Growing Up In Polygamy

In this video, we sit down with Claire Headley from the YouTube channel @Blownforgood to hear her powerful story of growing up inside Scientology. Claire shares what it was like to be raised in the church, experience the cadet program, and even sign FIVE different billion year contracts with the Sea Org. Her journey takes us through the reality of life inside Scientology, the challenges of trying...

In this video, we react to Scientology: The Aftermath Season 1 Episode 4, “Answering Questions.” Leah Remini and Mike Rinder take on tough questions about Scientology—and as ex-members of high-demand religions ourselves, we couldn’t help but notice the striking similarities to other groups. From polygamous sects like the FLDS and AUB, to mainstream religious organizations, many of the questions Le...

In this video, we react to Shiny Happy People Season 2, Episode 3, where the focus shifts to how many youth in strict religious groups were taught that progressive values were a threat to Christianity and a sign of the “end times.” We share our own experiences of being raised in environments where faith framed our political views. We also talk about the healing power of speaking out, the freedom t...

* We apologize for the audio! Our mics didn't connect properly, and this was the best we could do in editing😓*In this episode, we react to Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath Season 1, Episode 3, diving into the shocking costs of Scientology’s programs and the mandatory books members are pressured to buy. We break down their “Bridge to Freedom” and compare it to the LDS “Covenant Path,...

In this video, we dive into the similarities and differences between Scientology with  @GrowingUpInScientology  and Mormonism, exploring key Scientology concepts like Dianetics and auditing, and comparing them to Mormon beliefs and practices. We also discuss the controversial issue of family separation and disconnection within both groups, drawing from personal experiences and real-world examples....

In this special crossover episode, we sit down with Aaron from @growingupinscientology to explore the fascinating (and sometimes shocking) parallels between Scientology and Mormonism. As former insiders from two very different high-demand religions, we compare our upbringings, teachings, authority structures, and how each religion handles questioning, doubt, and leaving the faith. This is Part 1 o...

In this video, we react to Shiny Happy People Season 2, Episode 2 and explore the Teen Mania Honor Academy—comparing it to Sam’s experience serving a full-time LDS mission in Chile. We share what both programs had in common, from the structure and intense focus on obedience and self-discipline, to the unique ways young adults were shaped by their time in these high-commitment environments. Sam ope...

In this video, we react to Season 1, Episode 2 of Scientology and the Aftermath, which dives deep into the emotional and psychological toll that comes with leaving the Church of Scientology—specifically through the powerful story of Mike Rinder. Once a top executive within Scientology, Mike left the church and has since been labeled a “suppressive person.” We discuss how the church’s disconnection...

In this video, we react to Shiny Happy People: Season 2 and its deep dive into the Teen Mania youth camps. As we watched, we couldn’t help but notice how much it reminded us of our own experiences at LDS EFY (Especially For Youth) camps. While the intentions behind these programs may differ, there are some surprising similarities in the way they inspired, motivated, and influenced young people in...

In this video, we react to Season 1, Episode 1 of Scientology and the Aftermath—the powerful docuseries by Leah Remini that exposes the inner workings of Scientology. As former members of high-demand religious communities ourselves, we couldn’t help but notice the similarities between Scientology and the FLDS. From the heartbreaking practice of disconnection and shunning to the pressure to stay si...

In this video, we react to the 60 Minutes Australia segment titled “Being Scientologist,” which takes a deep dive into the world of Scientology—its beliefs, practices, and the people who live within it. As former members of high-demand religious communities ourselves, we reflect on the similarities, differences, and emotional weight of what’s shared in the interview. From public image to private c...

In this interview, we sit down with Emily Lee, the daughter of the current prophet of the AUB (Apostolic United Brethren) church. Emily shares what it was like growing up in a polygamist household, how her father’s leadership affected their family, and why she made the difficult decision to leave the church as a teenager. She also reflects on her concerns for the future of the AUB, especially as s...

