Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin Tom O'Neill
May 22, 2024
In this captivating chat, Tom O'Neill, an award-winning investigative journalist, dives into his 20-year exploration of Charles Manson and the CIA's MKUltra program. He unearths the chilling connections between Manson's manipulations and Cold War ethics. O'Neill reflects on his shift from celebrity profiles to the dark nuances of Hollywood murders, exposing a culture riddled with fear and deception. He also touches on the ethics of psychedelic research and reveals intriguing stories from his extensive investigations into celebrity stalking and historical truths.
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Initial Manson Assignment
- Tom O'Neill's editor assigned him a story on the Manson murders' impact on Hollywood.
- His initial assignment wasn't to uncover new information, but to analyze the cultural shift.
Hollywood's Shift
- The Manson murders instilled fear and paranoia in Hollywood, leading to increased security measures.
- The open-door policy of Hollywood homes ended, symbolizing the end of the 60s' carefree atmosphere.
Uncovering Discrepancies
- O'Neill's investigation began with reading Helter Skelter and interviewing Vincent Bugliosi.
- Bugliosi revealed off-record information about a videotape at the Tate house, contradicting his book.