Reviews
The first 15 minutes, I don’t know how anyone got through it. The music does not match or contribute. The audio quality of every single interview is utter garbage. You’re presented wtih 37 people talking about the guy in the first episode without actually knowing anything about the guy. Asking...Read full review »
Chiefhiawatha via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/24/23
Thankyou so much for all the research you put into this
genosthisland via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 12/13/23
I consider myself an aficionado of cult and con man stories and this is as good as it gets. Except that the Castenada story is so much more than an account of a huckster because he managed to elucidate wisdom and did so with great beauty. This podcast is just excellent. The breadth of research,...Read full review »
He who shall remain nameless via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/08/23
For Castaneda fans and skeptics alike this is an enjoyable and edifying ride! The collection of audio clips really makes it.
lloyddoppler via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/24/22
I read Castaneda’s books back in 70’s with interest and enthusiasm. As a Peruvian who studied creative writing at a prestigious eastern university I learned from my brother who studied Peruvian archeology that Catstaneda was Peruvian and that his work was fiction. We both still enjoyed the...Read full review »
breton9infrarojo via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/13/22
I read the first two Castaneda books in the early 1980s as a high school student; they were given to me by a family friend just before my family was to take a summer vacation trip across the the American Southwest and back from our home in Texas. I was fascinated and as an aspiring cultural...Read full review »
A frequent cook via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/10/22
A balanced and well sourced account of Castaneda’s light and shade which leaves plenty of room for listeners to judge him for themselves.
Xristos1952 via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 04/12/22
I want to believe.
El Nugual Dos via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/21/22
A fascinating podcast for those who had an intuitive connection to C.Castaneda’s literary work. The value of his early work in particular isn’t affected by discovering a revolt against destiny by a man of immense insight and raw, maybe cynical perception of the academic world. He defies his mix...Read full review »
Sylvicosmic via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/02/21
I liked and disliked portions of this podcast. At some point it seemed to drop out of itself, and I felt manipulated and unsatisfied as it wandered off to lend credibility to itself. I was also irritated by the consistently poor sound quality of most of the interviews and the music which seemed...Read full review »
blusterbrain via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/27/21
Werner Earhart, Tony Robbins, Jim Jones, Joel Olstein, Charles Manson and many more used the skills and the platform created by CC. As a twenty year old, I read a book of his and just didn’t get it. Happy to have my gut reaction affirmed. He, and his writings seemed oddly contrived. Just one more...Read full review »
Barbara Diamond via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/27/21
This podcast covers a story that is so incredible its hard to believe it really happened. If you are interested in mysticism, hippies, academia, Hollywood films, recreational drug use, cults, true crime or amazing detective work you will be blown away by this story. The tale is told with depth...Read full review »
Stories and Alibis via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/22/21
Couldn’t sleep one night and began searching around for a new podcast. I remembered reading at least 3 of Casteneda’s books in my 20s and loved them. It didn’t really matter to me if they were fiction or nonfiction. The podcast was really well done and fascinating. I couldn’t stop listening, so...Read full review »
XYZ2468 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/08/21
Thank you for making this.
thchry via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/14/21
So glad to see another episode drop. Such a good story.
Swaggyballs101 via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 09/04/21
And would pay any price
Brailleteeth via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/30/21
Interesting. Some of the people interviewed, particularly ‘biographer 🙄’ Robert Marshall, have obviously NOT read the books therefore has no credibility in deciphering truth from fiction. His Salon interview is full of falsehoods about the writings, as well as improper contexts galore. Nothing...Read full review »
Gtrdun via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/31/21
When will season 2 come out ? Very interesting!
Thinkblu16 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/25/21
Good research, interviews and presentation. I hope listeners unfamiliar with Castañeda’s work give it a read. Fact or fiction, it’s fascinating. Waiting for more episodes after the cliffhanger Season 1 ending.
Durga249 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/23/21
Excellent show desperate for more episodes
PTABLE via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/10/21
Great overview of one of the trickiest tricksters of the psychedelic era. And Castaneda’s cultural influence was widespread— he had a big impact on Oliver Stone, The Eagles and Jim Morrison. Oh yes, and he made a ton of money for Simon and Schuster.
Sean Finbarr via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 05/08/21
What happened to the rest of the women? It feels like more was known about how they all lived than was shared. Will there be more seasons?
