PODCAST · religion
Growing Up In Polygamy
by Growing Up In Polygamy
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.
Episodes
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When Religion Justifies Child Abuse | Secrets of the 12 Tribes Part 2
⚠️ **TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of physical child abuse and religiously justified corporal punishment. Please watch with care.**In Part 2 of our reaction to "Secrets of the 12 Tribes", we explore one of the documentary's most disturbing topics: the physical punishment of...
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Why Are Third Wives So Important, Yet So Often Overlooked? | Sister Wives S21E2 Reaction
The Sister Wives are coming together again in Season 21 Episode 2, but can they really build new relationships after everything they've been through? In this episode, we react to the women getting together to share old pictures and reflect on their lives in polygamy. We dive into the unspoken...
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Secrets of the 12 Tribes: The Surprising Similarities to Mormonism & FLDS
We're only halfway through *Secrets of the 12 Tribes*, and we're already seeing some surprising similarities between the Twelve Tribes community, mainstream Mormonism, and the FLDS! In this reaction, we explore the shared beliefs and practices of restorationist religious movements, including...
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Sister Wives Season 21 Premiere: Kody & Robyn OUT + Coyote Pass Drama
Sister Wives Season 21 is officially here—and there is A LOT to unpack from Episode 1!We react to everyone finding out that Kody and Robyn will no longer be filming Sister Wives and what their reactions might tell us about how things ended behind the scenes.We also dive into the Coyote Pass “back...
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We Found SO MANY FLDS Parallels in Just 90 Seconds | Twelve Tribes Trailer Reaction
We're reacting to the trailer for the new Twelve Tribes documentary — and the parallels to our own experiences hit hard. Sam grew up FLDS and Melissa grew up mainstream LDS, so we both know what high-control religious groups look like from the inside. As we watch the trailer, we talk about a...
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Kody & Robyn Are GONE?! Breaking Down the Sister Wives Season 21 Trailer
The Sister Wives Season 21 trailer is here, and it came with a HUGE reveal: Kody and Robyn will no longer be filming the show! After 16 years of Sister Wives, what happened? In this reaction, we break down the announcement and share our best guesses about why Kody and Robyn may have decided to…
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The Formula for Building a Religion of Millions | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 6 Reaction
Download the FREE Upside App here https://yt.link/o69VgN5 and use code growingup to get an extra 25 cents back per gallon on your first tank of gas! Thank you Upside for sponsoring this video! In the finale of How to Become a Cult Leader, we're looking at the Unification Church and asking a...
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When a Cult Leader Will Do ANYTHING to Be Right | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 5 Reaction
In Episode 5 of How to Become a Cult Leader, we dive into Aum Shinrikyo and the terrifying lengths its leader was willing to go to protect his authority and prove his prophecies right. We compare the group's tactics to patterns we've seen in the FLDS and fundamentalist Mormonism—from claims of...
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Heaven's Gate & FLDS: More Similar Than We Expected | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 4 Reaction
The more we learn about different high-control groups, the more we realize just how similar the playbook can be. In Episode 4 of How to Become a Cult Leader, we react to the story of Heaven's Gate and compare the methods used to control its members with Sam's experience growing up in the FLDS…
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The Endless Goalposts That Keep Followers Trapped | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 3 Reaction
Download the FREE Upside App here https://yt.link/TJbkwvE and use code growingup to get an extra 25 cents back per gallon on your first tank of gas! Thank you Upside for sponsoring this video! In Episode 3 of How to Become a Cult Leader, we explore the Buddhafield community and its leader, Jaime...
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The Fake Healings That Built a Cult | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 2 Reaction
What made thousands of people believe Jim Jones? In Episode 2 of How to Become a Cult Leader, we dive into one of the most powerful tools Jim Jones used to grow his following: fake healings and claims of divine power. By convincing people that miracles were happening before their eyes, he built...
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How to Become a Cult Leader Reaction | Ep 1 | Charles Manson vs. Warren Jeffs
In the first episode of How to Become a Cult Leader, we take a closer look at the rise of Charles Manson and the tactics he used to gain influence over his followers. But as we watched, we decided that the series should really be called "How to Avoid a Cult Leader." As former members of…
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From Odd Jobs to College Dreams | Charles F. Zitting Journal Ep. 4
What does it take to chase a dream when you have almost nothing? In Episode 4 of The Journal of Charles F. Zitting, we continue reading from Sam's grandfather's personal journal as he reflects on his teenage years. Charles shares memories of the many jobs he worked to help support himself, the...
