Thank You Mark for having us on! Lots more to cover. I definitely need to work on my on camera cursing. It’s almost like having a defiant attitude got me to this point……..
Thank you for sharing your story, Lyndon! You’ve gone through something most will never understand but you still have a smile on your face! True resilience! I hope this world is kind to you and McKay! Can’t wait to see all the places you go! 🩵
Cursing keeps it real and colorful. I think it’s harmless. Such a curious culture. Happy for you both to have set your selves free. No small task I am sure. Keep on keeping on.
It’s okay and no worries at all. Anyone who went through what you and McKay did would have had the same or stronger reaction. Thanks for sharing your story and hope to see you both on @GrowingUpinPoligamy with Sam and Melissa someday.
I would love to know more about you and your brother - how you are doing, how life is treating you these days, if you are well - that kind of stuff. You are both such fascinating survivors / warriors that it would be awesome to know what is happening in your life in 2024.
When the very foundations of this CULT-ture are exposed it saves many from getting caught in it, as I was. Ggma FLD$, friends & family went RLD$ - I was raised LD$ (out now) psychopaths leading psychopaths & cycles continue.
his story about why he left his wife, so she could have the experiences a 17 year old kid deserves, is so beautiful. to have that insight at such a young age is inspiring and heartwarming. good for these brothers
@@ziggy44132 We could call the Roman Catholic Church a cult and the richest corporation on planet earth. A few centuries ago they had heretics burned at the stake. Anyone who disagreed with them on anything....That's a cult.
Lol 😂😂😂 FLDs and LDS are completely different and 1 % of Utah is like they are explaining. But If people want to believe Utah is like this everywhere that's okay maybe it will stay a safe state to live.
I was married to their oldest brother in the religion. I’m glad they are telling their story, although this is just a small piece of it. I tended Mckay alot when we were still in the religion. Miss those kiddos.
Can we make this into a series? McKay, I can listen to you talk all day. Lyndon, you crack me up man. Wonderful storytellers. Wishing you both the very best that this world can offer 🌟
You can tell from Lyndons facial expressions just how disgusted he is by some of McKays stories of the church. What a "blessing" that his intuition and brain served him right since a small child. He always was a free thinker and knew what was happening was wrong. I can only hope there are more children like this that know right from wrong despite the preachings of the church.
Well said. I watched Lyndon’s face-like he was back in all the craziness-as his younger brother talked about the men sexually abusing the younger boys. It’s heartbreaking but I think they are going to make it in the real world. Chop Wood, Carry Water ✌️
Maybe he’s uncomfortable with inability to share the story without using so much profanity. I swear a lot and even I got sick of his language. There are other words to use besides “f*#k”, it just makes him sound ignorant.
I've been following your channel for months, but this is the first time I'm commenting. These two men are exceptional. I can't imagine how tough it must be to trust your own moral compass and get out of a situation like that. I wish nothing but the best for them moving forward.
Ppl wonder why women like “bad boys” and it’s not necessarily that we want a man who’s a criminal. What describes it perfectly is when Mckay said “And no one wants to be the only person in a room of 7000 to stand up and say I disagree” and then Lyndon said “I do.” That’s the spirit we mean when we say bad boy. Someone with conviction and confidence who is willing to go against the grain regardless of the consequences.
depends on what people mean when they say it - sometimes it really is being used at someone who is no good. Too bad others have also used it for people who simply don't just play ball.
@@xBINARYGODx Have you ever been ostracized? Scapegoated? Broken out from a multigenerational cult? I have. It takes a tremendous amount of willpower and self love to be labeled as "BAD".
When he speaks of “Bonnie &Clyde” relationship what he is describing is a trauma bond and it’s real hard to break the cycle. My hat is off to Lyndon for letting go of his young wife.
I worked at a place where we hired a lot of young men/boys from these communities. They were ran off by the old men because they were seen as competition by the old men who wanted to keep the girls for themselves. A lot of them had nearly no education and had basically been living on the streets doing whatever to get by and whatever else for relief from all their trauma.
Lyndon & Mackay…You are ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE in telling your story of being born in a cult and then emerging as people who UNDERSTOOD RIGHT FROM WRONG!!❤from Montreal
2 EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG MEN!!! So happy they seem grounded after coming from such a horrendous mind screwing childhood! Lyndon, if I was your Mum, I would be so proud of you, never disown you!!! McKay what a beautiful young man you are !Sending love from Perth Australia 🌈 Kylie
This all sounds so abusive and traumatic. Poor kids that are forced to live behind closed doors, deprived of so much, abused, and explpited for their labor! Wow! Thank u for educating us. You have my respect for being a fearless leader!
These two men are absolutely amazing, so glad they have each other’s backs, and I hope they can work to support others from that community that break free.
I've watched sooo many of the Soft White Underbelly episodes. It's addictive. This one is by FAR one of my top 5 favorite episodes to date. I laughed out loud so many times, what great personalities Lyndon and McKay are in spite of having gone through such insane lives and upbringing. I wish all the best for them in the future ❤️ ❤️
I wish the younger brother had more of a chance to speak. But this was a great interview. Sending love to both of these guys & of course you Mark as well💜💜💜
They have different personalities, and not everyone likes to talk or is naturally extroverted. Mark also edits all these videos. You don't know what was edited out or why. Always one who finds something to complain about.
The environment of the flds is much closer than mans world to what an environment should be. But none know how to sow the light and night that it should be. Light is sown like a seed for the righteous. Psalm 97:11 I spent a week in Short Creek last spring. Had at least 2 great conversations about sowing light. That is a good place to abide in the glory of God. It might actually be that Z word that ends like lion does.
religious trauma? Why are women such morons? Listening to these guys it became clear that they had better childhood than all the people raised by single mothers in our society. they had parents, they had a bunch of siblings, they were taught how to work, they ate healthy food that they raised and grew themselves, they were kept away from television, the internet and porno, they had a tight knit community, they didn't have schools telling them to be gay and trans and to hate themselves for being white, they lived in a white community. . . only a woman could be dumb enough to think their testimony is a horror story.
