Growing Up In Polygamy

What does it take to finally bring something like this to light?

In Episode 3 of Trust Me: A False Prophet, we cover one of the most pivotal moments in the case of Samuel Bateman — when Julia found the courage to speak out and tell the FBI what was really happening behind closed doors.

We talk about the punishment and abuse she endured for simply having questions or doubts, and how fear is used to keep people silent in these environments.

We also react to the disturbing music video featuring Bateman’s wives—including underage girls—and discuss how music can be used as a powerful tool for conditioning and control. For Melissa, the song (originally from mainstream LDS culture) hits especially hard, showing just how deeply music can tie into belief, identity, and obedience.

Then we break down the moment everything began to unravel:
When someone noticed something wasn’t right—young girls being transported in a box trailer—and chose to say something. That one decision helped open the door for law enforcement to step in and ultimately led to Bateman’s arrest.

Even though it wasn’t initially for his most serious crimes, it was the beginning of the end.

This episode is about courage, awareness, and the power of speaking up—even when it’s hard.

👉 Let us know your thoughts in the comments: Do you think situations like this could be stopped sooner? What would it take?

Topics we cover:

Julia going to the FBI
Abuse and punishment for questioning authority
Music as a tool for conditioning in religious groups
The disturbing “wives” music video
The trailer incident that led to Samuel Bateman’s arrest
Why speaking up matters

If you appreciate real insight and honest reactions to stories like this, make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more.

#TrustMe #FalseProphet #SamuelBateman #CultAwareness #TrueCrime #ExMormon #Polygamy #CultSurvivor #YouTubeReaction

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
New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com
Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!
[email protected]

Why is it so hard to stop abuse in these communities… even when people know it’s happening?

In Episode 2 of Trust Me: A False Prophet, we dive deeper into the case of Samuel Bateman and the devastating reality victims face when law enforcement can’t act without testimony.

We talk about how young girls were groomed from birth to obey priesthood leaders and “the prophet,” and how they were taught to share “spiritual testimonies” that led them into these marriages. From the outside, it can be confusing—but from the inside, this level of control is all they’ve ever known.

We also break down one of the most frustrating parts of this story:
Even when authorities are aware of what’s happening, their hands are often tied unless victims are willing—and able—to speak out.

And in the middle of all of this, we highlight the incredible courage of Christine and Tolga, who spent months fighting to help these girls, even when the system wasn’t working in their favor.

This episode isn’t just about what happened… it’s about why it keeps happening.

👉 Let us know your thoughts in the comments: What needs to change for victims to actually be protected?

Topics we cover:

Why law enforcement struggles to intervene
Grooming and obedience in fundamentalist groups
“Spiritual testimony” vs coercion
Why victims don’t (or can’t) speak out
Christine & Tolga’s fight to help these girls

If you appreciate honest conversations and real insight into these communities, make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more.

#TrustMe #FalseProphet #SamuelBateman #CultAwareness #ExMormon #Polygamy #TrueCrime #CultSurvivor #YouTubeReaction

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
New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com
Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!
[email protected]

In this episode, we react to Episode 1 of Trust Me: A False Prophet and break down the disturbing rise of Samuel Bateman — a self-proclaimed prophet who used religion to gain control, take followers’ wives and daughters, and justify abuse under the guise of “atonement.”

As former members of fundamentalist and mainstream Mormon communities, we’ve seen firsthand how power, fear, and belief can be twisted. In this reaction, we share our personal insights into how leaders like this gain influence, why people follow, and how these systems enable abuse to happen in plain sight.

This story isn’t just shocking—it’s a real look into how modern-day cult leaders operate.

👉 Let us know your thoughts in the comments: At what point does belief turn into control?

Topics we cover:

The rise of Samuel Bateman
Religious manipulation and control
“Atonement” used as a tool for abuse
How followers become trapped
Parallels to other fundamentalist groups

If you enjoy real, honest reactions with insider perspective, make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more.

#TrustMe #FalseProphet #CultDocumentary #SamuelBateman #TrueCrime #EXFLDS #ExMormon #Polygamy #CultSurvivor

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
New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com
Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!
[email protected]

In Episode 3 of From the Journal of Charles F. Zitting, we continue reading from his self-written autobiography and dive deeper into his early life growing up in rural Utah.

In this chapter, Charles shares what day-to-day life looked like working on farms—raising animals, learning responsibility at a young age, and developing a strong work ethic that would shape the rest of his life. He also opens up about more personal moments, including early crushes and what it was like navigating youth within a strict religious environment.

As we read his words, we reflect on how these experiences compare to what we lived growing up in Mormon and fundamentalist Mormon communities—where hard work, family roles, and expectations were deeply ingrained from a young age.

This episode highlights a more human side of his story—showing not just the faith, but the everyday life, emotions, and experiences that helped shape who he became.

If you’re interested in:

Mormon upbringing and rural Utah life
Farm life, responsibility, and work ethic
LDS culture and youth experiences
Real-life stories from inside Mormon and FLDS communities
Personal journals and firsthand accounts

This series gives you a rare, inside look—told entirely in his own words.

Follow along as we continue through the life of Charles F. Zitting, one chapter at a time.

#Mormonism #LDS #FLDS #Polygamy #ExMormon #UtahHistory #FarmLife #FaithJourney #RealStories #FamilyLegacy

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
New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com
Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!
[email protected]

In Episode 2 of From the Journal of Charles F. Zitting, we continue reading from his self-written autobiography and get a deeper look into his early years growing up in the LDS Church.

In this chapter, Charles shares stories from his childhood—including the pranks he played, the mistakes he made, and the lessons that shaped him. He also talks about becoming a deacon in the Mormon church and the importance of his faith.

As we read his words, we pause to share our own experiences and perspective—what it’s like growing up in Mormon and fundamentalist Mormon environments, how similar patterns show up, and how these early teachings can impact a person’s life.

This episode offers a more personal and relatable side of his story, showing that even within a strict religious structure, there were moments of humor, growth, and reflection.

If you’re interested in:

Mormon upbringing and early priesthood roles
LDS teachings and youth expectations
Real-life stories from inside Mormon and FLDS communities
Personal journals and firsthand accounts

This series gives you a rare, inside perspective—told entirely in his own words.

Follow along as we continue through the life of Charles F. Zitting, one chapter at a time.

#Mormonism #LDS #FLDS #Polygamy #ExMormon #MormonStories #FaithJourney #UtahHistory #ReligiousUpbringing

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
New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com
Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!
[email protected]