Growing Up In Polygamy

Growing Up In Polygamy
  • 4.8 (117)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Sam sharing what it was like growing up in the polygamous FLDS group, his experiences leaving the group when he was 18 and his journey to where he is now. His wife Melissa is his co-host, asking the questions that everyone from the outside is thinking.

  1. Sister Wives Season 20 Finale: Reflecting on the Past

    FEB 4

    Sister Wives Season 20 Finale: Reflecting on the Past

    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! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

    44 min
  2. Mykelti & Tony: Growing Up Polygamist & the Real Sister Wives S20 Tea

    JAN 28

    Mykelti & Tony: Growing Up Polygamist & the Real Sister Wives S20 Tea

    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 us!growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

    1 hr
  3. Fact or Feelings? Coyote Pass Contracts & Kody Saying He “Did Love” Christine | S20 Tell-All Pt. 1&2

    JAN 21

    Fact or Feelings? Coyote Pass Contracts & Kody Saying He “Did Love” Christine | S20 Tell-All Pt. 1&2

    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! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

    40 min
  4. Janelle Gets Released, Meri Moves Forward & Kody Finally Means It | S20E15

    JAN 7

    Janelle Gets Released, Meri Moves Forward & Kody Finally Means It | S20E15

    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 us!growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

    27 min
  5. Kody and Meri’s Intense Conversation | Basement Wives & Spiritual Releases SW S20 E14 Reaction

    12/31/2025

    Kody and Meri’s Intense Conversation | Basement Wives & Spiritual Releases SW S20 E14 Reaction

    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! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

    30 min
  6. Kody’s Apology Tour: David Speaks Up, Meri’s Next, and Janelle’s Spiritual Release | SW S20 E13

    12/24/2025

    Kody’s Apology Tour: David Speaks Up, Meri’s Next, and Janelle’s Spiritual Release | SW S20 E13

    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! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

    24 min
  7. Kody Starts Apologizing to Christine… | S20 Ep 12 Reaction

    12/17/2025

    Kody Starts Apologizing to Christine… | S20 Ep 12 Reaction

    In Sister Wives Season 20, Episode 12, Kody finally begins his long-overdue apology to Christine — but just as things start to get interesting, the episode cuts it in half. We’re left on a major cliffhanger, with the second half of Kody’s apology pushed to the next episode, raising even more questions about whether this is real accountability or just another carefully controlled moment.Let us know your thoughts in the comments: Is Kody’s apology genuine, and what do you think will happen in part two?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 us!growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

    23 min
  8. Kody Finally Apologizes to Janelle | SW S20 Ep11 Reaction

    12/10/2025

    Kody Finally Apologizes to Janelle | SW S20 Ep11 Reaction

    In this week’s Sister Wives Season 20 Episode 11 reaction, we break down Kody’s long-awaited apology to Janelle — and why she was the one he chose to talk to first. We talk about the grace, patience, and kindness Janelle shows him in this moment, and what it says about their history and the dynamics in the Brown family. We also dive into Meri’s painfully awkward dating event, where she’s trying to move forward but the energy is… rough. And we cover Christine’s hesitation to meet with Kody, even as she leans toward doing it for the sake of her children. As always, we bring our perspectives as former Mormon and former FLDS members to unpack the religious, emotional, and family dynamics playing out in this episode. If you enjoy deeper dives into polygamy, faith, and family culture, make sure to stick around for the full reaction! 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! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

    20 min
See All (295)

4.8
out of 5
117 Ratings

About

Sam sharing what it was like growing up in the polygamous FLDS group, his experiences leaving the group when he was 18 and his journey to where he is now. His wife Melissa is his co-host, asking the questions that everyone from the outside is thinking.

Information

  • Creator
    Growing Up In Polygamy
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    295
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Growing Up In Polygamy
  • Show Website
    Growing Up In Polygamy

You Might Also Like