My Life as an FLDS Child Bride - Elissa Wall Pt. 2 | Ep. 1653

[@lj9524]

…..I am in tears listening to the sexual abuse of a 14 year old girl….Ms Steed is an amazing survivor of the FDLS cult. She is an intelligent, articulate and amazing young woman. She told her experience of living in a cult so well. I am so so very sorry for her suffering. She is brave and courageous! Thank you both for your conversation.

[@sunnylilme]

Also.. THANK YOU TO THE HOST, for not interrupting her story. It was much more powerful that way.

[@TeeJayNZ]

Agree he was so good and empathetic

[@janciesielski6157]

😮😮

[@terieleimoore1375]

Their silence seriously spoke volumes in the best way, it really did help to amplify her voice even more which is saying something because I saw another person in here describing her story and the way she tells it as captivating, and it is exactly that, but that amount of respect and patience really sets them apart as interviewers as well. They said they wanted to give her the opportunity to tell her whole story and I feel like they REALLY did that - AND with respect. A true example of “actions speak louder than words.”

[@taniam2606]

YAS!!!

[@janenelusty8916]

😊😊😊p😊😊😊pppp😊😊pp😊😊😊😊😊😊😊pp😊p😊😊

[@lady8jane]

I somehow found it incredibly comforting to hear the other people in the room quietly crying in the background as she tells the worst parts of her story. I appreciate the team for being so warm and compassionate.

[@lindaroloff34]

Her openness of her childhood is remarkable. Changing families on the whim of the male elders had the have been heartbreaking.

[@adutdau7823]

@@lindaroloff34

[@Melissa-Glover]

I noticed that too

[@southernbelladonna78]

I didn't hear anyone crying, but I was.

[@BrigitteTesson]

@@lindaroloff34kokkkk’ñz,q

[@e.d.3640]

So many adults complicit in child trafficking and sexual exploitation, and not one stepped up to protect her… horrifying story. She is a very brave woman, what a survivor she is. I hope only the best for her

[@lijohnyoutube101]

The core foundation of all religion is ‘comply’. If they were too loose with the brainwashing, no religion would ever continue. Religion only continues because of extreme indoctrination.

[@annamineer2521]

She's been able to see some of them incarcerated. She's managed to escape and heal and she won a $16M judgement against that horrible Warren Jeffs. She's a survivor and is doing beautifully. She didn't "lose her testimony" either. She found it!❤ One of her sisters escaped too.

[@leandrobravo3319]

That's the beauty of a religion devoted to love.

[@helenkobayashi6900]

​@@annamineer2521 Yes but her mother was one of the criminals

[@graedot]

And it still happens and Utah turns a disgusting, crusty, nasty, black, blind eye to it. I'm sickened.

[@TheInstigator1026]

1:07:24. "he said, One day, you're going to sit and tell your story, and thousands are going to listen." So powerful and moving! Thank you, Elissa, for sharing your incredible story of survival, strength, and resilience. I will be looking to get your book, to support the amazing work you do, and the person you have become. Peace be the journey. ✌

[@TheInstigator1026]

@@sarahjarrell1262 yeah, this probably was not what the prophet had in mind...

[@Who-Dunnit]

Very powerful. Hope he's in hell tho.

[@leandrobravo3319]

Yeah... was at that point I started realy vomiting, becaus an "upstanding man" told a 14y/o girl "Well, one day you will happily tell a ton of people how you were forced to marry a bully and get raped by him and how happy you are about it now.", no matter how it turned out for her. Realy moving and powerfull.

[@shadowmomma]

Hundreds of thousands. Untold millions, down the line.

[@meganmerchant704]

Of course not, but Elissa turned it into something beautiful. ​@@TheInstigator1026

[@stephanieh4412]

I really appreciated John taking back his comment and apologising in this episode.

[@ambers8]

Hey John, I was born in 1963 and adopted by a Mormon couple. Just like Elissa being told that her DNA would change, my parents were told that the DNA of their adopted children would change in the temple sealing…therefore we were told that there was a literal change of blood and it was as if we were the literal children of our adoptive parents. It was so ingrained that, I’m embarrassed to say, I used my adoptive parent’s medical history as my own until I was pregnant with my 5th child. Ugh!!

[@deadmanswife3625]

LOL

[@suemount6042]

Can’t find anything to LOL in ambers message brainwashing is horrendous

[@jenniferbyrne4567]

Children are easily manipulated! It isn’t surprising that you believed that all along. I’m sorry you were lied to.

