Nicole Daedone | |
|---|---|
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| Born | 1967or1968(age 57–58) |
| Education | San Francisco State University |
| Occupation(s) | Writer, business executive |
Nicole Daedone (born 1967or1968 [1] ) is an American writer and business executive. She founded and became the CEO of OneTaste in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Nicole Daedone was born in Los Gatos, California and raised by her single mother. [1] [2] She earned a bachelor's degree in gender communications and semantics from San Francisco State University in 1994. [3] [4] After graduating, she opened an art gallery, worked as a waitress at a pizzeria, and had a brief stint working as a stripper and an escort. [3] She studied with teachers of yoga and Buddhist meditation, and with Ray Vetterlein, who was in turn inspired by Morehouse, a community of which Daedone was a member. [5] [6] Former students of Baranco set up their own practices and groups, among them The Welcomed Consensus. She lived at The Welcomed Consensus, a community formed by former Morehouse students for two years. Morehouse and the Welcomed Consensus, regarded themselves as "the elite connoisseurs of exquisite gourmet sex." [6] "The Welcomed Consensus had no desire to be mainstream. But Daedone had bigger ideas" according to Ken Blackman, a member of Welcome Consensus and later OneTaste. [6]
Daedone published her first book, Slow Sex, in 2012. Since 2022, she published a number of books on a range of topics. Daedone draws parallels between slow sex and the Slow Food movement associated with chef Alice Waters. [7] With sex as with food, she says, people can overindulge without getting nourishment, or go from one extreme of consuming mindlessly to the other extreme of self-denial. [8] The principles of her philosophy are in her book, Eros Sutras, Volume 1: Principles which has become an Amazon.com best seller in women's spirituality. [9] This volume is part of a 5-volume series of sutras, outlining what Daedone refers to as a feminine path to personal liberation. The series includes The Eros Sutras, Volume 2: Tumescence, The Eros Sutras, Volume 3: Orgasmic Meditation, The Eros Sutras, Volume 4: Relationship, and The Eros Sutras, Volume 5: Justice (publishes 2025). [10]
In addition to The Eros Sutras, Daedone has published five other titles that draw on the Eros philosophy. These includes Play: A Path to Genius [11] , The Age of Eros: A Manifesto of Connectivity and Consciousness [12] , Erotic Justice: Making Social Change from Love [13] , Art of Addiction co-authored alongside Kate Feigin [14] , From Guards to Guardians [15] , The Art of Soulmaking for the Incarcerated authored alongside Beth Wareham [16] , The Art of Soulmaking: A Path to Unconditional Freedom also authored alongside Beth Wareham [17] and The Prison Monastery authored alongside Kate Feigin, Caryn Roth and Marcus Ratnathicam [18] .
OneTaste was cofounded in San Francisco by Nicole Daedone and Robert Kandell. Daedone stated that a Buddhist monk introduced her to orgasmic meditation before she started OneTaste, though she did not name the monk nor the lineage the monk studied under. [19] OneTaste trademarked the "orgasmic meditation" (OM) procedure delivered through the company's classes. [3]
OneTaste originally operated two communal-style "urban retreat" centers, one in San Francisco's Soma District and another in Lower Manhattan. [20] OneTaste then expanded to Los Angeles and London. [21] The company produced media, workshops, weekend retreats, and a coach training program. In 2014, OneTaste was listed as an Inc. 5000 fastest growing company. [22]
Daedone also is the visionary of a nonprofit called Unconditional Freedom, which she helped start in 2002 in San Francisco. The nonprofit, which now has programs across the US and extending into Europe, focuses on rehumanization for marginalized populations such as the incarcerated and homeless, with the belief that with dignity restored, people naturally want to contribute.
