Growing Up in Polygamy - Sam & Melissa Zitting Wyson Part 1 - 1617

[@julzg5134]

Very well done. I appreciate how respectful Sam is of his parents and family. I too believe my parents lived to the best of their ability. My dad is a brother to Sam’s dad.

[@werethewilsons]

😮66

[@StephRivera]

You weren't kidding when you said this would be one of the most important interviews. I want to cry thinking about how huge this is that not only mainstream LDS but also FLDS are finally speaking out. You asked great questions! I learned a lot. We really are all in this together.

[@marebear6727]

I'm hoping the RLDS exmembers, too, start coming on here. 😊 my mom left the Rlds church & today a mainstream LDS member, but won't hear me out!

[@lindagliott5838]

I have enjoyed your interviews so much. My sister in law and her kids were devout mormons but all the kids have left the church now except one niece but they were always trying to get me to join but I became Tabernacle Baptist. Since then I have learned to believe that religion is man made and Christianity is from God so I stay at home and read the Bible and do bible study on the phone with friends and relatives. I am not young I am 76 now and I try to thank God for everyday and everything that he has given me. I am so glad that you are happy today and that you did have a good childhood and also you don’t forget about all the children that were abused in their homes

[@ceairamgivens1052]

The cantaloupe and ice cream story makes me want to cry 😭 it’s the simplest things that kids remember their moms for and it’s just so cute.

[@matthewsuomi]

Sam could be a diplomat. I really enjoyed his thoughtful and honest answers to some hard questions.

[@Karin281]

He avoided a lot of things with I don't remember

[@bitscrawford]

@@Karin281 i get that, but i also think that there's a very good chance that he genuinely didn't remember. he left when he was a teenager and it's been well over a decade since then. plus, trauma (physical, mental, and emotional) impacts memory. so it may not have necessarily been avoidance, but genuine forgetfulness!

[@TheNurseWhoLovedMe89]

@@bitscrawford Definitely. Not to mention that we all go blank sometimes when asked questions on the spot, and he was probably tired after traveling there and being interviewed for a good few hours. I get the impression that if he wasn’t comfortable answering something he would’ve just said that - he seems like an honest and direct kind of guy 🤷🏻‍♀️🤗

[@margybernard]

@@bitscrawfordexactly! I have cousins that I grew up with who don’t remember a lot of things that I do, and vice versa. The human mind…

[@bunch_o_racket]

i LOVE the history lessons! i was raised fundamentalist church of Christ until i left home at 14-15. the history of those beliefs explains SO MUCH i didn't understand about where EXACTLY all that impossible to follow rules came from.

[@bethbrown9394]

Loved this! I married into a family from the UAB United Apostolic Brethren (I was born and raised LDS- he was raised in the UAB.) I would love for you to interview Ben Brown AKA “The Fresh King Benjamin”. Grew up in polygamy, left for the LDS church, then left the LDS church and is making a name for himself as a comedian.

[@MichelleZB1]

If we are doing LDS offshoots pleeeease interview Amanda Rae, she is from The Order aka The Kingston Clan. It is extremely fascinating, a lot of crime and incest with that group in their polygamy

[@caseyjude5472]

Agreed. I just learned she’s got a KZbin from another commenter. I watched that series & was very interested to learn their “not made for tv” stories. And I always wonder about those who they helped leave-are they ok, did they return, were they able to get their siblings & moms out, etc… One would think the Q-berts would be all over the Kingston Clan and others, since they claim to be all about saving children from sexual predators & slavery. Also strange, and by “strange” I mean “par for the course”, that the theocratic money laundering fraudster criminals behind Operation Underground Railroad feel the need to travel around the globe to “save children” when there’s thousands & thousands of plyg kids right here in Utah that need saving.

