Where I Went When I left Polygamy

More details of where I went and what I did immediately after leaving my family and the FLDS church.

FAQ:

[Angelsamongus]

I love how his wife is so attentive and prompts the conversation. Beautiful conversation!

[mcmelre]

God bless that girl and her family who took you in and supported you when you first left. I hope they know what a huge impact they had on your life and future. To be willing to help 3 random boys no questions asked....the world needs more people like that.

[wendi]

You need to write a book. You are a very good storyteller. Melissa is an excellent interviewer! 25 minutes fly by! So glad you have had a great life!

[monicajohnston]

I think it's important to remember that it's easier for boys to leave the FLDS because most of them have resources, a vehicle, a means to earn an income, contacts in the "outside" world. And they also aren't a commodity, like the girls. When you have a culture where men are encouraged to marry multiple women, you will always have men around who can't find a wife because some other dude has five. So the boys in this church are almost encouraged to leave because it means there's one less man to compete with for the limited number of available girls.

[lynneddy]

Are we ever going to get to meet your brother, friend and the kind family that originally helped you three boys out? Those would be amazing interviews!

[justbeingkar]

This is a very interesting story. I left JWs and although I had worked for years with non JWs, I didn't have anyone who knew what I was going through losing my family and friends as I was never allowed to speak to anyone who had left before and thus lost touch with anyone else. Plus when you are JW you are not allowed to build friendships outside the religion (very similar) so I just started my life from scratch at 24. It's definitely weird not having any family and friends and starting out fresh. I don't know how I came across your videos but I see a lot of similarities and can relate to starting new. You look like you have adjusted well and it's nice to see that. Keep posting it's very educational.

[LisaHouserman]

Super video. Melissa is an excellent journalist/wife!! She asks all the questions we want to hear and Sam is eloquent in his answers. Thank you.

[uriahpeep]

This is a remarkable reason why you boys were successful in your exit was primarily due to your job skills in construction. This is why it is possible for FLDS boys to leave while girls find it very difficult since they will typically not have a readily marketable job skill to enable their exit. In fact, you may have covered the topic of FLDS girls leaving the community (I have not as yet watched all your videos)....but if you have not covered that subject, it would be of great interest to your viewers. I and all your viewers find the videos immensely interesting and I applaud your work. It takes a STRONG AND TALENTED person to accomplish what you have since your departure.

[ashleyharris]

She says your mom must have been worried that you weren’t safe at the same time he said she was worried you would leave the religion! Goes to show the difference in your upbringing.

[alycia]

I would absolutely love to know more about this, and I would be interested to hear from the family Sam initially stayed with. Had they taken in former FLDS folks before? Have they done it again since? What was it like from their perspective helping these three boys get out of the FLDS and into the world?

[judeydo]

I became interested in and began researching polygamy and Joseph Smith after watching sister wives. So far I found that not all polygamists live the pretty lives of the show- And that 11 of Joseph Smith's wives were married to other men . I truly appreciate your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us. You are such an adorable couple.

[lizregan]

It is amazing how you made it through all of this. And went on to be educated and continue on with your life. From other blogs you have done I know you loved your family and respected your parents. That had to be a very hard decision.

[deborc]

Melissa you ask great questions, these are often questions we would ask. I enjoy your channel - love your human interest stories.

[China-Clay]

This channel is doing great things! Keep on talking, don’t stop, the FLDS needs, at least, to know what their choices are in life, as well as any high demand religion or group, including mainstream LDS

[cathrinefrydenlund]

First of all. Loved this video. I kinda think it was a blessing in disguise that you left at such a young age. Your brain weren't fully developed at the time. Furthermore you were at the age were you'd be prone to make in the moment decisions without fully being able to really comprehend and process the consequences at the same time. If you were 5-8 years older, chances are you'd over analyze your choices and their consequences and end up not leaving. Clearly you've found happiness outside the FLDS and it's so nice to see that. ☺️

[krmbrule]

You guys are an amazing couple! Thank you for sharing so much of what you have gone through!

[theramyani]

Sam, you are so so sober, sensitive, greatful person. The way you look at Melissa, your eyes speak tour love for her. I believe you are a very compassionate empathetic person

[NancyB]

Are u guys still going to do a video on the rules that changed when Warren became prophet & how Sam’s dad was taken away from his family? Would love to hear that story!

[marianboudreau]

I just love your videos. I love that you are so respectful of your parents and your former life and it is so nice to get a glimpse into your journey. I hope you keep these videos coming. I look forward to each new one coming out. You are both adorable.

[mruggier]

Meant to add the way Melissa and Sam look into each others eyes is just beautiful!