What a wonderful, terrific, inspiring couple. Kudos to him for breaking the toxic masculinity in his life, which is found in all segments of society. I can’t wait for part 2. Thanks to them for sharing their story.
I live in LaVerkin and know of so many families that were taken away but we never heard their real story and what they went through. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It really does help to know the feelings of fear you had so we can have compassion for those who have left and are still in the FLDS. ♡♡♡
The kindness & compassion you have while interviewing and sharing stories with the world is so important. You always show such respect and support for your guests and provide a fabulous example of how to treat each other. I am blown away by this episode & can’t wait for the rest of this story. The bravery, honesty and vulnerability this couple shared with all of us is incredible. ❤
I grew up Lutheran so I have no idea why I have such fascination with everything flds and other cult-like religions… I LOVE your channel. I search RUclips for interviews like this so when I discovered your channel awhile back I was so pumped! Also, you look just like my sister in law lol so maybe that’s why you guys feel so familiar. Thanks!!
WOW!! I just have to say a huge thank you to them both for being willing to share their experiences and being so open and vulnerable!! I can’t wait to hear the next part and am looking so forward to it!! They had me glued to every word they said and I’m so sorry they had to experience such awful things!! I can’t even begin to imagine the pain they endured and the not knowing of what was going to happen next with their family in that time of being separated for those 63 days.
Their self awareness about past mistakes and where/when their behavior developed is amazing. We all make mistakes but we are all products of our environments. When we can realize why we do things, we can learn and grow.. which clearly they have. 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻
I'm so proud of you both. This information will save millions of lives. Especially little girl s. Brain washing of people is so very evil. Especially children especially young girls who become mothers. Bless you both From Fruitvale Texas
Thank you for bringing up the topic of the dog. I was always wondering, why do I not see any pets in the documentaries about the LDFS. Such a big families and no pets? It was always strange for me. So I am curious to know, how the animals were perceived and treated in this community?
I was raised southern Baptist and remember the Preacher telling me at six that Animals did not have souls . I do believe that was the end of any religion in my life .
I love hearing from couples like this - thank you. I was 22 when we had our first (in the UK) and we toured the maternity ward on our first wedding anniversary, just before the birth. It certainly was nice to have children right away. To see a happily married couple who made it through and interviewed so well here is lovely. We actually have quite a few arranged marriages near me in London because of Indian etc communities here in the UK (some of which, but not all, have arranged marriages). It would not be for me but in some parts of the world it is certainly what is normal.
It’s funny because some of their little comments and the way they act together remind me of my own mum and stepdad who have never been religious at all and have been happy and secure for over 20 years, since I was 6. It really does seem like if someone has exposure to the outside world, they have a better chance of survival and/or escape- that’s something you see with people like Amanda Rae too. They seem like such a lovely couple, and one thing I get from Jeff is he seems gentle and I know that can be rare among these groups! Great interview as always Sam & Melissa, I’ve only discovered your channel recently but been really enjoying your content 💜
Thank you for these interviews, they are informative and interesting. It would be great if you could set it up so that you are side by side in the shot with the people you are interviewing.
Yes, I’m going to be watching y’all all day. The fact that both of these strong people had such a determined mind and heart, to change the way they were going to live, is ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!!! Love y’all
I gotta say thank you for give a voice to the voiceless cause as ive learned not all people know that they can talk or wven twll their story of what their lives are or like in the real world
@@GrowingUpinPolygamy it means so much to hear about this stuff from different perspectives I did not grow up in the cult but I found out later that my bio father was apart of the flds
I worked at Birk's Mountain Home and I have often wondered what happened to my friend Bonnie who lived out there. She was probably about 10 years or so older than me and a very nice woman.
I'm glad you were able to make a connection with one of the ladies from there. I'm not too sure who it would be because I know of multiple women named Bonnie. I even have a sister named Bonnie 😊
What an incredible couple you are interviewing and you also are an incredible couple. I wonder if Warren has gone a little crazy in prison thinking of all he’s going to have to answer to God for doing. So many lives that he upended and ruined.