Having left the regular Mormon church years ago, i feel like we (my wife and I) escaped a crazy world. I can't imagine the $h!t that these guys have gone through to get where they are. Keep moving forward and dont look back!
I agree. I grew up in the "regular" mormon church too and left it as soon as possible In my part of the country it was a mind controlling cult , a greedy organization, and a hypothetical gossip mill
This was so interesting! How amazing that people live like this. One of the wisest things I’ve ever heard some say was Lyndon’s “don’t prove them wrong, prove yourself right.” Congratulations to these two men for escaping.
I started watching this after midnight and it was hard to go to sleep, especially after listening to all the suffering these young men were forced to endure. The source of all this suffering can be traced to one individual: Warren Jeffs.
I live in salt lake City and my daughter dated an ex flds guy, he has 3 moms and 14 siblings! He is a good man and was very family oriented and had no interest in staying in the flds church. We still stay in touch with him even though it didn't work out with my daughter
@@Mizz.Person so true! Haha We love him and wished it would have worked out. But they weren't meant for each other and that's ok too. He still drops by to visit us, even though my daughter doesn't live with us and he's engaged to another cute woman with children. He really is a good guy
Lyndon, please let McKay speak more. Or perhaps there wasn't enough time for all of the whole story? Lyndon, you have a great attitude now. "Prove it to yourself." Great! And, so good you help out your brother and the other people who left. Setting a good example is your absolute contribution. So glad you are both on the better path. Best to you and anyone else recovering.
@@laitondion do realize these boys are not members of the LDS Church videos you Recommended. These boys are from a break off from the LDS church. They explain that at the beginning of the video.
I’ve always been fascinated by the FLDS and hearing survivors’ stories, but mostly it’s women who leave as the men seem to have a sense of safety. Listening to these guys is so interesting, the fact that they hated it almost right off the bat is not a surprise though. What they put the young boys through is brutal, I’m glad these guys got out! Thank you for telling your stories guys 😊
I don't know a huge amount about the FLDS either, but as I understand it the men work and give everything to the church. The majority either have their wives taken because they rank low in the hierarchy or never are given wives at all. That's the only way one man can have 20, 30 plus wives. As you might imagine, this likely causes a lot of pain for a man.
@@morgenmachen2400 I know you weren't necessarily responding to my comment, but just to be clear about my comment, i wasn't talking about men having or not having a wife or wives as a reason to be screwed.
1:07:07 - the moment Lyndon realizes the FLDS went full Animal Farm when McKay explains the member-numbering system they used to ration the food - the look on his face is how I felt reading Orwell in high school, and then again when I realized how literal Orwell’s books were after realizing the leader of a group I had joined was a full psychopath, and the whole system of people he’d built around him were there to protect and enable him. Same look, same feeling, when you see the depth of the pathology, when you realize a little bit off or a lot off is actually way f-cking off.
I was engaged to a member of the Mormon church for five years. I was never welcomed in to the family. This was in the early 80’s. Years later his dad was found guilty of molesting his granddaughter. He was excommunicated from the church, but other than that, it was like it never happened. His whole family stood by him. It was crazy. My ex fiancée and his dad were killed in a plane crash a few years ago. I wonder what celestial level they made it to…
I thought McKay said what he wanted to say, but there's obviously a lot more stuff bubbling away under the surface. He seems to really love his family and I think he feels quite alienated from them (even though he has no desire to go back). Luckily, he has his brother.
Happy you have a sponsor Mark! I’m so grateful to have someone like you behind the camera provoking societal notions, and finding the footings of the bridges to be built.
Well...we have a new winner ladies and gentlemen cuz this has to be one of my most favorite interviews out of all of them so far now and I couldn't help but feel so completely fascinated and captivated by these guys' incredible stories so thank you both for sharing them with us!! You are amazing, brave and very strong to get through everything that you were forced to endure through your childhood but I am so happy that you got through it all and now are able to move forward to live the best lives you possibly can so bravo to the both of you and congrats!!!🥳❤️💯👏👏👏 (Incredibly inspirational)!!!👍👍
Lyndon sounds like a strong minded kind of guy. Which, probably, helped him live in that comunity and then leave it. I hope more people in places like that have the opportunity to ask for help and get out.
It’s crazy what you can make a group of people believe when you isolate them and control what information that they get. Great video Mark! I know you hear it all the time but you do an excellent job.
It’s scary isn’t it? Sometimes they don’t even need to be very isolated to fall for this bs too. If the leaders are manipulative enough they can get a lot of people to believe strange lies. 😬
It's heartbreaking, truly. I also believe that this theory holds true, even when isolation isn't a key ingredient. Those who control the information (i.e., the news, media, algorithms) control the minds. I see it every day here, and it's quite scary when people you've previously believed to be intelligent, begin to fall under these spells #thisisamerica
Same thing happened in Cuba until the internet finally started just a few years ago and everyone started to wake up to their government controlled minds ! Now there are hundreds of young Cuban people with RUclips channels exposing the truth !
Mark, this is my favorite interview! I grew up in the Mormon church and left when I was 25. Even though I was not a Fundamentalist Mormon, I can identify with a lot of what these young men speak about. I am happy for them, that they got out young.
I love these guys so much!!! I've been around Mormon culture all of my life (grew up in Vegas) and the control in both FLDS and LDS culture is real. These are brave, amazing guys...
great interview…glad they are out…mckay was so patient waiting as his bro talked the most…u could tell he’s so affected still…my heart goes out to both ofthem for they will never have relationships w/most their family..it’s sad.
These young men are genuinely good souled men... happy you were able to get out of the cult.... I did...the best thing I ever did...good luck to you!! Your AIDS story though...not that AIDS is funny. But your story made me laugh out loud....I had a similar story.... lol... .. 😂
I’m just curious, would you mind saying if you are one of their mothers that raised them in the home with the other mothers? If so which # wife were you? Or did you get with their dad after he was ousted? Thanks
Their dad was not ousted. He left when he realized what Warren Jeffs was doing. I am not part of that community. I met their dad in 2010 after he was out for a few years.
