Growing Up In Polygamy

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 door deal” and whether Janelle and Meri actually got the closure they deserved after everything they went through with the property.And what about David? We talk about why we think he may have gotten a pretty rough edit in this episode—and why he could be coming across as much less supportive of Christine than he actually is.Join us as we break down the Sister Wives Season 21 premiere from our perspective growing up around polygamy and Mormon fundamentalism.#SisterWives #SisterWivesSeason21 #KodyBrown #RobynBrown #CoyotePass #TLCIf 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: @growingupinpolygamywww.growingupinpolygamy.comTheme Song created by @artcowles Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

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 community built around one man who claims to speak for God, we compare the group to the FLDS world Sam grew up in, and we get into the heartbreaking stuff: families torn apart, children being harmed, and the way abuse gets swept under the rug in closed-off communities.

We also talk about why these same patterns show up again and again — the control tactics, the isolation, and the pressure to stay silent.

A quick note: this is our reaction to the trailer, and we'll be back with a full reaction once we've watched the whole documentary. Everything here is based on what's shown in the trailer, public reporting, and our own lived experiences. We'll always try to be clear about what's an allegation, what's been reported, and what's just our take.

If you've been affected by a high-control group, you're not alone. Thanks for watching — like, subscribe, and tell us in the comments what stood out to you.

#TwelveTribes #CultDocumentary #ExFLDS

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

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

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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 step away. Is it their choice? Is there more happening behind the scenes? For now, we can only speculate, but we definitely have some theories.

We also dive into everything else teased in the Season 21 trailer and what could be ahead for Christine, Janelle, and Meri as their lives continue to move forward after plural marriage.

What do YOU think happened with Kody and Robyn? And are you excited to watch Sister Wives without them? Let us know in the comments!

#SisterWives #SisterWivesSeason21 #KodyBrown #RobynBrown #TLC #GrowingUpInPolygamy

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

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

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✅SUBSCRIBE NOW : https://shorturl.at/inqrE

➡️ Checkout our other Videos:

🔷Ex-Polygamist Reacts to Sister Wives: Season 18 Ep. 1-2

✅https://youtu.be/R9u4wAzUjK0

🔷Exclusive Interview with an Insider: Exposing FLDS Secrets

✅https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIjlLejkETU

🔷Breaking Free: One Girl's Journey from Warren Jeffs' Control

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-bH4fLMZX0

🔷Behind FLDS Doors: The Tragic Tale of a Family Torn Apart by Warren Jeffs

✅https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFFQ_j_RJCo

🔷Tour Of The Dream Center, A Refuge Home For Ex-Polygamous Families

✅https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbqR1UJFJBY

#like #comment #post #share and #encourage other to #subscribe to the channel.

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In the finale of How to Become a Cult Leader, we're looking at the Unification Church and asking a fascinating question: How does a religious movement grow to MILLIONS of followers?

As we watched, we couldn't help noticing similarities to both mainstream and fundamentalist Mormonism. We discuss arranged marriages, youth camps, missionary work, and how acts of service can create opportunities to introduce people to your beliefs.

We also explore how these practices build community, loyalty, and a sense of purpose—and why some of the same strategies appear across very different religious movements.

After six episodes, one thing has become clear: different leaders, different beliefs... but a lot of the same playbook.

Maybe How to AVOID a Cult Leader really was the better title after all.

🎥 Watch our full reaction and let us know what similarities stood out to you!

#HowToBecomeACultLeader #UnificationChurch #Mormonism #LDS #FLDS #GrowingUpInPolygamy #ExMormon #ExPolygamist #HighControlGroups #DocumentaryReaction

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

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

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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 prophetic authority and apocalyptic teachings to seeking political power and creating an intense "us vs. the world" mentality.

But Aum Shinrikyo ultimately took those ideas to a horrifying extreme: when reality didn't match the prophecy, the answer was to try to make the prophecy come true.

Once again, join us for what we have renamed the series How to AVOID a Cult Leader.

#HowToBecomeACultLeader #AumShinrikyo #FLDS #WarrenJeffs #GrowingUpInPolygamy #ExPolygamist #CultAwareness #HighControlGroups #DocumentaryReaction

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

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

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 under Warren Jeffs.

From isolation and unquestioning obedience to believing your leader has access to truth that the outside world simply can't understand, we were surprised by how many parallels we found.

Different groups. Different leaders. Same tactics.

Maybe this series really should be called How to AVOID a Cult Leader.