[@mary-janebelec9082]

WOMAN HATING. MISOGENY.

[@Lunarisa1971]

It's not like there was DNA in those days. It was easy for them to lie to you. And if you believe in your faith then you believe the lies. Especially when your a child. You probably would have been having kids in the years that DNA was just becoming a thing and testing would have been hard to get ahold of. Don't beat yourself up for their lies. You didn't make them. You just listened to your parents and isn't that what we are all raised to do?

[@sallyostling]

Thank you Mormon Stories for allowing her the time and format to tell her story long form. I've seen her before and heard some of her story, but not on this detail.

[@siriuslyconfused1]

Entirely agree! I LOVE Elisa’s book and I am so beyond happy to hear this in her words in her own voice!

[@Aml8503]

My gosh. My daughter turns 14 this week. She’s still so innocent and just barely starting life into womanhood! What horrible abuse!! I can’t even imagine what this woman went through. My heart breaks for her and I’m so glad she escaped. She’s so dang brave and awesome.

[@Peaceshiet812]

I remember my twin girls at that age so clearly , it makes me physically sick to think her own mother didn’t protect her.

[@livid5480]

It hurts me to know she was just a wall away from her child. The mother had all means to protect her daughter and she chose not to. Such a brave person. My heart goes out to you.

[@PatriciaTennery]

Warren did not really care about people especially if he saw them as pawns

[@Yulia.chandrika]

I didn't even have my period at 14. It's uncommon but mine came a bit later. This is absolutely crazy specially because of the psychological manipulation making her believe God wants that 🤦🏻

[@brendakauffman8133]

@@Peaceshiet812 Her mother was indoctrinated too. She thought she was doing right.

[@creatrixcorvusarts876]

As I am listening to her recount her timeline, it is easy to forget that this all took place in such a short time…before she was an adult! It feels like all this was happening over decades! My brain felt like it turned inside out when I realised this. I am so grateful that Elissa is sharing her story.

[@Rupes89]

I agree. It’s harrowing. So easy to forget how fast this all happened, at such a young age. Such a strong person.

[@TeeJayNZ]

Well said

[@sylviamireles8152]

​@@Rupes89 C

[@missylee3022]

That other girl saying "we could run" is going to stay with me forever.

[@agapeeternal]

I love that her and Ruby are still friends too

[@christinesbetterknitting4533]

​@@agapeeternalI love that she and Ruby are still friends, too

[@DrSues-nq7oz]

@@christinesbetterknitting4533 Well and nicely done! I am also so impressed by how much thinking and reading and learning that Elissa has done and is still doing as she continues to tell her story and do such important work.

[@rmengelken]

John, the connections you made to come up with the Mark Twain quote, "Travel is fatal to prejudice," was brilliant!

[@LizKrause]

It’s crazy that a woman falling in love with another man is the biggest no no in a polygamous community where men have 20 wives

[@conniejohnsoncj8724]

Speaks volumes about the hypocrisy!

[@knittnpretty]

My breath actually caught in my throat when Miss Steed heard the words, "one day thousands will listen to you tell your story"!

[@dmaria8684]

Millions of women across the globe ❤

[@ironbutterfly6835]

I just bought my 14 year old grand daughter her first bra. She is a late bloomer but she also wasn’t mentally ready for that step. Her mother and I have defended her right to face maturity on her terms. Physically she wore cami ‘s etc. and shyly let us know she will be undressing in front of other girls during P E class this semester. I’m stunned listening to this incredible brave woman

[@karensiegel6669]

​@@ironbutterfly6835have female relative at 12 looks like she could be older teenager easily. Praying all goes well with her growing up because people of all ages can be very cruel over something you cannot control.

[@satutoivonen9679]

Wow, this was the most captivating podcast I've heard in my life. How come she's so incredibly wise with no education and only 36 years of age? What an incredible woman.

[@lindalove831]

I totally agree, I started listening for just a few minutes but ended up listening to the entire podcast.

[@jeannemarie5908]

I agree!! One very, very wise young woman, wise and articulate. Fascinating to listen to her speak because she is so confident and powerful while communicating such traumatic experiences. I have great respect and admiration for this woman.

[@h.a.k-m3370]

Totally agree 💯 And also: greetings from a fellow Finn listening the Mormon Stories.

[@ms.fancypants8548]

I agree I was just thinking wow I can’t believe she is younger than me.