Mark this one is one of your best interviews due to all the interaction between these guys picking up pieces from when the older brother left. Looking forward to seeing more like this in the future
this is so intense, i cant watch it all at once, but LOVE this potty mouth dude, lol They are both so amazing, to have lived through this and speak so articulately.
I go to school in St George, Utah and one of my classmates is from Hildale with the last name is Jeffs. Super nice guy, but he is clueless about some social norms. I haven’t really tried to pry into his life and background but now I’m very curious. I also buy pecans from that pecan farm in Hurricane all the time, they’re the best! Edit: I talked to him and he told me his family got out of it about 15 years ago when Warren Jeffs started doing crazy stuff. He commutes from Hildale 45 minutes every day for school and loves it there. He says it’s changed drastically in the last few years and most FLDS have relocated to Beaver or around Cedar City, UT. He appreciated being talked to about his background and we’re gonna hike Water Canyon when it warms up!
@@Notmep I was at a park on the Fourth of July out there and a really old dude with at least six wives came and posted up at a table next to us in the same pavilion. The youngest one couldn’t have been older than sixteen
I meet one of warrens jeffs nephews randomly at a golf course. He proceeds to tell me one of the most awful stories he experience while growing up in the flds. He was a very nice young man. I hope he's doing well.
McKay definitely sounds like he's from the Crick. I'd recognize that accent anywhere. I'm so happy Lyndon got away and helped get McKay away from that cult. I'm very dear friends with one of their fellow apostates from the Crick. His name is Bryan Jessop. They probably know him/are related to him. He has shared a lot with me about what went on there and what life was like there. One of the strangest rules, in my opinion, was no pets. The longer Jeffs was in power, the stricter and more insane the rules became. It will never make any sense to me. But, then again, I wasn't born into it.
The town of Pinesdale in Western MT is a FLDS polygamy camp and a bunch of Jessops have been there for years.They had an influx from Warren Jeff's Community and several moved back to UT.They are Definately practicing,women and girls don't cut their hair,wear no makeup,dress like Amish the boys are trained to do construction trades or work in the Mormon owned Used Car lots all over,grocery stores,retail,and bus down to Darby to work in the big warehouses distributing all the made in China "home decor" and kid's stuff they sell amongst mainstream and FLDS Mormons.Fake Western Art and Chinese knockoff Western gear and scented candles and knicknacks is a Hallmark of their Merchandising.
It was fascinating listening to these guys. Lyndon has such a dry sense of humour, what a great big brother McKay has. Wishing them both all the luck in the world for a good life.
Lately, I’ve been listening to a channel called cult to consciousness and I’ve heard many girl’s part of this same story. I can’t start to comprehend how on Earth the government has not gotten involved in that whole thing earlier. Those Mormon kids have been through so much! It’s wild to me that it could go on and even exist for so long! I’m so glad he became that black sheep that saved himself and many others. Sincerely, he is awesome and can be so proud of himself!
I wish McKay had been able to talk more. He would start to say something interesting and then shortly get interrupted. If he ever does a one-on-one interview, I'd definitely be interest! but overall very unique perspective from both of them, and I was grateful to hear more of what the male side of things was like. Thanks for sharing, to all involved. Wishing them both the best.
Thank you Lyndon and McKay for your great interview. I've seen the documentary on FLDS. I couldn't imagine how much trauma you've experienced. Take pride in how you overcame it.✨️
I'm from England and Lyndon is a legend, I've always been fascinated with the LDS,, I love how he says it as it is, what a guy.. Best of luck and more power to them.. Brilliant, they ain't taking any sh#t...
Incredible interview! Thank you Lyndon and McKay for sharing your experience growing up in the FLDS and being so frank and honest about your lives and educating us about what growing up FLDS is really like. It takes a lit of strength and tenacity to escape a life like that. I wish you both the very best.
Excellent interview. Wishing the best to these boys. They made a wise and brave decision to leave the cult. Please do more religious themed interviews. They are fascinating.
Absolutely fascinating! Hats off to both of these young men ! Lyndon w his leadership and clear-sighted thinking, and his brother w the courage to follow. Not only did they get out, they are also leading clean-living, productive lives. As someone who escaped a less severe cult that led to severe religious trauma, I admire their steadfastness and mental acuity. Best wishes for happy, trauma-free and successful lives🎉. Congratulations on your bravery, young men !
So much gleaned from you Lyndon and you McKay - primarily, what well-rounded, funny, wise, fearless, humble & proud (well-deserved pride) you both are. I'd say you truly made lemonade, from the lemons in your lives. It warms my heart that you're back together and building a solid, respectful and satisfying life, as beautiful individuals but also as a family. Thank you for sharing the challenging personal things you both experienced, I have such respect for your resilience. I truly wish everything wonderful and fulfilling for you both!!
As someone who grew up as a strict JW - this sounds crazy even to me. I had to throw away my Pokemon cards and couldn't talk to kids in school - but this is next level control.
They have the biggest database of pedos in the world that they refuse to turn over to police. They will shun you for smoking a cigarette but protect rapist. Great people.
You guys are amazing people and extremely evolved thank you for this and wish you guys the best! This has been an amazing education for me and thank you Mark !
Wow, after listening to you guys, I realize I have so much more to be grateful for in my life. Thank you for sharing your life stories. Sending virtual Granny hug's and prayers to everyone ☺️💕
This is a Great Interview. Lyndon is an old soul, Strong willed. Great planning on getting out. They are Brave for leaving. Sad they have no contact with parents. Hope they are enjoying their new life. Im sure they're very appreciative of " The little things in life", Nowadays.