[@silmuffin86]

What a cool interview! I'm Italian, born and raised catholic, but in Italy (and Europe in general) religion is taken much more lightly and I'm not really practicing, like most of the Italians I know... Since I've moved to the US and met a couple mormons, tons of people who go to church every Sunday, people who go to Bible study groups, families who homeschool and use "christian curricula" for their kids, families with many children etc. I had such a culture shock that I became quite intrigued with those kind of stories and fundamentalists...

[@leslieworthington768]

You know Mormanism is a cult, right? Listen more to this channel and you will learn the truth.

[@tomcat9602]

I know! It's really a culturechock. Religion is so "big" in the US. People think abt it and talk about it a lot. I'm from the Nordics, Sweden, we live in a more "scientific" society. People don't think much abt different beliefsystems. Life is going well enough. It actually makes you different if you belong to a church. But our old laws and legalsystem are based on Christian values and principles. What's right and wrong. Integrity and fairness. Individual responsibility and accountability. We live in a country where we take care of eachother (high tax). No one needs to live on the street or not get hospital care, medicine etc. Our version of justice is that those with the most, take care of those with the least. Progressive tax. Clearly influenced by Christian mindset. Christianity in practice w/o expectation of beliefs? In that way religion can have a great impact on more atheistic societies.

[@silmuffin86]

@tomcat9602 that's very much due to the Catholic roots of Europe, despite Martin Luther and all that happened after him. In the US there is very much the protestant belief that if you work hard enough and you use the gifts God has given you, you will succeed, which makes it a much more individualistic society

[@TiffinyHarrington]

Sam is the same age as our oldest child and his father is the same age as my own father. *just started following these two wonderful people. Fascinating story. Love their channel. And I just heard Sam is writing a book!

[@bulbasaurevolved]

I love watching Sam & Melissa. They just seem like incredibly kind and smart people.

[@leslieworthington768]

Watch their story to see how they got out of the cult

[@Alittletarzan]

I’ve been waiting for this since September 5, 2021, when I initially sent their link to John Dehlin asking him to check them out! I’m a nevermo, but the LDS & FLDS are so intriguing to me. I have learned so much. I look forward to hearing their full stories in depth. So thankful this is happening!!

[@katienolette3442]

Your comment really resonates with me. I am a long time Mormon stories viewer and also a nevermo and can't wait! Sam and Melissa are captivating and I think this will be a wonderful convergence!

[@prettylights482]

Ditto to all the above from this nevermo too!

[@ItsMeCheryl1231]

Me too Katie! I am a life long Lutheran. My husband's mother's family is VERY Morman. Even before I met him, I was very intrigued with Mormanism.

[@carolhensley]

​@@ItsMeCheryl1231but

[@ItsMeCheryl1231]

@@carolhensley but what?

[@elise12345]

This is wonderful. I've loved following Sam & Melissa. They are so extremely gracious with guests and also show immense compassion for the people still in the FLDS community.

[@yolandahoskins510]

I never wrote in a request but I’ve been hoping for this interview for a long time! 😀 Really enjoy Sam and Melissa’s channel. They’re so informative, purposeful, well spoken and respectful in all of their content. It’s unique and refreshing. I also like how respectful and kind Jenn is as a cohost.

[@haileyshutze2587]

There is something so captivating about FLDS and LDS. I have come to realize that a lot of the members that escape or leave were honestly just doing their best with what they had. It’s really shocking to learn of the oppression they dealt with as well. I can’t even imagine going from being told you have to wear leggings under garments and wear long sleeves out of modesty to being able to wear just a normal tshirt and feeling “naked”. And the realization that you were basically indoctrinated and controlled your entire life must have been massive. I’m really grateful that these two have shared so much of their experiences. It helps people like myself who don’t understand Mormonism and fundamentalism to really grasp what they have had to go through. Also wanted to add how it blew my mind learning that there was essentially a small community within America just living like the laws of our country don’t exist or apply to them. Not in the sense that the members themselves were entitled or felt above the law but that the leaders truly believed that and projected that way of living onto their community. Just mind boggling.