[@satutoivonen9679]

@@powderandpaint14 Oh, I didn't know she's had an education, my bad. I just asumed as that has not come up once anywhere that I've seen. Just out of curiosity, what education has she had, please tell me as you seem to know? And nooo therapy so does not make a person wise. I was in therapy before she ever made it out of the FLDS. I can garantee you I've had more therapy than she has and that hasn't made me wise. That's not how therapy works. At all. So what I'm saying here is, you don't know what you're talking about, do you? You just wanted to disagree for disagreements sake. Not necessarily... how should I put it... wise.

[@belalima5779]

Child trafficking, in the midst of a community that should be your haven. You are amazingly strong, and I am so incredibly happy you are out! This was a heart breaker and the biggest inspiration at the same time. Thank you! 💙

[@taylorstreet3154]

Elissa is an INCREDIBLE storyteller. this woman doesn’t use the work “um or like” one time in the entire story. john and jen are speechless i love it

[@kaysharogers32]

I see why these videos are some of the most popular on the channel. Elissa's story is heartbreaking to listen to, but so incredibly told.

[@Super69firebird]

I love listening to anyone willing to discuss their experiences in the Flds, especially Elissa and Rebecca Wall. How brave Elissa was to take on the church and stick it to Warren!

[@TheJoxy1]

Wow. She is so strong. She has just said she had been married over 3 years and was 17. I have goosebumps and streaming tears. I just want to hug her, DV is the same world over, but hers was institutional. I hope this womans life is healing for her xxx BLESS HER.

[@whenimonmymoon6822]

This moment just caught me, too.

[@dramatriangle]

I love the way she speaks so confidently and eloquently, and yet she's able to explain how it felt going through this as a child. I can really relate to the religious abuse aspect and the part where we're not supposed to think for ourselves, when some of us are naturally wanting to be very logical and very thoughtful about our faith.

[@lijohnyoutube101]

All religion is abusive, its nothing but cult brainwashing to get others to believe nonsense thru fear, shaming, control, manipulation etc etc

[@T-41]

As she is reciting the horror story, I had to stop it, take a break, and leave the room a couple of times. I am old enough to realize there is so much evil and suffering in the world, but this first person account is just too powerful and devastating to not be terribly affected by hearing it.

[@yorgasor]

I've had to have listened to over 1,000 hours of Mormon Story podcasts, but this blows them all away. Thank you so much for sharing your story!

[@mayasummer6784]

Such a powerful story, I’m speechless. The Netflix special missed so many key parts to her story that should be mentioned to help better understand what living in the flds is really like. I hope more people get to hear her story!

[@reneewelch7993]

Helping others escape cults by sharing your story is remarkably brave and kind.

[@emk7132]

Painting from 1862 that captures how Elissa felt in her wedding dress: The Unequal Marriage by Vasily Pukirev. And reminds us all how the power over women and girls is so much bigger and so much older than FLDS.

[@hunnypie1873]

I love this comment. Thank you.

[@CrumblyTriscuits]

Yes! Thank you!💜

[@rebekahchalkley3252]

Thank you for sharing this. Powerful painting.

[@tdecker2937]

She is so resilient and amazing. Hopefully there are many more who have left this CULT and followed in her footsteps. Just like Scientology, the light needs to be shined on this cult!

[@dianafree2601]

This should be a major movie so that all can see the horror of this. She is amazing to be this psychologically intact. This was child trafficking and we as a society allowed. Woman of the US should be appalled this could happen. This woman is amazing and should be a national speaker to law makers, police, schools and awareness to society. So awful.

[@annamineer2521]

And there are still somewhere between 6,000-10,000 people still following this garbage.

[@cecesmith6229]

Child abuse in the name of "religion".

[@patevans3709]

No--that would be exploiting her and others in her predicament! It is NOT meant to be entertainment!

[@MissAmy2913]

It is not exploitation if she gives permission for her story to be told. If she had creative control over her story, and that story was seen in theatres all over the country, it would be seen by so many more people. Secrecy and being quiet allows evil a place to expand. Light must be allowed to conquer the darkness.

[@sarahmurphy-nf4yl]

​@patevanEEUCATUONAL.. NOT ENTERTAINMENT... EDUCATUONAL.. s3709

[@112462112]

I have no words. Her strength of character and soul. Her resilience, openness and honesty. Stunning. Absolutely stunning. I left “The Church” 25 years ago and have kept so much buried. It’s time to face my past and heal. Thank you!