Aweeee, what a sweet couple! 💗 And such an interesting interview! Thank you both for sharing your experiences. On a different note, I'm thinking the parents required strict supervision on watching movies because they too wanted to watch them. 🙂
Everyone's different. We waited a couple yrs so I could used my Master's degree in work-place & grow as a couple- before having kids. Full-time momma bear. No day care. Not many baby-sitters. Parents LOVE their Kids more than anyone else will/do. Trust NO ONE to love them more & treat them better. Happy Parents Forever!
I recently realized the the city I moved to (Odense, Denmark) has a huge LDS church. It's funny seeing their posts on Facebook about giving free Danish lessons, etc. I guess that's a type of mission for them, right? Until I found your channel I had only heard of Mormons but all I knew was that they existed. Then I learned much more about them but I thought they were only in the US. That's why I was so surprised to learn there's a church here! 😂
Yes it's common for LDS missionaries to offer language lessons both for the local language and for English. Even here in Utah there are missionaries offering English lessons in neighborhoods with large immigrant populations. The LDS church isn't very popular in Europe but there are a handful of congregations in each country.
It's also a way for them to get to the locals to preach to them. They do this with things like "ex-pat soccer" games in Croatia and advertise that on Facebook. As I see it, anything they organize is a way to get to people to get them to join the church. Don't do it!
@@GaliSinatra from what I've seen (I'm no longer LDS but my brother is and taught English in Europe on his mission) the language lessons are usually fairly benign. It's mostly an outreach tool so people in the community have a positive perception of Mormons. However there is also no real curriculum or anything, it's just up to the 20 year old kid in charge, so I'm sure some are more aggressive than others with the preaching. Some missionaries are just happy to meet people and serve the community, but others are really determined to baptize as many people as possible. You never know what you're going to get.
As someone with Autism, especially Asperger's Syndrome, I feel it is imperitive to state that because of the resources that are available to us now if a child is trained well (and yes, I say trained) then there is no reason for the child to turn out violent in adulthood. If they do become violent, it is usually because they are feeling a 'big' emotion that they don't know how to manage and let out that energy in a non-violent act. Parents with autistic children, please invest in child psycologists who understand how to teach autistic children how to recognise and deal with emotions. Also, do your research as it will save you from a lot of meltdowns, stress and fear for yourselves, your child and the rest of your family.
@@misskate3815Sometimes training is support though, as it is all well and good to say that there is an immense amount of support, but without having the internal mechanism of knowing what feeling = an emotion, how to self regulate, and how to behave around other people feeling those emotions and how not to make things worse.
@@abihebb6720 look, I dk what they teach you in “high functioning” school, but autistic people are not animals. “Training” is demeaning and gross when addressing disabled people.
I am still just learning about this. I don't understand why the law doesn't step in when the breadwinner is separated from the family. The is abusive for the children. Children need good nutrition to grow properly. Polygamy is one thing abusing people is another. My own extended family has a multitude of different Christian religions from Catholic to Amish.
Their voices are interesting. Erna kinda sounds Irish! Maybe that comes from being around her husband's family from Europe? Also, I can really see the resemblance with Leandra and Jeff and their facial expressions!
"Kids" is the name for baby goats, some people take issue with calling Children "Kids". Maybe that is the reason, I find it a endearing and kind way to refer to the little ones.
In my guess, it's because by saying kids, it's certain that they are underage. By saying children, they would phrase it as children of God which everybody is considered. That's what I believe
I was thinking the same thing. He was FLDS from non-polygamous family and she wasn’t married to someone decades older than her. Bonus points, he treated her kindly.
I have never heard of a religion that believes spiritual death means your spirit dies. I thought it just meant that your spirit was separated from God basically in Hell. Are there other polygamist or LDS that believe your spirit can literally die.