Growing up in Northern Arizona you'd hear stories about the Mormon communities, especially the bad ones. Sounds like these 2 brothers were in deep, fascinating interview Marc. So many sad stories from those who were forced to leave and never made it thru the transition to "normal" life. Keep your ears open I'd really like to hear more from that area on the border of AZ and UT.
I wanted to say how brave these two guys are. It's incredible to see how strong Laydon is, when he tells his story you can see how big his heart is. Absolutely brilliant human being and the way he played the system is so funny, very smart! Glad McKay has such an amazing big brother to look up to. It's difficult though, to see how being shunned by your falily can affect a person no matter how old, and how especially Laydon lays behind his cool demeanor to hide his pain. I hope both find love and all the blessings they deserve. Absolutely incredible stories!!! The world needs more brave, sane men like this. Love you, God bless you!! 🤍🤍
You guys have had a crazy upbringing but you both seem very grounded . It amazes me that you aren’t really bitter and messed up. So glad you’re both doing well . Respect !
Thank you for the opportunity for letting us come on the show and I look forward to covering more of it on a later date!!
So interesting to those of us that haven’t a clue what goes on inside. Thank you for sharing. ❤
Thanks for sharing. It was an eye opener! ❤
Thank you for sharing I was born in the USSR people look ate like I am from a different planet you guys made me feel normal thank you guys
Thank you! Wow, blown away!
I look forward to it too. 👍
Thank You Mark for having us on! Lots more to cover. I definitely need to work on my on camera cursing. It’s almost like having a defiant attitude got me to this point……..
I have about a million questions! What a wild story, my god...
Thank you for sharing your story, Lyndon! You’ve gone through something most will never understand but you still have a smile on your face! True resilience! I hope this world is kind to you and McKay! Can’t wait to see all the places you go! 🩵
Cursing keeps it real and colorful. I think it’s harmless. Such a curious culture. Happy for you both to have set your selves free. No small task I am sure. Keep on keeping on.
It’s okay and no worries at all. Anyone who went through what you and McKay did would have had the same or stronger reaction. Thanks for sharing your story and hope to see you both on @GrowingUpinPoligamy with Sam and Melissa someday.
I would love to know more about you and your brother - how you are doing, how life is treating you these days, if you are well - that kind of stuff. You are both such fascinating survivors / warriors that it would be awesome to know what is happening in your life in 2024.
"Don't try to prove them all wrong, just try to prove yourself right." That is sage advice indeed.
anyway, it never matters who is right, What matters is what is right.
When the very foundations of this CULT-ture are exposed it saves many from getting caught in it, as I was. Ggma FLD$, friends & family went RLD$ - I was raised LD$ (out now) psychopaths leading psychopaths & cycles continue.
What I find amazing is that this two brothers stay close together. Guys please stay close.
When you're from LD$ or spin off, everyone is your brother. Some people are closer than blood.
I've been a professional driver for more than 10 years and just wanted to tell McKay i'm proud of him getting his CDL.
@GodGod-nq3bl Commercial driving license.
@GodGod-nq3bllol
lolll
@@rob550
Here here!
Money card! 👏
his story about why he left his wife, so she could have the experiences a 17 year old kid deserves, is so beautiful. to have that insight at such a young age is inspiring and heartwarming. good for these brothers
I hope she was ok though....a naive 17 yr old girl w no income or education is easy prey in this world.
well....a story......soo...........
It was the Bonnie and Clyde reference that got me!!!! He loved her....... true love ❤️
Absolutely
Good love
Im glad these brothers got out of that cult. Lyndon was a free thinker and put that spark in his brother McKay
All are in the cult that darkness makes.
@@VibeagainShallnot, I see you.
It’s not a cult. I am part of it.
@@ziggy44132 We could call the Roman Catholic Church a cult and the richest corporation on planet earth.
A few centuries ago they had heretics burned at the stake.
Anyone who disagreed with them on anything....That's a cult.
@@Vibeagain No, I literally see you inside and out.
I lived in Utah for 45 years… as crazy as all this is, I’m not shocked by any of these stories. These guys tell the truth.
I used to live there too. Utah is a crazy place to move to.
I was in Utah 26 years (not LDS)
These guys are telling the absolute truth. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Lol 😂😂😂 FLDs and LDS are completely different and 1 % of Utah is like they are explaining. But If people want to believe Utah is like this everywhere that's okay maybe it will stay a safe state to live.
@@WikWarThis was literally pqrt of your history.
@@alananat6628 part of MY history? It was part of the LDS churches history but not mine. I'm not mormon or religious.
I was married to their oldest brother in the religion. I’m glad they are telling their story, although this is just a small piece of it. I tended Mckay alot when we were still in the religion. Miss those kiddos.
I would love to hear your story too!
@@rachelb315I plan to tell it soon
Yeah religious based ... stick to the topic forced marriages with UNDER AGED female children!!
I'd love to hear it too! God bless you I hope you are doing well @@AliceHolm88
@@AliceHolm88I was born Mormon, I'd love to talk to you about the difference between, the two sects
Can we make this into a series? McKay, I can listen to you talk all day. Lyndon, you crack me up man. Wonderful storytellers. Wishing you both the very best that this world can offer 🌟
Contact Danielle Ahn Direct. She has a series on cults.
God bless these men. Good bs detectors 😉
Tyranny goes against human nature
You can tell from Lyndons facial expressions just how disgusted he is by some of McKays stories of the church. What a "blessing" that his intuition and brain served him right since a small child. He always was a free thinker and knew what was happening was wrong. I can only hope there are more children like this that know right from wrong despite the preachings of the church.
When it comes to religion everyone needs to be a free thinker.
I learned the hard way. I’m good now though. Therapy is a godsend
Well said. I watched Lyndon’s face-like he was back in all the craziness-as his younger brother talked about the men sexually abusing the younger boys. It’s heartbreaking but I think they are going to make it in the real world. Chop Wood, Carry Water ✌️
Maybe he’s uncomfortable with inability to share the story without using so much profanity. I swear a lot and even I got sick of his language. There are other words to use besides “f*#k”, it just makes him sound ignorant.