Unconditional Freedom’s Art of Soulmaking program guides incarcerated individuals through meditation and self-inquiry practices that can transform the experience of prison to a monastic one. Over 55,000 incarcerated individuals across 1,000+ prisons have participated in the program, which includes contemplative writing, meditation and a pen pal and an art component to channel creativity. [23] [24] [25]
In June 2018, Bloomberg Businesweek published a story about OneTaste which included several allegations of misconduct at the company which Daedone led. The article also mentioned that in 2015 the company reached a $325,000 settlement with former employee Ayries Blanck to settle a labor dispute. [26] Five months later, Bloomberg Businessweek published a story that the FBI had begun making an inquiry in to the company. [27] Later publications confirmed the federal investigation and revealed the FBI was investigating for prostitution, sex trafficking, and violations of labor law. [28] The company made $12 million in revenue in 2017. [26] In 2018, OneTaste closed all of their U.S. locations and stopped hosting in-person classes. [21]
In June 2023, Daedone and former head of sales Rachel Cherwitz were indicted on a single count of conspiracy for forced labor. [29] Daedone, who was the company's chief executive officer, was charged by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, New York. Rachel Cherwitz, OneTaste's former head of sales, was also charged. According to the government, Daedone and Cherwitz claimed to be able to help those recover from past sexual trauma or abuse but instead manipulated their victims into debt. [29] [30]
Former members of the organization testifying about their experience at OneTaste said it "resembled a kind of prostitution ring" where managers frequently ordered staffers to engage in sexual relations with customers. [26] According to NBC News, the company's staffers sometimes were told "to engage in sexual acts they found uncomfortable or repulsive as a requirement to obtain 'freedom' and 'enlightenment' and demonstrate their commitment to OneTaste and Daedone", the indictment claims, and "resistance … was not tolerated". [31] Meanwhile, according to the indictment, OneTaste did not pay promised wages and commissions to members-turned-workers. [31]
The indictment and investigation have come with unusual public scrutiny.
Legal scholars note that this is the first time in United States history that anyone has been charged with a stand-alone, single count conspiracy for forced labor. The novelty of the prosecution is further drawn in to questions given that the FBI investigated for five years looking for a more substantive crime of sex trafficking.
The investigation itself has been under heavy legal scrutiny since 2023 when the indictment first unsealed. The spotlight on lead FBI agent, Elliot McGinnis, began in summer 2023 when the prosecution were forced to withdraw a warrant after defense revealed evidence that the agent lied on their affidavit. The controversy continued through 2024 with claims that Special Agent Elliot McGinnis improperly appeared in a Netflix film, tampered with witness testimony, instructed a witness to delete key evidence, instructed another witness to hide key evidence, and breached the defendants Attorney Client Privilege while hiding the evidence from superiors. [32] [33] In December 2024 defense counsel presented evidence that Agent McGinnis tampered with key evidence at the heart of the prosecutors case that would otherwise demonstrate that the evidence was fabricated. [34]
Daedone was charged with conspiring for 12 years to attempt to force people to labor. [35] Former OneTaste sales chief Rachel Cherwitz was arrested in northern California on June 21, 2023. [36] Both were indicted on a forced labor conspiracy charge. [37] As of February 2024 [update] , a federal judge in Brooklyn had tentatively set a trial date for January 2025. However that trial date has since been moved to May 2025. [38]
Daedone is the focus of the 2022 Netflix documentary Orgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste. [39]
In 2024, Daedone was also the focus of an NBC News profile by Chloe Melas. [40]
Orgasm or sexual climax is the sudden release of accumulated sexual excitement during the sexual response cycle, characterized by intense sexual pleasure resulting in rhythmic, involuntary muscular contractions in the pelvic region. Orgasms are controlled by the involuntary or autonomic nervous system and experienced by both males and females; the body's response includes muscular spasms, a general euphoric sensation, and, frequently, body movements and vocalizations. The period after orgasm is typically a relaxing experience after the release of the neurohormones oxytocin and prolactin, as well as endorphins.
A sex position is a positioning of the bodies that people use to engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual activities. Sexual acts are generally described by the positions the participants adopt in order to perform those acts. Though sexual intercourse generally involves penetration of the body of one person by another, sex positions commonly involve non-penetrative sexual activities.
Woman on top is any sex position in which the woman is on top of her sexual partner during sexual activity. The position most commonly associated with the woman on top is often called the cowgirl or riding position, which derives its name from the image of the woman "riding" the man as a cowgirl rides a bucking horse. In that position, a man typically lies on his back with his legs closed, while the female partner straddles him, usually in a kneeling position facing either forward or back, and either the man or woman inserts the man's erect penis into the woman's vagina or anus. The cowgirl position is commonly cited as one of the more popular sex positions, especially by women, because it gives them control over the rhythm and pace of vaginal stimulation and the extent and duration of penetration and because of its ability to adequately stimulate the clitoris. There are other positions in which the woman may be on top, including the 69 position and the pompoir sex position.
Doggy style is a sex position in which one participant bends over, crouches on all fours, or lies on their abdomen, for sexual intercourse, other forms of sexual penetration or other sexual activity. Doggy style is a form of rear-entry position, others being the spoons sex position in which the receiving partner lies on their side or the reverse cowgirl sex position. Non-penetrative sex in this position may also be regarded as doggy style.
