Escaping Polygamist Cult - Inside the Dangerous World of the FLDS 🇺🇸
The FLDS is a fundamental sect of the Mormon church. In this video, we get in with a former member who shows us the complex world of multiple mothers, dozens of siblings, and harsh requirements under the heavy hand of Warren Jeffs.
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❗If you know where Salome (the missing boy in the video 38:15) is, please reach out to Short Creek Dream Center: www.shortcreekdreamcenter.org/ You can also support their efforts in turning people's lives around by donating here: www.shortcreekdreamcenter.org/donate/ And check out Sam and Melissa's KZhead channel for more content on the topic: youtube.com/@GrowingUpinPolygamy This is part of a greater 6-part Mormon series where we get different perspectives from active members, ex-LDS, and fundamentalist groups over the next few weeks: kzhead.info/channel/PLEyPgwIPkHo6jjSMpNn5YxgxHYmCJcQXX.html ► 🎥 More Behind the Scenes Videos: petersantenello.com/ ► 📝 My Free Weekly Newsletter: www.bit.ly/3HC36EH
Conditioning by Osho Unless you drop your personality you will not be able to find your individuality. Individuality is given by existence; personality is imposed by the society. Personality is social convenience. Society cannot tolerate individuality, because individuality will not follow like a sheep. Individuality has the quality of the lion; the lion moves alone. The sheep are always in the crowd, hoping that being in the crowd will feel cozy. Being in the crowd one feels more protected, secure. If somebody attacks, there is every possibility in a crowd to save yourself. But alone? - only the lions move alone. And every one of you is born a lion, but the society goes on conditioning you, programming your mind as a sheep. It gives you a personality, a cozy personality, nice, very convenient, very obedient. Society wants slaves, not people who are absolutely dedicated to freedom. Society wants slaves because all the vested interests want obedience. Osho Commentary: This card recalls an old Zen story, about a lion who was brought up by sheep and who thought he was a sheep until an old lion captured him and took him to a pond, where he showed him his own reflection. Many of us are like this lion - the image we have of ourselves comes not from our own direct experience but from the opinions of others. A "personality" imposed from the outside replaces the individuality that could have grown from within. We become just another sheep in the herd, unable to move freely and unconscious of our own true identity. It's time to take a look at your own reflection in the pond, and make a move to break out of whatever you have been conditioned by others to believe about yourself. Dance, run, jog, do gibberish - whatever is needed to wake up the sleeping lion within.
A true seeker is not after knowledge, he is after knowing. He wants to learn the very process of learning. He is not interested in arriving at conclusions, he is not interested in goals; in fact he is more interested in the journey itself. The journey is so beautiful, each moment of it is so delicious - who cares about the goal The very idea of a goal is created by the lazy mind so that you can rest; once it is achieved you are finished. So one tried to find a short-cut. The people who are interested in goals are always interested in short-cuts;naturally: why go the long route? The people who are lazy cannot be true seekers. A true seeker has no desire, no ambition to have a goal. He is interested in the moment, this moment, now and here. His whole being is involved in living. When you become more aware, you are more open to existence, to all that is happening around. All your windows and doors are open; existence can pass through you. You can become more and more sensitive as you become more and more aware. Through knowledge you remain the same old person with more knowledge added to you. But you are not new, you are the same old person with new acquirement, that's all. With awareness yoiu are new, and you are new in such a way that you know how to go on renewing yourself every moment so that you are never old, never dull, never insensitive. Osho
I can't believe they didn't take you up to Water Canyon and show the views of that park as well.
@@Lovebomb-pu7jino thanks 😂 leave your cult you will be happier
@@Syndrometestdid you notice the mural at dream center was of water canyon? Its so beautiful there.
How can someone in prison for TWO life terms be allowed to communicate with what are essentially his "victims?" No one thinks that this is not TOTALLY ridiculous?
I agree that it's sick. However, many in the FLDS still believe Warren Jeffs is the prophet and want to hear his revelations. Warren isn't physically attacking anyone anymore, but is continuing his attack on the mind. I think it's similar to Stockholm Syndrome or the kind of gaslighting and manipulation abusers have in domestic violence cases. The state can and does intervene when damage is done to person and property, but it's harder to create and enforce laws when phycological damage is being done. Especially if it is not condemned by the victims.
Definitely weird, but FLDS is so influential inside the US that they probably have their own ways in the legal system. Corrupt legal systems and governments are everywhere in the world, though...
"victims" lmfao
@@petervansan1054yes, victims. They were born and raised into a society they had no control over- former flds myself
@@petervansan1054 Why do you think they weren't victims? Do you feel like their actual victimhood is taking away from your own LARPing? Very curious.
Hearing about the children being taken away and placed in different families breaks my heart for their moms. The way children are seen as property of the church is disgusting.
This is also happening right in your own back yard with moms who are victims of domestic violence...family courts and child protection services are trafficking abused children to their abusers, blocking them from their safe mothers. The United Nations has called out the corruption in this industry recently, and American Psychiatrist Dr. Bandy Lee is writing a book about it where she exposes Family Court Genocide, Judge-Driven Racketeering, and Judicial Child Trafficking where these monsters act with impunity, not even caring when children die as a result.
It's a form of modern day slavery
Yep, religion for ya! All of it is BS.
that's awful but that women are forced to have sex with men as their belongings is worse. At least the children would presumably be cared for in the other families.. the fathers probably dont care as much because they had so many by different women...
They are seen as children of God. Not an excuse, I am just trying to add the belief for context.
I feel so bad for Gladys, you can tell she still struggles a lot with her choice. It sucks that her kids went right back into it even after she tried to save them by pulling them out.