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What It ACTUALLY Takes to Take Down a Cult Leader w/Mike King from @ProfilingEvil
After watching Trust Me: A False Prophet, one question kept coming up: Why did it take so long to stop Samuel Bateman? If law enforcement knew about allegations of abuse, why wasn't he arrested sooner? What kind of evidence does it actually take to investigate and convict a cult leader? In this...
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Holding Out HELP 12 Days of Freedom Q&A
Life Beyond Polygamy: The Power of CommunityWhat role does community play in helping individuals and families rebuild their lives? Join us for a special live discussion about the impact of community, the importance of support systems, and how community partners help create pathways to healing,...
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I Was Kicked Out of "The Order" for Being Gay | Val's Story Part 2
In Part 2 of Val Snow's story, we continue our conversation about growing up inside the Kingston Clan, also known as "The Order."After spending years trying to reconcile who he was with what he had been taught, Val opens up about coming to terms with his sexuality in a community that believed…
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My Father Had 14 Wives and 160+ Children | Growing Up in "The Order"
In this episode, we sit down with Val Snow to hear his incredible story of growing up inside the Kingston Clan, also known as "The Order," one of the most secretive polygamous groups in the United States. Val was raised in a family unlike most people can imagine. His father had 14 wives and more...
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Gloriavale Says It's Changed... But Has It Really? | Devotion Finale Reaction
In the final episode of "Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal?", Gloriavale faces growing legal pressure while leaders work to convince the public, and the government, that the abuses of the past are behind them.But have things really changed?As former members continue to speak out and ongoing court...
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Can You Separate the Leader from the Crimes? | Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal Ep. 2
In Episode 2 of Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal, we dive into one of the most difficult questions any faith community can face: Can you separate a religious leader's contributions from their crimes? As former members of high-demand religious communities, we discuss the complicated legacy of…
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Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal? The FLDS Parallels Are Impossible to Ignore | Episode 1 Reaction
Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal? tells the story of Gloriavale, a closed religious community in New Zealand that was founded on promises of faith, unity, and a better way of life. As former members of Mormon communities, we couldn't help but notice some striking similarities to our own…
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Why Kingston Clan Leaders Go to Prison for Fraud—Not Abuse | With @TheAmandaRaeGrant
For years, the Kingston Clan, also known as The Order, has been accused of abuse, exploitation, forced marriages, and maintaining a system that prioritizes power and control over the well-being of its members. Yet when leaders do face legal consequences, it often seems to be for financial crimes...
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The Warning Signs Were There All Along | Unchosen Finale Reaction
In the finale of Unchosen, the story takes a disturbing turn as manipulation, control, and blind trust collide in ways that felt all too familiar to us. As former members of high-control religious groups, we break down the warning signs that were present from the beginning, how charismatic...
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Given to Samuel Bateman | Nomz Reveals What Happened Next | Pt. 2
In Part 2 of our interview with Nomz from the documentary Trust Me: The False Prophet, we continue her powerful story as she opens up about being given to Samuel Bateman and what life was really like under his control. Nomz answers questions about the documentary, shares details about her time in...
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Raised Under Warren Jeffs… Then Chosen by Samuel Bateman | Nomz Interview Pt. 1
In Part 1 of our interview with Nomz from the documentary Trust Me: The False Prophet, she shares what life was really like growing up inside the FLDS under the control of Warren Jeffs, long before Samuel Bateman entered her life. Nomz opens up about losing her father after he was sent away by…
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Netflix’s Unchosen Gets Disturbingly Close to the FLDS Reality | Ep 2&3 Reaction
In Episodes 2 & 3 of Netflix’s Unchosen, we were shocked by how many similarities we recognized from our own experiences growing up in Mormon culture and the FLDS world. We break down the control tactics, fear-based teachings, isolation, obedience, gender roles, and “us vs. them” mindset shown in...
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Netflix’s Unchosen vs Trust Me: The False Prophet | REAL Life comparison
What does Netflix get right about closed religious groups… and what does it miss? In this video, we react to Unchosen and break it down through our real-life experiences growing up in and around fundamentalist Mormon communities. As someone raised in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of...
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He Wanted His Own Daughter as a Wife… | Insider Interview on Sam Bateman
In this exclusive interview, Kathryn shares her firsthand experience with Bateman’s family, including her relationship with his ex-wife and the role she played in helping care for their children. She opens up about unsettling interactions she witnessed between Sam Bateman and his first wife, long...
