Growing Up In Polygamy

What is it really like growing up in the Kingston Clan, also known as The Order? In this powerful interview, Allison shares her story of growing up in a family marked by extreme abuse, complicated family relationships, and the struggle to find a way out.Allison's father was so abusive that he was serving time in jail for child abuse when she was born. Growing up, she witnessed deeply disturbing family relationships, including her father marrying four of his own sisters and later watching her own brother marry one of her sisters.At just 16 years old, Allison made the incredibly difficult decision to leave The Order. But escaping wasn't as simple as walking away. She spent nine months in foster care as a ward of the state while waiting for her parents to relinquish their parental rights. She opens up about the emotional toll of that experience, the uncertainty of waiting, and eventually being adopted by an amazing family who gave her a new opportunity at life.We also talk about the challenges of rebuilding your life after leaving a high-demand religious group, the lasting effects of growing up in an abusive environment, and why Allison believes speaking out is so important.Sadly, Allison says abuses are still happening within the group today, particularly involving incest and family relationships. She hopes that by sharing her story, more people will become aware of what is happening behind closed doors and understand why survivors need to be heard.This is a difficult but important conversation about abuse, survival, finding family, and the courage it takes to speak out.**CONTENT WARNING:** This interview discusses child abuse, incest, family abuse, and foster care.Thank you to Allison for trusting us with her story.Follow Allison!!!Youtube: @AllisonariahTikTok: @AllisonAEamesInstagram: @AllisonAriahEames#KingstonClan #TheOrder #KingstonGroup #CultSurvivor #LeavingTheCult #ExPolygamist #GrowingUpInPolygamyIf 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]

What does divorce actually mean when you're in a polygamous marriage?

In our reaction to Sister Wives Season 21 Episode 5, we watch Christine and Meri discuss Meri's legal divorce from Kody, what it means to officially leave the family, and their plans to melt down the jewelry connected to Kody.

Sam shares his perspective growing up in the FLDS and explains why legal marriages and spiritual marriages are often viewed very differently in polygamous communities. Why do many fundamentalist polygamists place so much more importance on their spiritual marriages than their legal ones? And what does a legal divorce really change?

We also check in on Janelle and her new adventures with keeping bees! 🐝

Join us as we break down another episode of Sister Wives from the perspective of two people who have experienced different sides of Mormonism and polygamy.

What do you think? Does a legal divorce represent the true end of a marriage in a polygamous family?

#SisterWives #SisterWivesSeason21 #MeriBrown #ChristineBrown #JanelleBrown #Polygamy #FLDS #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

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In our reaction to Season 21 Episode 4, we talk about how the show is starting to feel a little… boring. With Kody and Robyn no longer filming, there just doesn't seem to be as much happening—and this episode really made us wonder where the story goes from here.

We also talk about Meri's explanation for why she stayed with Kody for so long. She says she stayed because she didn't want Kody to be able to feel innocent about pushing her away. And how many lies did Kody and Robyn tell Meri in the process.

But the entire episode seemed to be building toward the big conversation between Meri and Christine. We finally get to the moment we've been waiting for… and then the episode ENDS! 😩

Now we have to wait until next week to hear the rest of the conversation.

Are we being too harsh, or is Sister Wives really starting to run out of storylines?

👇 What did you think of Episode 4? And what did you think about Meri's explanation for staying with Kody?

🎥 Our full reaction is up now on Growing Up In Polygamy!

#SisterWives #SisterWivesSeason21 #MeriBrown #ChristineBrown #KodyBrown #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]