[@MissAmy2913]

Please follow through and do it! I have been working on my religious trauma (nothing like what Elisa has been through) and it has been life changing. I buried it for decades but now I feel like at 52, I have permission to become the person I was supposed to be.

[@kaiazion5351]

I was groomed by my step father into believing it was normal to be naked in frot of him, to dress, undress in front of him. To be naked at the beach, for him to engage about information on sexuality. I remember so many creepy interactions with him. My Mother knew and condoned it. He was also a violent, alcoholic domestic abuser to the point where I used to hide a knife under my mattress... just in case I had to protect myself against him. Trauma is real, I am triggered constantly by certain things. This story resonates so strongly. What a brave woman. ❤

[@MxPx77]

She is amazingly poised and articulate for what she was put through. Incredible story teller.

[@chrisgibbs9218]

Every time you tell your story, it helps heal your heart. Never let anyone silence you!

[@redsox19521]

This is one strong, resilient, and determined woman. She has endured and overcome so much. I wish her many good days ahead.

[@goingbananas581]

My mom is a devout LDS woman who adopted 2 children 30 years ago. She was told in the Provo temple by the temple president that those 2 kids would have their DNA/blood changed when they were sealed to her. It seems its not just the FLDS that have that weird thought going around. Haha 😄 Crazy!

[@hunnypie1873]

Wild

[@joannedavis1991]

It’s a cult with mind controlled propaganda. Sick.

[@user-bw3fl7fj9w]

Funny... when I was sealed to my parents at the Washington DC Temple.i don't remember any such comments. Maybe, because I was In my early 50s ? I was asked if I had my adoption papers and I said no no one said to bring them.. they had to go ask permission for me to get sealed that day . I said we drove several hours and someone is coming for this...I was never told. I later wrote a letter complaining that it's unfair to adopted people to be asked for their adoption papers, when they don't make people show their birth certificate to prove these are indeed their parents!!

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

DNA will magically change, eh 😂? 🤣😂🤣

[@nancybuecker2260]

What a horrible experience for a young woman. I’m so happy she had the strength to get out of that situation. What an incredibly strong beautiful woman.

[@SuzanneTatham-so1jj]

I cannot stop listening to your compelling and tragic story. So very inspired by you.

[@MotorcoachVocalist]

2:22 “You will never touch me again.” The exact words I spoke at age 17 to my father who had been molesting me. The rage and fire that “rose up” is a real thing. “If you do I will call the police. And if you ever touch (my sister) I will kill you myself.” He never touched me that way again. So, bravo! We do what it takes when we can. 😢

[@karinaz8756]

I can’t imagine what it must feel like to have ADULTS telling you , you must allow yourself to be raped. She didn’t have the words to articulate her abuse. It’s all incredibly sick. She was A CHILD. What kind of man gets off on abusing kids.

[@mariaguzman1552]

Perverts

[@mariepresho3653]

It’s disgusting and look at all the states that are now allowing men to marry girls as young as 14. It’s not just the Mormons. This new Republican Party, oops I mean the Taliban allow it.

[@jenniferbyrne4567]

This!!!!! They should all be in jail!

[@michelleduncan9965]

A demon. THAT'S who gets off on abusing kids.

[@ayceleijae]

Her cousin! Yuck!

[@Abenn944]

A million thanks to Elissa & MS!! This has been enthralling & the eloquent manner she speaks with has had me captivated since the beginning. Elissa sharing her story is more impactful than she will probably ever know. So much love to her ❤️

[@brendaclement6753]

What an amazing and interesting storyteller. Can’t believe I’ve been listening to someone talk for 6+ hours and can’t wait to hear more. I grew up in the mainstream Mormon church and left as a young adult. I’ve heard many common threads while she’s talking about FLDS and main stream Mormons. Something new for me to learn, and my mother had told me this, that the church really pushed my mother and father into marriage. My mother was single with me when I was eight years old and my father had never been married at age 40. He adopted me right away and baptized me. I am really really enjoying this interview.

[@sushi6608]

It took me a while to realize that I sat frozen for a significant amount of time listening to Elissa's recount of what happened to her. To think this was and continues to human beings everyday.

[@41Pucky]

What an inspiration this woman is. This much abuse and still showing all this compassion and forgiveness. Girl, you’re the textbook definition of girl power and for testifying against Warren years later, you’re a total badass too ❤️💪🏻❤️

[@kimross76]

I love Jen. “He’s creepy looking”. Summed up perfectly.

