Nicole Daedone

Ep 382: A woman’s organization was supposed to bring healing and liberation. Instead it was investigated by the Federal government This is the Nicole Daedone story.

In the heart of the Bay Area self-care boom, Nicole Daedone built One Taste, a wellness organization promising women liberation through mindfulness and intimacy. Marketed as a revolutionary approach to female sexual health, the company attracted wealthy followers with expensive retreats and its signature practice, orgasmic meditation. But beneath the surface of communal living and spiritual growth, a federal investigation uncovered allegations of severe psychological manipulation, financial exploitation, and forced labor targeting emotionally vulnerable individuals.

This episode explores the rise and fall of One Taste, examining how a charismatic leader used economic pressure and social isolation to maintain control. We delve into the FBI’s probe into the organization’s recruiting and training practices, the shocking federal charges of conspiracy to commit forced labor, and the legal battle over where persuasion ends and criminal coercion begins. By analyzing the testimonies of former members and the prosecution’s theory of non-physical coercion, we question how the justice system defines consent in high-control groups and what this case means for the future of regulating the wellness industry.

Sources for Today's Episode:

• Book titled: The Empire of Orgasm by Ellen Huet
• Bloomberg Businessweek
• Federal Indictment: United States v. Nicole Daedone & Rachel Cherwitz- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
• Netflix doc: Orgasm Inc.: The Story of OneTaste
• Nytimes
• Associated Press

Credits:

• Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
• Produced by James Varga
• Audio Editor, Jose Alfonzo
• Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro
• Music by Dessert Media

Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes:

• Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime/
• Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple's podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership.
• YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership/

Help is Available:

If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.

For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices