Growing Up In Polygamy

Growing Up In Polygamy

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

    2 hr ago

    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

    46 min

  2. 22 hr ago

    Holding Out HELP 12 Days of Freedom Q&A

    Life Beyond Polygamy: The Power of CommunityWhat role does community play in helping individuals and families rebuild their lives? Join us for a special live discussion about the impact of community, the importance of support systems, and how community partners help create pathways to healing, stability, and independence.This conversation features members of the Holding Out HELP team alongside special guests and collaborators who bring unique perspectives on the challenges many individuals face and the power of having people and organizations willing to walk alongside them.Featured Guests• Christine Brown Woolley• Amanda Rae• Melanie & Cory Koerner (@NotesToSelf444)• Tonia Tewell, Executive Director of Holding Out HELPTogether, we'll discuss:• The importance of community after isolation• How community partners help fill critical gaps in services• Education, scholarships, counseling, and other resources available through partnerships• Why no one should have to navigate life's challenges alone• How supporters like you help make these resources possibleSupport the Ignite the Light: 12 Days of Freedom CampaignEvery dollar helps someone take a step toward safety, healing, and independence.🔥 Donate today:https://holdingouthelp.networkforgood.com/projects/301518-ignite-the-light-12-days-of-freedomYour support helps provide housing assistance, counseling, case management, education support, emergency assistance, legal advocacy, transportation, and community programming for individuals and families from polygamous and other insular communities.About Holding Out HELPHolding Out HELP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive support services to individuals and families from polygamous and other insular communities. Through housing assistance, counseling, case management, education support, financial literacy, legal advocacy, and community-building opportunities, we help individuals create safe, stable, and independent futures.Learn more: http://holdingouthelp.org#IgniteTheLight #HoldingOutHELP #LifeBeyondPolygamy #CommunityMatters #StrongerTogether #IndependenceDay #Nonprofit #ReligiousTraumaRecoveryAt 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."Please feel free to reach out to us!growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

    1hr 7min
  3. I Was Kicked Out of "The Order" for Being Gay | Val's Story Part 2

    27 Jun

    I Was Kicked Out of "The Order" for Being Gay | Val's Story Part 2

    In Part 2 of Val Snow's story, we continue our conversation about growing up inside the Kingston Clan, also known as "The Order."After spending years trying to reconcile who he was with what he had been taught, Val opens up about coming to terms with his sexuality in a community that believed being gay was a choice. He shares the pressure to conform, the fear of being discovered, and the impossible expectations placed on LGBTQ individuals within the group.Val recounts what happened when his father found out he was dating men, the reaction from his family and community, and the events that ultimately led to him being cast out of the only world he had ever known.Leaving a high-control religious community often means losing more than your beliefs. For many, it can mean losing family, friendships, support systems, and a sense of belonging. Val's story highlights both the pain of rejection and the courage it takes to live authentically.If you haven't seen Part 1, be sure to check it out first, where Val shares what it was like growing up with a father who had 14 wives and more than 160 children, the abuse he experienced, and the challenges of life inside the Kingston Clan.Thank you to Val for trusting us with his story.❤️ If Val's story resonates with you, please consider sharing this video. Stories like his help create understanding, compassion, and hope for others who may be facing similar struggles.#GrowingUpInPolygamy #KingstonClan #TheOrder #LGBTQStories #Polygamy #ReligiousTrauma #CultRecovery #ExMormon #ValSnow #HighControlReligionIf 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 us!growingupinpolygamy@gmail.comCreate Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

    45 min
  4. My Father Had 14 Wives and 160+ Children | Growing Up in "The Order"

    24 Jun

    My Father Had 14 Wives and 160+ Children | Growing Up in "The Order"

    In this episode, we sit down with Val Snow to hear his incredible story of growing up inside the Kingston Clan, also known as "The Order," one of the most secretive polygamous groups in the United States. Val was raised in a family unlike most people can imagine. His father had 14 wives and more than 150 children. He shares what life was really like growing up in such a massive family, the financial struggles they faced, the abuse he witnessed and experienced, and the challenges of finding his own identity in a community where obedience was expected and questions were discouraged. Val also opens up about what it was like realizing he was gay in a culture that taught homosexuality wasn't real and that attraction to women would come through marriage and faithfulness. Long before he was ready to tell anyone, he was already wrestling with feelings that put him at odds with everything he had been taught. This is Part 1 of Val's story. In Part 2, Val shares what happened when his family discovered he was dating men, the consequences he faced, and the events that ultimately led to him being cast out of the community. If you enjoy conversations that help us better understand high-control religious groups and the experiences of those who leave them, be sure to subscribe and join us for Part 2. #KingstonClan #TheOrder #Polygamy #CultSurvivor #ExMormon #LGBTQStories #GrowingUpInPolygamy #ValSnow 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

    55 min
  5. Gloriavale Says It's Changed... But Has It Really? | Devotion Finale Reaction