[@missymurphy9996]

I am not a Mormon so this is fascinating to me. I loved the way Sam and Melissa handled their story with grace and care.

[@dianethulin1700]

Sam it is so clear to me how much love is in your family. No wonder you have such a nice spirit and demeanor! My father was raised in a polygamist household and he always spoke fondly of his father. His father was in his 60’s when my dad was born. Our generations are mixed up. I have many first cousins who were born in the late 1800’s

[@janetmitchell4452]

For me, a no longer practicing Catholic, this has been so educational and somethings so familiar.

[@debra7350]

Familiar in which way?

[@tricia9940]

Fascinating interview! And this couple is incredible. I grew up Catholic and know absolutely nothing about any sect of Mormonism. I was spell bound during the entire interview. Great questions and super informative. Thanks so much!

[@Will0wFire]

Again, a fascinating life story from Sam - who has an absolutely beautiful speaking voice. He should find voice-over work. So much to think about, but particularly love his memory of having Mom time with a cantaloupe melon and vanilla ice cream, and a bit sad over his lack of one-one-one time with his father. I've always felt sad for those parents who were singled out to mete out admonition and punishment to their kids - what a sad legacy - and how sad for the boys, who miss out on seeing what a full and rewarding role being a father can be. Lots more to come, I'm sure. Thank you for this podcast - once again.

[@Danielle-nz9tn]

Yes, I LOVE Sam’s voice too. Also, his cadence and other speech qualities. I could listen to him all day.

[@katelynr7836]

His accent is so interesting. You can definitely tell he was raised outside of mainstream society.

[@Anna-ms1pd]

Accent? I’m from wa state and I don’t hear it 😅

[@Twielyeght]

​@Anna-ms1pd I'm from OR and I don't really hear it either

[@katythriftyunder35homeowne57]

Love Sam and Melissa and the respectful way they go about discussing the FLDS community. Thanks for this fascinating discussion with them!

[@susanreid122]

Can't wait! I've been watching your channel since the beginning and I subscribed ages ago, like every video and today after watching your collaboration with the mormon stories I decided to join and become a member of your channel. I was brought up in the Church of Scotland, a protestant Christian faith. I went through my own faith journey and now think of myself as an atheist. I love watching your videos, keep them coming!! Xxx

[@AJ-et3vf]

Awesome video! Thank you! Hearing about theirs thoughts and experiences with FLDS is very insightful and enlightening. As an exmormon, I realize that it's very helpful and uplifting to me hearing about their FLDS experiences with the exmo lens that I have now. I feel that I can see things on a more objective light, learn from it, and help me process my own mormon upbringing.

[@ironbutterfly6835]

It Is obvious that polygamy is a subject that is of interest to most non Mormons. Thank so much to present it with all due respect. This couple is a wonderful example ! Thank you!

[@bunch_o_racket]

yes it used to be VERY controversial, i think it's losing it's strangeness to the general public (gentiles) due to more acceptance of various types of families/couples/thruples and all the many kinds of loving/caring relationships that are not denied in the public as they'd have been up to just a couple decades ago, just straight up "man with many wives" isn't such a shiny thing anymore. BUT the RIGHTS and TREATMENT of those wives and CHILDREN are the thing we're all curious about, these days.

[@gq5341]

This guy has a great voice. I love listening to him speak just from how he drops his voice to lower points and there’s no vocal fry. Not really an insightful comment but just wanted to share my thought that Sam’s voice is super cool.

[@joannacampbell2903]

I was just thinking the same! Great radio/on air voice!

[@vyvy840]

I was thinking the same! He’d be a great narrator for some crime documentary 😂

[@h33-q8w]

He barked his testimony every week I bet for at least 18 years. Probably did wonders for his ability to speak. 😂 There are some pros to these cults.

