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Growing Up In Polygamy Podcasts

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Growing Up In Polygamy

Growing Up In Polygamy

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Sam sharing what it was like growing up in the polygamous FLDS group, his experiences leaving the group when he was 18 and his journey to where he is now. His wife Melissa is his co-host, asking the questions that everyone from the outside is thinking.
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In this video, we sit down with Claire Headley from the YouTube channel @Blownforgood to hear her powerful story of growing up inside Scientology. Claire shares what it was like to be raised in the church, experience the cadet program, and even sign FIVE different billion year contracts with the Sea Org.Her journey takes us through the reality of l…
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In this video, we react to Scientology: The Aftermath Season 1 Episode 4, “Answering Questions.” Leah Remini and Mike Rinder take on tough questions about Scientology—and as ex-members of high-demand religions ourselves, we couldn’t help but notice the striking similarities to other groups.From polygamous sects like the FLDS and AUB, to mainstream …
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In this video, we react to Shiny Happy People Season 2, Episode 3, where the focus shifts to how many youth in strict religious groups were taught that progressive values were a threat to Christianity and a sign of the “end times.” We share our own experiences of being raised in environments where faith framed our political views.We also talk about…
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* We apologize for the audio! Our mics didn't connect properly, and this was the best we could do in editing😓*In this episode, we react to Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath Season 1, Episode 3, diving into the shocking costs of Scientology’s programs and the mandatory books members are pressured to buy. We break down their “Bridge to Freed…
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In this video, we dive into the similarities and differences between Scientology with @GrowingUpInScientology and Mormonism, exploring key Scientology concepts like Dianetics and auditing, and comparing them to Mormon beliefs and practices. We also discuss the controversial issue of family separation and disconnection within both groups, drawing fr…
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In this special crossover episode, we sit down with Aaron from @growingupinscientology to explore the fascinating (and sometimes shocking) parallels between Scientology and Mormonism. As former insiders from two very different high-demand religions, we compare our upbringings, teachings, authority structures, and how each religion handles questioni…
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In this video, we react to Shiny Happy People Season 2, Episode 2 and explore the Teen Mania Honor Academy—comparing it to Sam’s experience serving a full-time LDS mission in Chile.We share what both programs had in common, from the structure and intense focus on obedience and self-discipline, to the unique ways young adults were shaped by their ti…
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In this video, we react to Season 1, Episode 2 of Scientology and the Aftermath, which dives deep into the emotional and psychological toll that comes with leaving the Church of Scientology—specifically through the powerful story of Mike Rinder. Once a top executive within Scientology, Mike left the church and has since been labeled a “suppressive …
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In this video, we react to Shiny Happy People: Season 2 and its deep dive into the Teen Mania youth camps. As we watched, we couldn’t help but notice how much it reminded us of our own experiences at LDS EFY (Especially For Youth) camps.While the intentions behind these programs may differ, there are some surprising similarities in the way they ins…
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In this video, we react to Season 1, Episode 1 of Scientology and the Aftermath—the powerful docuseries by Leah Remini that exposes the inner workings of Scientology. As former members of high-demand religious communities ourselves, we couldn’t help but notice the similarities between Scientology and the FLDS. From the heartbreaking practice of dis…
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In this video, we react to the 60 Minutes Australia segment titled “Being Scientologist,” which takes a deep dive into the world of Scientology—its beliefs, practices, and the people who live within it. As former members of high-demand religious communities ourselves, we reflect on the similarities, differences, and emotional weight of what’s share…
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In this interview, we sit down with Emily Lee, the daughter of the current prophet of the AUB (Apostolic United Brethren) church. Emily shares what it was like growing up in a polygamist household, how her father’s leadership affected their family, and why she made the difficult decision to leave the church as a teenager. She also reflects on her c…
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What does the 4th of July look like in a polygamous community? In this episode, Sam shares his childhood memories of celebrating Independence Day while growing up in the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).From handmade pioneer outfits and early morning parades to community gatherings full of food and patriotic songs, …
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Two teenagers have gone missing in Idaho—taken by their older sister who had been missing for years herself. But this isn’t just a runaway case. It’s deeply rooted in the teachings of the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), a group that still holds psychological and spiritual control over its members, even years after…
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In this eye-opening interview, we sit down with criminal profiler and author Mike King to talk about his powerful new book, Wolves in Sheep's Clothing. With decades of experience tracking and studying predators, Mike reveals how these individuals skillfully blend into our schools, churches, neighborhoods, and even our workplaces.We dive into the ch…
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What’s really happening in polygamous communities today? In this powerful panel discussion, former members of various polygamist groups come together to talk about the current state of modern-day polygamy, including heartbreaking cases of recently missing teens in Idaho. We share our own experiences, unpack the patterns still happening in closed re…