Thanks❤
This is the lure of sin for people who pursue the flesh and not the spirit. One of the most damming motives of Satan is to confuse the hermeneutic of Love. Love is obedience to Jesus and His word, not the pursuit of sensual desires. The deceit, the motivating tactics, are for we believers to embrace ALL things that "seem" loving which take us away from the truth. I detest the false doctrine of Mormonism. I've studied this for over 30 years and know both Mormonism and true Christianity.
@@gladysw1528 Stay strong Gladys, I felt God has a wonderful plan for you, just listening to you! I have always felt, a relationship with God is so much more important in life, than having a man's religion to believe in. May God Bless you and your relationship with your children!
@@charlieneal8253 thank you for your kind words. ❤️
I cannot imagine the pain of this mother
The atrocities did NOT begin with Warren Jeff’s. My father was FLDS and I can tell you these same atrocities were happening on the 60’s and 70’s. I remember staying in Short Creek with my grandmother for a year. I had a hard time remembering all the weird rules they had. My mother was not FLDS, my parents marriage was arranged in an effort to bring new blood into the group because there were inbred children with deformities were being born. My mother was shunned, judged and ostracized because she dared to wear nail polish and cut her hair. My grandmother received a $50,000 check from my grandfather’s death and the church forced her to sign the check over to them. Then had the gall to ask for donations for her funeral. The whole operation has been sick and twisted for generations, it did not start with Warren Jeff’s.
That is absolutely atrocious. How could they demand the money off her? The bloody cheek. 😡. No wonder people are becoming less and less interested in religion. And to remove kids is abuse as far as I'm concerned. Leave them with their families.. NOT YOUR KIDS. I feel for your Grandmother. And how they carried on when she passed. Disgusting people. 🤬
I just got married. My husband ran away from there at 17. The stories are crazy. He is finally getting therapy. I love him! Hes 23 and in college now.
I wish you and your husband the best! He must be dealing with a lot, and he is very lucky to habe a loving wife to Support hin.
Good luck to both of you!
man he musta been smashing dat poon 24/7!
Mormonism is one of the most difficult cults to escape from - Godspeed.
@@sgee-vc1hzcongrats to you both 😊
I love that Sam is so balanced and positive despite being brought up in this cult. What a strong man.
Right?! He is incredibly smart, well spoken, social, mature, etc....I’m 41 and was raised normally and I tense up during conversations, stumble over my words, don’t know much about anything, etc.....
Most of us siblings are good
This was so respectful while being honest about the abuse, exactly what the story needs to do it justice. Especially when so many ex-FLDS still dearly love people who are in it. The way they spoke respectfully gives space for those complicated feelings!
The fact is you were as women creating a community. I'd love to volunteer as a uK child advocate and share a wider world perspective. These ladies and mothers didn't make a mistake. It's all you knew but I so feel for those parted as family. God doesn't separate mums from children or those who support her 🙏
I'm Donna, and I live in an Orthodox Jewish family in NY. Can anyone help me, because my husband is forcing me to give birth to my 12th child, even though I already had the last 3 high-risk pregnancies.
Dear Donna, I hope there 's someone who you can talk to and get help @@suboticab My prayers are with you 🙏🏻
@suboticab Plan your escape.
I was in Saudi Arabia, a similar attitude is common, women are regarded as being on the same level as a piece of furniture
Such a well adjusted well spoken young man. Nice to see him so happy. He should be a commentator or do radio or voice over. He has a great deep voice.
Agreed!
*Every part of the infamous “pray and obey” sign in Hildale was pried away last week by a team of residents, starting with the last “Y” at the bottom of the chimney. It took them two and a half days of hammering at the past to remove it. It felt monumental in so many ways*
I can't wait to go home next weekend and see it! It truly is monumental and I think it's helping so many people
Next step, get people out of the government-worshiping cult of statism, where the government takes people's property without their permission which is also known as theft ("taxation"). They also kidnap children in some countries for their indoctrination centers like in Germany where homeschooling is "illegal" (though still legal as a god-given right of every human).
while the Keep Sweet sign is taken down the UEP sign will stay up although Warren no longer uses the UEP as his personal bank the trust is still ran by a council consisting of former members, people still in the FLDS, the city council from both towns, and the sheriff of Mojave and Washington County. New rules that are in place are 1. Don't pay your taxes you will be banished from the town and sent to the colony in St. George. 2. No worshiping Warren Jeffs! anyone caught worshiping Warren will be removed from the community. 3. Don't harass any drivers, do not harass tourist, and God Squad trucks and US Marshal vehicles must stay in their zones. This is a big one if your God Squad unit is in Hilldale do not enter Arizona unless you get a backup call that zone belongs the Centennial Group and is patrolled by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. If your God Squad unit is based in Colorado City or Centennial Park do not enter Utah or cross into the Cane Beds or enter Pipe Springs that zone belongs to Indian Affairs, Arizona Public Safety and the Cane Beds Marshall office. Also no units are allowed in Utah that zone belongs to the Utah Highway Patrol and Apple Valley Marshall. 4. God Squad may not pull people over, issue an arrest warrant, or respond Code 3 under a swat call. This is how God Squad abused their authority they pulled people over under Code 3 and Bateman and Warren told them to kill all outsiders. This is wrong if a Code 3 call is issued Washington County Swat or the St. George Bomb Squad is who responds every other call must be handled Code 2. and 5. city cameras may not be used to send a Code 3 call they are only there to monitor traffic. God Squad abused this in the past and city cameras where connected to Warren's manor he and Bateman saw everything and sent out the Code 3 calls this is how people died this is why for now on city cameras my not be used by the Marshalls or the God Squad to respond Code 3 only for traffic.