[@lauraburdett8932]

Your book was how I learned about the FLDS. You are an incredibly worthy woman. Thank you so much for your story.

[@bellebelle7868]

This was the most powerful, insightful, sad captivating life story of such a brave strong women I’ve ever heard…

[@klggrabo]

Wow, what a gifted speaker. She is an amazing story teller and such an incredible example of resilience. I’m her age and totally wish we could be best friends in real life. What an amazing woman!

[@sandramelia3765]

Your visceral reaction to W. Jeff’s presence, is the unconscious, primal understanding of being in the presence of pure evil.

[@sbraith]

What an amazing storyteller, and such an emotional story to tell. I hope the book succeeds in every respect. I would hope too that it reaches an even wider audience by being made into a movie. We all need to hear Elissa's voice.

[@oritigra]

It is so painful and insightful to listen to Elissa telling her story. Thank you all for this series!

[@amylou22snowhite]

My great aunt lost so many pregnancies to rH factor in the 40s and 50s that she lost count. My heart goes out to any woman suffering loss like this. Medical science is wonderful!

[@graedot]

I have a negative blood type, father of my kids was positive. We have two lovely children, no miscarriages. Yes, it's not a bad time to be alive even though we tend to believe it is.

[@user-bw3fl7fj9w]

They have an injection given after delivery that's supposed to protect the next baby. Not sure when they started doing it.

[@rtrgirl417]

This is tough on so many levels. I was born in 87. I can't stop thinking of where I was in my life at the time she was experiencing this abuse.

[@TeeJayNZ]

I keep thinking the same and I think back at some of my difficult times but nothing compared to this omg

[@lylymongeon]

First experience for a woman is scary and painful. Requires CONSENT and a gentle approach. Anything less is rape. Married or not. And this is for consenting adults, let alone underaged individuals. Thank you for voicing it later than never.

[@MsGhost87]

It's interesting how small our world is. My fiance works with "lost boys" as well as just boys from Short Creek. I won't say more because I don't want to give more away. However, I have met several polygamist who grew up in Short Creek & who still have family there. The families who left or grew up outside Hildale, still practice, but in a modern way, much how the HBO version "Big Love" was portrayed. It's interesting for sure... Thank you for sharing your story ❤ I can't imagine. Without stories like yours, we wouldn't have known how bad this community was with Warren Jeff's at the helm... as well as others.

[@barbarademaio3980]

Elissa is so compelling in her story telling. Amazingly articulate. This Catholic listener was captivated. Will be a first listener as soon as next episode is released.

[@panninggazz5244]

I grew up in a suburban nuclear family. I am in the Jones Generation (last part of Boomers) and I had zero understanding of sexuality until I dated at 16. Once I learned, my friends and I educated ourselves on birth control immediately. I was raised Protestant but there was a large Mormon community around us (Orange County, CA) I saw that the Mormon boys were not as naive and were allowed things like Mad magazine and other media that the girls were not given. Not sure where I am going here, but was inspired to think out loud here.

[@ashleysmallwood7937]

Hearing her version of what happened to her, in her own words, reminds me of the reading of the diary that you all did of the young bride of Joseph Smith that didn’t want to get married and only wanted to attend the local dance.. (I apologize for not remembering her name.)

[@mylittlebug14]

Helen Mar Kimball

[@southernbelladonna78]

This is so disturbing. To think that many grown adults contributed to brainwashing a child into thinking she was lucky to be forced into marriage and having children....... and on top of it to her cousin. How many adults contributed to this? How? I can barely understand how anyone could turn a blind eye to this.

[@Emm-z-l7i]

Wow! You are an excellent story teller. ❤️ Have you written a book? You could!

[@tricia9940]

This was so moving and incredibly informative. And I was moved to tears hearing her story and experiences as a 14 year old girl. It was absolutely heartbreaking. And then to hear her talk about her first Christmas and realizing she had done the right thing. I’m so happy she has found joy in her life.

[@shirlzitting647]

She wrote her story, her genuine history, condensed into a book, but her telling it in this, what, 13 hour series, is more like a library, and the raw emotions that are never manifest in a book. I imagine the script of this series is more than a book. Do we see a sequel? But like Joseph said, "no man knows my history". There is so much more.