McKay-I’m proud of you getting your CDL liscence. That’s a big accomplishment.
Yes it is!
Thats what you focus on! Their license? What about congrats for getting out of their corrupt cult. Thats what i focus on.
Huge respect to these two courageous brothers. You can feel the strong bond between them and it is wonderful to see that. Best wishes to them.
I've been following your channel for months, but this is the first time I'm commenting. These two men are exceptional. I can't imagine how tough it must be to trust your own moral compass and get out of a situation like that. I wish nothing but the best for them moving forward.
Yes i really enjoyed this interview too. Especially the older guy
Proud of you two men for breaking the cycle of religious trauma and cults. ❤
Ppl wonder why women like “bad boys” and it’s not necessarily that we want a man who’s a criminal. What describes it perfectly is when Mckay said “And no one wants to be the only person in a room of 7000 to stand up and say I disagree” and then Lyndon said “I do.” That’s the spirit we mean when we say bad boy. Someone with conviction and confidence who is willing to go against the grain regardless of the consequences.
YAASSS PERFECTLY SAID! ❤
Yes!
Agreed, perfectly said!
depends on what people mean when they say it - sometimes it really is being used at someone who is no good. Too bad others have also used it for people who simply don't just play ball.
@@xBINARYGODx Have you ever been ostracized? Scapegoated?
Broken out from a multigenerational cult?
I have.
It takes a tremendous amount of willpower and self love to be labeled as "BAD".
When he speaks of “Bonnie &Clyde” relationship what he is describing is a trauma bond and it’s real hard to break the cycle. My hat is off to Lyndon for letting go of his young wife.
It sounded like a mutual decision, not sure about the young woman's point of view.
I worked at a place where we hired a lot of young men/boys from these communities. They were ran off by the old men because they were seen as competition by the old men who wanted to keep the girls for themselves. A lot of them had nearly no education and had basically been living on the streets doing whatever to get by and whatever else for relief from all their trauma.
Im glad these brothers found one another again.
Well that sounds like a tribal society.
It's so very sad.
It is quite sad..
Lyndon & Mackay…You are ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE in telling your story of being born in a cult and then emerging as people who UNDERSTOOD RIGHT FROM WRONG!!❤from Montreal
This is hands down the best interview I have ever heard from escaped FLDS members.
Their spirit, humor, and strength is admirable.
2 EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG MEN!!! So happy they seem grounded after coming from such a horrendous mind screwing childhood! Lyndon, if I was your Mum, I would be so proud of you, never disown you!!! McKay what a beautiful young man you are !Sending love from Perth Australia 🌈 Kylie
This all sounds so abusive and traumatic. Poor kids that are forced to live behind closed doors, deprived of so much, abused, and explpited for their labor! Wow! Thank u for educating us. You have my respect for being a fearless leader!
These two men are absolutely amazing, so glad they have each other’s backs, and I hope they can work to support others from that community that break free.
If spilling the tea was a person! Telling everything, naming folk, locations...wow!
I've watched sooo many of the Soft White Underbelly episodes. It's addictive. This one is by FAR one of my top 5 favorite episodes to date. I laughed out loud so many times, what great personalities Lyndon and McKay are in spite of having gone through such insane lives and upbringing. I wish all the best for them in the future ❤️ ❤️
I wish the younger brother had more of a chance to speak. But this was a great interview. Sending love to both of these guys & of course you Mark as well💜💜💜
Same here
It's in the training to let Elders speak and younger ones be quiet.
@@grant4176 the younger brother doesn't look too happy about it and the older one has hung on to that "training" 😕
I agree, the older brother just dominated 😢
They have different personalities, and not everyone likes to talk or is naturally extroverted. Mark also edits all these videos. You don't know what was edited out or why. Always one who finds something to complain about.
Religious trauma is very real 😢
The environment of the flds is much closer than mans world to what an environment should be. But none know how to sow the light and night that it should be.
Light is sown like a seed for the righteous. Psalm 97:11
I spent a week in Short Creek last spring. Had at least 2 great conversations about sowing light. That is a good place to abide in the glory of God. It might actually be that Z word that ends like lion does.
Fact
@@michaelswenson6599what in the world are you saying
Recovering From Religion y'all. They make interview videos also
religious trauma? Why are women such morons? Listening to these guys it became clear that they had better childhood than all the people raised by single mothers in our society. they had parents, they had a bunch of siblings, they were taught how to work, they ate healthy food that they raised and grew themselves, they were kept away from television, the internet and porno, they had a tight knit community, they didn't have schools telling them to be gay and trans and to hate themselves for being white, they lived in a white community. . .
only a woman could be dumb enough to think their testimony is a horror story.
Having left the regular Mormon church years ago, i feel like we (my wife and I) escaped a crazy world. I can't imagine the $h!t that these guys have gone through to get where they are. Keep moving forward and dont look back!
I left the Mormon church, as well! It is just all made up, greedy, controlling and was honestly disgusting to my soul.
I agree. I grew up in the "regular" mormon church too and left it as soon as possible
In my part of the country it was a mind controlling cult , a greedy organization, and a hypothetical gossip mill
Happy for ya’ll❤
This was so interesting! How amazing that people live like this. One of the wisest things I’ve ever heard some say was Lyndon’s “don’t prove them wrong, prove yourself right.” Congratulations to these two men for escaping.
I started watching this after midnight and it was hard to go to sleep, especially after listening to all the suffering these young men were forced to endure. The source of all this suffering can be traced to one individual: Warren Jeffs.
And, relijin. Created by man to divide & control man. 😭 Mother Earth 🌎 is sacred, along with all life, she's our only home 🏡 😊
Unfortunately it didn't start there. It started with Joseph Smith.
And Brigham Young, and Joseph Smith
Excellent interview! I could listen to their stories all day. Another interview with them would be so cool!