The way he describes "wives being given" and "women passed around" is chilling
Yeah, and he also says that only Warren Jeffs was to blame. The rest were just "trying to live their lives." He needs to understand that those adults were responsible for their behavior. And it wasn't just "women" who were passed around. It was also teenage girls.
When that woman was saying how they were "property", she meant exactly that.
@@mygirldarby The kids are the real victims here both boy and girl, obviously the women were more often then not treated like property but the men basically were forced to stay in line to such a degree that if you even tried doing something "against the Church" (such as trying to help the women) they would be kicked out on trumped-up charges so it basically weeds out anyone who is decent and only the brainwashed predator's who worshiped Warren remained. Quite scary how efficient it all seemed to run.
Yup, women as a comidity. So messed up..
and those women were brainless robots or what?
Sam has a career in media waiting for him. What a handsome, well spoken individual!
He has an amazing channel on KZhead called😊 Growing up in Polygamy
The way Gladys unveiled bit by bit of what she experienced… The way she really opens up about how it must be tearing her apart… thanks so much for letting us see this. All the best wishes for you Gladys!
Thank you❤
I'm Donna, and I live in an Orthodox Jewish family in NY. Can anyone help me, because my husband is forcing me to give birth to my 12th child, even though I already had the last 3 high-risk pregnancies.
@@suboticab wtf call 911 not ask youtube comment section for help
@@gladysw1528you’re an inspiration ❤
@@suboticabYou need to get yourself and your kids out of there. That’s an abusive relationship!
The fact that Gladys was recently shunned by her community but still chooses to stay there to help run that center is so admirable.
The center has been a great help to me.
You get a lot of Shunning at my previous Jobs!
@@marcosramos4596Were you a professional Jehovah's witness, by any chance?
@@gladysw1528Thank you for sharing your experience with us, love. I could’ve listened to you all day. My wish for you is to have your children all around you in freedom and to really fall in love and be respected for the amazing, strong, and beautiful woman that you are
@@gladysw1528 I thought you guys weren’t allowed to use the internet/social media in flds? Because then you’d learn about things that exposed Warren and so much more. Even this “apostate” said he couldn’t listen to music/watch movies/play video games... But your KZhead account is over 7 years old, and you said in this 12 day old video that you left the church only a year ago... what gives? You mean to tell me you had a KZhead account with all that’s available here on KZhead as an flds member?!?
As another ex FLDS member I am very proud of him for showing you how we lived. Very good interview and tour of the town.
I love how respectful they kept it towards the community and the people, even mentioning the nice parts of growing up there. All while still not sugar coating the bizarre abuse. Really does the story justice! Hope you are well
He had conversations with the devil...
I so respect you finding your own relationship with God. I'm not religious but I still have faith so strong.
It looks like the edge of Gaza. Except there's no razor wire
It is interesting how your approach was completely different to the orthodox Jews of New York, Borough Park. Orthodox Jews are a classic cult, they forbid watching TV, using cell phones, force women to wear wigs, dress like aunts, and give birth to 10 children each. But you showed them as "normal, average New Yorkers". Are you a Jeweler, or someone who doesn't have the balls to criticize them?
When Gladys said that you can't conquer an emotional problem with hate, you have to conquer through love, for the first time i deeply understand whats the path forward for my own family issues. I am thankful that the wise words came across my life at this point.
Best wishes to you on your journey ❤❤
Out of the many documentaries I've seen about the FLDS, this is one of the best. With each show, there's something revealed that wasn't discussed in the last one I watched. I think people fail to understand that when someone makes you completely dependent on them then leaving is often the hardest thing to do. That church made everyone dependent on them by design so I applaud anyone who manages to make a life for themselves outside of the life they've known for years.
The group that’s over the hill, doesn’t sound like they’re dependent on the church. There is some connotation of interdependency, with the extra 10% tithe. But that could just be like a membership fee.
Yeah and they teach them that anyone from the "outside world" is bad
It is interesting how his approach was completely different to the orthodox Jews of New York, Borough Park. Orthodox Jews are a classic cult, they forbid watching TV, using cell phones, force women to wear wigs, dress like aunts, and give birth to 10 children each. But you showed them as "normal, average New Yorkers".
Now, Mr. Santarello, should go to Boro Park, NY, and save those women from the hands of the cult of orthodox Jews, who in the middle of NY forbid women to show their hair, to dress how they want, and force them to give birth to 15 children, forbid them to use cell phones, watch TV and listen to the radio.
A prisoner with 2 life sentences for child rapes should lose ALL communication ability. Warren Jeff is grooming via a prison phone
Am french and even I know everything about this sect 🤢
My thoughts 100% as well!
His name is Warren Jeffs. Don't comment if you can't get a simple part of it correctly. You have zero credibility.
@@greedo9543spot on.
@@clvrswine LMAO just because someone misspelled that monster's name makes you say something like that? You're on the evil side, bub.
God that poor woman whose daughter went back. That must have been unimaginably painful
The pain doesn't go away because I know she is going what I had to go through.
@@gladysw1528 I feel bad for the women caught up in this stuff.
@@jimevans1112 thanks for your kindness ❤️
@gladysw1528 Gladys, were you in this video?
@@jimevans1112 yes
He is so eloquent and kind hearted despite EVERYTHING. Totally couldnt feel that he lived in a cult . Bravo to him 👏👏👏
This documentary is very informative and done very carefully. Thank you Mr. Santenello for respecting the lives, space, and privacy of these past members. Thank you for being respectful of their wishes, thank you for taking the time to understand their stories and their perspectives. Thank you for not putting them down for their old ways of life, thank you for not stereotyping. Thank you for understanding alternative views and for remaining optimistic. More people like you are needed. Keep doing what you are doing!