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The Sister Wives experiment is officially over—and the final one-on-one interviews say it all. Janelle admits she never would’ve married Kody if they had just dated first. Kody claims he “loved them all” but only got mean because they were mean first 🙄 And now? Every single one of them wants monogamy. This family set out to prove that polygamy coul…
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The first episodes of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives are packed with more drama than doctrine — and we’re here for all of it. In this video, we dive into the chaos: from passive-aggressive prayers and friendship sabotage, to pregnancy revelations and messy relationship dynamics. We talk about Jen and Zach’s struggle to reconnect in their marriage and…
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In this episode, we react to Sister Wives One-on-One Part 2, where things get even more uncomfortable. From Kody Brown refusing to answer direct questions, to Robyn repeatedly saying "I don't know," this interview was full of awkward pauses, emotional contradictions, and tense moments. We dive into the cultural reasons behind Kody’s failed marriage…
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In this episode, we react to "How I Escaped My Cult"—featuring the House of Yahweh, a high-control religious group with shocking similarities to the FLDS church Sam grew up in. From strict isolation and doomsday prophecies to plural marriage and using food stamps to pay tithing, this story hit incredibly close to home. As former members of the FLDS…
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In this episode, Sam and Melissa react to Part One of the Sister Wives One-on-One Interviews, and things get messy. Most of the episode centers around Kody’s refusal to take accountability—for his words, his actions, and especially for how things ended with Meri.We break down Kody’s shifting narratives, emotional deflections, and how he continues t…
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In this heartfelt episode of Sister Wives, the family gathers to honor and remember Garrison Brown. We react to Season 19, Episode 24, as they share joyful memories, funny stories, and the deep love they have for Garrison. From his playful spirit to his love for cats, this episode is a beautiful tribute to the bright light he brought into their liv…
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We’re reacting to the shocking true story of the Bergholz Clan, a radical Amish cult led by a man who declared himself a prophet and claimed only he could interpret the Bible. As control tightened, the group began attacking other Amish men and women, forcibly cutting off their sacred hair and beards—a deep act of humiliation in Amish culture. The l…
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In this episode, we react to Sister Wives Season 19, Episode 23, and reflect on the heartbreaking loss of Garrison Brown. Our hearts are heavy for the entire Brown family and for anyone who has experienced the pain of losing someone they love. This tragedy reminds us how fragile life is and how important it is to hold our loved ones close and check…
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In this episode, we dive into another story from How I Escaped My Cult — this time focusing on NXIVM, a group that didn’t claim to be religious, but promised personal growth and empowerment. We break down how NXIVM used the language of self-improvement to lure people in, and how, despite the different promises, the control, manipulation, and abuse …
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In Sister Wives Season 19 Episode 22, Kody Brown finally opens up in a way we’ve rarely seen before. He admits that he truly did love his wives — and that their leaving shattered his ego and confidence. In today’s video, we react to Kody’s confession, where he shares that his sense of self-worth was built on constant validation from his large famil…
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La Luz del Mundo is one of the largest religious organizations in the world—so how did it end up at the center of shocking abuse allegations and cult accusations? In this episode, we react to a powerful “How I Escaped My Cult” story from someone who grew up inside La Luz del Mundo. We explore what makes a church cross the line into cult territory: …
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In this episode of Sister Wives Season 19, we watch as Janelle begins a new chapter of her life in North Carolina, surrounded by love and support. Meri starts to question whether her relationship with Robyn was ever genuine—or just something she clung to in order to stay connected to the family. Meanwhile, Kody baptizes Aurora in her church… but us…
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At just 15 years old, Lu Ann Cooper was forced to marry her first cousin within the Kingston Group—also known as “The Order.” Trapped in a system of control, secrecy, and abuse, Luann felt suicide was her only way out. Leaving wasn’t even an option—until one day, it was. In this powerful interview, Lu Ann opens up about her heartbreaking experience…
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In this episode, we react to the explosive final season of Big Love — and wow, the Henricksons are truly in freefall. Now that they’re publicly out as a polygamist family, the backlash is intense, and the cracks in their relationships are impossible to ignore. We break down everything from Marge’s underage marriage at 16, Barb’s spiritual awakening…
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In this video, we react to How I Escaped My Cult, a chilling story about the Pilgrim Family—where one man used control, fear, and spiritual manipulation to turn his own household into a cult. This is a powerful example of how cult tactics don't always require thousands of followers—sometimes, it's just one family suffering in silence. We break down…
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Bill Henrickson gets a revelation to run for senator in Season 4 of Big Love—but is it really divine inspiration, or just pure manipulation? In this reaction video, we dive deep into the chaos Bill causes as he chases political power at any cost.Not only is he hiding the fact that he’s a polygamist, but he’s also concealing a child out of wedlock, …
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In this video, we react to the harrowing story of someone who escaped the Nuwabian Nation—a cult led by a self-proclaimed prophet who built a compound in Georgia to expand his twisted empire. While preaching spiritual enlightenment, he created a system of polygamy where only he could take multiple wives—many of them underage girls. He manipulated h…