[@Rachel0731]

I think it’s also a unique accent. I wonder if FLDS sort of have a distinct accent like Amish/Mennonite/Hutterite and a thick German accent, since they are both insulated religious groups. But flds has a more diverse background.

[@bunch_o_racket]

it IS insightful! many of us just enjoy hearing a pleasant, calming voice and never stop to wonder why or publicly appreciate the person attached to it. 🙂

[@chriswebb5235]

You are the best and most respectful interviewer on the planet. I appreciate you. You make me want to do and be a better person.

[@mormonstories]

Wow. Thank you Chris. 🙏❤️

[@ginamariedemeo]

His statement about the reason prophecies do not come true is because of the people not being obedient enough and not because the prophecies aren’t true is so heartbreaking

[@lahermosajarifa7007]

I have been hoping that Sam and Melissa would be interviewed on Mormon stories!

[@mutantmonkey2301]

As a german Atheist who was also brought up without religious parents (I went to religious youth camps tho) It’s extremely interesting to hear from people who lived the other side in such a extreme way 🙊

[@seufubeca1]

I believe I'm related to Sam via marriage. One of my polygamous ancestors married a son of Charles Zitting. Her grandfather(my 1st cousin 3x removed) Louis Alma Kelsch was one of the first German converts, a mission president, one of the first missionaries to Japan and a prominent polygamist. His life story relates how the LDS leadership spoke in code when they disavowed polygamy publicly but continued to practice it privately. I likely have distant relatives in that community he grew up in.

[@suzanabunikwatch4197]

Are you familiar with the Order, the Kingston Clan? That wuld be nice if you can make an interview with Amanda Rae andher brother Ezkiel.. She was on the show Escaping Poligamy and has a YT channel.

[@GaliSinatra]

I agree, Amanda Rae would be a great interview!

[@singer0004]

She's great! I watch her but she probably wouldn't be put on because she's never been apart of the LDS church

[@suzanabunikwatch4197]

@@singer0004 But most of this polygamy cults in US are originated in LDS church. I hope she could come in. Her Adopted Parents are LDS as far as i know.

[@tryingtobemd-phd3262]

YES! the way she has been able to throughly deconstruct her upbringing would be so great to hear.

[@MichelleZB1]

I just came to the comments to say the same thing!!

[@roslynregan-crew5601]

I love how down to earth and respectfully they still are. I love watching their videos

[@marciawellman8668]

I love this episode - I love having John, Sam and Melissa conversing on these topics. I am a Nevermo but have learned so much from watching both of these channels.

[@CatskillsGrrl]

As a man I suspect he experienced all of this very differently than his sisters. Very.

[@tysonh424]

Sam, I've got you beat, but barely. My dad, convert to the mainstream church, was 55 when I born in 1988. He was 89 when he passed on his birthday in 2022, I was 32. It's crazy having a Dad that was raised during WWII and the great depression. A lot of cool stories. Your story really shows what it was like in the 1800s version of the mainstream church, and it's crazy how the mainstream church overlooks that on a daily basis.

[@KatieBlue16]

Hey, Liverpool UK 🇬🇧 here, we don't have such a high FLDS sect over here in the UK, as I am aware of anyway, but Mormonism (or as I know it's called - LDS) in Liverpool - is a thing, albeit small. I myself am a Roman Catholic, but I find all religions fascinating. I just want to say - I love this channel, I find it really interesting and refreshing, and Sam and Melissa's channel brought me here, as Peter Santanellos channel brought me to their channel. Sam & Melissa - If you happen to see this comment - I think you're both such lovely people. You have such strength and faith to actually follow your heart to find your own way through to your own faith as you hit adulthood ❤. John & Jen - Thanks for another great video and I'm looking forward to part 2.

[@michellez13]

I thoroughly enjoy Sam & Melissa’s channel. I’ve watched them from the beginning of their videos. They are alway respectful and deliver their content in a dignified manner. Great video, can’t wait to watch part 2!

