Cheryl 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 @cheryldragqueen and Nikki Druce @nikkimacabrelondon.

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