They are so amazing, but the story is infuriating. How they just constantly rip families apart and make them feel like horrible people for absolutely no reason and it happens to so many families. I’m happy that they got a happy ending, but so many others are still in it going through this crap.
Lived in Kanab right next door. Before Warren Jeffs Colorado City was weird but not that bad. Then it went to hell. The state of Utah let it ride for decades. It was only when the Arizona Attorney General went after Warren Jeffs for child sexual abuse that things fell apart. Shame on the Utah Legislature.
Winnie the poo so dangerous LMFAO. Even through their marriage was arranged, it seemed to be a match made in heaven with these two. It really seems as if God was watching out for them, because they are really loved.
I've said this before but there are Mennonites out there who are similar, where the church just takes over and rules their lives. God is no longer the focus but tradition is. So sad. So hard. Leaving means you leave everything and are damd to hell basicly.
Muslims often will not tolerate a dog as a family pet. (We have Muslim relatives by marriage). Very Firm Negative NO!... Unsure of why ~ Lots of weirdnesses, I'm now going to let them explain whatever, and not worry about it.
May I suggest that you move about 18 to 24 inches away from your backdrop. You look backed up against a real brick wall. You look uncomfortable. It makes me focus on that instead of what you are talking about.
What a wonderful, terrific, inspiring couple. Kudos to him for breaking the toxic masculinity in his life, which is found in all segments of society. I can’t wait for part 2. Thanks to them for sharing their story.
Thank you so much! We agree, it was such an amazing experience spending time with them and hearing their story.
I agree with you, except that masculinity is not toxic. Cults are toxic. I want my husband to be his natural masculine self.
I live in LaVerkin and know of so many families that were taken away but we never heard their real story and what they went through. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It really does help to know the feelings of fear you had so we can have compassion for those who have left and are still in the FLDS. ♡♡♡
Hi! Thank you for your comment and support. It was such an honor to interview the Black family.
Living close to St George Utah. Knowing some people with similar stories. It’s a beautiful thing that your allowing them to share their stories.
The kindness & compassion you have while interviewing and sharing stories with the world is so important. You always show such respect and support for your guests and provide a fabulous example of how to treat each other.
I am blown away by this episode & can’t wait for the rest of this story.
The bravery, honesty and vulnerability this couple shared with all of us is incredible. ❤
Thank you so much for your kind words and support! ❤️
I grew up Lutheran so I have no idea why I have such fascination with everything flds and other cult-like religions… I LOVE your channel. I search RUclips for interviews like this so when I discovered your channel awhile back I was so pumped! Also, you look just like my sister in law lol so maybe that’s why you guys feel so familiar. Thanks!!
Hi Katie! We're so happy you found us. Thank you so much for your kind words and support ❤️
I feel the exact same way. Except I grew up Methodist.
WOW!! I just have to say a huge thank you to them both for being willing to share their experiences and being so open and vulnerable!! I can’t wait to hear the next part and am looking so forward to it!! They had me glued to every word they said and I’m so sorry they had to experience such awful things!! I can’t even begin to imagine the pain they endured and the not knowing of what was going to happen next with their family in that time of being separated for those 63 days.
Thank you so much for your support and kind words! ❤️
An hour episode on my day off that is put up right at my kids nap time?! Perfect 🤩
Haha glad it worked out perfectly! 😊
They say dogs can tell good from evil in people. No wonder Warren disliked them.
Good point!
When a new person comes over i always judge if my dog hate them or loves them on what that person is like.
Melissa you are such a compassionate and insightful interviewer. I’m looking forward to hearing the rest of their story.
Thank you so much! ❤️
Such a delightful couple. Amazing what they have been through. Looking forward to the rest of this story!