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Did Samuel Bateman copy Warren Jeffs… or was he taught?
Did Samuel Bateman copy Warren Jeffs… or was he taught?In this video, we break down a side of the Samuel Bateman case that isn’t being widely discussed. While many believe Bateman may have learned from Warren Jeffs’ journals, we’ve come across firsthand accounts and insights that suggest…
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FBI Raid, Kidnapping & 50-Year Sentence for Samuel Bateman | Reaction to Ep. 4 (Finale)
How does a story like this finally come to an end… and does it ever really end? In the final episode of Trust Me: A False Prophet, we break down the FBI raid that led to the arrest of Samuel Bateman—and everything that happened after. Even from prison, Bateman continued to control his followers.…
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She Told the FBI Everything… | Trust Me: The False Prophet Ep. 3 Reaction
What does it take to finally bring something like this to light? In Episode 3 of Trust Me: A False Prophet, we cover one of the most pivotal moments in the case of Samuel Bateman — when Julia found the courage to speak out and tell the FBI what was really happening behind closed doors. We talk...
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Groomed From Birth - The Samuel Bateman Case Explained | Trust Me: A False Prophet Ep. 2 Reaction
Why is it so hard to stop abuse in these communities… even when people know it’s happening? In Episode 2 of Trust Me: A False Prophet, we dive deeper into the case of Samuel Bateman and the devastating reality victims face when law enforcement can’t act without testimony. We talk about how young...
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Self-Proclaimed Prophet or Predator? | Trust Me: A False Prophet Ep. 1 Reaction"
In this episode, we react to Episode 1 of Trust Me: A False Prophet and break down the disturbing rise of Samuel Bateman — a self-proclaimed prophet who used religion to gain control, take followers’ wives and daughters, and justify abuse under the guise of “atonement.” As former members of...
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Farm Life, First Crushes & Hard Work | Charles F. Zitting Ep. 3
In Episode 3 of From the Journal of Charles F. Zitting, we continue reading from his self-written autobiography and dive deeper into his early life growing up in rural Utah. In this chapter, Charles shares what day-to-day life looked like working on farms—raising animals, learning responsibility…
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Mischief, Mistakes & Becoming a Deacon | Charles F. Zitting Ep. 2
In Episode 2 of From the Journal of Charles F. Zitting, we continue reading from his self-written autobiography and get a deeper look into his early years growing up in the LDS Church. In this chapter, Charles shares stories from his childhood—including the pranks he played, the mistakes he made,...
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Growing Up Mormon in 1890s Utah: The Life of Charles F. Zitting | Ep. 1
In this series, we read and react to the self-written autobiography of Charles F. Zitting—Sam’s grandfather—sharing a rare, firsthand account of life inside Mormonism, including both mainstream LDS beliefs and fundamentalist Mormonism. Through his own words, Charles F. Zitting documents his life,...
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The Apostolic United Brethren (AUB) Today: New Rules, Division & Warnings to Members
Subscribe to Melanie and Corey https://www.youtube.com/@NotestoSelf444 In this episode, we sit down with Melanie and Corey from Notes to Self 444 for an update on what is currently happening inside the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB)—the fundamentalist Mormon group known for practicing polygamy…
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Life Inside the FLDS: Reassigned Families, Secret Education, and Freedom - Rose's Story
In this interview, Rose shares her powerful story of growing up in the FLDS church and what life was like in this fundamentalist, patriarchal system. At just 10 years old, Rose’s father was sent away, and she was reassigned to a new family and home, something common in the FLDS. While helping…
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What Happened to the FLDS Church? Warren Jeffs Update & Current Status - 2026
In this video, we break down the current state of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and share the most credible information available about Warren Jeffs’ ongoing influence — even from prison.We also address deeply concerning claims that plural marriage may be...
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Sister Wives Season 20 Finale: Reflecting on the Past
Holding Out HELP Gala: https://holdingouthelp.networkforgood.com/events/95798-2026-igniting-hope-gala Check out Gardens of Evil: Inside the Zion Society Cult, premiering February 3. Based on Mike King's book, Deceived, a story of coercive control, abuse, and cult influence. Proceeds support...
