Growing Up In Polygamy

Latest Episodes:

What Does LEGAL Divorce Really Mean in Polygamy? | Sister Wives Season 21 Ep. 5 Nov 04, 2026

Show notes

What does divorce actually mean when you're in a polygamous marriage?

In our reaction to Sister Wives Season 21 Episode 5, we watch Christine and Meri discuss Meri's legal divorce from Kody, what it means to officially leave the family, and their plans to melt down the jewelry connected to Kody.

Sam shares his perspective growing up in the FLDS and explains why legal marriages and spiritual marriages are often viewed very differently in polygamous communities. Why do many fundamentalist polygamists place so much more importance on their spiritual marriages than their legal ones? And what does a legal divorce really change?

We also check in on Janelle and her new adventures with keeping bees! 🐝

Join us as we break down another episode of Sister Wives from the perspective of two people who have experienced different sides of Mormonism and polygamy.

What do you think? Does a legal divorce represent the true end of a marriage in a polygamous family?

#SisterWives #SisterWivesSeason21 #MeriBrown #ChristineBrown #JanelleBrown #Polygamy #FLDS #GrowingUpInPolygamy

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

At Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

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growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

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Why Meri Really Stayed | Sister Wives S21E4 Reaction Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

In our reaction to Season 21 Episode 4, we talk about how the show is starting to feel a little… boring. With Kody and Robyn no longer filming, there just doesn't seem to be as much happening—and this episode really made us wonder where the story goes from here.

We also talk about Meri's explanation for why she stayed with Kody for so long. She says she stayed because she didn't want Kody to be able to feel innocent about pushing her away. And how many lies did Kody and Robyn tell Meri in the process.

But the entire episode seemed to be building toward the big conversation between Meri and Christine. We finally get to the moment we've been waiting for… and then the episode ENDS! 😩

Now we have to wait until next week to hear the rest of the conversation.

Are we being too harsh, or is Sister Wives really starting to run out of storylines?

👇 What did you think of Episode 4? And what did you think about Meri's explanation for staying with Kody?

🎥 Our full reaction is up now on Growing Up In Polygamy!

#SisterWives #SisterWivesSeason21 #MeriBrown #ChristineBrown #KodyBrown #TLC #GrowingUpInPolygamy

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

Illness, Worthiness & Family Separation | Twelve Tribes vs. FLDS Oct 24, 2026

Show notes

In our final reaction to "Secrets of the 12 Tribes", we take a closer look at some of the similarities between the Twelve Tribes and Sam's experience growing up in the FLDS.One of the most striking parallels is the way illness and injury can be connected to a person's spiritual worthiness. We discuss what happens when people are taught that sickness, suffering, or misfortune may be a reflection of their faithfulness or obedience.We also take a deeper look at the way both Gene Spriggs and Warren Jeffs exercised control over families and relationships, including separating family members and making decisions that could dramatically change people's lives.As an ex-FLDS member and someone who grew up around these kinds of teachings and structures, Sam shares his perspective on why these similarities stand out so much.This is our final reaction to *Secrets of the 12 Tribes*, and throughout this series we've explored missionary work, religious obedience, communal living, child discipline, law enforcement raids, and now the ways leaders can use spiritual beliefs to influence health, family, and relationships.What similarities between the Twelve Tribes and FLDS stood out to you the most?#SecretsOfThe12Tribes #TwelveTribes #FLDS #GrowingUpInPolygamy #GeneSpriggs #WarrenJeffs #DocumentaryReaction #ReligiousAbuseIf you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.orgAt Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamyInsta: @growingupinpolygamywww.growingupinpolygamy.comTheme Song created by @artcowles Please feel free to reach out to us!growingupinpolygamy@gmail.comCreate Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

The Sister Wives Family Was NEVER Just About Kody! | Season 21 Ep. 3 Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

