Growing Up In Polygamy

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 the church, becoming part of the United Order, and living in an environment where individuality and creativity were punished instead of encouraged. She explains how fear, obedience, and control shaped every part of daily life in the FLDS, and how those experiences made her vulnerable to manipulation later on.

She also shares the disturbing way Samuel Bateman began secretly targeting and harassing her, convincing her that terrible things happening around her were somehow her fault because she refused to “give herself” to him. Eventually, she felt trapped into believing that going with him was the only way to protect the people she loved.

This is the beginning of a powerful and heartbreaking story about religious control, fear, grooming, and survival.

#FLDS #SamuelBateman #WarrenJeffs #TrustMeTheFalseProphet #ExFLDS #Polygamy #CultSurvivor #MormonFundamentalism

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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."

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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 the series — and compare them to what we personally witnessed in both the FLDS and mainstream LDS environments.

While Unchosen is fictional, some of the dynamics felt disturbingly real to us. In this reaction and discussion, we share our honest thoughts on what the show gets right, what stood out to us most, and why these kinds of belief systems can become so dangerous when power goes unchecked.

If you’ve watched Episodes 2 & 3 of Unchosen, let us know what stood out to you most 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.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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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 Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), Sam shares what felt eerily accurate and what didn’t quite line up with reality.

From control and isolation to religious authority and family structure, we compare what you see on screen to what life is actually like inside tightly controlled, high-demand religious environments like the FLDS and other branches of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fundamentalism.

While the show isn’t directly about figures like Samuel Bateman, we also touch on how modern cases like his reflect similar patterns of control, influence, and belief systems that continue to exist today.

If you’ve ever wondered how accurate these portrayals are or how they compare to real experiences, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Subscribe for more real conversations about religion, control, and life after leaving.

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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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 before he declared himself a prophet.

One of the most shocking revelations? The moment that pushed his wife to finally leave—and the disturbing request that changed everything.

We also discuss Kathryn’s thoughts on the documentary Trust Me: The False Prophet, and the current state of the FLDS community today—especially as members of her own family are still inside.

This is an insider perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

If you’ve been following this story or want a deeper understanding of what really happens behind closed doors in these communities, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share 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.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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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 something much deeper may have been happening inside the FLDS community.We talk about reports from former wives and family members of Warren Jeffs, who describe how some of his wives were allegedly going throughout the community “teaching” others what Warren had done—pairing people together, promoting so-called “revelations,” and continuing behaviors even after Warren was in prison.We also discuss the role of individuals like Moroni Johnson and how these situations may not have been isolated—but part of something already unfolding behind the scenes.We bring our perspective to help explain the mindset, the power structure, and how something like this could spread.This isn’t just about one man. It’s about understanding the system.👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments:Do you think Samuel Bateman was copying Warren Jeffs… or stepping into something that was already happening?Subscribe for more deep dives, reactions, and insider perspectives on Mormonism, polygamy, and cult dynamics.#SamuelBateman #WarrenJeffs #FLDS #TrueCrime #CultDocumentary #ExMormon #Polygamy #BreakingNews #CrimeAnalysis #CultSurvivorIf 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

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. We talk about how the minors were taken into custody, placed in group homes, and yet were still in contact with him. In a shocking turn, adult followers were instructed to retrieve the girls—leading to a kidnapping that shows just how deep the control ran.

We also discuss the heartbreaking betrayal felt by the girls when they learned who had spoken out to authorities, and how difficult it is to break free from that kind of belief system.

But this is also where things begin to change.

Over time, as the girls were separated and given space away from the influence, they began to speak openly about what had happened—ultimately becoming the key witnesses that led to Bateman being sentenced to 50 years in prison.

Many of his followers, including several adult wives and male members, were also held accountable.

And yet… even now, some still believe he is a prophet.

This final episode is about justice, healing, and the complicated reality of leaving a system like this behind.

👉 Let us know your thoughts in the comments: Why do you think some people still hold on to belief, even after everything?

If you’ve been following this series, thank you for being here. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more in-depth reactions and discussions.

#TrustMe #FalseProphet #SamuelBateman #CultAwareness #TrueCrime #ExMormon #Polygamy #CultSurvivor #YouTubeReaction

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 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 about the punishment and abuse she endured for simply having questions or doubts, and how fear is used to keep people silent in these environments.