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Mykelti & Tony: Growing Up Polygamist & the Real Sister Wives S20 Tea
In this episode, we sit down with Mykelti Brown Padron, daughter of Kody and Christine Brown, and her husband Tony for an open and honest conversation about growing up in polygamy.Mykelti shares what it was really like being raised in a plural family, how that upbringing shaped her views on...
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Fact or Feelings? Coyote Pass Contracts & Kody Saying He “Did Love” Christine | S20 Tell-All Pt. 1&2
In this video, we react to Sister Wives Season 20 Tell-All Part 1 and break down two of the biggest moments from the episode. We talk about the sale of Coyote Pass and how each person involved seems to remember the contracts and agreements very differently. The conflicting stories raise real...
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Janelle Gets Released, Meri Moves Forward & Kody Finally Means It | S20E15
In this Sister Wives Season 20, Episode 15 reaction, we cover several key moments from the episode.We talk about Janelle receiving her spiritual release from Kody and why it mattered to her more than she expected. We also discuss Meri’s courtship with Ron and what it could mean as she moves into…
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Kody and Meri’s Intense Conversation | Basement Wives & Spiritual Releases SW S20 E14 Reaction
In this episode of Sister Wives Season 20, Episode 14, we react to Kody and Meri’s intense one-on-one conversation and break down why his apology feels so complicated, loaded, and hard to watch. From years of emotional distance to unresolved power dynamics, this meeting says a lot about where…
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Kody’s Apology Tour: David Speaks Up, Meri’s Next, and Janelle’s Spiritual Release | SW S20 E13
In this episode, we react to Kody’s apology to Christine — a conversation that quickly shifts when David steps in to advocate for his wife. David pushes Kody to focus less on his own feelings and more on repairing relationships with his children, something Kody clearly isn’t comfortable hearing.…
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Kody Starts Apologizing to Christine… | S20 Ep 12 Reaction
In Sister Wives Season 20, Episode 12, Kody finally begins his long-overdue apology to Christine — but just as things start to get interesting, the episode cuts it in half. We’re left on a major cliffhanger, with the second half of Kody’s apology pushed to the next episode, raising even more...
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Kody Finally Apologizes to Janelle | SW S20 Ep11 Reaction
In this week’s Sister Wives Season 20 Episode 11 reaction, we break down Kody’s long-awaited apology to Janelle — and why she was the one he chose to talk to first. We talk about the grace, patience, and kindness Janelle shows him in this moment, and what it says about their history and the...
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Self-Serving Apologies & Spiritual Callings | Sister Wives S20 Ep10 Reaction
In our reaction to Sister Wives Season 20 Episode 10, we take a close look at Kody’s sudden desire to “apologize” to his ex-wives — and why it doesn’t feel like the sincere accountability he thinks it is. Instead of owning the hurt he caused, Kody seems more interested in apologizing on his…
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Coyote Pass Cold Shoulder & Kody’s ‘I Want a Relationship With My Kids’ Claim | Sister Wives S20 E9
In this week’s Sister Wives Season 20 Episode 9, we react to the Coyote Pass standoff where Kody and Robyn can’t even be bothered to say hi or goodbye to Janelle and Meri. We also talk about Christine and David’s spa day, and how Christine is continuing to grow and learn communication in a...
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Coyote Pass Awkward Car Standoff & Scruffy-Beard Debates 😂 | S20 Ep 8 Reaction
In this episode, we’re reacting to Sister Wives Season 20 Episode 8, and wow… Coyote Pass finally sells, but not without a super awkward Brown family moment. Janelle, Meri, Kody, and Robyn all show up to sign the paperwork—only to sit in their cars in a full-on standoff where nobody wants to get...
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Mormon Dances, Weddings & ‘Enduring to the End’ | Sister Wives S20 Ep 7 Reaction
In this week’s episode of Sister Wives, we couldn’t help but notice how uncomfortable things felt between Kody and Robyn — especially during those dancing moments. It brought back memories of Mormon church dances and wedding receptions, including our own, and how deeply those experiences reflect...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Growing Up In Polygamy
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Growing Up In Polygamy have?
Growing Up In Polygamy currently has 332 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Growing Up In Polygamy about?
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.
How often does Growing Up In Polygamy release new episodes?
Growing Up In Polygamy publishes regularly with 332 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Growing Up In Polygamy?
You can listen to Growing Up In Polygamy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Growing Up In Polygamy?
Growing Up In Polygamy is created and hosted by Growing Up In Polygamy.
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