Celebrate your commitment to Sister Wives with Christine's "Not a Quitter" shirts! https://christine-woolley.myshopify.com/products/not-a-quitter-t-shirtThe marriages may be over, but the Sister Wives are discovering that moving on from Kody doesn't necessarily mean moving on from each other!In our reaction to Sister Wives Season 21 Episode 3, we talk about the reality of being a "basement wife," the hierarchy within polygamous families, and how those experiences compare to Sam's upbringing in the FLDS.We also watch the women come together to share family recipes, memories, and traditions as they navigate what their relationships might look like outside of plural marriage.But one of the biggest things that stood out to us is how their children continue to give them a reason to stay connected. Even though their marriages to Kody have ended, they share decades of history and children who still connect their lives.Are they genuinely working toward rebuilding relationships, or will their differences ultimately keep them apart? And can they find common ground now that Kody is no longer at the center of their relationships?Join us as we break down Episode 3 and discuss why the Brown family was never just about Kody!#SisterWives #SisterWivesSeason21 #KodyBrown #ChristineBrown #JanelleBrown #MeriBrown #Polygamy #GrowingUpInPolygamyIf you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.orgAt Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamyInsta: @growingupinpolygamywww.growingupinpolygamy.comTheme Song created by @artcowles Please feel free to reach out to us!growingupinpolygamy@gmail.comCreate Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

When Religion Justifies Child Abuse | Secrets of the 12 Tribes Part 2 Oct 17, 2026

Show notes

⚠️ **TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of physical child abuse and religiously justified corporal punishment. Please watch with care.**In Part 2 of our reaction to "Secrets of the 12 Tribes", we explore one of the documentary's most disturbing topics: the physical punishment of children and how religious teachings are used to justify it.As former members of the FLDS and mainstream Mormonism, we discuss what happens when religious beliefs are used to defend harmful practices, especially when children are involved.We also take a deeper look at FOUR law enforcement raids involving religious communities—two involving the Twelve Tribes and two involving the FLDS. We compare how these raids were carried out, the different approaches authorities took, and the consequences for the families and children involved.But this raises an even bigger question: "What actually makes a raid successful?"Is success measured by arrests, removing children from potentially dangerous situations, holding leaders accountable, or creating lasting change without causing additional harm?Join us as we unpack these difficult questions and discuss the complicated balance between religious freedom, protecting children, and government intervention.💬 "What do you think makes a law enforcement raid successful when children are at risk?" We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.#SecretsOfThe12Tribes #TwelveTribes #FLDS #GrowingUpInPolygamy #DocumentaryReaction #ReligiousAbuse #ChildProtectionIf you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.orgAt Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamyInsta: @growingupinpolygamywww.growingupinpolygamy.comTheme Song created by @artcowles Please feel free to reach out to us!growingupinpolygamy@gmail.comCreate Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

Why Are Third Wives So Important, Yet So Often Overlooked? | Sister Wives S21E2 Reaction Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

The Sister Wives are coming together again in Season 21 Episode 2, but can they really build new relationships after everything they've been through?

In this episode, we react to the women getting together to share old pictures and reflect on their lives in polygamy. We dive into the unspoken hierarchy of wives and compare it to Sam's experience growing up with four mothers in the FLDS.

Why are third wives so important in plural families, yet so often overlooked or disregarded? We also discuss the infamous picture showing the wives' positions and how much has changed now that these women are independent and finally have the power to say NO.

But just because they're no longer sister wives, does that mean they can become friends? Or are their personalities simply too different?

Join us as we break down Sister Wives Season 21 Episode 2 from our unique perspective of growing up in Mormon communities!

#SisterWives #SisterWivesSeason21 #Polygamy #GrowingUpInPolygamy #ChristineBrown #JanelleBrown #MeriBrown

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

Secrets of the 12 Tribes: The Surprising Similarities to Mormonism & FLDS Oct 10, 2026

Show notes

We're only halfway through *Secrets of the 12 Tribes*, and we're already seeing some surprising similarities between the Twelve Tribes community, mainstream Mormonism, and the FLDS!

In this reaction, we explore the shared beliefs and practices of restorationist religious movements, including missionary work, receiving new names, dusting off one's feet, and the belief in the literal gathering of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

We also discuss how the Twelve Tribes' communal lifestyle, close-knit communities, and separation from mainstream society remind us of Sam's experience growing up in the FLDS.

