Inside the Mind of Warren Jeffs and His FLDS Polygamous Cult (Insider Speaks Out)
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- Опубліковано 5 сер 2024
- Two young teens fell into a forbidden love. After being shunned from their fundamentalist Mormon polygamous community, they had the option to be welcomed back, only if they got married immediately. Seven little ones later, Chris had been living in fear of losing his family since dozens of men were sent away to repent for unknown reasons. One day, the call came. He was being excommunicated.
Resources for those escaping polygamy:
holdingouthelp.org/
www.hopeafterpolygamy.org/
cherishfamilies.org/
Find Chris:
pecanvalleyresort
IG: @pecanvalleyresort
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Chapter Markers:
00:00:00 Intro
00:04:50 Chris meeting Warren Jeffs when he was his principal
00:08:11 Chris meet his wife in 6th grade
00:10:20 Chris and his wife were ratted out to Warren at 15
00:11:43 Living with the Lost Boys
00:16:27 Rulon Jeffs had Chris and Lydia separate for a year
00:18:43 Were Chris and Lydia still believers at this time?
00:19:27 When Chris and Lydia get married
00:22:16 A husband should never see his wife outside of her long underwear
00:24:21 Was their faith reignited once married?
00:28:46 Life leading up to Warren Jeffs taking over
00:30:01 Why Warren Jeffs kicked out many of the devoted community members
00:34:48 Warren prophesizing the end times
00:39:56 The Bishop called, asking Chris and his family to come home
00:44:54 Was Chris ever called to Polygamy?
00:48:55 Coffee drinking was allowed
00:52:11 The restrictions and expectations of a husband and wife in FLDS
00:53:37 Top secret documents given to married couples involving intimacy
00:55:41 Why Chris and Lydia ended up leaving FLDS
01:13:32 How did Chris feel when Warren (their Prophet) was sent to prison?
01:17:38 Life after Jeffs
01:29:15 Linda, listen
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
*Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.*
"99% of these marriages don't work out"
"So there's a chance..." AHHHHHH I love their love story!!
Same! ❤
Cris is cool. I miss the dude.
I would LOVE to hear from Lydia! I am so curious to hear the point of view of a woman raised in the FLDS. She sounds like an amazing woman.
I second this! I would love to hear from her too. Amazing couple
Second this!♥️
Third this ❤
Have you checked out Growing Up in Polygamy's UA-cam channel? They are awesome, and they've done a bunch of interviews of former FLDS people.
Word. I bet Lydia is a badass!
The fact that he married his first love. That's adorable.
And that after all these years and seven kids, he gets such goofy excitement at the thought of her in a bikini
@@lynettemiller6519that is truly adorable. 😂
He is adorable ☺️
Ya, they had a fairytale, not Luke the crying, begging 13 year old girls screaming and begging not to be sealed to an 82 year old, or the bot forced to work until he gets wise, then gets cast out.
Specifically, that he is _still_ married to his first love.
Very unusual.
The way this man talks about his wife is everything. I pray someday I find someone who cares this deeply for me. What a beautiful story, human and such an inspiration! I wish I had the funds to visit the resort, maybe someday! The only thing it needs is a dog park area!
Put of the lds sealing cult ua-cam.com/users/liveQ9sU5xov3KI?si=KZaEvyByzYYcouM3
What a lovely man!
The people in the cult worship a monster, yet shun a man with the kindness and purity of spirit that he so clearly embodies. So sad.
I would Love to hear from Lydia. She sounds super cool!
It's nice that his Mom still accepts him. I'm glad they left FLDS. Sister Wives proved how messed up Polygamy is. ❤
I feel like you don’t need much proof to understand incestual Christian cults are death cults
Sister wives is wild. Definitely doesn’t relate to any other polygamists I’ve ever met or heard stories from. Yes, polygamy is often toxic but not their level plus they don’t practice any actual religion. It’s weirder than the average weird. 😅
I can’t imagine wanting more than one spouse of either sex, too much drama!
@@elisemarie4894they're AUB, a group that split off from the FLDS but is slightly more modern. Shalice has done interviews with former members or the interviews with Leah on Amanda Rae's channel
Sister wives is Disney land compared to what Warren Jeffs does to these people
For a guy who failed everything after grade four, Chris is so well spoken. Its so interesting to hear his story and there is no doubt in my mind that choosing a spouse instead of having one chosen for you, changes the bond you have with your family. It absolutely astounds me that so many people could allow anyone to completely blow up their lives and the lives of their wives and children. This is such abuse it's frightening. Hats off to Chris and his family for putting together this project - how fabulous - and how wonderful to see his success!
