Growing Up In Polygamy

The more we learn about different high-control groups, the more we realize just how similar the playbook can be.
In Episode 4 of How to Become a Cult Leader, we react to the story of Heaven's Gate and compare the methods used to control its members with Sam's experience growing up in the FLDS under Warren Jeffs.
From isolation and unquestioning obedience to believing your leader has access to truth that the outside world simply can't understand, we were surprised by how many parallels we found.
Different groups. Different leaders. Same tactics.
Maybe this series really should be called How to AVOID a Cult Leader.
#HowToBecomeACultLeader #HeavensGate #FLDS #WarrenJeffs #GrowingUpInPolygamy #ExPolygamist #CultAwareness #HighControlGroups
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
Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!
growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

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In Episode 3 of How to Become a Cult Leader, we explore the Buddhafield community and its leader, Jaime Gomez, examining the subtle but powerful tactics used to keep followers deeply invested.

From endless service and constantly moving spiritual goalposts to the promise of exclusive experiences that only a select few can attain, many of these methods felt strikingly familiar to us.

As former members of the FLDS and mainstream Mormonism, we discuss how similar patterns appear across many high-control groups. While the beliefs may differ, the systems of control often look remarkably alike. Followers are encouraged to give more, serve more, sacrifice more, and always believe that the next level of acceptance, enlightenment, or approval is just around the corner.

In this reaction, we compare the Buddhafield community with the FLDS and other groups we've studied over the years, asking an important question:

Why do so many high-control groups rely on the same psychological tactics?

Our goal isn't to criticize faith or spirituality. It's to better understand how manipulation works so people can recognize these patterns before they become trapped by them.

Have you ever noticed these same tactics in other groups or organizations? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about documentaries, high-demand religions, survivor stories, and the psychology of influence and control, be sure to subscribe and join us each week.

#HowToBecomeACultLeader #Buddhafield #JaimeGomez #GrowingUpInPolygamy #CultAwareness #HighControlGroups #ReligiousTrauma #DocumentaryReaction #FLDS #ExMormon #Psychology #TrueCrime #CultRecovery

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
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

What made thousands of people believe Jim Jones?

In Episode 2 of How to Become a Cult Leader, we dive into one of the most powerful tools Jim Jones used to grow his following: fake healings and claims of divine power. By convincing people that miracles were happening before their eyes, he built trust, loyalty, and ultimately, complete control.

As former members of high-demand religious communities, these tactics felt surprisingly familiar.

Growing up in Mormon fundamentalism—and later mainstream Mormonism—we were taught from a young age that prophets could receive direct revelation from God. Because of that, the idea of someone claiming to "speak for God" didn't initially sound extraordinary to us. It was simply part of the worldview we had inherited.

In this reaction, we compare Jim Jones' methods with those of Warren Jeffs and discuss why claims of divine authority can be so persuasive, especially for people raised to believe that God speaks through a single chosen leader.

Our goal isn't to criticize faith—it's to explore how trust can be manipulated when leaders place themselves above accountability.

What do you think?
Why do you think claims of miracles or divine authority are so convincing? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

If you enjoy thoughtful discussions about documentaries, high-demand religions, survivor stories, and the psychology behind manipulation, be sure to subscribe and join the conversation.

#HowToBecomeACultLeader #JimJones #WarrenJeffs #GrowingUpInPolygamy #CultAwareness #HighControlGroups #ReligiousTrauma #DocumentaryReaction #ExMormon #FLDS #Psychology #TrueCrime

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
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

In the first episode of How to Become a Cult Leader, we take a closer look at the rise of Charles Manson and the tactics he used to gain influence over his followers. But as we watched, we decided that the series should really be called "How to Avoid a Cult Leader."

As former members of high-demand religious communities, we recognize many of these warning signs. Throughout this reaction, we compare Manson's methods with those of Warren Jeffs and other authoritarian leaders, exploring the striking similarities that appear again and again across groups that demand unquestioning loyalty.

From isolation and manipulation to creating an "us vs. them" mentality, these patterns aren't unique to one person or one community. Whether the leader is religious, political, or charismatic in another way, the playbook is often remarkably similar.

Our goal isn't just to react to a documentary—it's to help people recognize the red flags before they become trapped by them.

What similarities stood out to you? Are there warning signs you think more people should know about? Let us know in the comments below.

If you enjoy thoughtful discussions about high-demand groups, religious trauma, documentaries, and survivor stories, we'd love to have you subscribe and join the conversation.

#HowToBecomeACultLeader #CharlesManson #WarrenJeffs #GrowingUpInPolygamy #CultAwareness #HighControlGroups #Netflix #TrueCrime #ReligiousTrauma #ExMormon #FLDS #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

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
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

What does it take to chase a dream when you have almost nothing?
In Episode 4 of The Journal of Charles F. Zitting, we continue reading from Sam's grandfather's personal journal as he reflects on his teenage years. Charles shares memories of the many jobs he worked to help support himself, the determination that carried him through high school, and his unwavering desire to attend the University of Utah—even though he had no money and no clear path to get there.
His story is one of perseverance, hard work, and the belief that education could open doors to a better future. As we read his words, we also discuss what these experiences reveal about his character and how they would shape the life he eventually built.
Whether you're interested in family history, early Utah life, or stories of resilience, we hope you'll join us as we continue exploring the remarkable life of Charles F. Zitting.
📖 This series follows the autobiography of Sam's grandfather, Charles F. Zitting, with our commentary and reflections along the way.
If you enjoy preserving family history and hearing firsthand accounts from the past, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this series with someone who loves stories of determination and perseverance.
#CharlesFZitting #FamilyHistory #Autobiography #UniversityOfUtah #GrowingUpInPolygamy #JournalSeries #UtahHistory #PersonalHistory #Perseverance #Education
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
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