25: Influential Secrets pt.1: A Whisper in the Woods

Maia Warner-Langenbahn
Nov 1, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Apr 16

This week Maia entertains and terrifies with a story of a secret group, with too much power, money, and free time. A not-so-secret society. A party, and the worst people you know were invited. What is happening in the woods north of San Francisco? Listen to hear more about a whisper in the woods.

Bohemian Club, Red Wood Forest, Logging and Conservation

Check out why some of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful people vanish into the woods each summer. This week, Grant and Maia dive headfirst into the shadowy secrets of California’s infamous Bohemian Grove—a place hidden deep in the redwoods where politicians, billionaires, and industry leaders gather to let loose, network, and maybe even wear robes around giant owl statues (yep, you heard that right). From the bizarre “Cremation of Care” ceremony, complete with burning effigies, to exclusive rituals and historical drama, this episode is part spooky, part hilarious, and completely fascinating. Semi-educational, organically funny, and guaranteed to spice up your next dinner party conversation.

Key takeaways to listen for

[00:24:29] A Whisper in the Woods
[00:40:58] Exclusive Club: Why the Grove is the most secretive boys' club on earth
[00:48:35] Creepy Ceremonies: Unpacking the infamous “Cremation of Care”
[00:55:32] Private Playground: How environmental laws protect elite secrecy
[00:58:14] Political Powerhouse: Backroom deals and their real-world impacts
[01:09:39] Logging Irony: Environmental controversies behind the protected forest
[01:17:40] Secret Rituals: The wild (and weird) activities hidden within the Grove
[01:22:50] Inside Jobs: Crazy stories of journalists sneaking into the Grove

Photos:

Cremation of Care - courtesy of Archive.org (FCC) — *Cremation of Care - courtesy of* *Archive.org* *(FCC)*

Unsourced Photo of the Dining Hall - courtesy of Archive.org (FCC)	Ronald Reagan and Nixon at the Grove - courtesy of Archive.org (FCC)
Don't want to think about what this picture could be - courtesy of Archive.org (FCC)	Potentially Dull Care the child effigy - courtesy of Archive.org (FCC)
Title Image for Sophie Weiner's Article, illustrated by Jim Cooke	Theater Cross Dressing - courtesy of Archive.org (FCC)

*The Bohemian Club Building in San Francisco - courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons*

Quotes:

They need the redwoods for privacy, but their own stupidity and greed take over, destroying what they need out of temporary vanity. - Grant Thomas
Anyone can aspire to be the President of the United States, but few have any hope of becoming president of the Bohemian Club. - Grant Thomas
Whether or not the conspiracies of human sacrifices and paganism are true, we know that, at the very least, every summer, world leaders get drunk and pretend to offer a human body to a massive bird in the middle of the woods. - Maia Warner
Men will literally listen to a talking house-sized bird and burn a Human Effigy instead of going to therapy. - Maia Warner

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