HOW IT BEGAN
In the spring of 2022, the writer, podcaster and teacher Meghan Daum led a group of ten women into the California high desert for three days of brainstorming about an exciting new project. In a series of candid, intense, deeply informed, and often emotional discussions, they wrestled with some of the most vexing and complicated issues of our times: the chaos of COVID policies, the new gender ideology, the state of the #MeToo movement, gun rights, reproductive rights, the ideological capture of fine arts and culture, and much more. These women, who were of different ages and came from a variety of backgrounds and regions, couldn’t believe how much they’d been craving honest conversation. It was a life-changing experience.
It was also the start of The Unspeakeasy.
The Unspeakeasy, sometimes called a “shelter for the politically homeless,” is a community for free-thinkers who crave honest conversations about subjects that don’t come with easy solutions. Designed in the spirit of a Prohibition-era speakeasy, it's an underground world full of intellectual curiosity, good-faith debate and real humor.
In recent years, Meghan has heard from countless people who tell her they feel like they’re going crazy. They say that ideological polarization makes them feel like they can no longer be themselves around friends and family members with whom they once felt perfectly aligned. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Meghan noticed that the effects of this alienation were especially pronounced for women, who are often more sensitive to the social penalties that come from speaking up. As a result, they often stay silent. From there ensues loneliness, self-doubt, and a disconnection from the authentic self.
WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT?
The Unspeakeasy was originally envisioned as a community for women because women don’t speak up often enough. Now, we have our signature offerings of women’s-only retreats, along with coed retreats and writing courses.
The Unspeakeasy’s flagship offering is the so-called “sanity spa retreat.” Since the fall of 2022, retreats have taken place in Vermont, New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Minneapolis, Seattle, Denver, Louisville, Chicago, Washington’s Cascade Mountains, Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, New York City, Cape Cod, and more.
HOW DO I GET IN ON THIS?
Before joining The Unspeakeasy for a retreat or course, we like to vet everyone to make sure everyone is there acting in good faith. If you’re interested in joining us, fill out an application, and we’ll tell you the next steps!
Our Values
What is The Unspeakeasy all about? Will I fit in?
It’s natural to have these questions when you’re considering going on a retreat.
We are a diverse group of women, and there is no particular “type of person” who joins the community. But we all share values that encourage open dialogue, intellectual honesty, nuance and mutual respect. These values guide how we interact with each other and shape the discussions that make our community unique.
THE UNSPEAKEASY IN THE MEDIA
Meghan talked about The Unspekeasy in an interview with Michael Callahan on his podcast Where We Go Next.
The Unspeakeasy was featured in this 2023 Spectator article about rise of the underground free speech groups.