I hope they start their own podcast, they're really engaging
I agree! I'd like to see Mark follow these men like he does the Whitakers and Rebecca
I live in salt lake City and my daughter dated an ex flds guy, he has 3 moms and 14 siblings! He is a good man and was very family oriented and had no interest in staying in the flds church. We still stay in touch with him even though it didn't work out with my daughter
@@Drstone-ys6we WOW aren't you a smartie pants
@@Drstone-ys6we lol
I wish more people were like you. I liked some of the parents so much more than ex boyfriends. I'm sure he appreciates your family friendship! :)
@@Mizz.Person so true! Haha
We love him and wished it would have worked out. But they weren't meant for each other and that's ok too. He still drops by to visit us, even though my daughter doesn't live with us and he's engaged to another cute woman with children. He really is a good guy
Every religion is a corporation based off of a sex, money, and power.. Well said!
Indeed
Except doctrinally sound, King James Bible-based Christianity.
@@martinmummert5614nah, especially that one
@@martinmummert5614that’s one of the worst offenders
No tru Christianity based on Jesus teachings and Apostle Paul they dont follow the scripture they make up their own scripture .
Lyndon's face when McKay was describing things they had to do, like not being able to eat Squash, was hilarious.
grateful for this interview.
one-on-one chat with McKay please
Lyndon, please let McKay speak more. Or perhaps there wasn't enough time for all of the whole story? Lyndon, you have a great attitude now. "Prove it to yourself." Great! And, so good you help out your brother and the other people who left. Setting a good example is your absolute contribution. So glad you are both on the better path. Best to you and anyone else recovering.
This is a Fu*king Netflix series! I would definitely watch it.
Keep sweet and obey is from exmormons. Cults to conciseness is an awesome channel on RUclips!
@@laitondion this cult is Mormon.
At least 5 seasons
@@laitondion do realize these boys are not members of the LDS Church videos you Recommended. These boys are from a break off from the LDS church. They explain that at the beginning of the video.
They have a Netflix series called “Keep Sweet and Obey”
I’ve always been fascinated by the FLDS and hearing survivors’ stories, but mostly it’s women who leave as the men seem to have a sense of safety. Listening to these guys is so interesting, the fact that they hated it almost right off the bat is not a surprise though. What they put the young boys through is brutal, I’m glad these guys got out! Thank you for telling your stories guys 😊
I understand what you mean, but the men are also screwed.
I heard stories about young men being disowned because they are a threat to the older powerful "leaders" (predators) and their control over the girls.
I don't know a huge amount about the FLDS either, but as I understand it the men work and give everything to the church. The majority either have their wives taken because they rank low in the hierarchy or never are given wives at all. That's the only way one man can have 20, 30 plus wives. As you might imagine, this likely causes a lot of pain for a man.
@@morgenmachen2400 I know you weren't necessarily responding to my comment, but just to be clear about my comment, i wasn't talking about men having or not having a wife or wives as a reason to be screwed.
@@thematriarchy2075I didn't assume that. Neither was mine, by the way.
1:07:07 - the moment Lyndon realizes the FLDS went full Animal Farm when McKay explains the member-numbering system they used to ration the food - the look on his face is how I felt reading Orwell in high school, and then again when I realized how literal Orwell’s books were after realizing the leader of a group I had joined was a full psychopath, and the whole system of people he’d built around him were there to protect and enable him. Same look, same feeling, when you see the depth of the pathology, when you realize a little bit off or a lot off is actually way f-cking off.
I agree, watching his face and seeing him process that was wild.
Thank you for the interview Lyndon, McKay and Soft White Underbelly
I get the impression that the lad Lyndon was unable to say the F word for 17 years and he’s making up for lost time in this interview 😮
Right. I love it!
😂
Fuck yeah!!
Yep, he's a smart guy but he has sloppy language skills.
@@amygreen9662saaaaaame! 😂😂❤
I was engaged to a member of the Mormon church for five years. I was never welcomed in to the family. This was in the early 80’s. Years later his dad was found guilty of molesting his granddaughter. He was excommunicated from the church, but other than that, it was like it never happened. His whole family stood by him. It was crazy. My ex fiancée and his dad were killed in a plane crash a few years ago. I wonder what celestial level they made it to…
outer darkness
Hell- the lake of fire.
Karma won in the end ig?
I believe its called HELL.
Hell oh Jell Oh
This was sad. Fascinating. And triumphant.
McKay needs his own interview now.
I thought McKay said what he wanted to say, but there's obviously a lot more stuff bubbling away under the surface. He seems to really love his family and I think he feels quite alienated from them (even though he has no desire to go back). Luckily, he has his brother.
Agreed.
Happy you have a sponsor Mark! I’m so grateful to have someone like you behind the camera provoking societal notions, and finding the footings of the bridges to be built.
Well...we have a new winner ladies and gentlemen cuz this has to be one of my most favorite interviews out of all of them so far now and I couldn't help but feel so completely fascinated and captivated by these guys' incredible stories so thank you both for sharing them with us!! You are amazing, brave and very strong to get through everything that you were forced to endure through your childhood but I am so happy that you got through it all and now are able to move forward to live the best lives you possibly can so bravo to the both of you and congrats!!!🥳❤️💯👏👏👏 (Incredibly inspirational)!!!👍👍
Lyndon sounds like a strong minded kind of guy. Which, probably, helped him live in that comunity and then leave it. I hope more people in places like that have the opportunity to ask for help and get out.
It’s crazy what you can make a group of people believe when you isolate them and control what information that they get.
Great video Mark! I know you hear it all the time but you do an excellent job.
It’s scary isn’t it? Sometimes they don’t even need to be very isolated to fall for this bs too. If the leaders are manipulative enough they can get a lot of people to believe strange lies. 😬
It's heartbreaking, truly. I also believe that this theory holds true, even when isolation isn't a key ingredient. Those who control the information (i.e., the news, media, algorithms) control the minds. I see it every day here, and it's quite scary when people you've previously believed to be intelligent, begin to fall under these spells #thisisamerica
Same thing happened in Cuba until the internet finally started just a few years ago and everyone started to wake up to their government controlled minds ! Now there are hundreds of young Cuban people with RUclips channels exposing the truth !