#HowToBecomeACultLeader #HeavensGate #FLDS #WarrenJeffs #GrowingUpInPolygamy #ExPolygamist #CultAwareness #HighControlGroups

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

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

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In Episode 3 of How to Become a Cult Leader, we explore the Buddhafield community and its leader, Jaime Gomez, examining the subtle but powerful tactics used to keep followers deeply invested.

From endless service and constantly moving spiritual goalposts to the promise of exclusive experiences that only a select few can attain, many of these methods felt strikingly familiar to us.

As former members of the FLDS and mainstream Mormonism, we discuss how similar patterns appear across many high-control groups. While the beliefs may differ, the systems of control often look remarkably alike. Followers are encouraged to give more, serve more, sacrifice more, and always believe that the next level of acceptance, enlightenment, or approval is just around the corner.

In this reaction, we compare the Buddhafield community with the FLDS and other groups we've studied over the years, asking an important question:

Why do so many high-control groups rely on the same psychological tactics?

Our goal isn't to criticize faith or spirituality. It's to better understand how manipulation works so people can recognize these patterns before they become trapped by them.

Have you ever noticed these same tactics in other groups or organizations? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about documentaries, high-demand religions, survivor stories, and the psychology of influence and control, be sure to subscribe and join us each week.

#HowToBecomeACultLeader #Buddhafield #JaimeGomez #GrowingUpInPolygamy #CultAwareness #HighControlGroups #ReligiousTrauma #DocumentaryReaction #FLDS #ExMormon #Psychology #TrueCrime #CultRecovery

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

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

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 trust, loyalty, and ultimately, complete control.

As former members of high-demand religious communities, these tactics felt surprisingly familiar.

Growing up in Mormon fundamentalism—and later mainstream Mormonism—we were taught from a young age that prophets could receive direct revelation from God. Because of that, the idea of someone claiming to "speak for God" didn't initially sound extraordinary to us. It was simply part of the worldview we had inherited.

In this reaction, we compare Jim Jones' methods with those of Warren Jeffs and discuss why claims of divine authority can be so persuasive, especially for people raised to believe that God speaks through a single chosen leader.

Our goal isn't to criticize faith—it's to explore how trust can be manipulated when leaders place themselves above accountability.

What do you think?

Why do you think claims of miracles or divine authority are so convincing? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

If you enjoy thoughtful discussions about documentaries, high-demand religions, survivor stories, and the psychology behind manipulation, be sure to subscribe and join the conversation.

#HowToBecomeACultLeader #JimJones #WarrenJeffs #GrowingUpInPolygamy #CultAwareness #HighControlGroups #ReligiousTrauma #DocumentaryReaction #ExMormon #FLDS #Psychology #TrueCrime

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

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

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 high-demand religious communities, we recognize many of these warning signs. Throughout this reaction, we compare Manson's methods with those of Warren Jeffs and other authoritarian leaders, exploring the striking similarities that appear again and again across groups that demand unquestioning loyalty.

From isolation and manipulation to creating an "us vs. them" mentality, these patterns aren't unique to one person or one community. Whether the leader is religious, political, or charismatic in another way, the playbook is often remarkably similar.

Our goal isn't just to react to a documentary—it's to help people recognize the red flags before they become trapped by them.

What similarities stood out to you? Are there warning signs you think more people should know about? Let us know in the comments below.

If you enjoy thoughtful discussions about high-demand groups, religious trauma, documentaries, and survivor stories, we'd love to have you subscribe and join the conversation.

#HowToBecomeACultLeader #CharlesManson #WarrenJeffs #GrowingUpInPolygamy #CultAwareness #HighControlGroups #Netflix #TrueCrime #ReligiousTrauma #ExMormon #FLDS #DocumentaryReaction

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

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

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 determination that carried him through high school, and his unwavering desire to attend the University of Utah—even though he had no money and no clear path to get there.

His story is one of perseverance, hard work, and the belief that education could open doors to a better future. As we read his words, we also discuss what these experiences reveal about his character and how they would shape the life he eventually built.

Whether you're interested in family history, early Utah life, or stories of resilience, we hope you'll join us as we continue exploring the remarkable life of Charles F. Zitting.

📖 This series follows the autobiography of Sam's grandfather, Charles F. Zitting, with our commentary and reflections along the way.

If you enjoy preserving family history and hearing firsthand accounts from the past, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this series with someone who loves stories of determination and perseverance.

#CharlesFZitting #FamilyHistory #Autobiography #UniversityOfUtah #GrowingUpInPolygamy #JournalSeries #UtahHistory #PersonalHistory #Perseverance #Education

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

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

[email protected]

Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa