Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Man, this guy did not have a lot of chances. He began his life as No Name Addicts in 1934. That is the name on Charles Manson's birth certificate." — Marcus Parks
"He is the game around him changed. And he was just now in for the ride if he wanted to be a part of it." — Ben Kissel
"Charlie at this point, you can still claim that he's innocent. He's just a child following his mother's lead." — Ben Kissel
This episode of Last Podcast on the Left focuses on the early life and formative years of Charles Manson, detailing his birth as "No Name Addicts" in 1934 and the profound impact of a deeply abusive and neglectful childhood. The narrative traces his early life through his mother's instability, including instances of abandonment and encounters with abusive relatives, which led to his placement in various boys' homes and reform schools from a very young age. The speakers emphasize the systemic failures within these institutions, highlighting reports of severe abuse by correctional officers and fellow inmates, which they argue shaped Manson's future criminal behavior and instilled a sense of instability.
The discussion details Manson's repeated escapes from reformatory institutions and his subsequent life on the streets, where he developed rudimentary criminal skills such as pickpocketing. The episode explores his early attempts at relationships, including a marriage that led to him becoming a father, though his family life proved short-lived as his wife and son left him. His initial attempts to go "straight" were hampered by a lack of viable opportunities outside of the criminal world, leading him to embrace a life of crime, including becoming a pimp, which he described as being the "bank president of crime."
The episode further examines Manson's time in various prisons, where he reportedly studied different philosophies and developed a passion for music. It suggests that his motivation for seeking a following and engaging in criminal activities later in life may have been rooted in a desire for recognition as a musician. The narrative also touches upon his interactions with other individuals and the early formation of what would become the "Manson Family," hinting at the manipulative tactics he employed to attract and control vulnerable individuals.