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

In our final reaction to "Secrets of the 12 Tribes", we take a closer look at some of the similarities between the Twelve Tribes and Sam's experience growing up in the FLDS.One of the most striking parallels is the way illness and injury can be connected to a person's spiritual worthiness. We discuss what happens when people are taught that sickness, suffering, or misfortune may be a reflection of their faithfulness or obedience.We also take a deeper look at the way both Gene Spriggs and Warren Jeffs exercised control over families and relationships, including separating family members and making decisions that could dramatically change people's lives.As an ex-FLDS member and someone who grew up around these kinds of teachings and structures, Sam shares his perspective on why these similarities stand out so much.This is our final reaction to *Secrets of the 12 Tribes*, and throughout this series we've explored missionary work, religious obedience, communal living, child discipline, law enforcement raids, and now the ways leaders can use spiritual beliefs to influence health, family, and relationships.What similarities between the Twelve Tribes and FLDS stood out to you the most?#SecretsOfThe12Tribes #TwelveTribes #FLDS #GrowingUpInPolygamy #GeneSpriggs #WarrenJeffs #DocumentaryReaction #ReligiousAbuseIf 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

Celebrate your commitment to Sister Wives with Christine's "Not a Quitter" shirts! https://christine-woolley.myshopify.com/products/not-a-quitter-t-shirtThe marriages may be over, but the Sister Wives are discovering that moving on from Kody doesn't necessarily mean moving on from each other!In our reaction to Sister Wives Season 21 Episode 3, we talk about the reality of being a "basement wife," the hierarchy within polygamous families, and how those experiences compare to Sam's upbringing in the FLDS.We also watch the women come together to share family recipes, memories, and traditions as they navigate what their relationships might look like outside of plural marriage.But one of the biggest things that stood out to us is how their children continue to give them a reason to stay connected. Even though their marriages to Kody have ended, they share decades of history and children who still connect their lives.Are they genuinely working toward rebuilding relationships, or will their differences ultimately keep them apart? And can they find common ground now that Kody is no longer at the center of their relationships?Join us as we break down Episode 3 and discuss why the Brown family was never just about Kody!#SisterWives #SisterWivesSeason21 #KodyBrown #ChristineBrown #JanelleBrown #MeriBrown #Polygamy #GrowingUpInPolygamyIf 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

⚠️ **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 children and how religious teachings are used to justify it.As former members of the FLDS and mainstream Mormonism, we discuss what happens when religious beliefs are used to defend harmful practices, especially when children are involved.We also take a deeper look at FOUR law enforcement raids involving religious communities—two involving the Twelve Tribes and two involving the FLDS. We compare how these raids were carried out, the different approaches authorities took, and the consequences for the families and children involved.But this raises an even bigger question: "What actually makes a raid successful?"Is success measured by arrests, removing children from potentially dangerous situations, holding leaders accountable, or creating lasting change without causing additional harm?Join us as we unpack these difficult questions and discuss the complicated balance between religious freedom, protecting children, and government intervention.💬 "What do you think makes a law enforcement raid successful when children are at risk?" We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.#SecretsOfThe12Tribes #TwelveTribes #FLDS #GrowingUpInPolygamy #DocumentaryReaction #ReligiousAbuse #ChildProtectionIf 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

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 hierarchy of wives and compare it to Sam's experience growing up with four mothers in the FLDS.

Why are third wives so important in plural families, yet so often overlooked or disregarded? We also discuss the infamous picture showing the wives' positions and how much has changed now that these women are independent and finally have the power to say NO.

But just because they're no longer sister wives, does that mean they can become friends? Or are their personalities simply too different?

Join us as we break down Sister Wives Season 21 Episode 2 from our unique perspective of growing up in Mormon communities!

#SisterWives #SisterWivesSeason21 #Polygamy #GrowingUpInPolygamy #ChristineBrown #JanelleBrown #MeriBrown

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

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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 missionary work, receiving new names, dusting off one's feet, and the belief in the literal gathering of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

We also discuss how the Twelve Tribes' communal lifestyle, close-knit communities, and separation from mainstream society remind us of Sam's experience growing up in the FLDS.

Although these religious groups have different histories and teachings, some of the similarities are hard to ignore.

Join us as we react to the first half of *Secrets of the 12 Tribes* and share our perspectives as former members of fundamentalist and mainstream Mormonism.

💬 **What similarities surprised you the most?** Let us know in the comments!

#SecretsOfThe12Tribes #TwelveTribes #FLDS #Mormonism #GrowingUpInPolygamy #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

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

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