[@KrisBlack-idahogirl]

The level of her knowledge of self is amazing to me. The clarity of understanding and recognizing her feelings throughout each of her experiences is trulely great. My childhood was full of trauma. I could no more identify my feelings at the time because i was distancing myself fromm reality just to survive. I admire this womans strength. Her being able to be in the moment and identify her feelings through each instance. Still surviving it all. Thats truly amazing to me.

[@mariannewall955]

There is a side of the story that is not being told about Elissa’s father. The final reason Elissa’s mom was taken from Lloyd was because of the years of terrible physical abuse he perpetrated upon Sharon’s kids. The day she never went back was one of the worst displays of abuse where he and his 3rd wife had tried to kill Elissa’s brother David through choking him. David and Sharon fled the home Sam Barlow (the cop from FLDS) came to gather up Sharon and David from the streets of Salt Lake and the rest of the children were gathered up from his home never to return. Now several of the police department was now aware of the abuse. The police not apart of the FLDS tried to convincer Sharon to file charges and Sharon said no she didn’t want to do that to Lloyd but she wanted her children safe. If that would’ve happened in the general public those children would’ve been taken away and there would have been a restraining order against Lloyd. I think every child wants to love their biological father. And to be fair some of Elissa’s siblings did not have as harsh of treatment from Lloyd and his other wives. But there was terrible abuse to many of them especially the boys. I also understand that people can go through the same experience and have totally different perspectives. The fact is Lloyd was extremely abusive and with all the media coverage that has not been brought to light is rather interesting and disturbing.

[@mormonstories]

😢😢😢

[@sandymmusic8909]

So sad. Thanks for sharing.

[@AMYforHIM]

I haven’t listened to the entire podcast. Its very difficult to hear. At the moment I’m having a difficult time with her seeming protection and excuses she’s providing for her mother’s role in the abuse. Coming from a personal history of childhood trauma, where my mother was complicit in ignoring the abuse, there are just no excuses for a parent not protecting their child. I understand there was brainwashing and the mother may have been abused as well, but in my mind there’s just no excuses for the neglect and lack of protection.

[@annamineer2521]

​@@AMYforHIMI'm with you. My mother didn't protect me either and I don't give her a pass. I had to forgive for my own sake, but she had to answer for that when she met Jesus. But I don't make excuses for her.

[@tiryaclearsong421]

​@@AMYforHIM She went through so much that it seems anyone who wasn't blatantly abusive was "nice" or "good" to her. She is only 36 though and still has time to unpack the rest, but many people I know who went through severe trauma reach a functional state and just can't keep unpacking and keep their job or responsibilities at some point. So unpacking the trauma becomes like triage, stop them from dying and ducktape the rest. My mom is twenty years older than her and only now unpacking that none of the "good" people in her life were good to her either. And she honestly just rejects some of it because some of them are dead and she won't darken their memory. It's weird but she is nice and functional and not perpetuating the abuse, she just has this cognitive dissonance that her mom was a good mom while also saying her mom's parenting was not ideal and she wouldn't do it herself or have me do it. It's weird but she's still in therapy.

[@emptynesters2520]

Oh Elissa♥️I hope you’re able to see this some day. No one on this earth should ever judge you, especially as a minor! You are a WARRIOR woman! Thank you for having the courage to stand back then and to stand now! We’ve been following your story since the beginning and have only ever viewed you as the badass you are!♥️Stay strong and blessed! We’re always rooting for you!♥️

[@carolfulton-kennedy2482]

Gosh YES - 💯% Elissa, you have me crying and cheering and smiling. All in this podcast!! What an incredible warrior you are. Sending all best wishes and massive hugs from Australia ♥️🩶

[@GeorgesGulch]

I listened her book a few months after it came out (I’m just a few years older than her, so I was young, too.) and have hoped to see her out there more ever since. I craved to hear her story in her voice, though the narrator was good. To this day when I see the name Allen, I hear it in the narrator’s voice. Anyway, at the time I knew she was young and doing life. Just getting her story written as she was making sense of everything was a massive accomplishment. I’m so happy to see her here with you all, John.

[@mjay858]

What an amazing woman. Came to listen for just and min and stayed for the whole thing. She is a beautiful story teller. She is so articulate, so brave and her intelligence shines through! And pretty to boot! Thank you for sharing your story. Keep on sharing! You stopped a world of hurt your a hero!

