstrokes of Manson during drug-laced sessions, setting up the framework for deeper dives in future episodes, while also teasing a potential expansion into supernatural storytelling to broaden the chilling reach of "Morbid."
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Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart of "Morbid: A True Crime Podcast" begin episode 7 by announcing the ad-free availability of their show for Amazon Prime members through Amazon Music.
They also mention their series "The Rewatcher Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and provide a personal update about a delay in their usual recording schedule due to Alaina's husband's illness.
The episode's main focus shifts to the life of Charles Manson, beginning with his mother, Kathleen Maddox's, teenage pregnancy and the environment of neglect during his upbringing, highlighting an incident where she bartered the young Manson for a pitcher of beer.
Manson's sequence of reform schools and prisons is detailed, illustrating how his offenses escalated and how the rejections and abuse he suffered contributed to his estrangement and emotional damage.
The hosts speculate on how Manson might have fared as a musician if his life had taken a different course and compare his experiences at a reform school to the beginnings of his violent tendencies.
The episode discusses how Manson beguiled Mary Bruner and other women into forming what would become the Manson Family, building his following through charisma and manipulation.
Individual members like 'Squeaky' Fromme and Patricia Krenwinkel are introduced, setting the stage for their later notoriety and roles in the Manson Family’s infamous crimes.
The cultural context of the 1960s, particularly San Francisco's "Summer of Love," is examined as a backdrop for Manson's actions, juxtaposing the era against Manson's dark narrative.
Manson's connections with Hollywood celebrities, including interactions with Neil Young, John Phillips, and Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys, are reviewed—a relationship which left Wilson with a financial burden.
Thoughts are shared on how Manson's failed music ambitions may have led him towards notoriety, with specific reference to the murder at Sharon Tate's home being tied to these unfulfilled desires.
The hosts detail the manipulative strategies Manson honed over time, from his early days in bars to his use of sex and dominance to maintain a hold over George Spahn at Spawn Ranch.
The episode covers how Manson exploited his followers during LSD sessions, maintaining control while they were vulnerable under the influence.
The concept of "Helter Skelter," Manson's prophecy of an impending race war, and his disillusionment with the music industry are explored.
The hosts of "Morbid" discuss their comprehensive approach to covering Manson's history over three episodes and encourage listener self-care because of the dark subject matter.
Hints are dropped about diversifying the podcast's content to include supernatural stories and ghost tales, reflecting on the potential direction of the show.
The bond between the hosts is shown through their shared traditions, such as milkshake sharing, reflecting the deep connection they aim to foster within the "Morbid" community.
The importance of audience engagement is stressed, with the hosts inviting listeners to complete a survey on the Wondery website to influence the future of the podcast.
Finally, the hosts discuss options for ad-free listening and early access to episodes, emphasizing the podcast's commitment to prioritizing listener preferences and community growth.
1-Page Summary
Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart of "Morbid: A True Crime Podcast" begin episode 7 by announcing ad-free listening and earlier access for Amazon Prime members through Amazon Music.
They discuss their other series "The Rewatcher: Buffy the Vampire Slayer", inviting followers to explore the classic ...
Introduction to "Morbid: A True Crime Podcast"
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The episode's main focus shifts to the life of Charles Manson, starting with the peculiar fact that he began life as a child without a name, subtly laying the groundwork for his troubled genesis and identity issues.
Highlighting severe neglect in his upbringing, they detail an incident where his mother, Kathleen Maddox, bartered him for a pitcher of beer, a decision later rescinded by his uncle. Multiple rejections by his mother occurred throughout his early years, further contributing to a continual pattern of neglect.
His arrangement of life behind bars led him to an emotional dependency on the prison system, evidenced by his expressed desire to remain incarcerated due to fears of societal reintegration.
Manson's sequence of reform schools and prisons is detailed, illustrating how his offenses escalated and how the rejections and abuse he suffered contributed to his estrangement and emotional damage.
The episode's main focus shifts to ...
The Troubled Genesis of Charles Manson
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The episode discusses how Manson beguiled Mary Bruner, also known by pseudonyms like 'Mother Mary' and 'Linda D Manson,' along with other women into forming what would become the Manson Family. His persuasive influence was notable, as he convinced Mary to open their communal living to additional women, building his following through both the allure of his psychological manipulation, and his dream of rock stardom.
For instance, he fostered a deep devotion in Patricia Krenwinkel by complimenting her beauty in 1967. His ability to draw people to his cause was partly attributed to his formative experiences in correctional facilities, which showcased his manipulative prowess.
Individual members like Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme, infamous for her attempt to assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975, and Patricia Krenwinkel are mentioned, setting the stage for their roles in the Manson Family's notoriety. Patricia Krenwinkel was directly involved in the notorious crimes, writing 'Death to pigs' in victims' blood at one crime scene and misspelling 'Helter Skelter' at another. Her long-standing incarceration, currently the longest for any female prisoner in the California prison system, underscores the gravity of her actions and the enduring legacy of the Manson Family's crimes.
Additionally, Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme received her nickname due to the distinctive sounds she made during her interactions with George Spahn, as Manson orchestrated sexual ...
Cult Formation: The Rise of the Manson Family
Manson's connections with Hollywood celebrities, including interactions with Neil Young, who acknowledged Manson's unique musical gift, and John Phillips, who felt uncomfortable enough to refuse a collaboration with Manson, are reviewed.
This relationship led to Wilson encountering financial burdens when he financed Manson's recording sessions after having initially met the family when he picked up two female members who were hitchhiking.
The discussion on Manson's dream of achieving rock stardom weaves in the contrast of perspectives from the music industry, with Neil Young acknowledging his unique musical talent while John Phillips expressed discomfort and refused collaboration.
It also touches upon the influence of Manson's stint at a notorious party location in LA, known as the Spiral Staircase, infamous for activities including satanic rituals which are said to have influenced his family's shift to violent behavior.
These musical pursuits and environmental influences provide insight into the central motivations behind Manson's later actions.
Manson's Tangled Web with the Entertainment World
The episode covers how Manson exploited his followers during LSD sessions, maintaining control while they were vulnerable under the influence.
The concept of "Helter Skelter," Manson's prophecy of an impending race war, is a central theme of the episode.
An additional detail from the source text includes Manson's sense of betrayal by the music industry, which was particularly inte ...
Exploring the Helter Skelter Scenario
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The hosts of "Morbid" discuss their comprehensive approach to covering Manson's history over three episodes and encourage listener self-care because of the dark subject matter.
Hints are dropped about diversifying the podcast's content to include supernatural stories and ghost tales, as Alaina Urquhart excitedl ...
Reflections and Anticipations for Future Episodes
The bond between the hosts is illustrated by Ash Kelley recounting a cherished high school tradition of visiting a convenience store for milkshakes with her friend Marissa, despite the store undergoing several name changes. This tradition of milkshake sharing underscores the hosts' connection and is celebrated when Ash surprises Alaina with a homemade milkshake, continuing the nostalgic tradition and symbolizing their friendship within the 'Morbid' community.
The importance of audience engagement is underscored by Alaina as she invites listeners to leave ratings and reviews, vital for podcast growth.
To further enhance community interaction and shape the show's direction, the hosts encourage fans to partake in a survey ...
Engaging the Morbid Community
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