Rayray & Naynay via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/08/21
I really enjoyed this but I feel like there is a lot missing. Maybe you can’t wrap up all of the loose ends of this mysterious figure but at least address them. Good hosting.
hostthemost via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/22/21
In full disclosure, I do know the podcast's host, but this isn't my usual genre, and I only began listening because mutual friends told me he had started it. Hours later, not able to stop until I had heard all of them, I am jonesing badly for the next season. The narrative style, the...Read full review »
Liam in Michigan via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/20/21
One of the best podcast series I have listened to in long time. Can’t wait for part 2. If you like true crime, mystery or , literature you will like this. Keeps you on edge of your seat but also has deep undercurrents about perception and truth
Andrew from Mars via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/10/21
Throughly engaging with interesting insights.
phreynoldo via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/07/21
Enjoyed every minute.
Stevo805 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/07/21
As a boomer, I read all of Casteneda’s books when I was in my 20s. This podcadt’s look into his personal bio is as fascinating as those heady reads. This series needs better editing, but I enjoy it anyhow. Looking forward to Part 2.
Rachelle in WI via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/06/21
Carlos Castaneda was an influencer before they were called that, but his life was steeped in secrecy. This podcast explores Mr. Castaneda's lives, both real and as he imagined and lived it. In Part 1, Frank Horton tantalizes us with questions and builds suspense with interviews of...Read full review »
MofMany via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/05/21
Really great. A fabulous respite from hack podcasters banging out a six-episode series after reading two books. This one is the real deal. 10/10.
bad idea worse execution via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/03/21
I’m not good at waiting...
bigmacintheyear2000 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/03/21
It’s real or a hoax. These books and story were immensely important to my personal growth. Now, this is my pre-opinion, before listening to this podcast. I’ll write another review after listening to see if my views change.
ArtGirlSAH via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/02/21
A spell binding story spellbindingly told
Mikew108 via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 04/01/21
Part 2, please! Also— I can’t figure out who is more mysterious— Carlos Castaneda or the guy who made this podcast. Can we get some info?! Amazing work. I was hooked from the very start.
Vespertine12345 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/31/21
This feels like just the beginning of the story, no new info, just better telling of what was already known. What happened to the vanished women?Where did the story of Don Juan come from? Was is a total fabrication or a plagiarized story. Was he running a cult or was he just a creative trickster?...Read full review »
1978to19 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/30/21
Starts as an investigative podcast and by the end, has morphed into something of a cultural history of the late 20th century. Really well-produced and propulsive. Highly recommend!
Girmus via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/26/21
This podcast was a brilliant eye-opener on so many levels. I was enchanted by Castaneda's writing starting in my late teens, but could have never predicted the backstories that are deftly revealed here. A great series.Read full review »
Njg2000 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/23/21
Love it - we need more of this in the world!
Bellpepper22 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/19/21
I knew nothing about Carlos’s Castaneda prior to listening to Trickster, and this podcast tells the story of his life, broad influence (Star Wars to Marvin Gaye to John Lennon to Oliver Stone), and deceit with insight and compassion. A great listen, looking forward to the next one!
TbonePanther via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/19/21
I had vaguely heard of Carlos Castaneda before listening to Trickster, and a friend played the first episode for me on a road trip. And I was hooked. The story is fascinating, the pacing is excellent, and the subject - Castaneda - is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.
rmccost via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/19/21
Cant wait for Marshall’s biography from the University of California. I have been following his work for some time and it never disappoints.
gav75 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/18/21
Intriguing account of a magical story teller’s story.
Tomfeesh via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/17/21
Excellent story-telling and investigating of Carlos Casteneda’s life. A worthwhile listen for sure. Highly recommend.
GGOOO12345 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/16/21
I was so excited to discover this new podcast series about Carlos Castaneda. His novels were a touchstone for me in the 1970s. Each episode peels back more layers of the Castaneda onion. I look forward to reading the author’s biography of Castaneda to learn even more!
Mme Maplewood via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/15/21
Extremely well researched and presented. The listener becomes involved and wants to learn more. Highly recommended.
45286000 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/15/21
An interesting story that keeps you hooked. Looking forward to reading the details when the book comes out!
A.c.living via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/13/21
Brilliant revival of Castaneda’s fame.
User DC20016 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/12/21
The Trickster is an incredible story about a modern day shaman whose influential teachings inspired the greatest storytellers of our era (e.g., George Lucas, Oliver Stone). But this true story isn’t what you think it is and that’s exactly the point. What’s real, what’s a mirage, and is it...Read full review »
A. Robbins via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/12/21
This is an amazing podcast that will keep you listening for more about Carlos and his world. Carlos had great influence over many people and areas of culture that will surprise you.
cthwag via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/11/21
Long have I been waiting for a brave soul to tackle this enigma. Finally, we get an in depth look into the life of Castaneda, and thankfully this podcast was produced with the absolute respect and care that this subject deserves. I high recommend anyone looking for mystery, intrigue, and some...Read full review »
D.J. Dex via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/11/21
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