In this episode of The Jaden Jeffs Podcast, I share my personal story of growing up in the hidden homes of the FLDS—what we called "houses of hiding." These places were tucked away in Colorado, Wyoming, and beyond. From beautiful mountain views to soul-crushing isolation, this is what it was really like to be sent away by Warren Jeffs.

Some moments were peaceful. Some were devastating. All of them shaped who I am.
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👇 TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Intro: What are the Houses of Hiding?
01:40 – The view from Pikes Peak
03:15 – How the hiding system started (2002–2005)
05:00 – “You’re not worthy to be at the land of refuge”
07:30 – My first house of hiding after the 2008 raid
09:45 – Monument, Colorado: The brick house
13:10 – What it was like day-to-day in hiding
17:45 – Other hiding locations: Woodland Park, Buena Vista, and more
20:00 – The Quake House and secret baptisms
22:40 – The 24 House and the beauty of isolation
25:00 – Norway: 40 acres of depression
29:10 – Life as one of 20 boys, separated from family
33:30 – How the caretakers managed us
35:45 – What happened after 2014: More houses, more silence
38:20 – Wood projects, sewing, and storehouse assignments
41:15 – Why play was illegal in the FLDS
44:00 – How the messages killed our joy
47:30 – Reading the message from Warren Jeffs
53:20 – The guilt, pressure, and fear of damnation
58:00 – Hiding vs. freedom: Why the beauty wasn’t enough
1:02:00 – Reflecting on those years, and what comes next

In this episode of the Jaden Jeffs podcast, we delve deep into the current state of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). We explore the complexities of its leadership under the rule of Warren Jeffs, with insights into how his mental state and directives impact the community. Through personal anecdotes and observations, we discuss the plight of boys and girls within the FLDS, the challenges of secret marriages, and the financial dynamics sustaining the church. We also examine the emotional and psychological toll on FLDS members, the geographic spread of the community, and the ambiguous loyalties that some members experience. This episode aims to shed light on the many different situations and struggles faced by those within the FLDS today.

01:18 Current Leadership of the FLDS
02:36 Complications with Warren Jeffs' Leadership
08:29 Marriage Practices in the FLDS
22:00 Estimating FLDS Membership
29:27 Funding and Financials of the FLDS
35:36 Reflecting on Working for FLDS Companies
35:52 Challenges Faced by FLDS Boys
37:23 The Confusing Messages from Warren Jeffs
38:09 The Struggles of Loyalty and Encouragement
44:33 The Isolation and Yearning of FLDS Members
47:36 Uncle Seth's Influence and Controversies
01:00:18 The Reality of FLDS Life Today
01:06:53 Advice for Helping FLDS Members

In this episode of the Jaden Jeffs podcast, I delve into my personal journey of understanding women, coming from an extremely strict FLDS home led by Warren Jeffs. I recount the profound culture shock of my first job outside the FLDS sphere and my awkward experiences working alongside women for the first time. I narrate various encounters that slowly introduced me to a world I knew little about, including vivid memories of dealing with co-workers' unexpected behaviors and exploring dating life. This episode encapsulates my struggles and transformations as I attempt to find my place amidst new norms, and my firm stance on staying true to myself in relationships. Tune in as I share my unique and raw perspective on a life balancing strict upbringing and the quest for personal freedom.

00:08 Early Experiences with Women
01:30 Working at Goodwill and Meeting a Girl
04:47 First Encounters with Female Attraction
06:49 Struggles with Guilt and Temptation
06:52 Cabinet Shop and Realizations
12:26 Exposure to Adult Content
32:00 Dating and Personal Growth
35:49 Awkward First Date
39:55 The Mask Debate
46:07 Standing Firm on Beliefs
49:08 Reflections on Relationships
56:29 Podcast Aspirations
01:04:42 Final Thoughts and Sign-Off

Welcome to the Jaden Jeffs podcast where we explore questions about religion, cults, and cash. In this episode, Jaden shares updates about his life, including his work as a concrete business owner, and answers listeners' questions about his personal journey, leaving the FLDS, and his current views on spirituality. He also discusses his aspirations for the podcast, potential future travels, and his goal of exploring unique religious places. Jaden reads the first chapters of his new novel, which centers around the Mormon Church and its struggles with fundamentalist movements. He concludes by reflecting on finding balance between solitude and social life, and the importance of pursuing what makes one happy. Tune in for an honest and insightful look into Jaden's world.