Sex manuals are books which explain how to perform sexual practices; they also commonly feature advice on birth control, and sometimes on safe sex and sexual relationships.
Mahāmudrā literally means "great seal" or "great imprint" and refers to the fact that "all phenomena inevitably are stamped by the fact of wisdom and emptiness inseparable". Mahāmudrā is a multivalent term of great importance in later Indian Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism which "also occurs occasionally in Hindu and East Asian Buddhist esotericism."
Allison Christin Mack is an American former actress. She played Chloe Sullivan on the superhero series Smallville (2001–2011) and had a recurring role on the comedy series Wilfred (2012–2014).
Betty Dodson was an American sex educator. An artist by training, she exhibited erotic art in New York City, before pioneering the pro-sex feminist movement. Dodson's workshops and manuals encourage women to masturbate, often in groups.
Edging, sometimes also referred to as gooning or surfing, is a sexual technique whereby an orgasm is controlled. It is practiced alone or with a partner and involves the maintenance of a high level of sexual arousal for an extended period without reaching climax. Orgasm control involves either sex partner being in control of the other partner's orgasm, or a person delaying their own orgasm during sexual activity with a partner or through masturbation. Any method of sexual stimulation can be used to experience controlled orgasm.
Sex magic is any type of sexual activity used in magical, ritualistic or otherwise religious and spiritual pursuits. One practice of sex magic is using sexual arousal or orgasm with visualization of a desired result. A premise posited by sex magicians is the concept that sexual energy is a potent force that can be harnessed to transcend one's normally perceived reality.
Nicki Clyne is a Canadian actress, known for her role as Cally Henderson on the SyFy television series Battlestar Galactica. Clyne was a member of NXIVM, a multi-level marketing company founded by Keith Raniere that has been described by former members, the media, and cult experts as a cult.
Fingering is sexual stimulation of the vulva or vagina by using the fingers. Vaginal fingering is legally and medically called digital penetration or digital penetration of the vagina. The term "digital" takes its significance from the English word 'digit', which refers to a finger, thumb, or toe. Fingering may also include the use of fingers to stimulate the anus.
Ralph Ginzburg was an American editor, publisher, journalist, and photographer. He was best known for publishing books and magazines on erotica and art and for his conviction in 1963 for violating federal obscenity laws.
Neotantra, navatantra, or tantric sexuality is a Western new religious movement influenced by the Eastern esoteric spiritual traditions of Tantra. Rooted in elements of Hindu and Buddhist tantras, neotantra blends New Age interpretations with modern Western perspectives, often emphasizing the sexual aspects of these ancient traditions. While some proponents reference traditional texts and principles, many utilize tantra as a broader term encompassing sacred sexuality, occasionally incorporating unconventional practices. However, neotantra does not always adhere to the complete range of Indian tantric practices, particularly the reliance on a guru.
Margot Anand is a French author, teacher, seminar leader and public speaker. She has written numerous books including The Art of Sexual Ecstasy; The Art of Everyday Ecstasy; and The Art of Sexual Magic. Her mother was Protestant, and her father was Russian Orthodox and she was raised in Orthodox religion.
Pompoir is a sexual technique in which the woman uses her vaginal muscles to stimulate the man's penis. Both partners remain still, while the woman strokes the man's erection using rhythmic, rippling pulses of the pubococcygeus muscles. This practice is best performed in a woman on top position.
Joani Blank was an American sex educator, entrepreneur, author, videographer, cohousing enthusiast, philanthropist, and inventor in the field of sexuality. She used publishing, her sex store, and other endeavors to promote sex-positive feminism. Her papers are part of the Human Sexuality Collection at Cornell University Library.
OneTaste Incorporated is a business primarily dedicated to teaching the practices of orgasmic meditation (OM) and slow sex. While it embraces ideas based in Eastern philosophy, the central focus is a meditation practice around the sensation of a man touching a woman's genitalia. It was founded by Nicole Daedone and Robert Kandell in San Francisco. The company started to receive more widespread attention around 2007.
Nancy L. Salzman is an American convicted felon and the co-founder of NXIVM, a multi-level marketing company and cult based near Albany, New York. A former nurse, Salzman worked with Keith Raniere in the development of the organization beginning in the 1990s.
Elliot McGinnis is an FBI Special Agent known for his involvement in high-profile investigations, including the NXIVM case and the OneTaste investigation. His career has been characterized by notable achievements as well as controversies, particularly regarding allegations of misconduct.
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