Ex-Polygamist Reacts: Sam and Melissa Give a New Perspective on "My 5 Wives"

[@China-Clay]

Please consider having the Williams family on your show

[@CustomPortraitArtist]

I agree. I know a few of them and I love the Williams family.

[@GC2024_]

I liked this of all of these polygamy family

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

We would love to! We have reached out to Brady via Insta, but haven't heard back yet. Hopefully we will have a chance someday!

[@candidwithkelsey8916]

Loved this show so much! I would love if you guys could do an update on their life now!! Or have one of the wives on!!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

We've reached out to Brady, so hopefully we will hear back and be able to have him on!

[@agirlandherbosties]

I liked this show a lot better than Sister Wives. I'm glad you are reviewing it.

[@China-Clay]

I actually really like this show and wished it had kept going. I think they had much more they could’ve shared in future episodes

[@sarahissersohn5495]

You guys are so enjoyable to watch together - I really resonated w/ what Amanda Rae was saying about seeking out couples to look up to, like as proof that healthy nurturing partnery relationships really are possible. You guys, and Shelise and Jonathan from Cults to Consciousness are two of the couples I admire and appreciate, in this way. For many of us, who have not been able to observe healthy marriages up close, as kids, it really does kinda help us to keep some level of hope alive. I’m the single mom of a daughter, and I work 6 days a week, so there are several layers of factors working against my finding my Mr Right, not least of which, the fact that I’m putting zero effort towards changing the situation - online dating scares me way too much! Anyway, please remain awesome 💜⚡️

[@leandradozier4260]

I totally root for them and I hope their marriage and relationship stays strong!!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you all so much!

[@montyollie]

OMG Sam saying at about the 11:30 mark that even when you have moved past the religion, it's so hard to move past some of the programming!!! THIS!!! I was raised in a cult-like version of a mainstream religion, and even after I became an atheist, I couldn't lose certain traits. Like I have something called "Scrupulosity" which means I just hold myself to a much different and much higher moral code than I do everyone else. I was taught that if you CAN behave better, then you must. Some people can't help it but YOU YOU can, so you must. It's plagued me my whole life.

[@montyollie]

There is a wicked interview with Brady floating around on KZbin where he talks about falling in love with Rosemary (in particular, which is fascinating, because she's "the fat one" and everyone ALWAYS assumes the polygamist men like their hot young pretty wives the best), and he also talks about his journey to atheism. It's so good. See if you can find it, it's about an hour long, just one guy interviewing him.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

We will definitely search for it! That could be the perfect reaction to do after we finish Season 2 =)

[@wheniscincodemayo]

I read (somewhere, and a while ago) that the AUB's official policy is that the LDS church is currently in apostocy, but that it is the one true church, the two will be reunited eventually. Additionally, many members of the AUB are still officially members of the LDS church. I believe this is one of the reasons it was so controversial when the Brown's came out - it also outed some of their family members to the LDS church regarding their duel membership. Wild.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

That is wild!

[@paulan7218]

sweetie, the LDS church is a cult. It’s not the true church of God.. it wouldn’t ignore half of the Bible if it were the true church of God and it wouldn’t put another book above the Bible if it were the true church of God

[@kayleejenson1793]

Yes, this is true, because we have a lot of the same standards as the Church! The ONLY difference between the AUB & Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is, that we believe more of Joseph Smith and if plural marriage

[@KristinMoon-g2n]

I heard also that the AUB tells its members to have dual membership To use the Temple and to use it to found more people to join AUB

[@PaulaRoberts-q6j]

​@@KristinMoon-g2nExactly Several of the groups use the temple Some of the groups even attend services, youth events, etc. I don't understand why no one lets that pass on the LDS side Weird!

[@krissywizzle]

I loved this show, I wish it went on instead of SW. I think everyone can be awkward when they arent used to being on camera at first, but I always felt they came across a lot more connected with eachother and like a family, instead of a group of separate families like on SW. I had read somewhere a while back that there was some legal issue with someone from the church that caused them to stop filming.

[@Jadey7799]

As I recall it was to do with allegations from one wife about SA (edited).