Thank you! 😊
Their self awareness about past mistakes and where/when their behavior developed is amazing. We all make mistakes but we are all products of our environments. When we can realize why we do things, we can learn and grow.. which clearly they have. 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻
Yes I was thinking the same thing ❤
Very well said!
I'm so proud of you both. This information will save millions of lives. Especially little girl s. Brain washing of people is so very evil. Especially children especially young girls who become mothers. Bless you both
From Fruitvale Texas
Thank you for bringing up the topic of the dog. I was always wondering, why do I not see any pets in the documentaries about the LDFS. Such a big families and no pets? It was always strange for me. So I am curious to know, how the animals were perceived and treated in this community?
I was raised southern Baptist and remember the Preacher telling me at six that Animals did not have souls . I do believe that was the end of any religion in my life .
I love hearing from couples like this - thank you. I was 22 when we had our first (in the UK) and we toured the maternity ward on our first wedding anniversary, just before the birth. It certainly was nice to have children right away. To see a happily married couple who made it through and interviewed so well here is lovely. We actually have quite a few arranged marriages near me in London because of Indian etc communities here in the UK (some of which, but not all, have arranged marriages). It would not be for me but in some parts of the world it is certainly what is normal.
It’s funny because some of their little comments and the way they act together remind me of my own mum and stepdad who have never been religious at all and have been happy and secure for over 20 years, since I was 6. It really does seem like if someone has exposure to the outside world, they have a better chance of survival and/or escape- that’s something you see with people like Amanda Rae too. They seem like such a lovely couple, and one thing I get from Jeff is he seems gentle and I know that can be rare among these groups! Great interview as always Sam & Melissa, I’ve only discovered your channel recently but been really enjoying your content 💜
An amazing couple. Great example of a respect and kindness.
Thank you for these interviews, they are informative and interesting. It would be great if you could set it up so that you are side by side in the shot with the people you are interviewing.
Yes, I’m going to be watching y’all all day. The fact that both of these strong people had such a determined mind and heart, to change the way they were going to live, is ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!!! Love y’all
This is a very, very important channel. Thank you for investing so much time and energy into these videos.
Heck yes. I need to do dishes and love listening to your channel while I clean.
Thank you so much 🙂
This is just riveting. Can’t wait to hear the next part. Wow! You all have been through so much.
I gotta say thank you for give a voice to the voiceless cause as ive learned not all people know that they can talk or wven twll their story of what their lives are or like in the real world
You're very welcome! Thank you for your support.
@@GrowingUpinPolygamy it means so much to hear about this stuff from different perspectives I did not grow up in the cult but I found out later that my bio father was apart of the flds
Thank you for bringing the stories from people that deserve to be listened to. Thank you.
Thank you for listening and supporting us. 😊
This is the couple from keep sweet pray and obey. Awesome.
Melissa, You ask great questions.
So interesting! Thank you for this interview.
I can't wait for the next episode
So interesting hearing Jeff and Edna’s stories. Thank you for sharing.
Two sweet, sweet couples having a fascinating conversation. ❤😊
Ready for part two!!! Thank you for sharing your story!!❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you! ❤️
This was so fascinating!!!! Thank you for what you’re doing. I’ve learned so much.
Thank you!
These are very important stories to tell. Thank you
Thank you!
Such an interesting interview and a beautiful couple!
I worked at Birk's Mountain Home and I have often wondered what happened to my friend Bonnie who lived out there. She was probably about 10 years or so older than me and a very nice woman.
I'm glad you were able to make a connection with one of the ladies from there. I'm not too sure who it would be because I know of multiple women named Bonnie. I even have a sister named Bonnie 😊
What an incredible couple you are interviewing and you also are an incredible couple. I wonder if Warren has gone a little crazy in prison thinking of all he’s going to have to answer to God for doing. So many lives that he upended and ruined.
Thank you so much for the compliments! I hope Warren feels awful for what he's done but, unfortunately, he is still causing pain for others.
Thats why uncle David and my dad got along so well thy had the same issues.