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Season 3 of Big Love is an absolute whirlwind, and the second half takes the drama to a whole new level! From Nikki’s nonstop betrayals to Barb’s heartbreaking excommunication, and that one cursed letter that seems to destroy everyone in its path—there’s way too much to unpack. Join us as we break down the never-ending twists, turns, and emotional …
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In this video, we react to "How I Escaped My Cult" and the shocking story of the Word of Life Christian Church. What started as a small congregation quickly spiraled into a place of fear, manipulation, and abuse. With public humiliation, forced confessions, and extreme indoctrination, this church controlled its members to devastating effects. Join …
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We're diving into the dramatic start of Big Love Season 3, and tensions are running high. Roman Grant's trial is shaking up the community, and Nikki's desperation for her father's approval leads her to betray other women. Barb faces a frightening cancer scare, Margie struggles with the loss of her mother, and despite it all, Bill is still determine…
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In this video, we’re reacting to "How I Escaped My Cult" Episode 2, which covers the chilling story of Angel's Landing. Unlike many cult leaders who seek massive followings, this leader kept his group small — using manipulation and control for financial gain through life insurance scams. As ex-members of high-demand religions, we couldn’t help but …
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The Big Love Season 2 finale is an absolute rollercoaster, and we’re diving into all the drama! From Bill trying to convince his wives to support his gaming business, to Alby poisoning Roman, to Sarah completely losing respect for her family, and Barb questioning everything about polygamy—this episode is packed with tension, betrayal, and major tur…
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Tony Alamo and Warren Jeffs—two self-proclaimed prophets who built their empires on fear, control, and manipulation. In this video, we react to How I Escaped My Cult: Tony Alamo and break down the disturbing similarities between Alamo’s group and the FLDS under Jeffs. From isolating their followers to taking child brides, both men used their so-cal…
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In Big Love Season 2, Episodes 5-8, things take a dramatic turn as Bill secretly courts a potential fourth wife behind his other wives’ backs—because honesty in polygamy is apparently optional! 😳 But that’s not all—this stretch of the show also introduces a new polygamous group that feels eerily similar to the real-life LeBaron cult, known for its …
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In this video, we react to How I Left My Cult and its episode on the FLDS and Yearning for Zion Ranch. The documentary does a great job covering Warren Jeffs’ rise to power and the experiences of his 8th wife and her son, but one thing stood out to us—how it makes it seem like the FLDS is down to just a “handful” of people. The truth is, the FLDS i…
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In this episode, we dive into Big Love Season 2 and unpack the aftermath of Barb’s "Mother of the Year" disaster. Is she finally realizing she never truly wanted polygamy? Meanwhile, Roman Grant continues to run Juniper Creek like his personal kingdom—but now, there’s a new prophet on the run, and the similarities to Warren Jeffs are uncanny. So, w…
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In part two of our interview with Jaden Jeffs, he reveals the shocking and disturbing revelations that his father, Warren Jeffs, has been sending to his family from prison. As the self-proclaimed prophet of the FLDS, Warren continues to control his followers—even from behind bars. Jaden shares how these messages became too much to bear, the impact …
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Ever wondered how accurate Big Love is when it comes to polygamy? In this reaction to Big Love Season 1, Episodes 6-12, we dive deep into the striking similarities between Juniper Creek and the real FLDS community where Sam was raised. From leadership dynamics to family control, the parallels are shocking. We also break down how the Henrickson fami…
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What was it like growing up as the son of Warren Jeffs, the infamous FLDS prophet? In this exclusive interview, Jaden Jeffs shares his firsthand experience of life inside the inner circle of the FLDS church. From living in the prophet’s home alongside his 80 wives to moving between secret compounds in Texas and other states, Jaden reveals what life…
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Did Big Love get it right? In this video, we dive into episodes 2-5 of Big Love and break down how the show portrays Utah culture, mainstream Mormonism, and FLDS polygamy. We compare the Henrickson family's version of plural marriage—living "the principle" without religious ties—to real-world polygamous groups. From secrecy and jealousy to the comp…
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You've been asking for it, and it's finally here—our reaction to Big Love! 🚨 In just the first episode, we're already seeing shocking similarities between this fictional polygamous family and real-life groups like the AUB, FLDS, and even mainstream LDS culture.Join us as we break down the accuracy, the misconceptions, and the hidden parallels to re…
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Netflix’s American Primeval dives into the brutal realities of the American frontier, including the complex and often violent relationships between Mormon settlers, the U.S. Army, and Native American tribes. While the show is historical fiction, it clearly portrays Brigham Young and early Mormon leaders as religious extremists willing to do anythin…
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Janelle is officially leaving Flagstaff and starting her new life in North Carolina—with Christine and David right by her side to help her make the big move! In this episode of Sister Wives (Season 19, Episode 20), we break down Janelle’s journey to independence and what this means for her future. Meanwhile, Kody and Robyn have a deep discussion wi…
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In Episode 3 of Beast Games, Sam faced the toughest moment of his journey. He and two of his closest allies were forced to make an impossible choice—one of them had to self-sacrifice by cuffing themselves to a wall so the other two could move forward. With only 5 hours to decide, they played a game among themselves to determine who would take the f…
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