[@krissywizzle]

@Jadey7799 I don't think it was Against one of the wives, I think it was one of the wives saying something happened to her in her childhood

[@Jadey7799]

@@krissywizzle oh gosh that’s what I meant. I didn’t say it very clearly. Thank you.

[@krissywizzle]

@Jadey7799 No problem! I thought it was probably just misworded, happens to the best of us 😏

[@emilyb8763]

I'm glad you're going videos on "My Five Wives" - I loved the show and the family. I'm a little bit surprised at your assessment of who the favorite wife is, though. I thought it was super obvious that it was a different wife, but I'll wait to see if your opinion changes after you watch season 2.

[@isabelhuppmann4871]

When you said about the piercings you were only allowed one hole in your temple I thought it was the temples like the side of your forehead and thought that would be a very specific piercing 😅

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Hahahahahahaha 😜

[@YallAintRight]

My son came in when I was watching the part about tattoos and ear piercings, and he got a little concerned and asked what it was about. So I went through and explained to him what was happening with the man and his five wives and we actually had a really great conversation about tattoos, piercings, and beliefs. Thank you for being a great conversation starter with my son. ❤

[@ellenreese3133]

I hope Brady reaches out! I would love to hear an update on how everyone is doing!

[@amandan943]

Me too

[@misslindsayyy9870]

Yessss love that you guys are doing the cruise! I’ve watched you from the very beginning around 1k followers I believe. It’s incredible to see your channel grow and now seeing you doing a cruise! I’m not and have never been FLDS or LDS but have always appreciated your non-judgmental insight. I’ve grown up and am still in East Valley AZ so heavily LDS community so it started with just being curious to hear from you because I’ve grown up around LDS and love learning about other people’s lives that are different than mine. Excited to see you grow even further! The world needs more people like you! We can all have different opinions, morals, views and upbringings and have respectful conversations about them. If we differ, hear each other out and agree to disagree. 💛

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Aww thank you so much!

[@abigale8983]

That's because 3 of the 5 wives he actually really loves them. Wife #3&4 always were complaining about Brady. The first wife and 2nd wife and the 5th wife were the favorites from the beginning. And actually the reason there wasn't a season 3 was because of rosemary because she did a blog or whatever and tlc already had a good setup so they told my five wife's wasn't renewed. Brady actually talked about in a different youtube interviewer like 2 or 3 years ago. But he said everything is fine with the family it's just the show caused alot of problems with the family and his family business too. Plus when they decided to leave the aub they couldn't even sell there house they had to go through aub to sell there house and everything and the aub made it very difficult for them to fully leave. He said that 2 of his wives decided to pack up and moved out because they saw that Brady couldn't get the aub to give him a reasonable deal for his houses and the property too.

[@1313Mockingbirdlaen]

I'm so glad you're doing this show!!! I wanted to suggest but didn't think you'd be interested. Yay!!!!

[@teamcougars]

Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary , my husband and I just had our 33rd anniversary this last February and we have 5 kiddos ❤❤ our first granddaughter is due in October this year and we are so excited the doctors told our daughter and son in law that they wouldn’t be able to get pregnant without interventions 😮 yet here we are in the excited waiting phase of our first grand baby ❤❤

[@pigsispigs51]

I watched this show and enjoyed it they actually felt more like a family and was more drama free

[@itsakittyting]

I am not religious and not brought up religious either but i don't drink and don't have tattoos. Same goes for my parents. My point is that those things don't have to be a part of life at all, i don't understand why people want those things in their life

[@opienattyvlogs7930]

I was raised baptist (Christian) not super strict im now not very religious I have piercings but not tattoos My husband however was not raised religious and isn't now .... and he has 5 tattoos its his choice its just something he likes Like my piercings are for me no one else I like it its part of self expresión just like people have different ways of dressing

[@opienattyvlogs7930]

And as far as alcohol I drank in my early 20s but don't enjoy it so I don't drink now and ive always been careful i have family history of alcoholism and addiction My point is its all personal choice we all have our likes and dislikes

[@grosventre7760]

I loved watching the Williams family! They seemed so kind & stable! 😂❤

[@LenaLindroth-g1v]

It truly makes me happy when you talk about this complex situation I could adopt you two. So beutiful souls Thank you

[@dramonmaster222]

I've been curious about this show so thanks for doing this review.