We also react to the disturbing music video featuring Bateman’s wives—including underage girls—and discuss how music can be used as a powerful tool for conditioning and control. For Melissa, the song (originally from mainstream LDS culture) hits especially hard, showing just how deeply music can tie into belief, identity, and obedience.

Then we break down the moment everything began to unravel:

When someone noticed something wasn’t right—young girls being transported in a box trailer—and chose to say something. That one decision helped open the door for law enforcement to step in and ultimately led to Bateman’s arrest.

Even though it wasn’t initially for his most serious crimes, it was the beginning of the end.

This episode is about courage, awareness, and the power of speaking up—even when it’s hard.

👉 Let us know your thoughts in the comments: Do you think situations like this could be stopped sooner? What would it take?

Topics we cover:

Julia going to the FBI

Abuse and punishment for questioning authority

Music as a tool for conditioning in religious groups

The disturbing “wives” music video

The trailer incident that led to Samuel Bateman’s arrest

Why speaking up matters

If you appreciate real insight and honest reactions to stories like this, make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more.

#TrustMe #FalseProphet #SamuelBateman #CultAwareness #TrueCrime #ExMormon #Polygamy #CultSurvivor #YouTubeReaction

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]

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 girls were groomed from birth to obey priesthood leaders and “the prophet,” and how they were taught to share “spiritual testimonies” that led them into these marriages. From the outside, it can be confusing—but from the inside, this level of control is all they’ve ever known.

We also break down one of the most frustrating parts of this story:

Even when authorities are aware of what’s happening, their hands are often tied unless victims are willing—and able—to speak out.

And in the middle of all of this, we highlight the incredible courage of Christine and Tolga, who spent months fighting to help these girls, even when the system wasn’t working in their favor.

This episode isn’t just about what happened… it’s about why it keeps happening.

👉 Let us know your thoughts in the comments: What needs to change for victims to actually be protected?

Topics we cover:

Why law enforcement struggles to intervene

Grooming and obedience in fundamentalist groups

“Spiritual testimony” vs coercion

Why victims don’t (or can’t) speak out

Christine & Tolga’s fight to help these girls

If you appreciate honest conversations and real insight into these communities, make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more.

#TrustMe #FalseProphet #SamuelBateman #CultAwareness #ExMormon #Polygamy #TrueCrime #CultSurvivor #YouTubeReaction

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 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 fundamentalist and mainstream Mormon communities, we’ve seen firsthand how power, fear, and belief can be twisted. In this reaction, we share our personal insights into how leaders like this gain influence, why people follow, and how these systems enable abuse to happen in plain sight.

This story isn’t just shocking—it’s a real look into how modern-day cult leaders operate.

👉 Let us know your thoughts in the comments: At what point does belief turn into control?

Topics we cover:

The rise of Samuel Bateman

Religious manipulation and control

“Atonement” used as a tool for abuse

How followers become trapped

Parallels to other fundamentalist groups

If you enjoy real, honest reactions with insider perspective, make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more.

#TrustMe #FalseProphet #CultDocumentary #SamuelBateman #TrueCrime #EXFLDS #ExMormon #Polygamy #CultSurvivor

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 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 at a young age, and developing a strong work ethic that would shape the rest of his life. He also opens up about more personal moments, including early crushes and what it was like navigating youth within a strict religious environment.

As we read his words, we reflect on how these experiences compare to what we lived growing up in Mormon and fundamentalist Mormon communities—where hard work, family roles, and expectations were deeply ingrained from a young age.

This episode highlights a more human side of his story—showing not just the faith, but the everyday life, emotions, and experiences that helped shape who he became.

If you’re interested in:

Mormon upbringing and rural Utah life

Farm life, responsibility, and work ethic

LDS culture and youth experiences

Real-life stories from inside Mormon and FLDS communities

Personal journals and firsthand accounts

This series gives you a rare, inside look—told entirely in his own words.

Follow along as we continue through the life of Charles F. Zitting, one chapter at a time.

#Mormonism #LDS #FLDS #Polygamy #ExMormon #UtahHistory #FarmLife #FaithJourney #RealStories #FamilyLegacy

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]