[@the_untitled__]

His family sounded much safer then most. His comfort level also comes from being a guy. He wasn't afraid of being married off to an old man at a young age.

[@bunch_o_racket]

but he did have to worry about being kicked out of his church, community, family. literally ostracized from EVERYTHING HE KNEW and left to fend for himself, on the whim of a "prophet".

[@evemaekarain]

Eight oçlock PM in The Netherlands and I'm happy to be on time to watch and listen to this interesting couple!

[@nancytinkhof4815]

I love these lang video's! When i do house work ore crafts it's nice to listen to them. I also follow Sam and Melissa and love them how they both talk with respect en compassion. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@TheNurseWhoLovedMe89]

The cantaloupe and ice cream story warmed my heart ❤️ I’ve never thought of using half a melon as an ice cream bowl before, so I’m definitely trying that out 👌😁

[@cathy3546]

I grew up in Alberta, Canada 🇨🇦. Ice cream in cantaloupe was a summertime treat. Of course, it was not hot enough in Northern climates to grow cantaloupe.

[@livehealthyfinishstrong]

In my opinion, if the FLDS is embarrassing or even repulsive to the mainstream LDS, then their own history should be just as embarrassing. The FLDS looks more like early Mormonism than the modern LDS.

[@thisidahomomreports]

Cracks me up the way Sam described the way talks are assigned! VERY honest and actually, quite relatable!

[@momofisher2429]

What a beautiful couple. So informative and educational. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@karene755]

I have been learning SO much from this channel. I'm a NeverMo but I see lots of similarities to my Christian church and I love learning the background and stories of Mormonism. Great job!!

[@sarawithoutanh8302]

I’m so excited for this. Also, had a question. John, have you ever told your own story? Can you do a long form interview of yourself? 😅

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

I'd be very interested in that

[@evawachenfeld4073]

I would love to see a couple's long form interview with John's and Margi's Mormon Story as a couple and their faith journey!!

[@karene755]

I would love that!

[@suzanabunikwatch4197]

Yes, that would be great!!!

[@purplevolution]

Bring back Cara as an interviewer for a special episode!

[@dianethulin1700]

We have so many polygamists in my family I always took it for granted everyone knew about the FLDS. We even have some Kingstons. Whenever we went into Southern Utah I could always feel ghosts

[@averyc.9028]

Yeah cuuc ?7,8,78?8?&?8?8vvivivîcucucuuuucucpb oo pbbb

[@heinzhair]

I’m so excited to see these 2 humans here on Mormon Stories!! 👏👏👏

[@t5l239]

August Zitting, Charles's Father, was excommunicated for calling out the prophets for continuing polygamy secretly. My Grandpa, John Zitting, repabtized him at his request the next day he passed. Charles went to the University and his younger brother, my Grandpa would send him money to help him out. He married to Mimi and had 2 children. When he ran into a polygamist man on the street he began to change his mind on mormonism and grew to believe in polygamy. He was introduced to the Wooley's and converted losing his first marriage and children to his new commitment to polygamy. He was very charismatic and talented. We have a History as told by my Grandpa that includes stories about Charles growing up. Dorothy Zitting, Gordon's wife, had the audio history.

[@carolecoyote960]

Thank you so much for covering words, definitions, etc. that we non Mormons may not understand.

[@shirleyrice7093]

He didn’t know he was missing anything with his father. He never felt deprived because he didn’t know anything different. He was a happy boy.

[@klggrabo]

This is my favourite Mormon Stories I’ve seen yet! So interesting and loved hearing all the details.