[@ChristianM87]

Your channel offers a unique perspective on Sister Wives compared to the other content creators on here because you both understand the religious aspect of the Brown family. Most creators miss the mark because they dont understand the foundational religious influence on why some of the things are the way they are with tv polygamist families. The Browns really didnt try that hard to create a cohesive family unit as far as planning, dinners, homes, etc are concerned. They valued individuality over the whole family. They didnt seem to even try to find common ground and get along.

[@cabrown308]

That’s because Cody wasn’t a good leader. That was his job remember??

[@ChristianM87]

@@cabrown308 I get where you are coming from and I dont disagree. I think there's enough blame to go around. Nothing is ever totally one-sided.

[@kayleejenson1793]

Fun fact, I’m related to my 5 wife’s. Nonnie, Rhonda, & Rosemary & Robin

[@amandan943]

Praying and laying on of hands is done in the Bible as well. I have never been Mormon or associated with the Mormon faith but I have seen in Christian churches the men lay hands on people many times, or them have anyone that believes come up in a crowd and lay hands on someone, or people stretch their hands in the direction of someone while someone prayed . When my PaPa was very sick, my sister, and as I asked if we could pray over him and lay our hands on him it remains one of the most beautiful memories.

[@ashleydanielson3222]

It’s not just men that do it in the churches I have been to.

[@megsmann5414]

I felt like all the wives were on the verge of a nervous breakdown. They seemed very fragile. Also they all looked like they were going to pounce on Brady at any moment.

[@Suzanneyhearts]

12:07 it’s like muscle memory that’s not a conscious choice, your body just knows what to do. Like when you drive somewhere new and accidentally get in autopilot mode and miss the turn because you’re used to taking the same road home everyday.

[@rachelladouceur873]

I really appreciate how you guys explain your experiences then and now. How you explain the difference in the religion. Love your openness.

[@ReginiaCales-kp9jt]

Almost 10 yrs congratulations🎉 almost 32 yrs for my husband and me 9/17/92.

[@peachledesma4790]

Our tenth year is October❤🎉 what an exciting milestone🎉

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Congratulations! Cheers to 10 years!

[@michellesunshinestar]

Guess what guys? I'm going to see the Kirtland Temple in July. My dad said it's close to where we're going. I wonder if you need a ticket? You can do a virtual tour.

[@amylou22snowhite]

My aunt taught my cousin that only “trash” have tattoos. I loved displaying mine for her to gawk at. It was great to see the wheels turning in my cousin’s head.

[@jillgott6567]

I thought " My Five Wives " was a realistic, kind, and less dramatic group than most polygamous families on TV. I actually enjoyed the few episodes showing this family. I was sad to learn it had been canceled. I think the reason it was a good show was due to the fact Brady treated his wives with respect.

[@sandrametcalfe7483]

His wives kept him in line.

[@tracyemslie869]

O my word! I am Apostolic, and everything you folks have discussed is also a No-No in my faith! No tattoos, no alcohol, no dancing, no nightclubs, only allowed one ear-piercing, no birth control, also girls/women are not allowed to wear pants/jeans! This is so interesting 😊 Thank you for such an interesting video ❤

[@Mari-j7r-e3j]

Awesome video! :)

[@pszczolka80]

Off-topic but, in the part about the blessing he did, when you said "he took out 'by the power of'" my brain immediately jumped in with "Grayskull" because I'm an 80s kid. 😂😂

[@cherylcrozier-garcia8862]

The difference between the Williamses and the Browns: Brady and his wives lost faith in their church. Kody and his wives lost faith in themselves and one another.

[@saltytomato84]

You guys still need to watch and review Big Love!

[@tammyellison735]

I read that the Williams have now moved into one big house with separate areas for the wives

[@emilymorris864]

I would absolutely love to see you interview the Williams family

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

We would love that too! We reached out to Brady, but haven't heard back yet. Hopefully we will be able to connect at some point!