***GLADYS**** If you see this by any chance, keep your head up. Smile when you can and be proud of what you did for your children ❤️
Awe thanks!❤
@@gladysw1528 know that people from all over the world supports you
@@gladysw1528seriously you are the type person that God intended the humanity he created should be!! The Brainwashing your former church does too people is the only way it could make a person like you think she's not doing the right thing if they you if all people wouldn't make it to heaven .
I agree. It must have taken unbelievable courage and strength. It also made me realize again the depth of the real problems some people have and to compare it to some of the so called "problems" todays´s society seems occupied with. Dear Gladys, I believe that despite the situation the message you gave your kids by leaving is somewhere in their memory and one day will guide them on their way.
When the guy at the airport said, "It's crazier than that." I almost got chills. As if what had been said in the video up to that point wasn't crazy enough. I'm so glad that people are able to escape that life, but the "runaway kids" issue is very disheartening.
Good point. He also said he was asked to leave. This had me wondering if he was one of the "Lost Boys". The FLDS community was known to expel/kick out some of their young men in order to maintain a higher percentage of women who would be given to the adult men they allowed to remain. They used the young boys as a free workforce and then thinned out the numbers when they were older. I wouldn't be surprised if they still do this.
There's so so much awful stuff that went on with the higher ups in the FLDS that isn't talked about here, but pretty easy to find if you're interested. The 'seed bearers" period is particularly shocking, as are the reports on how Warren's wives had to live. They also don't touch on ofc all the boys on the work crews being unpaid, so they were forced to go and work for no pay, to go back into the pockets of church leaders, then expelled from the church in their late teens and cast out with nothing, including no education. It was indentured slavery basically, and these were not small little jobs but billion dollar construction projects. A scam through and through and deeply shocking. It's not just Warren who should be in prison!
Yes, even the mainstream Latter Day Saint Church teaches that God is a huge polygamist having billions upon billions of spirit children with his celestial wives. So all the crazy chit going on in this mormon community is consistent with the religious beliefs proclaimed by joseph smith and brigham young.
It's so interesting to me that the "prophets" use that they talk directly to God (the one they've made up, not the real God) to run everyone's lives, but also "preach" that they can all be god's one day. If that's the case, doesn't their whole reasoning fall apart? I mean, how do you know which "god" is the right one? So crazy @@sgee-vc1hz
@@micharein2213 yeah my step dad was a “higher up” (John wayman) and was the bishop at some point who oversaw a lot of this and spent upwards of 50 thousand dollars for a certain “item” because Warren told him to.
it's like handmaid's tale in a way, hearing Gladys' story. I can definitely understand how she misses having a community of women around. It's so hard to build/find that as an adult, everyone is just looking out for themselves. It gets quite lonely. I could imagine that's why many never leave or how someone could get sucked into a cult in the first place.
People don’t leave for lots of reasons. Some of the main challenges are: they don’t know how, they don’t have somewhere to go, they are afraid to fight, and they have to give up friends and family permanently. Thanks for your kind comment ❤
Gilead was probably founded by members of the FLDS, most of us normal Christians aren't that psychotic.
Absolutely
You hear that about many cults, people are so lost without the community
@@Xaforn true
Gladys is missing her sense of community. What an amazing mother to have the courage to get your kids out of a bad situation!!
Thank you❤ kindness from people like you brings new hope.
Gladys is an amazing mother and person. It takes a lot of guts to challenge the beliefs instilled upon you since the day you were born, let alone leave and change your life entirely because you realize it's what's best for your kids.
Thanks, your kindness and kindness from others makes a difference and is appreciated!
@@gladysw1528 wishing you nothing but the best. I want you to know that the outside world - while complicated - is also enormously more loving than you were led to believe. I myself am not religious, but pray to whatever powers that be that you and your children are able to find all the love and fulfillment that this bountiful existence has to offer. May you find the community love that you deserve and feel all the love that surrounds you 💞 I can think of nothing more genuinely Christ-like than assisting the women and families who have been so damaged by high-demand groups that are frankly too patriarchal to deserve amazing women like you. May you continue to come into your power as an incredible woman and leader for you and all who follow 💫
Best for everyone
@@gladysw1528I don't know that you'll see this, but I want to thank you for all you do! You seem like a wonderful lady who stands for what she knows is right with a smile no matter how hard it is. I am so happy to have you in the world outside of FLDS, and I know you will be appreciated here and by those in between the two worlds who need to leave like you did. I wish you and your family safety and peace.
@@youtubehandlesareridiculous Thank you for your kind comment. I wish you all the happiness in the world as well.❤️
"You can't conquer an emotional problem with hate, you have to conquer through love.". Those are really beautiful words the ex-FLDS mom said about losing her children to the church. Particularly the part about how you can't solve an emotional problem with hate.
Thanks❤
That quote is beautiful and I needed to hear it too!
@@heatherbeach4696 It really applies to all our lives.❤️ Every person is precious. Wish you the best in your journey.
I'm Donna, and I live in an Orthodox Jewish family in NY. Can anyone help me, because my husband is forcing me to give birth to my 12th child, even though I already had the last 3 high-risk pregnancies.
There was no need to repeat the same quote with "particularly", since that was all the quote meant. Particularly, that is like saying: "I like ham. My favourite part of this is where I say I like ham." See? It is redundant.
Sam, thank you for allowing us in into your life, thanks for sharing all of this. It’s such a heavy and sometimes harsh topic, but the way you let us peek into your life and childhood is just wonderful.
65th wife…101 kids. Holy shite 🤯 thank you for doing these videos, so many good questions and hidden gems.
Thats actually insane
That was very interesting when Gladys said "I guess I never fell in love maybe". It made me understand a lot better how polygamy could work if that is all you have known and you see it as more of a duty than romantic.