[@FabricofTime]

I"m exactly the same age as Elissa; her birthday is twelve days before my own. I grew up in a couple of different IFB (independant fundamental Baptist) churches and while my upbringing was NOWHERE near as abusive as Elissa's in the FLDS (nor as restrictive), it's fascinating how many shades of similarity there are. They used a lot of the same terminology and a lot of the same fears to keep us apart from "the world" and to make us afraid of the people on the other side. It's wild to think about what life was like for me and for her at nearly the same time. Her road was much longer and harder than mine, but I'm glad we're both free.

[@the_syncopated_traveler1453]

Warran Jeff's absolutely used her marriage arrangement as a punishment. Sick

[@nadzach]

I'm honored to be one of the thousand you would someday speak to--telling your story.

[@Emm-z-l7i]

How has our U.S. government allowed this to happen?

[@kuroe-chan5190]

I’m guessing because it’s “religion” based bs so they can’t interfere I don’t know. I would love to know. It is sickening

[@senatoraous]

I was really drawn to Elissa in the Netflix documentary, I live in a country where her book is not available so I am very happy I get to hear her story like this. Thank you. Such a great story teller.

[@senatoraous]

@taramcgavan7654we do have Amazon but it’s doesn’t offer the same range of products. I’m in Turkey, Amazon got here like 2018

[@sweetla4750]

What’s the name of the documentary?!

[@silmuffin86]

What a strong amazing woman! She is exactly my age, and it's like she's lived twice as long. She's been through so much, and yet she's there, so beautiful inside and out, thriving.

[@kpwillson]

Elissa Wall is an incredible person with a true internal sense of right and wrong, and extreme courage. She's also incredibly poetic and well spoken. Given the environment she was raised in, these traits are even more impressive. Thanks for an amazing interview. So much respect for Elissa

[@franniebear777]

I have heard many stories from the FLDS as well as "The order"/ Kingston Clan. Most of the stories are horrific but this one hit different because of the detail and emotion being explained so well. I was surprised because this is the first account that has really talked about Ruhlen. It surprised me to hear that it seems he was not as bad and had more of a heart than Warren. It seems Warren Jeffs was the worst thing to happen to the people that were part of the FLDS. I have heard recording of his voice on several occasions and also got chills and an uneasy feeling each time, even before hearing about all he did. He was an enemy to women. I am so glad Elissa got out and so sorry for all she went through as part of this group. Such a strong woman and very well spoken. I hope the message eventually reaches many others in these groups and they can get out. Thank you for sharing.

[@kimtopp5984]

A bunch of dirty old men hiding behind religion…

[@pemman]

Wow! Elissa is such a lovely person and so good at bringing forth her story with all the various thoughts, feelings and so on. I can so understand that because of the indoctrination of a lot of dehumanization for a lot of Elissa's younger years (17 years plus) that so much conflict within Elissa had occured. Including, I feel, the working out of who she really was and unravelling whatever was the good, bad and ugly, etc. for herself so that at last she can like herself for who she really was. Looking forward to the final chapter. Well done Elissa :)

[@lilianastone9598]

This is such an important interview! Thank you so much John and Mormon stories staff for creating this environment for people to tell their stories the way that they need to, in their own way. This is why I am a supporter!!❤️

[@leahannewoods6170]

I’m so happy that you were able to birth a healthy baby with your second husband!!! And I’m so happy that they told you that it’s a medical Rh factor blood issue and not unworthiness that had caused your miscarriages and still birth. I pray for your continuing healing. I know women who have had miscarriages and still birth. They say there’s no time when you don’t think about the baby that died. But there’s everyday realizations and re-realizations and truth and healing and grief. Love your stories! Love your survival!!!❤️🔥🌬

[@kathrynbaker7529]

Spoiler alert: She has a daughter, too!

[@soleillebolduc2448]

Wow. Such unimaginable trauma and pain. I am so sorry, Elissa, that you experienced any one of those things let alone all of those things.... my heart hurts for you and so many others. You are a strong and amazing human. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@susiekaiser1]

She stayed for her mother and her sisters yet, they didn’t worry about her or her brothers when they were kicked out at 13. Those poor uneducated boys. And their dad should have broken down the gates to get to his children. It all baffles me. I’m glad that Elisa was released from her miserable marriage. These people are all sick!

[@dawna1214]

This beautiful young woman is an excellent story teller. I could listen to her read the dictionary ❤lots of love and luck

[@savoydowdy4212]

Wow. Just wow! Hands down the most powerful, moving story I've heard yet on a podcast. She seriously needs to write a book. The way she told her story I literally sat here imaging a movie playing in my head. The details are so vivid. Someone really needs to make her story a movie. No question about it. God bless you lady!