[@teamcougars]

Based on your mood that day will influence how you interact with certain people day to day I can’t imagine how it would be for plural marriage’s 😮

[@FlowerChild65]

"Did we do that? Is it our fault?" That cracked me up. It was like that meme "Are we critics? Am I the drama?" I remember this show! It was a shame TLC cancelled it because I genuinely found their deconstruction process interesting and I thought they were all likeable people. You can tell that all of the wives are caring towards each other and seem like genuine friends. I can't say the same for the Browns. Brady seemed to be genuinely trying and it seemed like he respected his wives and children as individual people who have needs and feelings and opinions and are not just there for him. The AUB also has a history of their members holding dual membership in the LDS church, so I wondered if that played a role for them culturally. They seem to have more close ties with the mainstream church than other fundamentalist sects. One thing that wasn't talked about on the show is that one of the wives, her father was prophet of the group for a while. But then allegations of child SA were brought against him. If I understand correctly, there was then a split in the group. I would love to know how they ended up. As far as I know, they are still a family unit.

[@kayleejenson1793]

Yes they are still a family

[@michellesunshinestar]

My mother-in-law encouraged me to get birth control. Kind of a long story. But I was put on a psych med that causes birth defects. My doctor at the hospital sat my ex and I down, and said I had to be on birth control. I didn't have health insurance. Really bad experience with Planned Parenthood. Woman, they are lowering the age for mammograms to age 40.l

[@kearamckay9463]

In the Tv show ‘Big love’ they discuss the word polygamy offensive and refer to it as plural marriage!

[@michellesunshinestar]

I've never been on a cruise. Would be fun, I might get seasick though. Once I was on a 5-hour train ride to Mexico City. The family gave me Dramamine, I slept the entire time. Our person that was travelling with us, thankfully woke me up. I still remember the mountains going to their grandparents' place. So sick.

[@wendymcallister5231]

I love this show and wish it would have kept going. I agree that Paulie seems to have the closest connection to Brady…but I think each woman brings something to the table. Nonie is emotional…but I think Brady likes her outgoing personality and connects with her in that way. Maybe he enjoys the challenges she brings! But he also seems to have a connection to Rhonda that seems similar to the one with Paulie that seems evident in season two.

[@lakb45]

What does AUB mean?

[@PaulaRoberts-q6j]

Apostolic United Brethren

[@lakb45]

Thank you.

[@1MrSpooky]

Wife #1 Paulie has the best connection with Brady. She is the most deferential so easier to get along with!

[@GC2024_]

That was one of the first things i did after walking away from the Mormon C.

[@kayleejenson1793]

I’m from the AUB polygamy group, I’ve never been on a “big” trip

[@mckait]

Did I see you say that you will do a live, or am I imagining that?

[@dorrainehudson4335]

I feel like I read once that the butterflies at Kody and Robyn Browns wedding was from a business of Brady’s. They might have connections.

[@spookymicah3131]

I wonder if Kody and Brady’s parents converted to the AUB because of the priesthood ban being lifted?

[@PaulaRoberts-q6j]

Good question

[@costumeteen]

I would love to to know what you think of the HBO series Big Love. I recently rewatched it after I got into the ex-mo content on KZbin. I have no Mormon adjacent background, but it seems that they really did their research.

[@teamcougars]

It seems like Sam’s dad put the effort in with his children and his wives and he seems to have been a very good man not to mention a role model ❤❤ no comparison to Kody Brown seems to have done or even attempted to do 😢

[@CustomPortraitArtist]

I loved this show. I wish TLC kept it on.

[@AmyRuby]

Ha ha I’m married ten years in August too, and my birthday is also in February. Are you me? Lol

[@dbsdrems8963]

My kids always lived in So. California, so most of our neighbors had different standards than we did. I taught them our LDS standards, but always (from a young age) taught them our standards were our standards, other people's standards might be different, but doesn't mean it was wrong for them. We interacted with homosexuals often - not our standards, but ok according to their standards. They "got it" from an early age. They are grown now, but stick to a lot of the standards I taught them, even though 1 is no longer active. But they all are accepting of other people. I think it is all about teaching & loving.

[@kristinesharp6286]

They didn’t change religion. They changed lifestyle.

[@mirandacain747]

Oh! It actually has two seasons!

[@ShannonStevens-gl7le]

I wish they would bring this show back. But looking at the Browns, the Williams were probably blessed to be cancelled. They seem lovely.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Yah, it was probably best for their family!

