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Brad Meltzer's Decoded: Secret Societies Uncovered (S1, E9) | Full Episode | History

HISTORY・37 minutes read

The Bohemian Club's exclusive, secretive retreat at the Grove hosts powerful individuals, including politicians and CEOs, with mysterious rituals and ceremonies sparking intrigue and curiosity, despite strict security measures and challenges accessing the location. Arrests for trespassing at the Grove highlight the consequences of attempting to uncover the secretive activities within the exclusive club, emphasizing the importance of transparency in such elite organizations.

Insights

  • The Bohemian Club's secretive retreat at the Grove hosts influential figures like presidents and CEOs, with a history linked to significant events like the Manhattan Project and Reagan's military decisions.
  • Despite strict secrecy and exclusivity, attempts to infiltrate the Grove have been made, revealing mysterious rituals like the Cremation of Care ceremony, sparking curiosity and speculation about the club's activities and influence on global affairs.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Bohemian Club?

    A secretive, exclusive society for powerful individuals.

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Summary

00:00

"The Grove: America's Secretive Elite Retreat"

  • America's most powerful men, politicians, CEOs, and even presidents gather annually at a secret retreat in northern California called the Grove to set the nation's agenda.
  • The Bohemian Club, established in 1878, hosts an all-male, invitation-only retreat at the Grove, with notable attendees like Walter Cronkite and Warren Buffett.
  • Speculation surrounds the secretive activities at the Grove, with stories linking it to the Manhattan Project's origins, presidential candidate determinations since 1900, and the United Nations' roots.
  • The Bohemian Club members maintain strict secrecy about the Grove's proceedings, leading to endless speculation and mystery.
  • Brad Meltzer, a collector of stories, delves into the hidden meanings, signs, and codes that inspire his novels, with the Grove piquing his curiosity.
  • The Bohemian Club's exclusivity is evident with only 2,700 full members and a 20,000-person waiting list, requiring a $25,000 fee and a 15-year wait for full membership.
  • The club's motto, "Weaving Spiders Come Not Here," signifies a prohibition on conducting business at the Grove, evolving into a networking hub for influential individuals.
  • The Cremation of Care ceremony, initiated in 1881, symbolizes shedding worldly concerns by burning a coffin at the foot of a 40-foot owl shrine, with eccentric partying following.
  • Despite tight security and exclusivity, attempts to infiltrate the Grove have been made, highlighting the challenge of accessing the secretive retreat.
  • The Grove's location in northern California, surrounded by dense redwood tree canopies, remains well-hidden and protected, with its land value estimated at $13 million.

10:58

"Bohemian Grove: Secret Society of Power"

  • Buddy offers $100 to avoid cameras, but they are not allowed in without them.
  • Christine and Scott are questioned by security, who were tipped off about their presence.
  • The Bohemian Club is an exclusive society with powerful members, including presidents and celebrities.
  • The club's retreat at the Grove is secretive, likened to "Fight Club" for the wealthy.
  • Mary Moore protests the club's activities, concerned about private policy talks and historical decisions made there.
  • The club's influence is seen in decisions like the Manhattan Project and Reagan's military buildup.
  • Moore criticizes the lack of transparency in the club's discussions and their impact on public policy.
  • The Cremation of Care ceremony at the Grove is a secretive event with a 40-foot owl statue.
  • Alex Jones sneaked into the Grove to record the ceremony, revealing secretive rituals and discussions.
  • The Bohemian Grove is linked to Skull and Bones, with rumors of a world government conspiracy and powerful members.

21:57

Mysterious Bohemian Grove: Elite Rituals Revealed

  • Groves have been significant to Druids and other ancient orders for centuries, with rituals involving human and animal sacrifices.
  • A secretive ceremony at the Bohemian Club involved over 1,000 prominent individuals marching to a stone owl and a black altar.
  • The ceremony included people in robes carrying torches, an effigy of a child-sized human figure, and elaborate pyrotechnics.
  • The Cremation of Care ceremony aimed to burn away all worries and concerns, with the owl symbolizing a deity.
  • Attempting to interpret unfamiliar rituals from an outsider's perspective can lead to misunderstanding and fear.
  • Alex Jones faced threats and erasure of footage after covertly recording the ceremony.
  • The Bohemian Club's membership includes influential figures like Jimmy Buffett and the Rockefellers.
  • Access to the Grove is highly restricted, with a $25,000 initiation fee and a 15-year waiting list.
  • The Grove hosts summer ceremonies and provides a space for powerful individuals to interact and potentially influence global events.
  • Despite the secrecy surrounding the Bohemian Club, there is curiosity and interest in uncovering what happens inside, with attempts to access the Grove through alternative routes like the Russian River.

33:58

Public Trust Rights and Trespassing at Rivers

  • Navigable rivers and their banks are held in public trust, allowing anyone the right to be on the river.
  • The boundary between public rivers and private property is determined by the ordinary high water mark.
  • Uncertainty arises when individuals step onto the river bank, as determining the high water mark can be challenging.
  • Cameras and motion sensors are present near the swimming hole at Bohemian Grove, increasing security measures.
  • Despite the absence of a no trespassing sign, landing boats on the river bank may still lead to trespassing.
  • Proper posting of no trespassing signs is crucial for legal enforcement.
  • Mac and Buddy were arrested for trespassing at Bohemian Grove, leading to a nine-hour period of uncertainty for their friends.
  • The experience of being arrested and detained at the Sonoma County adult detention center was described as uncomfortable and wet.
  • The group reflected on their experience, acknowledging the consequences of their actions and the importance of transparency in exclusive clubs like the Bohemian Grove.
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