Growing Up In Polygamy

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]

In this series, we read and react to the self-written autobiography of Charles F. Zitting—Sam’s grandfather—sharing a rare, firsthand account of life inside Mormonism, including both mainstream LDS beliefs and fundamentalist Mormonism.

Through his own words, Charles F. Zitting documents his life, faith, family, and experiences with polygamy, priesthood authority, and religious devotion. As we read his journal, we provide real-life context from our own experiences growing up in Mormon and FLDS communities, offering insight into how these beliefs are taught, lived, and sometimes challenged.

In Episode 1, we begin at the start of his story, exploring his early life, spiritual foundation, and the beliefs that shaped his path.

This series is for anyone interested in:

-Mormon history
-LDS vs FLDS beliefs
-Polygamy and fundamentalist Mormonism
-Real-life stories from inside religious communities
-Personal journals and firsthand accounts

If you’re curious about what life is really like inside these worlds, this is a perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

Subscribe and follow along as we continue reading through the life of Charles F. Zitting—one chapter at a time.

#Mormonism #FLDS #Polygamy #LDS #MormonStories #FundamentalistMormon #LifeStory #ExMormon

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]

Subscribe to Melanie and Corey https://www.youtube.com/@NotestoSelf444

In this episode, we sit down with Melanie and Corey from Notes to Self 444 for an update on what is currently happening inside the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB)—the fundamentalist Mormon group known for practicing polygamy and featured on shows like Sister Wives.

Melanie has a unique perspective as the daughter of the current AUB prophet, giving insight into how the church is functioning today. We discuss changes to church rules, growing division within the community, and how members are responding to questions about leadership and authority.

We also talk about the fracturing happening within the AUB, including disagreements over allegiance to the current prophet and what that means for families still inside the religion.

Finally, Melanie and Corey share important warnings and advice for those who are still involved in the group and what they hope people understand about life inside and leaving a fundamentalist religious community.

As former members of Mormon and fundamentalist Mormon cultures ourselves, we offer context and perspective on how these changes affect individuals, families, and faith.

If you’re interested in understanding modern polygamist groups, fundamentalist Mormonism, and the realities of leaving high-control religions, this conversation offers a rare inside look.

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 interview, Rose shares her powerful story of growing up in the FLDS church and what life was like in this fundamentalist, patriarchal system.

At just 10 years old, Rose’s father was sent away, and she was reassigned to a new family and home, something common in the FLDS. While helping care for her mother’s mental health struggles, Rose was forced into a parental role at a young age, raising siblings before she ever got to be a child herself.

As a teenager, Rose began quietly rebelling by pursuing education in secret. She earned her GED and attended college without church approval, a risky decision inside the FLDS where education, especially for girls, is discouraged.

In her early 20s, Rose left the FLDS church and began rebuilding her life outside of religious control. Today, she is finding freedom, identity, and healing after growing up in a system rooted in patriarchy and obedience.

This interview offers firsthand insight into life inside the FLDS, family reassignment, escaping religious extremism, and the long journey to freedom after leaving a high control group.

Rose's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/theerozee/FB: https://www.facebook.com/Theerozee.1993

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]