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, faith, family, and experiences with polygamy, priesthood authority, and religious devotion. As we read his journal, we provide real-life context from our own experiences growing up in Mormon and FLDS communities, offering insight into how these beliefs are taught, lived, and sometimes challenged.

In Episode 1, we begin at the start of his story, exploring his early life, spiritual foundation, and the beliefs that shaped his path.

This series is for anyone interested in:

-Mormon history

-LDS vs FLDS beliefs

-Polygamy and fundamentalist Mormonism

-Real-life stories from inside religious communities

-Personal journals and firsthand accounts

If you’re curious about what life is really like inside these worlds, this is a perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

Subscribe and follow along as we continue reading through the life of Charles F. Zitting—one chapter at a time.

#Mormonism #FLDS #Polygamy #LDS #MormonStories #FundamentalistMormon #LifeStory #ExMormon

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

At Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

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 and featured on shows like Sister Wives.

Melanie has a unique perspective as the daughter of the current AUB prophet, giving insight into how the church is functioning today. We discuss changes to church rules, growing division within the community, and how members are responding to questions about leadership and authority.

We also talk about the fracturing happening within the AUB, including disagreements over allegiance to the current prophet and what that means for families still inside the religion.

Finally, Melanie and Corey share important warnings and advice for those who are still involved in the group and what they hope people understand about life inside and leaving a fundamentalist religious community.

As former members of Mormon and fundamentalist Mormon cultures ourselves, we offer context and perspective on how these changes affect individuals, families, and faith.

If you’re interested in understanding modern polygamist groups, fundamentalist Mormonism, and the realities of leaving high-control religions, this conversation offers a rare inside look.

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

At Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

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 care for her mother’s mental health struggles, Rose was forced into a parental role at a young age, raising siblings before she ever got to be a child herself.

As a teenager, Rose began quietly rebelling by pursuing education in secret. She earned her GED and attended college without church approval, a risky decision inside the FLDS where education, especially for girls, is discouraged.

In her early 20s, Rose left the FLDS church and began rebuilding her life outside of religious control. Today, she is finding freedom, identity, and healing after growing up in a system rooted in patriarchy and obedience.

This interview offers firsthand insight into life inside the FLDS, family reassignment, escaping religious extremism, and the long journey to freedom after leaving a high control group.

Rose's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/theerozee/FB: https://www.facebook.com/Theerozee.1993

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

At Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

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 starting again, that young girls are being relocated to hidden or remote locations, and what former members, advocates, and investigators are seeing on the ground.Most importantly, we talk about how you can help.Subscribe for survivor-led discussions, updates on high-control religious groups, and honest conversations about life after leaving.Join us at the Holding Out HELP Gala: https://holdingouthelp.networkforgood.com/events/95798-2026-igniting-hope-galaIf you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.orgAt Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamyInsta: @growingupinpolygamyNew website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.comTheme Song created by @artcowles Please feel free to reach out to [email protected]

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 children’s advocacy and criminal justice scholarships.

Find it here or on your preferred platform: https://go.gamutpodcasts.com/americannightmareseries

In the Season 20 Tell-All Finale of Sister Wives, we take a step back and reflect on the past, the beliefs that shaped the family, and how everything has led to this moment. This episode revisits the foundations of plural marriage, the idea of “enduring to the end,” and the paths that brought the Browns together in the first place.

With apologies seemingly off the table and everyone saying they’re ready to move on, this finale feels like a closing chapter. We break down what was revealed, what was left unsaid, and why Season 20 feels less like a pause—and more like an ending.

What do you think… is there really more story left to tell, or did this finale quietly wrap it all up?

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

At Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

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 relationships, and how it affected her and Tony while they were dating. Together, they reflect on what they believe about polygamy today and ask the big question—can polygamy ever truly be successful?We also dive into Sister Wives Season 20, asking the questions fans really want answered. Mykelti gives her perspective on the family dynamics, the changes we’re seeing on screen, and what could be coming next.This conversation is thoughtful, honest, and full of insight—straight from someone who lived it.If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.orgAt Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamyInsta: @growingupinpolygamyNew website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.comTheme Song created by @artcowles Please feel free to reach out to [email protected]

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 questions about communication, accountability, and what actually happened behind the scenes.

We also discuss the uncomfortable moment when Kody says he “did love” Christine, and why that statement didn’t sit well with Christine or David. Is that about lingering feelings, or is it simply a statement of past fact? We share our perspective on why wording matters — especially after everything that’s happened.

Let us know what you think:

Do you believe the Coyote Pass stories add up, and was Kody’s comment about loving Christine harmless or inappropriate?

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

At Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

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 a new phase of her life.Finally, we break down Kody’s apology tour, focusing on the apology he gives Robyn and why it feels more sincere than the others. We share our thoughts on what this says about their relationship and what might be next for Kody and Robyn.Let us know your thoughts in the comments.If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.orgAt Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamyInsta: @growingupinpolygamyNew website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.comTheme Song created by @artcowles Please feel free to reach out to [email protected]

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 their relationship truly stands.

We also dive into the idea of “basement wives” and how that label reflects deeper patterns of hierarchy, neglect, and worth inside polygamous marriages. On top of that, we talk about Janelle’s desire for a spiritual release—and why, in fundamentalist Mormonism, religious permission can feel just as important as emotional closure.

As former members of Mormon and Mormon fundamentalist communities, we share personal insight into how faith, control, and loyalty shape these conversations—and why walking away isn’t always as simple as it looks from the outside.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Did Kody’s apology feel sincere to you? And should Janelle still need a spiritual release to move on?

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

At Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

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.

We also talk about what’s next in Kody’s ongoing “apology tour,” with Meri expected to be next, and why Janelle still feels she needs a spiritual release before she can truly move on. Drawing from our own experiences in fundamentalist Mormon belief systems, we break down why that release may still hold deep spiritual meaning for Janelle — even after everything she’s been through.

As always, we share our honest reactions, personal insight, and unpack the religious and emotional dynamics at play in this moment of Sister Wives.

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

At Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]