Charles Manson & The Infamous Spahn Ranch: How It All Began

In this gripping episode of Crime Time Inc., host Alex delves into the history of Spahn Ranch, the infamous home base of Charles Manson and his followers. Learn how Manson's Family found refuge at this dilapidated movie set turned hideout, transforming it into the scene of one of the darkest chapters in California history. From the recruitment of new members to Manson's manipulative control tactics, the episode paints a vivid picture of life inside the cult. Simon and Tom weigh in on Manson's psychological manipulation and his ambitions, setting the stage for the violence and chaos to come. Join us as we explore the eerie legacy of Spahn Ranch and unravel the twisted mind of Charles Manson.

00:00 Introduction to Spahn Ranch

01:38 Manson's Arrival and Initial Setup

03:08 Life and Control at the Ranch

04:38 Recruitment and Indoctrination

07:06 Daily Life and Psychological Manipulation

14:11 Manson's Musical Aspirations and External Relations

21:20 The Move to Death Valley

24:52 Struggles in the Desert

26:54 Return to L.A. and New Challenges

30:07 Charlie's Obsession with The White Album

33:03 Manson's Apocalyptic Vision

37:16 Charlie's Music Ambitions and Betrayal

42:05 Podcast Discussion and Analysis

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,

#MansonMurders,

#truecrimepodcast,

#helterskelter,

#CrimeHistory,

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

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

This Podcast was made using multiple sources including testimonies and interviews of the perpetrators and witnesses including:

Charles Manson

Dennis Wilson

Terry Melcher

Lynnette Fromme

Susan Atkins

Patricia Krenwinkel

Charles ’Tex’ Watson

Lesley Van Houten

Brooks Poston

Rudolf Weber

Paul Crocket

Harold True

Greg Jakobson

Danny De Carlo

Phil Kaufman

Billy Doyle

Angela Lansbury

Michael Caine

Neil Young

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 crime and justice really work.

Two crime worlds. One podcast.

New episodes released regularly throughout the season.

Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/

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