This was great. Filling in some gaps.
Aweeee, what a sweet couple! 💗 And such an interesting interview! Thank you both for sharing your experiences.
On a different note, I'm thinking the parents required strict supervision on watching movies because they too wanted to watch them. 🙂
Everyone's different. We waited a couple yrs so I could used my Master's degree in work-place & grow as a couple- before having kids. Full-time momma bear. No day care. Not many baby-sitters. Parents LOVE their Kids more than anyone else will/do. Trust NO ONE to love them more & treat them better. Happy Parents Forever!
Thank you so much for sharing your lives.
I recently realized the the city I moved to (Odense, Denmark) has a huge LDS church. It's funny seeing their posts on Facebook about giving free Danish lessons, etc. I guess that's a type of mission for them, right?
Until I found your channel I had only heard of Mormons but all I knew was that they existed. Then I learned much more about them but I thought they were only in the US. That's why I was so surprised to learn there's a church here! 😂
Yes, there are members of the LDS church in most parts of the world. You will probably run into missionaries for the church there as well.
Yes it's common for LDS missionaries to offer language lessons both for the local language and for English. Even here in Utah there are missionaries offering English lessons in neighborhoods with large immigrant populations.
The LDS church isn't very popular in Europe but there are a handful of congregations in each country.
It's also a way for them to get to the locals to preach to them. They do this with things like "ex-pat soccer" games in Croatia and advertise that on Facebook. As I see it, anything they organize is a way to get to people to get them to join the church. Don't do it!
@@GaliSinatra from what I've seen (I'm no longer LDS but my brother is and taught English in Europe on his mission) the language lessons are usually fairly benign. It's mostly an outreach tool so people in the community have a positive perception of Mormons. However there is also no real curriculum or anything, it's just up to the 20 year old kid in charge, so I'm sure some are more aggressive than others with the preaching. Some missionaries are just happy to meet people and serve the community, but others are really determined to baptize as many people as possible. You never know what you're going to get.
As someone with Autism, especially Asperger's Syndrome, I feel it is imperitive to state that because of the resources that are available to us now if a child is trained well (and yes, I say trained) then there is no reason for the child to turn out violent in adulthood. If they do become violent, it is usually because they are feeling a 'big' emotion that they don't know how to manage and let out that energy in a non-violent act. Parents with autistic children, please invest in child psycologists who understand how to teach autistic children how to recognise and deal with emotions. Also, do your research as it will save you from a lot of meltdowns, stress and fear for yourselves, your child and the rest of your family.
I completely agree with you. My husband and both of our teen children are on the Autism Spectrum
Thank you for sharing insight!
I think we can dispense with the “Aspie” stuff. Autistic people need SUPPORTS, not “training”.
@@misskate3815Sometimes training is support though, as it is all well and good to say that there is an immense amount of support, but without having the internal mechanism of knowing what feeling = an emotion, how to self regulate, and how to behave around other people feeling those emotions and how not to make things worse.
@@abihebb6720 look, I dk what they teach you in “high functioning” school, but autistic people are not animals. “Training” is demeaning and gross when addressing disabled people.
I can't wait for part two!!!
Awesome couple ❤🙂
Wow what a beautiful couple!
The genes in sams family are sooo strong I can see so many similarities between both men😊
Beautiful couple
Always appreciate your videos!!!
Thank you!
I’m like a 5 year old on Christmas when my phone tells me there’s a new GUIP video 😂❤❤❤
Hahaha! Me too ❤
Aww thank you so much! ❤️
Same!!!
Same 😂
You are such kind souls. ❤️. All of you. And the spider story 😂😂😂
I am still just learning about this. I don't understand why the law doesn't step in when the breadwinner is separated from the family. The is abusive for the children. Children need good nutrition to grow properly. Polygamy is one thing abusing people is another. My own extended family has a multitude of different Christian religions from Catholic to Amish.