Just as the Japanese government did to their own citizens during WWII. Brainwashed them with propaganda
Agreed! We all need to ponder the implication of that, since information is so heavily controlled through the internet now.
I grew up in the cult of jehovahs witnesses. Like these two brothers, me leaving the cult meant losing family. It's very tough
So sorry. So cruel.
Glad you got out. 🙌🏻 Live your life to the fullest. You are not responsible for their negative reactions. They are brainwashed.
Me too. But glad I left and made my own life
I wish SWU would interview an EX-JW one day.
@@gjhartist3685 yes I agree
Mark, this is my favorite interview! I grew up in the Mormon church and left when I was 25. Even though I was not a Fundamentalist Mormon, I can identify with a lot of what these young men speak about. I am happy for them, that they got out young.
I love these guys so much!!! I've been around Mormon culture all of my life (grew up in Vegas) and the control in both FLDS and LDS culture is real. These are brave, amazing guys...
Intelligence, independence, and bravery. What a lucky combination!
great interview…glad they are out…mckay was so patient waiting as his bro talked the most…u could tell he’s so affected still…my heart goes out to both ofthem for they will never have relationships w/most their family..it’s sad.
These young men are genuinely good souled men... happy you were able to get out of the cult.... I did...the best thing I ever did...good luck to you!! Your AIDS story though...not that AIDS is funny. But your story made me laugh out loud....I had a similar story.... lol... .. 😂
I love these boys! They make their dad and me so very proud. They have overcome such hardships and have made great lives for themselves.
I’m just curious, would you mind saying if you are one of their mothers that raised them in the home with the other mothers? If so which # wife were you? Or did you get with their dad after he was ousted? Thanks
Their dad was not ousted. He left when he realized what Warren Jeffs was doing.
I am not part of that community. I met their dad in 2010 after he was out for a few years.
Mark this one is one of your best interviews due to all the interaction between these guys picking up pieces from when the older brother left. Looking forward to seeing more like this in the future
this is so intense, i cant watch it all at once, but LOVE this potty mouth dude,
lol They are both so amazing, to have lived through this and speak so articulately.
We need another episode wit these guys 🫡
Agreed!!
For realll
With
Yes! I want to hear what the brother has to say!
I would like an interview without big bro there
I go to school in St George, Utah and one of my classmates is from Hildale with the last name is Jeffs. Super nice guy, but he is clueless about some social norms. I haven’t really tried to pry into his life and background but now I’m very curious.
I also buy pecans from that pecan farm in Hurricane all the time, they’re the best!
Edit: I talked to him and he told me his family got out of it about 15 years ago when Warren Jeffs started doing crazy stuff. He commutes from Hildale 45 minutes every day for school and loves it there. He says it’s changed drastically in the last few years and most FLDS have relocated to Beaver or around Cedar City, UT. He appreciated being talked to about his background and we’re gonna hike Water Canyon when it warms up!
Ohhh hurricane is full of the cult
@@Notmep I was at a park on the Fourth of July out there and a really old dude with at least six wives came and posted up at a table next to us in the same pavilion. The youngest one couldn’t have been older than sixteen
Thanks for reaching out to this person. No doubt he needs you.
That’s so cool, that this interview inspired you to reach out to him.
@@UncleBreadsad😢
I meet one of warrens jeffs nephews randomly at a golf course. He proceeds to tell me one of the most awful stories he experience while growing up in the flds. He was a very nice young man. I hope he's doing well.
Did this happen to be a golf course in Mesquite Nevada?
…well… what was the story?
Why tf u lien? Why u always lien? Ohhh mmmmmy gawd
@Ernest-vh1zm no, it was in Albuquerque NM. He was attending university here. He had a striking physical resemblance to Warren's imo.
@@JackMehoff-db8btshut up dindo
So glad to see these guys expose this cult, unashamedly!
McKay definitely sounds like he's from the Crick. I'd recognize that accent anywhere. I'm so happy Lyndon got away and helped get McKay away from that cult. I'm very dear friends with one of their fellow apostates from the Crick. His name is Bryan Jessop. They probably know him/are related to him. He has shared a lot with me about what went on there and what life was like there. One of the strangest rules, in my opinion, was no pets. The longer Jeffs was in power, the stricter and more insane the rules became. It will never make any sense to me. But, then again, I wasn't born into it.
The town of Pinesdale in Western MT is a FLDS polygamy camp and a bunch of Jessops have been there for years.They had an influx from Warren Jeff's Community and several moved back to UT.They are Definately practicing,women and girls don't cut their hair,wear no makeup,dress like Amish the boys are trained to do construction trades or work in the Mormon owned Used Car lots all over,grocery stores,retail,and bus down to Darby to work in the big warehouses distributing all the made in China "home decor" and kid's stuff they sell amongst mainstream and FLDS Mormons.Fake Western Art and Chinese knockoff Western gear and scented candles and knicknacks is a Hallmark of their Merchandising.
It was fascinating listening to these guys. Lyndon has such a dry sense of humour, what a great big brother McKay has.
Wishing them both all the luck in the world for a good life.
These guys have the hearts and courage of a lion. Way to go guys
Lately, I’ve been listening to a channel called cult to consciousness and I’ve heard many girl’s part of this same story. I can’t start to comprehend how on Earth the government has not gotten involved in that whole thing earlier. Those Mormon kids have been through so much! It’s wild to me that it could go on and even exist for so long!
I’m so glad he became that black sheep that saved himself and many others. Sincerely, he is awesome and can be so proud of himself!
Because they pay them! I love that channel too!
@@laitondionis it a RUclips channel or a podcast? Can you link it? Thx ☺️
@@frankfranklin4846...it's a utube utube channel.