I’m glad that I’m out now and hope to offer my daughters a life that they can love…for real.❤
Excellent point! I hadn't thought of that!
I can see how Gladys was num to the man who really raped her, in the right terms. Her children are whats most important in her life rt now. Warren is serving his sentence and away from paternal family and wives now must deal with life without him. He was a god in their eyes but to Gladys at some point saw him as a so called "rapist" and thats not love. Her main reason for life is her children. And the other wives helped her channel that process. At some time I hope her kids come to the realization and find her and see what true love is.Prayers to you Gladys
@@lenie6 Thank you! You’re so kind❤️
Another reason why it works is that men don't require external love like women do. The things we require can allow us to get it from multiple sources simultaneously.
I grew up LDS (not FLDS), and when my mom left and took us (kids) I very clearly remember crying myself to sleep because I thought I was going to hell... I was 8. So that whole "your salvation depends on it" is a Very Real thing. God bless these kind ladies ❤
Thank you for sharing. I'm happy you're mom got out and was able to the you with her. I won't go into my story but I understand the fear and trauma from feeling like you are going to he'll. 😢❤❤
God? You STILL believe in that nonsense?
I hope you have learned Biblical truth about salvation and God’s unending love for you and each person. It always breaks my heart that those who leave have the sense that they are going to hell. God loves you and will be thrilled to welcome you into Heaven when Christ returns. It’s all about our individual relationship with Christ and believing that He died for our sins, accepting that gift and believing He’s coming back. Yes, there’s much more to Christianity, but everything goes back to Christ and our relationship with Him. I pray that you are in a healthy place in every way, but especially spiritually. I’m so sorry for all those who endured the fear the FLDS (and any other church) church put into their minds. And while the other church members look at them as apostate and shun them, they aren’t apostates. They haven’t walked away from God, they have walked away from a very dysfunctional church system. They are people who deserve to be treated with love and respect. I’d love to hear someone come up with a different term other than apostate because they deserve to be talked about with a term of respect and love. (I understand that for the sake of educating others that it is important for them to grasp the dis-owning and shunning that goes on, but we need to also educate people about better terms to use both inside and outside of the community.)
@@robinschwartz6977 Harry potter believes you too 🦄🦄🦄🍄
You know I would not say mean things to you if you don't believe in God. but I do think it is interesting that you go out of your way to be disrespectful to folks who do. why? Why waste your time and energy?@@nom3nnescio
This is a GREAT program for helping people understand what it's LIKE being in a cult. I am in one currently, sorta, I left nearly 10 years ago and I STILL struggle, missing my fam and friends. I love these two! Thank you for sharing your stories with the world because you ARE helping people struggling to get out! ❤️
Peter, you have clearly already made quite a name for yourself but I think you will go down in history as a household name in journalism. I learn so much everytime I watch any of your videos. They are very engaging and the way you are so open with your interviewing techniques is wonderful! Thank you.
this guy was EXTREMELY well spoken glad he got out of there
I agree, very lucky for us that Peter got connected to him
Check out their channel, Growing Up In Polygamy. 😃
I know he said he went to homeschooling, but back in 2000 when I taught in Mojave county Arizona, which is the county that Colorado city, Arizona is in, those kids from Colorado city elementary school used to clean up at the annual County spelling bee. They were good. It was odd seeing them in their prairie dresses though. It was easy to tell where they were from.
He has a youtube channel! I was so excited to see them with Peter!😊
I see Peter got emotional when the lady was talking about her missing son..the pain that some of these people feel is just unimaginable
What a lovely couple. I'm so happy that Sam and Melissa are happy. And Sam's healthy adjustment to life outside of FLDS is inspiring.
How can this be allowed in the U.S.??? Pure insanity!! How can W. Jeff still be allowed to communicate with his victims?!?? I can not digest this brutality.
This guy has such a nice speaking voice. Very calming and melodic.
I agree and I spent the whole video wondering how he grew up in Arizona with a Canadian accent.
As a Brit who's watched America on the screen for decades, your videos are a real eye opener. This series has again been really balanced and fascinating and all the people have been great, but Sams a particularly impressive guy
I agree! Me too!
Born, educated here. Eye opener for me too. 😳
as if polygamy and child rape doesn't exist in England.😂
I'd imagine there's a cult somewhere in northern england
@@LaurelinTheOther IF it does, it's nowhere near anything like this, so you cant compare. Try again and remember: "Think before you post" - You're welcome.
I remember watching the Mormon Stories Podcast ep with Sam and Melissa (ep 1617),I'm soo glad you interviewed them!
I was just realizing that it is a great while since I enjoyed a visit with Sam and Melissa. Thanks Peter.
I'm LDS and my bishop was a lawyer in the case against Warren Jeffs. He has some CRAZY stories about it.
can u say some of the stories?
Oh my goodness, that’s crazy 😕
The cult of flds is the fruit of the cult of lds. Both are 100% false manmade Godless cults.
Mormon is Freemason did you know that? And Freemason is satanic worship, do some digging no offense
Yet you still choose to follow that goofy religion? Bruh
I started crying listening to Gladys' story. Gladys' if you read this comment, I am sending you a virtual hug and all the love and strength. You are loved and I appreciate the work you are doing now for others needing a safe place. You seem to have a beautiful spirit and are so strong for the decision you made to leave.
Thanks❤
It’s terrifying how controlled some ppl. let themselves become.
Same!!! Gladys is an incredible mother and woman!!!
Thanks! Caring people like you make a big difference.@@missyyourist9859
@@mrrichards6007 If you grow up in it and know nothing else, wtf are u supposed to do? Dont be an ignorant prick, when u most likely had everything handed to you.( its an assumption, i dont know u and dont want to)
Thank you so much for all of your content Mr. Santenello. You are so good at interviewing and showing different situations - thank you.