[@WilliamWallace-ki9wb]

Just looked up the world polygamy and it says " the practice or custom of having more then one wife or husband at the same time". Flds do not believe in more than one husband therefore the reason they call it plural marriage.

[@sarahissersohn5495]

That makes sense!

[@meldoesnails7682]

I wonder why they don't use the term "polygyny." That would be even more specific. Perhaps " polygyny" sounds too similar to " polygamy" 🤷🏿‍♀️

[@paulan7218]

Brady Williams has a few wives that are related to Christine Brown.

[@GwenFlanary]

I know very little about the LDS. I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness but left that community in my teens. I find it very interesting that there are a number of similarities between the two. For example, the idea that your body was given by God, you were to treat it as a temple, and that meant no tattoos, no drinking, no smoking, etc. And the fact that beliefs like these, when taught at a young age, affects how you perceive everyone around you in a judgmental way.

[@summerspicer6153]

I’m jealous! I wanna go on a cruise, can’t afford it though. I’ve never been either. Great idea though💕

[@KevinWynn-iu9rk]

Where’s your sense of adventure?? No carnival cruise 😂😂

[@ladyaju.s.a9809]

Assembly of god churches have laying on hands in the church in circle mixed male females just saying

[@user-wj3yr7xr2f]

I have never been a member of Jehovas. My mum and uncle quit in the 80ths. But I have still never goten a tatue and I dont eat "blodpudding" = food made out of blood.

[@sarahissersohn5495]

If you haven’t checked out Cults To Consciousness, they’ve got some excellent and useful episodes that include discussion of deconstruction and other relevant topics. Not saying you should get a tattoo (they’re not for everyone) or eat blood pudding (EW, anyway- sorrynotsorry!), just that it’s a great channel for anyone who has left or knows people who are still in, any high-demand/high-control religion or group

[@spookymicah3131]

There a food called blood pudding which is is sausage! It’s good!

[@ellenreese3133]

I would love for you guys to react to Seeking Sister Wives.

[@leanneallen4409]

You guys should check out Seeking Sister Wives

[@karengriffiths407]

I totally agree that God's word says that you shouldn't put the mark of a tattoo on your body but what if someone has tattoos and comes to God and gives their lives to him ???

[@maureennochannel]

This is way off subject but Sam has got a Jeff Goldblum vibe.

[@IonIsFalling7217]

My body is a Greek Orthodox Temple, apparently.

[@leandradozier4260]

I love you guys so much. Such a beautiful and lovely couple! I know you made some beautiful babies!!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you so much!!

[@kristinesharp6286]

I think the tattoo is to make sure they stay out.

[@dvdezy1167]

I love my youngest daughter with all of my heart but i dont always like her and thats ok

[@wildachase7052]

Happy Late Father's Day

[@StElmosFire53]

First one like, SECOUND one love, 3rd one like 4th like 5. Love. Just my opinion

[@Brady5Williams]

You should interview me and lets see if i "like" someone more😊

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

We'd love to! Please email us at [e-mail] and we can set something up 🙂

[@laurenhahn890]

I loved this show altho i have to admit seSon 2 was boring and season 1 was amazing. They just reeled it back probably cause they dropped the tea s1 and i bet it cReated hurt feelings. However i disgaree i thought it seems like he really loves and likes all his wives. I kkow robyn felt thT their connection snd appreciation and love was lacking whcih was sad cause shes SO sweet, but i dont think it seemed like he didnt like her or like spending time woth her. And he certInly adores paulie rosemary nonie and rhonda. I saw no disparity at all

[@menorah7]

There should be a caveat regarding your travel plans for February. Right now it might not and especially by then be safe to be on a cruise ship. We are facing world war 3. Also the election is going to play a big part and what is going to be happening. So please keep that in mind when reserving a spot. Make sure you have the refund policy very clear because you do have to put a deposit down for the cruise. There is a deadline as well regarding deposits. Now for something of a monumental event like what happened during the you know what then that might take some precedence. Best to make sure what those policies are very clearly. Also check with your credit card company and see what their policies are as well. Thanks for all the videos they are quite interesting.