00:07 Getting to Know Jaden: Personal Insights
00:55 Answering Your Questions: Day Job and Business
04:39 Discovering the World Outside the FLDS
06:38 Experiences with Social Media and Music
09:33 Dining Out and Watching Movies for the First Time
11:11 Travel Aspirations and Podcast Goals
13:17 Family and Support System
15:09 Religious Journey and Spiritual Beliefs
19:10 Current FLDS Leadership and Community
24:48 Podcast Philosophy and Approach
30:39 Family Reactions to Leaving the FLDS
31:30 Podcasting and Family Dynamics
32:20 Future Podcast Plans and Personal Reflections
36:00 Reading from My Novel: 70 Year Plan
42:14 Chapter Two: They Thought Love Would Last
46:51 Chapter Three: Breaking a Father's Heart
52:02 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Growing Up in a Cult? Interview with John Walsh | Jaden Jeffs Podcast

On this episode of the Jaden Jeffs Podcast, we sit down with John Walsh, who opens up about his unique upbringing in Homestead Heritage, a community often perceived as a cult. John discusses the strict regulations, his personal experiences, and the evolution of the community over time. He also delves into his journey of breaking free, dealing with personal traumas, and redefining his identity and beliefs. We touch on societal norms, relationships, and the challenges of adapting to a new way of life after leaving his community. Don't miss this compelling conversation about faith, freedom, and self-discovery.

00:09 John Walsh's Background and Early Life
03:16 Leaving the Community
04:38 Growing Up in a Strict Environment
07:30 Social Dynamics and Relationships
12:01 Cultural Reflections and Personal Insights
16:15 Marriage and Courtship Practices
37:28 Challenges and Decisions
49:41 Discussing the Honda Ridgeline
50:40 Journey to Alaska
51:45 Working in Alaska and Social Dynamics
54:25 Leaving the LDS Church
55:55 Struggles with Identity and Relationships
01:03:12 Meeting and Marrying My Wife
01:27:09 Reflections on Relationships and Society
01:35:52 Concluding Thoughts

Jaden Jeffs interviews John Tucker, offering a deep dive into the Kingston Group, a religious sect with intricate ties to polygamy, business control, and power dynamics. John, who grew up in the group, discusses his complex family history, the group's financial control methods, and the personal struggles he faced, including obtaining a wife and financial stability. He also shares his evolving thoughts on the group's leadership and the larger implications for religious control. The conversation touches on broader topics, such as Mormon history, Joseph Smith's controversial legacy, and the nature of religious belief and cult dynamics.

In this episode of the Jaden Jeffs podcast, Jaden discusses the current state of the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) under the leadership of Warren Jeffs and how the community has been disrupted. Despite Jaden himself not being in a position to lead the FLDS due to past statements, he outlines a comprehensive strategy for someone else to take control and rebuild the community. Key points include understanding power dynamics, positioning oneself for leadership, managing communication, encouraging financial stability, promoting community cohesion, and preparing for post-Warren Jeffs leadership. Jaden emphasizes the importance of long-term planning, maintaining public perception, and fostering a supportive and successful community environment.

Understanding the Laws of Power: Lessons from Warren Jeffs

In this episode of the Jaden Jeffs podcast, we delve into the complex world of power dynamics, using Warren Jeffs as a case study. We explore the specific laws and rules of power that Jeffs both understood and overlooked, leading to his eventual downfall. This deep dive examines the importance of public perception, the critical mistakes Jeffs made, and how following or ignoring the rules of power can make or break an individual's control and influence. Tune in for a fascinating analysis that questions morality and sheds light on the intricate dance of power and public image.

In this episode of the Jaden Jeffs podcast, Jaden discusses his father, Warren Jeffs, providing a comprehensive overview of his early life, rise to power within the FLDS church, and subsequent legal and moral controversies. 

Jaden delves into personal anecdotes and observations, recounting Warren Jeffs' birth in Sacramento, his early designation as special by his parents, his involvement in polygamy, and the many allegations of sexual misconduct. 

He reflects on the strict upbringing under Warren, the motivational force behind his controversial leadership decisions, and the psychological complexities that may have driven his father's behavior. 

Throughout the podcast, Jaden attempts to reconcile his understandings of Warren Jeffs, his own experiences, and the broader impact on the FLDS community. 

Jaden intersperses his narrative with humor and personal reflections, occasionally pausing to drink wine, as he unpacks the chaotic and controversial legacy of his father.

In this episode of the Jaden Jeffs Podcast, Jaden delves into the topic of cult leadership, presenting five key tactics that are essential for becoming an effective cult leader. These tactics, also identified as manipulation strategies, include: mastering the vibrations of authenticity, reading emotions effectively, giving people a sense of purpose, maintaining novelty in oneself and one's mission, and establishing authority over others. Jaden emphasizes the importance of using these tactics for understanding and avoiding manipulative situations rather than promoting harmful behavior. The episode concludes with a note on the dangers of authority without moral responsibility and an encouragement to remain vigilant against potential cult dynamics.