I subscribe to both these channels and was so excited to see this video. I'm glad Sam clarified towards the end that the people built their houses and gave the titles to the church because a lot of people would have thought "that's not so bad the church owned these homes and let the families live in them". Awesome video.
26:50 got me when Gladys says "I wonder if I'm going to - if what I'm doing is what's right" you can see her start to say "burn" and catch herself it's heart wrenching that the hell she was taught to fear is still so real for her. I hope it sinks in soon that she did the right thing, it must be difficult to follow the survival instinct and motherly love when your entire education and experience is screaming at you that you and your children will be horribly punished for it.
Thanks. It's kind people like you who make the most difference.
Gladys doesn't realize yet, but I hope one day she will, that there's a place reserved for her in Heaven. She is living her life in service of others who need it. That's the ultimate sacrifice. Praying for her boy and her other children to reunite one day.
@@Snoops510 Thanks, I want all the parents to be reunited with their children. There's four former FLDS moms with children are who are still missing, its so sad. Kind people like you are the ones who help the fight easier.
@@gladysw1528 youre doing gods work through the charity
We ❤ you Gladys you’re doing what is right my heart goes out to you
Reassigning women and children to another man. Sounds like enslaved human property. 😢
It is exactly that.
It's human trafficking, abuse, abduction, etc. Pure evil
I just wonder how he was able to do that.He d be dead in a second if he tried that to a Finnish man!
Yep legalized human trafficking
Why do they move the children? ?
Wow never knew Flds and Islam had so much in common. Im a midwife in the middle east and in 12:32 one thing that really resonated with me was that being pregnant is one of the ways a wife can keep her husband's attention in a marriage with many wives.
It's all so absolutely fucked, like all the religions, they all have some sort of over arching darkness. I am including my own.
Interesting documentary, I appreciate how open everyone was. Side note: am I the only one who sees Jeff Goldblum as they watch Sam? He reminds me of him in so many ways.
I agree, also looks like a young Jude Law. Nice looking fella
you're not alone. definitely some strong jeff goldblum vibes.
Great video Peter! For many years I had one of Rulon Jeff’s compounds on my mail delivery route. Never saw the men around, only the younger kids and everyday(they loved the mailman) and once a month some of the younger sister wives. At the first of the month they would meet me to sign for their food stamps that were coming from the state for food assistance. One interesting thing I saw was when they were leaving the Salt Lake Valley they sold the two newest and biggest homes and the others were taken down brick by brick to take it with them. Most fascinating thing I have ever watched. They kept to themselves however the small kids looked to the mail delivery as a safe way to talk to an outsider. They knew me by name and they always wanted to know if I had any samples or rubber bands they could have.😅😊
What an interesting experience!
Wow, so interesting!
FLDS makes the current LDS church look normal
@@t-pain3343 right!
Don't pay taxes, just live off the suckers who do, only a fool would think this cult is a good thing....
Kudos for making this video! It's easy for people to sit and pass judgement saying things like "I would never be stupid enough to get sucked into a cult" but it is a lot easier than anyone realizes. I'm a former member of a cult called the Legionaries of Christ. The controlling aspects of cults are very similar.
However with FLDS most are born into it so the point is about their strength to escape having never known anything else- unlike other cults were people willingly join but then can’t get out….
@@novascotiaskater1868 yes exactly you get it. And we are conditioned to think that we are the “chosen people” and if we leave we’re not only going to hell but there’s no more hope for us- former flds
You could argue almost all of them were born into it because they rarely let outsiders in. The FLDS was started at least 100 years ago when mainstream Mormons outlawed polygamy and at first it was not that weird or culty. Women could even go to college. Rulon and Warren Jeffs slowly turned it into something more bizarre.
@@kellypat125 yes. They 100% have all been born into it- former flds
Maga is a Cult
My husband came and taught their Fire Department and me and my 2 sons came along to go over to St. George and do some shopping and stay for the weekend and go to Zion. We come onto the compound and ate lunch at the café They only served 1 item, our day was enchiladas and they were delicious. We were treated very kindly BUT they knew we were there and the moment we were on their property we were followed by a big pickup truck and we had company at the restaurant and candy store. Until we left we had a man in a truck on our tail constantly. Scared my very young son to the point of tears It was interesting how the woman treated us kindly and talked to us about several issues yet the men never spoke and were very authoritarian and acted as if we were breaking laws. Crazy weekend
This made me both furiously angry and desperately sad. The apostates aren't Satan in any way, shape or form, but Warren Jeffs is the epitome of evil.
"You can't conquer an emotional situation with hate. You have to use love." -- Gladys
You are probably using too little hate then.
I love Sam and Melissa!! They have grown so much as a couple, biographers, and storytellers. Thank you so much for sharing the story with your audience! Your compassion is always inviting ♥️
Thinking the same!
Great job, Peter - this is so interesting, heartbreaking, illuminating, and so important to keep people aware that this is not "over", even though Warren is in prison. Big thanks to Sam for showing us around.
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR PUTTING THIS TOPIC ON YOU TUBE.
Love Sam and Melissa! Sam it is so amazing to see how your confidence has grown from the early videos on your channel to now. I find the way you talk about your people and community so endearing. You acknowledge Warren’s wrong doing but also defend the people who were brought up In the system.
I agree! I'm thankful they are so well grounded. I admire them greatly for persevering.
Agreed.
@@kimcwhite6509 Mellisa wasn’t raised in the FDLS or a polygamous family…I believe she grew up being a Mormon…
@@janshe3597 thank you!
In this flesh dwells no good thing.
What a wonderful recap- They were articulate, and informative without being judgemental. Hard to believe that Warren Jeffs still has power over some of these people.
