Podcast Episode: Navigating the Complexities of Mental Health, Journalism, and Cults

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Stephanie J. Wong and Ellen Huet dive deep into the intersection of mental health, culture, and the emotional toll of investigative journalism. From the personal challenges of reporting on trauma to the hidden world of wellness cults, this conversation offers a raw and insightful look at the human cost of telling difficult stories.

🔍 Highlights:

• Mental Health in Journalism: Stephanie and Ellen discuss how journalists cope with emotionally triggering material and the intense scrutiny that comes with high-profile stories. Ellen shares her unique perspective on maintaining empathy while still doing her job with care and responsibility.

• Career Shift to Tech Journalism: Ellen opens up about the progression of her career, which included Tech journalism at Bloomberg News, where she first encountered OneTaste, a controversial wellness startup promoting orgasmic meditation.

• The Rise and Fall of OneTaste: Ellen takes us inside her investigation into OneTaste—a company founded on the concept of orgasmic meditation, which quickly became entangled in allegations of exploitation, sexual manipulation, and financial pressure. She discusses the company's founder, Nicole Daedone, and the deep psychological and cultural factors that led to its rise—and ultimate downfall.

• The Impact of Reporting on Sensitive Topics: Ellen reflects on the emotional toll of covering sensitive subjects, particularly when interviewing individuals who have been deeply affected by the practices of groups like OneTaste. Stephanie and Ellen explore the paralells between investigative reporting and trauma therapy, as well as the boundaries needed to protect journalists' mental health.

• Cults, Red Flags, and What to Watch Out For: The episode also delves into the psychology behind cult-like communities, discussing how people often join groups they believe will offer healing and personal growth, only to find themselves trapped in manipulative systems. Ellen shares key red flags to look out for and the importance of responsible journalism in bringing these hidden stories to light.

• Ellen's New Book: The episode concludes with a sneak peek into Ellen's upcoming book, Empire of Orgasm: Sex, Power, and the Downfall of a Wellness Cult, where she tackles the broader themes of social psychology, human behavior, and how organizations like OneTaste can influence people's lives in profound—and often destructive—ways.

Whether you're a journalism enthusiast, a psychology aficionado, or just curious about the hidden world of wellness culture, this episode will leave you with plenty to think about.

👉 Tune in now for an unforgettable conversation that blends mental health, investigative journalism, and human behavior. You won't want to miss this!

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Ellen's Full bio: 

Ellen Huet originally broke the story of OneTaste for Bloomberg in 2018, and her reporting helped sparked the FBI investigation that led to founder Nicole Daedone's 2025 conviction. In her new book EMPIRE OF ORGASM: Sex, Power, and the Downfall of a Wellness Cult (MCD x FSG) she explores how something that looked like liberation – female orgasm at the center of a modern wellness startup – twisted into manipulation, coercion, and abuse. 

Ellen has also recently been featured on a Netflix documentary about OneTaste and in The New Yorker." Follow Ellen to learn more about her work!

 

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