@@frankfranklin4846 it’s a RUclips channel. I have no clue how to link it but I’m sure if you type Cult to Consciousness, you’ll find it.
i don't think they are considered Mormon
I wish McKay had been able to talk more. He would start to say something interesting and then shortly get interrupted. If he ever does a one-on-one interview, I'd definitely be interest! but overall very unique perspective from both of them, and I was grateful to hear more of what the male side of things was like. Thanks for sharing, to all involved. Wishing them both the best.
This dude is such an old soul, free spirit. Really well spoken. Positive. Intelligent. Calm. A really good guy.
What a sad but incredibly story. Thank you for sharing - wishing you both the very best in your journeys. Love 💕 from Canada 🇨🇦
I love how Lyndon played the players 😂 and how he let his love go to grow and find herself ❤ What a lovely set of guys ❤❤❤
Thank you Lyndon and McKay for your great interview. I've seen the documentary on FLDS. I couldn't imagine how much trauma you've experienced. Take pride in how you overcame it.✨️
This is one of the best interviews of fdls I have seen and I'm addicted to watching this.
I'm from England and Lyndon is a legend, I've always been fascinated with the LDS,, I love how he says it as it is, what a guy.. Best of luck and more power to them.. Brilliant, they ain't taking any sh#t...
This is different than LDS.... This is FLDS
This interview was just fascinating. I sat here and watched the entire video. 🤯
Im so happy they are free! They should have a podcast! Please have them back! All the best!
Mark, this is wild man. I wouldn’t mind if you interviewed all of their family members who have left the church.
You two are amazing! I appreciate the support you give to each other. Sibling love goes a long way in this life.
Incredible interview! Thank you Lyndon and McKay for sharing your experience growing up in the FLDS and being so frank and honest about your lives and educating us about what growing up FLDS is really like. It takes a lit of strength and tenacity to escape a life like that. I wish you both the very best.
Great interview, but I wish the younger brother had more of a chance to speak. I would love to hear more from him!
Excellent interview. Wishing the best to these boys. They made a wise and brave decision to leave the cult. Please do more religious themed interviews. They are fascinating.
Absolutely fascinating! Hats off to both of these young men ! Lyndon w his leadership and clear-sighted thinking, and his brother w the courage to follow. Not only did they get out, they are also leading clean-living, productive lives. As someone who escaped a less severe cult that led to severe religious trauma, I admire their steadfastness and mental acuity. Best wishes for happy, trauma-free and successful lives🎉. Congratulations on your bravery, young men !
Great comment :)
These two young men have so much to say. Mark thank you for giving them the opportunity to speak freely.
Yes.
This is one of the best interviews so far!!!
Well done Lyndon and McKay! Thank you for sharing your stories.
My ❤️ goes out to all the children! Thanks for the video!
This is a really great interview. Thank you for having them share their stories.
Thank you for recording and posting this valuable educational video. I wish you both peace and prosperity in your life.
So much gleaned from you Lyndon and you McKay - primarily, what well-rounded, funny, wise, fearless, humble & proud (well-deserved pride) you both are.
I'd say you truly made lemonade, from the lemons in your lives.
It warms my heart that you're back together and building a solid, respectful and satisfying life, as beautiful individuals but also as a family.
Thank you for sharing the challenging personal things you both experienced, I have such respect for your resilience.
I truly wish everything wonderful and fulfilling for you both!!
What a great great interview.. please have them back again.. i could listen to their stories all day long..
Im glad they made it out!
As someone who grew up as a strict JW - this sounds crazy even to me. I had to throw away my Pokemon cards and couldn't talk to kids in school - but this is next level control.
Are you still a JW? I work for JW’s which is my first real exposure. They are super nice and good folks.
They have the biggest database of pedos in the world that they refuse to turn over to police. They will shun you for smoking a cigarette but protect rapist. Great people.
JW a cult too
@@Mudhen2020Super nice until you are no longer one of them.
@@ashleyt.1116 exactly, then they will shun you so bad and talk all kinds of garbage
You guys are amazing people and extremely evolved thank you for this and wish you guys
the best! This has been an amazing education for me and thank you Mark !
Wow, after listening to you guys, I realize I have so much more to be grateful for in my life. Thank you for sharing your life stories. Sending virtual Granny hug's and prayers to everyone ☺️💕
This was amazing. Probably one of my top three and I watch you every day. This is so interesting. Crazy story. I wish you had a part 2 on them
This is a Great Interview. Lyndon is an old soul, Strong willed. Great planning on getting out. They are Brave for leaving. Sad they have no contact with parents. Hope they are enjoying their new life. Im sure they're very appreciative of " The little things in life", Nowadays.
Lyndon is definitely an old soul.
Growing up in Northern Arizona you'd hear stories about the Mormon communities, especially the bad ones. Sounds like these 2 brothers were in deep, fascinating interview Marc. So many sad stories from those who were forced to leave and never made it thru the transition to "normal" life. Keep your ears open I'd really like to hear more from that area on the border of AZ and UT.
I wanted to say how brave these two guys are. It's incredible to see how strong Laydon is, when he tells his story you can see how big his heart is. Absolutely brilliant human being and the way he played the system is so funny, very smart! Glad McKay has such an amazing big brother to look up to. It's difficult though, to see how being shunned by your falily can affect a person no matter how old, and how especially Laydon lays behind his cool demeanor to hide his pain. I hope both find love and all the blessings they deserve. Absolutely incredible stories!!! The world needs more brave, sane men like this. Love you, God bless you!! 🤍🤍
Thank you Mark for our hosts on this video. Cannot wait for part 2.
Great guys right here. Saw the title wasn’t even going to watch . Listened intently to the whole thing. . Crazy crazy interesting .
😢poor young men this is completely insane and sick
I really enjoyed this one. Hopefully you can have them come back for a part 2
You guys have had a crazy upbringing but you both seem very grounded . It amazes me that you aren’t really bitter and messed up. So glad you’re both doing well . Respect !
So proud of these boys for having to courage to talk about this. Silence is how this stuff continues so talking about this cult is a good thing