You'd think that with, for example, what they're doing with various political prisoners now, they'd disallow Jeffs from communicating with the outside world.
@@krockpotbroccoli65 exactly. Why is he allowed to run his cult from prison?
Probably because of outrage there would immediately be a Warren Jeffs replacement in the FLDS. @@carolthomas770
He still rules from prison.
@@carolthomas770 Because their are still mormons in high places, of course. Nothing more than that. Mormons...talk about false religions...
I am in a Socio Cultural Anthropology course at University of California, San Diego and learned about the FLDS and their ties to polygyny. This video answered many of my questions, very professional and respectful. One of the best ethnographic research on youtube, thank you
You should get an A+
Polygamy
Excellent episode- I so appreciate all of the topics you cover with curiousity and respect... Thank you for all that you do!
I have been following the FLDS since the early 2000’s when I accidentally stumbled upon their community during a road trip, as a single 18 year old girl, from rural NY and only accompanied by my dog. It was an incredibly bizarre experience and I have been fascinated since. Thank you for doing all of these interviews and for remaining so neutral, open and respectful. I started following since Sam and Melissa (Growing Up in Polygamy) reviewed your other video about Mormonism and have been binging yours since. These are amazing! 💞
Wow, you're lucky they didn't brainwash you into joining the cult
What's to be fascinated with? It's disgusting and evil.
I'm surprised you stumbled upon Short Creek. 😲 People say it's very much out of the way and surrounded by wilderness; I just assumed no one ever got there by accident. But that's really cool that it inspired you to learn about them.
Care to elaborate on this 'bizarre experience' a little?
What's so fascinating about it?
I am super proud of the lady who left to protect her kids. I can see how she misses her relationships and family so close. But she’s a strong woman to face uncertainty and damnation (in their religion) to protect her babies. 💪🏻
Logic not found.
This is not something as a mother should do? I’ll do the same for my four daughters in order to have a normal life,after having them I devoted my entire life for my children to be happy good people, they are like that thank God , I wish the best to the mother who had the courage to change her future just to have kids like that !!
Peter, incredible work. Oh my so much I did not know, what a learning experience following your inquiries, I thank you.
Thank you for your honesty and openness sharing these memories…I also spent 20 years of my life (19-39 yo) in a cult,with many many similarities. It’s so true that when you’re in it,you are not allowed to question,just “obey”! God bless all of you & those coming out
This episode is amazing. Even after all the FLDS news from major networks, you still managed to get answers to questions we all wanted the answers to!
In British Columbia Canada, we have an offshoot of the FLDS and they too have gotten in trouble with the law due to polygamy and underage girls being forced into marriage. I understand from news reports, that some girls were shipped to the US to be married. It's all very sad. Sam and Melissa are a delightful couple and I wish them well. Thanks for posting this very informative video.
Yes, there’s a group in Canada. 😉 ❤ Sam and Melissa are awesome.❤
I watch a video about Winston Blackmore he was a leader in Canada. They showed his family and I believe he got into trouble recently too.
Should've said Polygamy is disrespectful to women. Instead he says it could be OK and a happy thing. But not the norm smh 19:40
@@80sbaby530 Winston is no longer the leader/bishop of Bountiful. He was ex-communicated over 20yrs ago. James Oler is the current leader & you can tell who follows James/Warren & who follows Winston by the way they dress. Winston is in Cranbrook now. Both are guilty of taking on underage child brides & both have transported underage girls across the US/Canada border for the purpose of marriage aka sex trafficking.
@@micheleh5269how is it disrespectful to women? It's just a different tradition.. would you say the same if a woman had two husbands?
Thanks for shedding light on this.
WOW, what a story! Thx 4 bringing this to light, I had know idea such life styles existed. Power and control seems to be a leading problem all over the world these days. Glad you guys were able to find your freedom and raise your own children. Much Love!
This is by far the best channel on KZhead at looking into different cultures. I love your neutral and non condescending journalism. I wish mainstream news had the same mindset..
That's exactly why we all love him.
My heart is broken for the families of missing children 💔
Your videos are like social investigations. Through this window, people can understand more about unseen aspects of America. Appreciate your efforts.❤
Wow so trippy to see this place after so many years. I lived in St. George and my roommates and I would go to Colorado City to snoop around, go to the park and eat. We did get followed around by two big white pickups, but for the most part everyone was actually very friendly and waved. Beautiful place, strange, but beautiful. Thanks for the memories man, keep up the content brother. ❤💯
this is my first time seeing sam and melissa but i just wanted to comment on how articulate sam is!! the way he can keep a coherent and attention grabbing narrative is impressive!
He's a salesman. He has to be.
They have their own KZhead channel „growing up in polygamy“ so they doing it for a while
He white
god, gladys is an absolute legend. good on her for leaving her comfort and everything she’s ever known for her children. i can imagine she has immense empathy for every woman she meets that comes through that home.
It is still a struggle with my girls every day, but The Dream Center and another organization called Holding Out HELP, has helped. I really appreciate whenever people do things to help so I try to help others too.❤
I have a lot of sympathy for her, especially when the cult is still trying to rope her children back in and demonize her, even though she's their mother. Any religious relativising aside, I don't think anyone can call the FLDS/Jeffs cult Christians in any sense, as the respect for mothers is key to Christian tradition. The cult led by Jeffs was doing the exact opposite for decades on end, ruining countless lives and making people into serfs. It's mind-bogglingly disgusting to me how anyone could have treated Gladys, her children, and hundreds of other women and children, in this manner. Personally, I'd like to hope Gladys can rescue at least some of her own children and put as much safe distance between herself and the cult members as possible.