[@DemJonesDemJones]

Ive been watching Melissa and Sams channel "Growing up in Polygamy" for a long time, and adore the way they pull together and work through things. Truly a beautiful couple. My favourite part of this video is John and Jenn's faces as it dawns on them that not drinking tea or beer etc isnt a "fundamental" tenant of the Mormon faith 😂

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

Pausing @ 1:07 to say what a pleasure it is to hear a storyteller who speaks with fondness and respect about their family. I'm looking forward to hearing more of this story. (Later) @ 1:42:00 John is not that much younger than I am. However, I have very few memories of one on one time with either parent. Usually, the little time I had with my father revolved around working with him if he needed the help of an extra pair of hands. Contrary to today, that wasn't feel good, 'help daddy' for a photo. It involved getting yelled at if you let the piece of wood slip, or whatever, and once your usefulness was done, or if you made too many mistakes, you'd be sent away. No hanging around for a chat. The couple of times I tried to ask his advice, I remember him seeming almost embarassed, and definitely lost for words. Very awkward; I certainly wasn't encouraged to do it again. Side note, my ex-husband's father was 53 when he was born. (Third wife for him, 2nd hubby for his mum. Not a polygamist in sight!) ETA I've just remembered my father making me learn then recite my times tables on a Saturday afternoon while he drank a beer! Or two.

[@deer105]

I can't say enough about how gorgeous the area of Southern Utah near Zion is where they grew up. As a camper and hiker it's always a prime destination.

[@xXCarolJosXx]

It would be amazing if you could interview Elissa Wall who was a former FLDS member that was forced to marry her first cousin and escaped polygamy. Would love to hear her story on this platform!

[@maciahm7481]

She’s been interviewed!

[@CarolineAnandSiddiqui]

​@@maciahm7481The comment was from a year ago

[@jodymerkel4940]

I’ve been watching Sam and Melissa for about two yrs now,I don’t comment much but I must say I totally enjoy enjoy there channel, but I must say Sam seems to actually be more relaxed than on their regular channel,it’s nice to see him just talk about his family and seeming comfortable about it!

[@mads597]

I love you both!!!!! Edit to add- and the whole Mormon stories team as well of course!

[@ellak1382]

Yay so excited to see this interview with Sam and Melissa! They are a great couple 😊

[@robmullin1128]

Yay Melissa and Sam you made it on Mormon Stories!!!!

[@Lovebrittwoods]

Yay!! So glad you guys are bringing them on!! Love both shows❤️

[@Jezza586]

I came to this episode right after watching the episode with Elissa Wall. The stark difference between their experiences is baffling. Elissa’s story was so raw and painful to listen to, meanwhile this dude is like “my childhood was awesome!” Not a personal dig at him, it’s just another perfect example of how little these cults think of their women.

[@bad2bone]

It’s wild to think that the FLDS is just Mormonism… but with real non celestial polygamy- that the scripture isn’t that different is wild to me- I thought it would be like a lost chapter or something- this was wonderful- so excited for the next part

[@SnailWhales]

The FLDS stayed closer to the basis of what Joseph Smith created. Joseph Smith was a polygamist, something I wasn’t taught growing up in the mainstream church.

[@pamelavargas6811]

Makes me so sad everytime Sam says I was never worthy... 😢

[@BrokeStudentBeauty]

I've been waiting to hear their story on Mormon stories! I love these two, they are so sweet!

[@christinabeth7649]

Throwing in my request for Amanda and Eskel Grant as well. Also this would have to be thought about due to the vulnerable nature, but the tendency of the Order to send their "problem" kids (who are often actively trying to leave the cult) to youth treatment centers to try to shock them into submission.

[@galilaya42]

I was a convert to the Mormon church for several years. I still believe most of the members were the best people I knew. Just the more I learned the less I believed. I've been going thru a crises with God in general since my 9 month old grandson died. I just can't seem to get back to where I was. I am working on it tho.

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

This world is not fair. We have to have faith that all is made right on the other side.

[@djholliday5132]

I endured a traumatic loss as well...12 years ago. I turned to the Lord and the Bible. It was such a comfort and gave a lot of healing. It seems that at a time of pain & loss, people go 1 of 2 ways...TOWARD Jesus, or AWAY from Jesus. I know this sounds very cliche, but reading, praying & studying helped me a lot. Also, learning about the cycle of grief helped me understand what I was going through. Lifting you up in prayer.

