Growing Up In Polygamy

Growing Up In Polygamy
  • 4.8 (137)
  • 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. Sep 12

    The Formula for Building a Religion of Millions | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 6 Reaction

    Download the FREE Upside App here https://yt.link/o69VgN5 and use code growingup to get an extra 25 cents back per gallon on your first tank of gas! Thank you Upside for sponsoring this video! 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! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

    The Formula for Building a Religion of Millions | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 6 Reaction

  2. Aug 29

    When a Cult Leader Will Do ANYTHING to Be Right | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 5 Reaction

    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! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

    When a Cult Leader Will Do ANYTHING to Be Right | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 5 Reaction

  3. Aug 22

    Heaven's Gate & FLDS: More Similar Than We Expected | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 4 Reaction

    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! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

    Heaven's Gate & FLDS: More Similar Than We Expected | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 4 Reaction

  4. Aug 15

    The Endless Goalposts That Keep Followers Trapped | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 3 Reaction

    Download the FREE Upside App here https://yt.link/TJbkwvE and use code growingup to get an extra 25 cents back per gallon on your first tank of gas! Thank you Upside for sponsoring this video! 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! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

    The Endless Goalposts That Keep Followers Trapped | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 3 Reaction

  5. Aug 8

    The Fake Healings That Built a Cult | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 2 Reaction

    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! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

    The Fake Healings That Built a Cult | How to Become a Cult Leader Ep. 2 Reaction

  6. Aug 1

    How to Become a Cult Leader Reaction | Ep 1 | Charles Manson vs. Warren Jeffs

    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! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

    How to Become a Cult Leader Reaction | Ep 1 | Charles Manson vs. Warren Jeffs

  7. Jul 18

    From Odd Jobs to College Dreams | Charles F. Zitting Journal Ep. 4

    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! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

    From Odd Jobs to College Dreams | Charles F. Zitting Journal Ep. 4

  8. Jul 4

    What It ACTUALLY Takes to Take Down a Cult Leader w/Mike King from @ProfilingEvil ​

    After watching Trust Me: A False Prophet, one question kept coming up: Why did it take so long to stop Samuel Bateman? If law enforcement knew about allegations of abuse, why wasn't he arrested sooner? What kind of evidence does it actually take to investigate and convict a cult leader? In this episode, we sit down with retired law enforcement officer and author Mike King to explore what happens behind the scenes during investigations into abusive religious leaders. We discuss the legal standards prosecutors must meet, why investigations involving coercive control and closed religious communities often take years, and the challenges of building a case that can result in a conviction. Using the Samuel Bateman case featured in Trust Me: A False Prophet as a real-world example, we examine what the justice system did well, where it fell short, and why investigators sometimes have to wait until they have enough evidence to ensure a dangerous leader is held accountable. Whether you're interested in the FLDS, high-demand religions, true crime, religious abuse, or the legal process behind major criminal investigations, this conversation provides valuable insight into why justice can take longer than many people expect. If you've watched Trust Me: A False Prophet, we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments: What surprised you most about the investigation into Samuel Bateman? If you enjoy our conversations about the FLDS, the Kingston Group ("The Order"), the AUB, and other high-demand religious communities, don't forget to like this video, subscribe, and share it with someone who might find it helpful. Thank you for supporting our mission to create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized, and abused by their leaders while giving survivors a platform to share their stories. #TrustMe #SamuelBateman #MikeKing #FLDS #Polygamy #ReligiousAbuse #CultLeader #TrueCrime #HighDemandReligion #growingupinpolygamy Follow Mike King: @ProfilingEvil profilingevil.com Listen to Gardens of Evil here: https://go.gamutpodcasts.com/americannightmareseries 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! growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

    What It ACTUALLY Takes to Take Down a Cult Leader w/Mike King from @ProfilingEvil ​
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4.8
out of 5
137 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
    327
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Growing Up In Polygamy
  • Show Website
    Growing Up In Polygamy

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