What does the 4th of July look like in a polygamous community? In this episode, Sam shares his childhood memories of celebrating Independence Day while growing up in the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).From handmade pioneer outfits and early morning parades to community gatherings full of food and patriotic songs, Sam reflects on what made the day feel special—eve...

Two teenagers have gone missing in Idaho—taken by their older sister who had been missing for years herself. But this isn’t just a runaway case. It’s deeply rooted in the teachings of the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), a group that still holds psychological and spiritual control over its members, even years after they leave. This is not just a family tragedy. It...

In this eye-opening interview, we sit down with criminal profiler and author Mike King to talk about his powerful new book, Wolves in Sheep's Clothing. With decades of experience tracking and studying predators, Mike reveals how these individuals skillfully blend into our schools, churches, neighborhoods, and even our workplaces. We dive into the chilling reality that "predators don’t alw...

What’s really happening in polygamous communities today? In this powerful panel discussion, former members of various polygamist groups come together to talk about the current state of modern-day polygamy, including heartbreaking cases of recently missing teens in Idaho. We share our own experiences, unpack the patterns still happening in closed religious communities, and discuss how the public ca...

The Sister Wives experiment is officially over—and the final one-on-one interviews say it all. Janelle admits she never would’ve married Kody if they had just dated first. Kody claims he “loved them all” but only got mean because they were mean first 🙄 And now? Every single one of them wants monogamy. This family set out to prove that polygamy could work... but 19 seasons later, it’s pretty clear...

The first episodes of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives are packed with more drama than doctrine — and we’re here for all of it. In this video, we dive into the chaos: from passive-aggressive prayers and friendship sabotage, to pregnancy revelations and messy relationship dynamics. We talk about Jen and Zach’s struggle to reconnect in their marriage and faith while dealing with a surprise pregnancy, Ta...

In this episode, we react to Sister Wives One-on-One Part 2, where things get even more uncomfortable. From Kody Brown refusing to answer direct questions, to Robyn repeatedly saying "I don't know," this interview was full of awkward pauses, emotional contradictions, and tense moments. We dive into the cultural reasons behind Kody’s failed marriages, his emotional reaction to moving...

In this episode, we react to "How I Escaped My Cult"—featuring the House of Yahweh, a high-control religious group with shocking similarities to the FLDS church Sam grew up in. From strict isolation and doomsday prophecies to plural marriage and using food stamps to pay tithing, this story hit incredibly close to home. As former members of the FLDS and LDS Churches, we break down the tac...

In this episode, Sam and Melissa react to Part One of the Sister Wives One-on-One Interviews, and things get messy. Most of the episode centers around Kody’s refusal to take accountability—for his words, his actions, and especially for how things ended with Meri. We break down Kody’s shifting narratives, emotional deflections, and how he continues to paint himself as the victim, even when confront...

In this heartfelt episode of Sister Wives, the family gathers to honor and remember Garrison Brown. We react to Season 19, Episode 24, as they share joyful memories, funny stories, and the deep love they have for Garrison. From his playful spirit to his love for cats, this episode is a beautiful tribute to the bright light he brought into their lives. Join us as we reflect on the impact Garrison h...

We’re reacting to the shocking true story of the Bergholz Clan, a radical Amish cult led by a man who declared himself a prophet and claimed only he could interpret the Bible. As control tightened, the group began attacking other Amish men and women, forcibly cutting off their sacred hair and beards—a deep act of humiliation in Amish culture. The leader even took photos of the attacks, which ultim...

In this episode, we react to Sister Wives Season 19, Episode 23, and reflect on the heartbreaking loss of Garrison Brown. Our hearts are heavy for the entire Brown family and for anyone who has experienced the pain of losing someone they love. This tragedy reminds us how fragile life is and how important it is to hold our loved ones close and check in with each other—often and without hesitation....

In this episode, we dive into another story from How I Escaped My Cult — this time focusing on NXIVM, a group that didn’t claim to be religious, but promised personal growth and empowerment. We break down how NXIVM used the language of self-improvement to lure people in, and how, despite the different promises, the control, manipulation, and abuse were alarmingly similar to what we’ve seen in reli...