[@dorothywillms115]

Im so sorry for your loss.Babies are so precious . Just please don’t go back to the Mormons. I know many are good people but their doctrines are just so wrong. They have been so deceived.

[@djholliday5132]

@@dorothywillms115 You are so right! Jesus paid the price on the cross. Accepting Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father, or to heaven. Anyone who says otherwise is spreading false doctrine. The last sentence in the Bible says is all. Anyone who adds or removes words from the Gospel is committing sin.

[@tomcat9602]

Sam is a very interesting, upfront, authentic, kind man. Listen to the way he speaks? Not many speak like that at any age. Old-school. His background is unique. A timetravel. He is much older than his age w a great attitude.

[@Jenniferalvarez19818]

Glad I decided to watch (edited) I’ve been watching all the FLDS documentaries coming out recently and it’s been a little rough for me to watch so much of the KZbinrs and channels that I really do usually enjoy.

[@shivapazoki1881]

Being from the middle east myself, it blows my mind that there are more than 6 billion people around the world, living in one form or another totalitarian regime, a form of dictatorship or another… who are fighting with their lives for equal rights and freedom of speech and other basic human rights…. And there are individuals born into that a system automatically giving them freedom and them going out of their ways ; proactively choosing to deny themselves the most basic human rights…. That just blows my mind …

[@stephanieh4412]

I've been waiting for this collab! I have no personal connection to Mormonism but I've watched a lot of both your channels.

[@nicolerichman595]

My son worked In Zion!! At perks Coffey shop! They absolutely loved their polygamy people who came in!! His name was Trandyn Garner! They were amazing!!!!! 🥰

[@Lemonade_Stand_]

The Canadian group is in Bountiful which is located in rural British Columbia. There are actually two groups... there is one that follows Winston Blackmore (as Sam described) and they are more laid back. Then they also have the "original" Canadian group that still follow Jeffs. The Canadian group that follows Jeffs dont interact a lot with society but Blackmore's group does.

[@jcny11]

Yeah! I’ve been waiting for this!

[@m.h.5161]

Hey John, you need to interview Amanda who also has a KZbin channel. She’s from the Kingston group and she’s amazing, I’ve been following her for years!

[@kayep6189]

JUST A HEADS UP- SAM and MELISSA are hosting a women's panel on their channel (growing up in polygamy) and will have Joanma(FLDS) and Amanda Rae(Order/Kingston Clan)

[@CHiCguitar]

I think the things that's so interesting to me about cults and religious offshoots is that most people involved in the movement really think they are doing the right things.

[@steph7614]

That was something that really surprised me too, specifically about Scientologists. I feel so much for the people who have donated so much of their hard earned money, believing they are changing the world. It's awful. They really had the best intentions.

[@kathyglass2922]

Me too. It's hard to fathom.

[@amymac41890]

Love these people! Been following Sam and Melissa for quite awhile now!!! Thanks dr. Dehlin!

[@yosemite735]

I love these two. Just their story without anger or vindictive feelings. Other guests leave me feeling they have an ax to grind.

[@marshamarsha5204]

The ones that you feel have an ax to grind..... Well maybe they do. They were deceived, controlled and brainwashed their entire lives.... Deconstructing from that is a painful process..... Longer for some than others. I am still deconstructing from my religious upbringing/brainwashing.... It is painful.... It can be ugly.... I am still angry. My religious upbringing had nothing to do with polygamy, but religious cults all use similar brainwashing tactics.

[@elise12345]

John asked at one point about fights between the groups and I highly recommend the podcast "Deliver Us From Ervil" which is about the fundamentalist Mormon, polygamist groups in Mexico led by various LeBarons. Rulon Allred (head of the AUB and grandfather of Christine Brown of Sister Wives on TLC and Lance Allred) was murdered on an order by Ervil LeBaron. The leaders of the fundamentalist groups were aware of each other and had different rivalries. But FLDS did stay out of that mostly to my knowledge.