Arranged marriages can work, if done by people who fully consented and the people try to actually match them up properly. But it's a lot rarer than marriages were people chose each other and were allowed to get to know each other and make sure they're compatible before marriage
Maybe part of the reason he did badly in school, was because when the teacher brought him to the principal, rather than reprimanding him for bad behavior, and giving him guidance on the correct behavior, for a classroom, Warren would side with the him, the student, and undermine the teacher in front of him. 🤷♀️ I agree though he is well spoken and none of that was his fault in any way. It was just an interesting story in my opinion, and shows how Warren Jeff's could be quite douchey acting to females.
Well spoken is a bit of a stretch, given his background yeah... But I've never met anyone capable of failing the 4th grade.
@@allpissedup229are you in the USA? I’m in Australia and know plenty but here you can continue to the next grade regardless. It’s not a good thing!
I love how he talks about his wife. The wholesome adorableness is on overload.
It’s too sweet, I’m sure I have a fresh cavity now. Hearing their love story despite growing up in a cult is truly inspirational
Christopher your so full of light, don't let "humans" ever take it or tell you who you are. ❤
They both made the ultimate sacrifices for each other.
My oldest brother is still following Warren. Haven't seen him for 14 years, maybe 15 now. This has ruined so many families.
Oh wow. Blessed be
I'm so sorry... I hope somehow, someday, they will will come to realize the truth about him and accept it.
How does that work? How do they communicate with him? And how does Warren keeps track of all his decisions and all the people and places and so on - all that from prison?
Break the silence. Break the cycle.
1:11:25 After an hour and a half of hearing how much this man loves his wife, hearing the hurt in his voice during that uncertain moment just about broke my heart.
I do appreciate Chris sharing the positive parts of his experience. It's so important to keep in mind that cultsbuse positove experiences, praise, "revelation of truth" etc. to keep people in. By telling people this is the true way to get to heaven, by having positive things like dances, good food, tight-knit communities, they offer something people want to cling to. If it was all horrible and obviously bs to everyone involved, no one would stay.
100 percent!!
And it's why more and more former members speaking out and forming communities out here will help others leave. The loss of community is usually so extreme when that's all you've ever known that it's why a lot of people go back, having family living their best life will help keep people out
Absolutely!!! Him saying "I loved our people" really touched my heart.
This is the most accurate description of our religion I've heard yet. I will say, it got even crazier after you left, Chris. I'm really glad you never got another wife. You and Lydia always had something special.
I am glad he respected his wife's point of view on joining a new church.
Wow. What a centered person. He didn’t let that cult steal his joy whatsoever! Good for him!!
It sounds like they've created the resort they have now so that people can enjoy all the recreational activities that they weren't allowed to do when they were still in the flds! So cool.
Chris seems like the most genuinely wholesome, good-hearted person. The idea that he wouldn’t be welcome in anyone’s home - or faith - just blows my mind. And the way I’m DYING to hear from Lydia! She sounds like such a powerhouse of a human being. So much love to this wonderful family, and wishing them success building their resort!! (might need to plan a family trip to Utah 😃)
Literally one of your best interviews ever. Chris is so warm, humble, and genuinely kind. There were so many small wholesome moments of positivity throughout that I thoroughly enjoyed. Please interview him again. And I'd love to hear from Lydia, too!
I agree 100%
Who else wants to go to Pecan Valley Resort? It sounds amazing! I'm sure the resort will be super successful once it's open. I'm so happy to hear how wonderful their lives are now. ❤
It was a pleasure to "meet" Chris and learn about Lydia and their family. Along with the many others who've already commented, I'm thrilled that you all have created the life you love. The resort sounds amazing! Wishing you the very best!!!
I love that you were so ready to get married despite others being concerned. When you know you know!
I love hearing stories of people realizing that it's not the rules that make you close to God, it's the relationship!
Chris, I was encouraged by your story. Being a Texan, and a former CPS worker, I was almost there at the YFZ ranch. It was sad that those families there were actually ripped from their actual fathers for bogus reasons back in short Creek
He's the first ex-FLDS member that I've heard say "my dad" most othet interviewees say "Father" it really sticks out. Lol
There was so much that went on after I left. Luckily I got out before all the real craziness happened. Always good to see uncle Chris!
