744 - The Oneida Cult - live
Jul 28, 2026 · 1h 31m
Summary
Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds discuss the bizarre life of John Humphrey Noyes, founder of the Oneida Community. They cover his radical religious beliefs, including "spiritual polygamy," communal living, and strict rules against sexual orgasm to prevent pregnancy. The episode highlights the group's eccentric practices, such as assigning teenagers to older members for sexual instruction and banning parental affection.
Topics discussed
Intro and Mattress Warehouse ad
Audience interaction and MAGA joke
Introduction of John Humphrey Noyes
Noyes' early life and education
Noyes' religious conversion and shyness
Yale years and perfectionism beliefs
Preaching, excommunication, and wandering
Spiritual Spouses and polygamy concepts
Marriage to Harriet and community growth
Complex marriage and partner swapping
Arrests and move to Oneida Reserve
Squarespace, Quo, HIMSS, and Rocket Money ads
Oneida community structure and children's house
Stirpogenesis and birth control practices
Women's roles and sexual freedom
Boston Corbett and castration controversy
Mattress Warehouse and Lonely ad
Business ventures: fruit, silk, and silverware
Decline of complex marriage and Noyes' exile
Oneida Limited and silverware legacy
Outro and Give It Up Film promotion
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