Bonus Drop: Orgasm, Obsession & the Cult of OneTaste with Ellen Huet
Bonus Drop: Orgasm, Obsession & the Cult of OneTaste with Ellen HuetDigest
This podcast episode discusses the OneTaste trial's outcome, focusing on the unexpected imprisonment of Nicole Daedone and Rachel Turwitz due to forced labor charges and witness intimidation. Journalist Ellen Hewitt, author of "Empire of Orgasm," provides insight into the allegations and the difficulties of prosecuting cases involving emotional and psychological manipulation. The hosts reflect on the legal challenges of defining and prosecuting emotional abuse, previewing future episodes on the Source Family cult and featuring Rebecca Lemov's work on brainwashing. They also solicit listener input for a bonus episode title. The discussion underscores the complexities of addressing coercive control and cult-like behavior within organizations, particularly in the wellness industry, and the need for improved legal strategies to protect vulnerable individuals.
Outlines
OneTaste Trial Verdict & Analysis
Discussion of the OneTaste trial verdict, including the jailing of Nicole Daedone and Rachel Turwitz. Analysis of the allegations of forced labor, witness intimidation, and the challenges of prosecuting emotional manipulation within organizations. Insights from journalist Ellen Hewitt, author of "Empire of Orgasm."
Trial Aftermath & Future Episodes
Reflection on the OneTaste trial's implications, focusing on the legal difficulties of addressing emotional abuse. Preview of upcoming episodes, including discussions on the Source Family cult and brainwashing, and a call for listener suggestions for a bonus episode title.
Keywords
OneTaste
A sexual wellness company whose practices and leadership were the subject of a high-profile trial resulting in convictions for forced labor conspiracy.
Orgasmic Meditation
A partnered, meditative sexual practice; its use in exploitative contexts within OneTaste led to legal action.
Coercive Control
A pattern of behavior used to manipulate and dominate another person; a key element in understanding cult dynamics and abusive relationships.
Cult-like Behavior
Behaviors and practices characteristic of cults, including manipulation, isolation, and exploitation; OneTaste exhibited many such traits.
Forced Labor
Compelling someone to work against their will; the legal charge used in the OneTaste case.
Witness Intimidation
Actions to discourage witnesses from testifying; influenced the OneTaste trial's outcome.
Emotional Abuse
Psychological manipulation and control causing significant harm; difficult to legally define and prosecute.
Brainwashing
A method of coercive persuasion and indoctrination used in cults and other manipulative groups.
Q&A
What was the most surprising aspect of the OneTaste trial?
The revocation of bail and subsequent jailing of Nicole Daedone and Rachel Turwitz, due to concerns about witness intimidation.
How did the legal framework address emotional manipulation within OneTaste?
The legal strategy focused on forced labor conspiracy, using evidence of unpaid labor to address coercion and exploitation. The nebulous nature of emotional abuse made it difficult to fully capture the harm.
What are the broader implications of the OneTaste verdict?
The verdict highlights the ongoing challenge of legally addressing coercive control and cult-like behavior, particularly within the wellness industry, and the need for clearer legal definitions and strategies.
What is the main focus of "Empire of Orgasm"?
The book explores the complete history of OneTaste, its psychology, emotional dynamics, rise and fall, and the experiences of those involved.
Show Notes
It’s Thursday, and you know what that means: another bonus drop. And this one? It's got orgasms, criminal charges, and courtroom drama, so buckle up.
Award-winning journalist Ellen Huet joins us to dish on OneTaste, the orgasmic meditation company that sold itself as a path to sexual liberation but now finds its top brass convicted of forced labor conspiracy. Ellen’s been deep in the trenches covering the scandal and sat through every jaw-dropping moment of the Brooklyn trial.
We get into:
-
The culty underbelly of “wellness” culture
-
How orgasmic meditation became a tool for manipulation
-
The courtroom moment Nicole and Rachel were taken into custody
-
And why Ellen’s upcoming book (Empire of Orgasm, out this November) is about to blow the lid off what really went down behind closed doors
Plus: we kick around potential names for this Thursday series (got one? DM us), tease what’s coming next on Season 7, and shout out a few upcoming cultiverse guests.
Want more from Ellen? You can find her on her website. Pre-order Empire of Orgasm here.
Also… let it be known that:
The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody’s mad at you, just don’t be a culty fuckwad.
**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors
Join ‘A Little Bit Culty’ on Patreon
Get poppin’ fresh ALBC Swag
Support the pod and smash this link
Cult awareness and recovery resources
Watch Sarah’s TEDTalk
CREDITS:
Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames
Production Partner: Amphibian.Media
Co-Creator: Jess Tardy
Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media
Audio production: Red Caiman Studios
Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Table of contents
United States
