In this episode, we take a deep dive into the dark legacy of Charles Manson, exploring his motives, the psychology behind his crimes, and the conspiracy theories that still surround the case—while focusing on the surprising role rock music played in shaping his worldview. We’re joined by Nicholas Tochka, author of The Musical Lives of Charles Manson, who unpacks Manson’s obsession with 1960s music, his ties to major artists of the era, and how he twisted cultural influences into a dangerous ideology, revealing the unsettling intersection of crime, myth, and rock ’n’ roll.
Purchase a copy of The Musical Lives of Charles Manson: The Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Invention of the Sixties — or, No Sense Makes Sense
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