[@terieleimoore1375]

She did write a book about it, it’s called Stolen Innocence!

[@panninggazz5244]

I can’t stop commenting! So thankful that you were given so many hours to talk to us. It takes as long as it takes!!!

[@katiehensley290]

I love Elissa she is such an inspiration. It's really validating to hear her discuss the impact of emotional abuse and how it can affect you more than physical abuse. As a survivor of both I agree and it feels very good to have that described.

[@madrigale6396]

I'm so grateful to hear more of Elissa's story! I recently viewed a documentary that centered a bit on her story but I wanted so much more info and here it is! Thank you Elissa and this channel!

[@MicaelaShepherd]

Her story is fantastic because it is all about perspectives. He was motivating her with his words to change things for the church that change the lives of all of them forever.

[@LenaL146]

I’ve just watched Keep Sweet - Elissa is an absolute hero, I am immensely in awe of her bravery!!!!! Amazon lady!!!

[@panninggazz5244]

You Mormons!!! I cannot think of any other culture that uses such a large vocabulary! This is an audio book! Thank you all for taking the time to record this.

[@susiekaiser1]

This young woman had no one to stand up for her! At 14! So very sad.

[@andreamarie4023]

This was one of the best podcasts… she is amazing

[@heidisexton5928]

What a spectacular articulate woman and a beautiful story! thank you! May light continue to shine upon her and her family. 🕊️ I'm astounded how this woman can reach around everything that has happened to her and actually realize what was happening to Alan at the same time. I'm speechless. wow wow wow

[@Winpegal]

What an incredible story !!! You are so brave for speaking up !!!

[@sarebear6277]

“Follow your heart” holy mackerel, what a beautiful moment💝

[@livea3596]

Swrabear6277, yeah, well until...

[@claireday8593]

Oh this is heart breaking she was so young. It is crazy that an older man can marry a child and that child is then groomed by everyone. The fact they are telling a child that their duty is to do what the man teaches you to do. I can’t believe that religious groups and so many of them are ok with it. I have never understood how people think that any God could be ok with sexual abuse towards children and makes these children believe that this is what happens to all children. This lady is so strong to be able to talk about her experience it needs to be talked about and needs to stop this is not ok.

[@Alex-pn2hn]

Elissa is a WARRIOR. I don't think I would have survived this hardship. Thank you for your bravery and fighting to stop the cycle of violence and exploitation! You've saved so many other women and children through speaking up.

[@Desert_Marcupial]

Yes John, Elissa is a beautiful story-teller. She has brought me to tears several times.

[@foridor]

Elissa speaks with such passion and clarity. Its hard to believe that a society actually lives this way. I have so much respect for her.

[@terilee7791]

What an incredible speaker this young woman is! And what a beautiful, brave soul. Thank you so much for sharing 💕

[@ANNEWHETSTONE]

I read the book years ago and knew very little at the time. Just what we heard on the news. This is way more indepth and i think i am now more mature to hear what she she went through. I can not understand how she was able to indure that. I have my own personal trauma but not any where near that degree. And it can take decades to try to stop yourself from negative thoughts and feelings. Thank you so much for sharing and i look forward to the next instalment!!

[@senorbb2150]

Historians often like to say that Joseph Smith was a uniquely American prophet and his church a uniquely American church. As members of the church we are often somehow proud of that. Well then, this young woman's life story is a uniquely American story and no one should be proud of how the horror of her childhood was forced upon her. Thank you for your example of courage and rebellion and thank you for sharing it with us.

[@danielle7397]

what an incredible interview, she is soooo strong. My heart breaks for her. So happy she has found some peace and happiness, Big hugs to her!

[@helenelarsen25]

What a nightmare.... it shows how people actually force themself to believe illogical concepts in order to accept absurdity and survive extreme conditions. Shout out to Elissa for not just surviving but to break down the insanity and have the strength to share her testimony. We need to hear these stories because this happens in many cultures and cults and I hope we are entering a new era for the humanity where stories like this belong to ancient times or horror films. ❤❤❤

[@paddlefar9175]

It’s interesting to understand that the vast majority of Religions are simply just lighter, less abusive or predatory religions compared to the FLDS and LDS, Scientology, Moonies, etc., albeit in most cases, to a great degree, but are still quite illogical, contradictory, nonsensical and controlling ideologies nevertheless.