    20 Jun

    Gloriavale Says It's Changed... But Has It Really? | Devotion Finale Reaction

    In the final episode of "Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal?", Gloriavale faces growing legal pressure while leaders work to convince the public, and the government, that the abuses of the past are behind them.But have things really changed?As former members continue to speak out and ongoing court cases raise difficult questions, we examine Gloriavale's efforts to reform its image and protect its future. Are meaningful changes being made to create a safer community, or is the leadership simply saying the right things to avoid outside intervention?One of the biggest questions raised in this episode is whether true free will can exist in an isolated community where members are born, raised, educated, and socialized entirely within its walls. When Gloriavale is the only life you've ever known, what does choosing to stay—or leave—actually mean?Join us as we react to the final episode of Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal?, share our perspectives from our own experiences in high-control religious communities, and discuss the complex relationship between faith, obedience, community, and choice.Have you watched the series? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.#Gloriavale #Devotion #CultDocumentary #ExMormon #FLDS #GrowingUpInPolygamy #ReligiousTrauma #HighControlReligion #DocumentaryReactionIf 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 us!growingupinpolygamy@gmail.comCreate Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

    35 min
  6. Can You Separate the Leader from the Crimes? | Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal Ep. 2

    17 Jun

    Can You Separate the Leader from the Crimes? | Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal Ep. 2

    In Episode 2 of Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal, we dive into one of the most difficult questions any faith community can face: Can you separate a religious leader's contributions from their crimes? As former members of high-demand religious communities, we discuss the complicated legacy of leaders whose teachings helped shape entire generations, even after serious wrongdoing comes to light. We compare the conviction of Hopeful Christian to our experiences with Warren Jeffs and explore why different communities respond so differently when their leaders are sent to prison. We also talk about the challenge many religious groups face when trying to distinguish themselves from other controversial movements. Why do some communities feel misunderstood by the media? When does criticism become unfair, and when is it necessary accountability? And how do members reconcile the good they experienced with the harm that was done? Join us as we react to Episode 2 and share our perspective on faith, loyalty, accountability, and the lasting impact of religious leadership. What are your thoughts? Can a community honor a leader's contributions while condemning their actions? Let us know in the comments below. 👍 Like this video if you enjoy these discussions 🔔 Subscribe for more reactions, interviews, and conversations about religious movements, cults, polygamy, and faith transitions #Devotion #ObedienceOrBetrayal #CultDocumentary #ExPolygamistReacts #GrowingUpInPolygamy #WarrenJeffs #ReligiousTrauma #FaithDeconstruction #HopefulChristian #DocumentaryReaction #CultSurvivor #Polygamy #ReligiousLeadership #TrueStory #CultsAndExtremism 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

    33 min
  7. Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal? The FLDS Parallels Are Impossible to Ignore | Episode 1 Reaction

    13 Jun

    Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal? The FLDS Parallels Are Impossible to Ignore | Episode 1 Reaction

    Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal? tells the story of Gloriavale, a closed religious community in New Zealand that was founded on promises of faith, unity, and a better way of life. As former members of Mormon communities, we couldn't help but notice some striking similarities to our own experiences growing up in the FLDS and mainstream Mormon culture. In this reaction and discussion, we explore the origins of Gloriavale, the appeal of religious utopias, and why so many isolated groups seem to develop similar rules, expectations, and power structures over time. We discuss the role of obedience, patriarchal leadership, separation from the outside world, and how sincere beliefs can sometimes create environments where abuse and control are able to flourish. While Gloriavale, the FLDS, and the LDS Church are very different in many ways, this documentary raises important questions about authority, devotion, loyalty, and what happens when questioning leadership is seen as betrayal. What did you think of Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal? Did you notice similarities to other religious communities or high-demand groups? Let us know in the comments. 👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the discussion 🔔 Subscribe for more reactions, interviews, and conversations about Mormonism, the FLDS, polygamy, and religious communities 💬 Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments #Gloriavale #Devotion #FLDS #Mormonism #ReligiousCommunities #ExFLDS #CultDocumentary #HighDemandReligion #Polygamy #ReactionVideo 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

    33 min
  8. Why Kingston Clan Leaders Go to Prison for Fraud—Not Abuse | With @TheAmandaRaeGrant ​

    6 Jun

    Why Kingston Clan Leaders Go to Prison for Fraud—Not Abuse | With @TheAmandaRaeGrant ​

    For years, the Kingston Clan, also known as The Order, has been accused of abuse, exploitation, forced marriages, and maintaining a system that prioritizes power and control over the well-being of its members. Yet when leaders do face legal consequences, it often seems to be for financial crimes rather than the harm inflicted on women and children. In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Rae, who was born and raised in the Kingston Clan, to discuss the current state of the group and where things stand today. We explore who has gone to prison, how leaders have historically avoided accountability, and why prosecuting abuse inside closed religious communities can be so difficult. We also discuss the future of The Order. Despite continuing to grow through high birth rates, the group faces challenges that many believe could impact its long-term survival, including increasing public awareness, more members speaking out, and the devastating effects of generations of closely related marriages. As former members of fundamentalist religious communities, we bring our own perspectives on the systems that allow groups like these to survive and why meaningful change is often so difficult to achieve. What do you think it would take for the Kingston Clan to truly decline? Let us know in the comments. #KingstonClan #TheOrder #AmandaRae #Polygamy #CultRecovery #ExMormon #Fundamentalism #ReligiousTrauma #TrueCrime #HiddenCommunities #PolygamistGroup #SurvivorStory #CultAwareness #SamAndMelissa #MormonFundamentalism 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations, interviews, and reactions exploring polygamy, Mormon fundamentalism, high-control religious groups, and life after leaving them. 📱 Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. ⚠️ This video discusses topics including abuse, coercion, and exploitation within high-control religious environments. Viewer discretion is advised. 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

    32 min
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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
    320
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Growing Up In Polygamy
  • Show Website
    Growing Up In Polygamy

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