[@teena4rl211]

Excelkent. One of your best. Thank you.

[@llt8101]

I didn't know that the LDS church had a song called 'Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam'. That's interesting. Nirvana had a 1993 song called 'Jesus Doesn’t Want Me for a Sunbeam'.

[@meeting_meghan]

This was a very interesting interview. Sam did well answering some tough questions, and I loved Melissa's additional comments. But as a genealogist I did want to point out that Sam said he believed his grandfather Charles Zitting had 3-4 wives, but Charles actually had 10 in total. His first divorced him, another left him & 3 more passed away before Charles died, but even his wikipedia page says he was survived by 5 wives when he died in July 1954. He didn't have any children with 2 of his wives. But had 38 children in total. So just wanted to clarify.

[@StarshipBambooBadger]

Thank you so much for covering this topic!

[@AmyCH102]

I've never been Mormon and haven't really had much exposure other than occasionally seeing the missionaries on bikes. When they were talking about the church songs it made me wonder if the LDS and FLDS have any hymns in common with mainstream protestant churches? I grew up in a hymn singing church and have never heard of any of the songs mentioned here.

[@shannonleigh72]

I'm late to this and will probably will next time. Ask Sam about the split over the lineage of the Prohet, how the "2nd Ward/Centennial Park" and then the "3rd Ward" came to be. It's a fascinating story. It shows how things were starting to shift within the community. WJ was horrid and a monster. He "left behind" all those people--the not quite faithful/controllable when he moved to Texas. He owned everything they were--homes, businesses, vehicles, money. Sam talks about building a house in a day. They deconstructed homes (light switches and all) in the middle night when members were excommunicated. Everything was put into the trust and they found families were living in tents, begging for food at the storehouse, children of all ages disenfranchised from their parents because children were not worthy. It is amazing to see how they have survived, are rebuilding, are taking care of their community and still keeping their faith.

[@nicolevandelden1406]

The FLDS in Canada are in the southeastern part of British Columbia (province). The settlement is called Bountiful. I remember it being in the news a few times

[@pamelavargas6811]

My father was the youngest of 16 children...my mother was 2 yrs older than my father...my father's eldest brother was 2 yrs older than my mothers father 😂

[@ruthc4458]

I listen to Sam and Melissa’s vlogs all the time. This is my first time watching yours. I have a new very interesting channel to watch. I have a lot of catching up to do! Great job!!

[@megansyck9170]

I hope they bring in Yolanda or Maryanne from escaping polygamy. Both of them would do amazing if they wanted to share their FLDS story.

[@heatherweather8491]

I’m so happy to see this! I would highly recommend considering interviewing Amanda Grant from the Kingston Group/The Order. She has a channel on KZbin called Amanda Rae.

[@IshaSoul]

Yes I follow her! That would be a wonderful episode

[@MrsCelesteB]

❤the story sam shared about his one on one time with his mother was precious. 😢

[@TheeUnholyTrinity]

This is crazy I grew up in the same ward as Sam and the Wyson’s. How crazy

[@janetmitchell4452]

The stricter the church the less you have to think.

[@littlebrownjug1683]

Hi! I hope you got some much needed rest John!!! You look well rested, and calm. I don't usually comment to much. I always enjoy your videos.

[@katiemariemurphy]

I love Sam and Melissa! Loved watching this interview!

[@kelleymyrick3020]

I am DYING at Sam’s story of the bed purchase “oh that’s me 🙋🏻‍♂️” 😂😭😭😭

[@KelseyDunlevy]

This is utterly fascinating, and it really cooks my brain to try to understand how people fall under religious control to these unbelievable levels...

[@mya_metzel]

This guy has a voice for radio!