We agree. The abuse of children in this group is very concerning and sad. We will get more into the perspective of the children next week. Thanks!
I grew up with black & white TV until we got a color TV in 1966 or so!
They're a very interesting couple. I'm glad they have one another. 😊 Unbelievable such a good, kind man "lost" his family!! What an evil "faith."
Love you guys ❤
Thank you! ❤️
My mom lived at Buckhorn ranch
Their voices are interesting. Erna kinda sounds Irish! Maybe that comes from being around her husband's family from Europe? Also, I can really see the resemblance with Leandra and Jeff and their facial expressions!
20:57 sorry to be so ignorant, but what was the reasoning for 'children ' versus 'kids'?
"Kids" is the name for baby goats, some people take issue with calling Children "Kids".
Maybe that is the reason, I find it a endearing and kind way to refer to the little ones.
@narasantos6188 thanks! It just seems a strange thing to make a rule.
In my guess, it's because by saying kids, it's certain that they are underage. By saying children, they would phrase it as children of God which everybody is considered. That's what I believe
What did the husband do to lose the priesthood?
A rare couple from the FLDS
I was thinking the same thing. He was FLDS from non-polygamous family and she wasn’t married to someone decades older than her. Bonus points, he treated her kindly.
thank goddess you’ve escaped FLDS.
What did he do to lose his priesthood in the first place .
I think my Dad was Asperger’s too.
I'm wondering if everyone talks the same in Utah or is it just within this culture/community/cult that they all talk the same.
I have never heard of a religion that believes spiritual death means your spirit dies. I thought it just meant that your spirit was separated from God basically in Hell. Are there other polygamist or LDS that believe your spirit can literally die.
I have only heard of the spirit dying in the FLDS
They are so amazing, but the story is infuriating. How they just constantly rip families apart and make them feel like horrible people for absolutely no reason and it happens to so many families. I’m happy that they got a happy ending, but so many others are still in it going through this crap.
They are such a cute couple!
Lived in Kanab right next door. Before Warren Jeffs Colorado City was weird but not that bad. Then it went to hell. The state of Utah let it ride for decades. It was only when the Arizona Attorney General went after Warren Jeffs for child sexual abuse that things fell apart. Shame on the Utah Legislature.
❤
Not sure abuse is part of autism. Underlying disorders maybe. Im on the spectrum and violence is way to loud for me.
Winnie the poo so dangerous LMFAO. Even through their marriage was arranged, it seemed to be a match made in heaven with these two. It really seems as if God was watching out for them, because they are really loved.
Pls fix the audio. I can barely hear her
She looks like Tephi
Melissa, you are so beautiful. 😊
Thank you so much! 😊
More dad's need to require these young men dating girls nowadays should require them to have a job n house. I don't think that's a super bad thing.
I don't even...
I've said this before but there are Mennonites out there who are similar, where the church just takes over and rules their lives. God is no longer the focus but tradition is. So sad. So hard. Leaving means you leave everything and are damd to hell basicly.
The lies, self-indulgence of the leader, the emotional abuse and pain caused and the complete twisting of Scripture for man's purposes makes me mad!
👏👍👍
Wassen't there an overshoot male, because every man had several wives?
Not every male have multiple wifes, you shoud have for the highest Level in heaven.thats my understanding
Look at the aftermath of the mess Joseph Smith started.
Just used them as an example.
Muslims often will not tolerate a dog as a family pet. (We have Muslim relatives by marriage). Very Firm Negative NO!... Unsure of why ~ Lots of weirdnesses, I'm now going to let them explain whatever, and not worry about it.
You Can see how small the gene pool is with Sam and his cousins.
May I suggest that you move about 18 to 24 inches away from your backdrop. You look backed up against a real brick wall. You look uncomfortable. It makes me focus on that instead of what you are talking about.
What is with those horrible hairdos for the women and who thought them up??
These stories are sick