You so realize that Gladys response is right above yours, right? Talk to her! 😊
@@gladysw1528 gladys, thank you for your advocacy for these women. you are incredible! the world needs more selfless people like you. 💞💞
Thanks! It is caring people like you who make such a big difference.@@laurag502
Absolutely fascinating! Thank you for a real look into the FLDS. I wish for these brave people to find happiness, and to have autonomy over their own lives and families.
I'm so pleased to see more information showing about Poligamy. Between this video and the Escaping Poligamy is telling the real trouth.
Started watching your videos about 8 months ago. I love that you let these people just talk about their lives freely. Your videos don't feel overproduced and it's a breath of fresh air
Peter - thank you so much for this video. I had no idea the heartbreak that these FLDS moms go through. Your conversation with Gladys and listening to her describe the situation with her daughter was tragic. If you ever talk with Gladys again, please tell her that there are countless people praying for her.
Thanks❤
I am praying for you, Gladys and all those mothers in your shoes! @@gladysw1528
Yeah, because praying has sure done a whole lot for women like her.
@@SnailHatanAbsolutely! It's far more efficacious to pray, as opposed to offering practical help. Honestly, I thought everyone knew that.
So many moving pieces here however a special thanks to @petersantenello for asking the right questions, just enough for the guest to educate us on this topic.
Thank you as usual for the best video on this subject without the crap media garbage and drama.
My heart breaks for that mother! Absolutely heartbreaking! 😭 I’m a mother of five and I can’t even imagine not knowing where my children are. 💔
Gladys has such a beautiful, nurturing heart. She has such a heart for families and kids and I love that her job is taking in people who have lost their families and giving them a community and a home.
Thank you. I do like my job.
I really appreciate the window into our world and the people in it you provide across all of your videos. Super cool. Thank you!!!
I appreciate the way Peter Santenello gives people space to talk and tell their own stories. Look forward to checking out his channel. Regarding multiple adults living as a family, there is a big difference between it being consensual or forced, polyamory vs polygamy. I can completely understand that a multi-adult family can work well and be very supportive for everyone. I can also see where it can be crushing and destructive when the adults have an unequal say and no autonomy.
I’ve always felt the FLDS is the most fascinating group in America. What they’ve continued to get away with to this day is actually impressive. They are more like a mafia than a religious group. Almost all their most important practices are completely anti Biblical. It’s all about a small group of Men controlling a large group of women and children and other men.
BLM is right up there with getting away with stuff.
How do you find pedophiles, narcisisstic Aholes "fascinating"?Much depravity is hidden behind the skirts of "religion."
Most "religious" groups are 😂 Look at the Catholics. Christianity. The cross is symbolic of a Sword stuck in the ground. Conquest!
elishajcramer you are right. The mafia reference is accurate, as is CULT. It's scary how many people believed Warren Jeffs was talking to God. Their Bible & interpretation was totally false. Then they make up their own practices/rules (which are not from God) and break the law. Isn't it appalling?
Four replies to your comment are either hidden replies or deleted. You are right about the mafia.
I pray Gladys find some peace in her mind and heart that she did do the right thing. She seems like a really wonderful woman who loves her children and one day i hope the girls that left will see that.
Thanks so much, I hope so too. It’s a journey and any kindness and support is greatly appreciated.❤
Bless you for getting away from this cult,and for sharing your experiences in this.
Another blog buster history lesson Peter. Thank you. I thought I new some what of the FLDS but I was grossly mistaken! Sam and Melissa were great hosts. I will check out their channel.
Of the three videos, this one had an eerie,sinister feel to it. The town looked desolate and barren,probably the perfect place to set-up shop for a religious movement. One thing I sensed,especially from Gladys, is these people who leave need some support integrating back into society. Almost like prisoners when they are freed but feel awkward stepping out. Their minds and bodies have been suppressed and controlled for so long, the effects loom for a long time before the shackles are broken.
Ptsd
The people were left down by a bad man. That happens all the time. The grew up only knowing what they were told. It is sad for them to be in a free fall, trying to make sense of what happened
It’s a beautiful religion, keep your bigoted comments to yourself
This town didn’t always look like that. Only recently after the church kinda broke up in 2012
You can actually look it up on satellite map… and see the quite extensive child cemetery. For such a small community.
Sam and Melissa are still one of my all time favorite people on KZhead! It‘s great to watch them from a different perspective. How splendid to see you three together! Well done!
I enjoyed seeing them standing up and walking around. 😜 It's funny how you get used to seeing someone only from the chest up in their videos and forget they're an entire person in real life. 😅
Me too
What is their KZhead!
@@rhuarkk2138 Growing Up In Polygamy
Once again, Peter, very well done & very interesting and enlightening!
This interviewer is excellent and so compassionate!
My heart breaks for these mothers with missing children.
I love how dedicated Sam is, throughout this video, to provable facts (as close as we can get to the truth). Reliable narrator.
I don't love how meticulously and immediately Peter moderates the comments.
@@timforgotI understand but I also think that Peter is just trying to find the answer to as many questions as he can while it’s on topic for us viewers.
Good one! Thanks. And thanks for all you do!
Absolutely loved this video thanks so much for doing this video .Sorry about the late reply .
Makes me feel better that you can get out of situations you are not comfortable with and still end up being well adjusted afterwards. Good on them!
The guy he is interviewing has a pretty good radio voice
So charismatic, for sure Got me wanting to ask him & Melissa if they want another wife 😏
@@0MissElizabeth0😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@tpmash 😁
Peter this was a great video. I'm a subscriber of yours from another platform but I couldn't resist watching this. It's sad how so many of these "organized" religions do nothing but plant fear and ignorance. I won't go into depth but I'm glad that I woke up from my deep sleep as well but it wasn't geared to this "religion" but another. I will be subscribing to Sam and Melissa's channel. Thanks again Peter