Although these religious groups have different histories and teachings, some of the similarities are hard to ignore.

Join us as we react to the first half of *Secrets of the 12 Tribes* and share our perspectives as former members of fundamentalist and mainstream Mormonism.

💬 **What similarities surprised you the most?** Let us know in the comments!

#SecretsOfThe12Tribes #TwelveTribes #FLDS #Mormonism #GrowingUpInPolygamy #DocumentaryReaction

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

Sister Wives Season 21 Premiere: Kody & Robyn OUT + Coyote Pass Drama Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Sister Wives Season 21 is officially here—and there is A LOT to unpack from Episode 1!We react to everyone finding out that Kody and Robyn will no longer be filming Sister Wives and what their reactions might tell us about how things ended behind the scenes.We also dive into the Coyote Pass “back door deal” and whether Janelle and Meri actually got the closure they deserved after everything they went through with the property.And what about David? We talk about why we think he may have gotten a pretty rough edit in this episode—and why he could be coming across as much less supportive of Christine than he actually is.Join us as we break down the Sister Wives Season 21 premiere from our perspective growing up around polygamy and Mormon fundamentalism.#SisterWives #SisterWivesSeason21 #KodyBrown #RobynBrown #CoyotePass #TLCIf you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.orgAt Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamyInsta: @growingupinpolygamywww.growingupinpolygamy.comTheme Song created by @artcowles Please feel free to reach out to us!growingupinpolygamy@gmail.comCreate Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

We Found SO MANY FLDS Parallels in Just 90 Seconds | Twelve Tribes Trailer Reaction Oct 03, 2026

Show notes

We're reacting to the trailer for the new Twelve Tribes documentary — and the parallels to our own experiences hit hard.

Sam grew up FLDS and Melissa grew up mainstream LDS, so we both know what high-control religious groups look like from the inside. As we watch the trailer, we talk about a community built around one man who claims to speak for God, we compare the group to the FLDS world Sam grew up in, and we get into the heartbreaking stuff: families torn apart, children being harmed, and the way abuse gets swept under the rug in closed-off communities.

We also talk about why these same patterns show up again and again — the control tactics, the isolation, and the pressure to stay silent.

A quick note: this is our reaction to the trailer, and we'll be back with a full reaction once we've watched the whole documentary. Everything here is based on what's shown in the trailer, public reporting, and our own lived experiences. We'll always try to be clear about what's an allegation, what's been reported, and what's just our take.

If you've been affected by a high-control group, you're not alone. Thanks for watching — like, subscribe, and tell us in the comments what stood out to you.

#TwelveTribes #CultDocumentary #ExFLDS

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

Kody & Robyn Are GONE?! Breaking Down the Sister Wives Season 21 Trailer Sep 26, 2026

Show notes

The Sister Wives Season 21 trailer is here, and it came with a HUGE reveal: Kody and Robyn will no longer be filming the show!

After 16 years of Sister Wives, what happened? In this reaction, we break down the announcement and share our best guesses about why Kody and Robyn may have decided to step away. Is it their choice? Is there more happening behind the scenes? For now, we can only speculate, but we definitely have some theories.

We also dive into everything else teased in the Season 21 trailer and what could be ahead for Christine, Janelle, and Meri as their lives continue to move forward after plural marriage.

What do YOU think happened with Kody and Robyn? And are you excited to watch Sister Wives without them? Let us know in the comments!

#SisterWives #SisterWivesSeason21 #KodyBrown #RobynBrown #TLC #GrowingUpInPolygamy

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

Create Shorts Easily like us with Opus Clips: https://www.opus.pro/?via=SamandMelissa

✅SUBSCRIBE NOW : https://shorturl.at/inqrE

➡️ Checkout our other Videos:

🔷Ex-Polygamist Reacts to Sister Wives: Season 18 Ep. 1-2

✅https://youtu.be/R9u4wAzUjK0

🔷Exclusive Interview with an Insider: Exposing FLDS Secrets