Christopher is so well spoken and his story, family and marriage are just a testament of the love and trust him and his wife built together. As an ex Mormon I’m thrilled to hear all these stories of people escaping cult indoctrination. May all those still stuck in that hell on earth be released and set spiritually free.
Shelise I can be having the worst day and you're infectious positivity just lifts me right up. Thank you for these stories that you allow, and sometimes gently prod, to unfold.
Awww I’m over here grinning ear to ear and blushing like a flirty school girl with my shoulders out lol 🥰 I’m so happy to hear I can brighten your day! Especially with these types of heavy stories. I appreciate you! ❤️
Agree 110%! She is a love!
I was not raised in an organized cult, but by a mom who kept everyone scared to ask for help, because she threatened suicide, almost daily, if anyone told the truth.
Maybe it was a tiny cult? She sure controlled the entire family and pitted everyone against one another to keep us in line.
She was a narcissistic addict who never cared who she hurt as long as things went her way.
I relate to these videos. Thank goodness for people like Shelise, bringing not only the damage but healing to light.
These videos bring me a lot of hope and inspiration, and I always learn something new from each one. 💞
Shelise is a breath of fresh air❤️I have agoraphobia and anxiety issues and watching her videos helps me with these disorders. I was in a church involved with IBLP. So much healing here 👍🏼❤️
This guy is amazing I'd love to see him and his wife come back. He never let anything get in his way nice job❤❤
His perspective was so refreshing to hear. Also, we need Lydia's Linda Listen moment! I get the feeling her Linda listen would be spicy🔥 Get the t-shirts ready!
😂definitely!😊
Hahaha yessssss
I never knew what she was saying - I thought she was saying “Lend to Listen moment”! Now I remember the little sassy kid in that viral video telling the grown-up: “Linda, Listen….”. Haha! 😂
This guy is hilarious (although it's a serious subject) and I love the fact that he seemed to care so much for his girlfriend/wife while he was a teenager. I find a man who thinks so much of his wife is reassuring in this crazy world. I am also interested in how people who have a great sense of humor cope with living in such a restrictive environment. Do they always have to be aware of not saying the wrong thing?
WOW, Chris!!! You are a blessed man!!! I'm so happy and excited how life has worked out in your "life after Jeffs". Woooo- hoooo!!!
Man, Your interviews just get better and better. Have this guy on again and even better, dying to hear from his wife! SO happy for them finally living a life worth living. All Love 💕
Thanks for watching! Working on getting Lydia!
Fantastic interview! Chris’s transparency and calmness as he recounts his story is unbelievable. Thank you for sharing your story! ❤
I really enjoyed this interview. He was so positive in recalling memories. Even the difficult ones was presented in an upbeat fashion. I love how he was committed as much as possible but being realistic and planning in case it didn’t work out.
This is the best interview by far. Chris' light and belief in himself and the life he built with Lydia is a true testament to the human spirit. Will definitely be hitting up Pecan Valley Resort next fall.
Aw I love hearing the story of how they got together and how they were determined to stay together! 🥹 and when he got excited talking about the first time Lydia wore a bikini! 😂👏awesome! I'm so happy they were able to give their kids a good family life ❤ can't wait for Lydia's interview! Thanks for sharing, Chris!
*CHRIS!!*
You are a damn ROCK!! The pure strength and healing that has happened, you can sense it all from this interview.. wow!
Such a deep understanding of life & experience that I could only dream to have one day!
You and Lydia have a beautiful story that’s continues to be written. Absolutely beautiful guys!!!
As others have said, i’d love to hear from Lydia as well. A females perspective of a more “rebellious” side is some BBE we all need!! 😹
Amazing interview guys, please come back!!! The positive energy is infectious.
Love & support as always!!! Keep killing it Shelise & Jonathan!! This channel’s growth is so well deserved, thank you guys for this platform. 🖤🖤
Thank you for your support! It means a lot!🙌🥰
This was an awesome podcast!! I love how humble and nonjudgmental Chris is. Many blessings to you and your family... Stay happy!!
😂❤😂 sometimes coercive control looses out to love of people. Here's hoping for more of that. Thanks for a great conversation .
Warren Jeff's is a true psychopath. Once he got a taste of the power that came with speaking for his Dad, he allowed that inner beast to feed on the power and take over. So sad what that awful man was allowed, encouraged, and rewarded for doing what he did. I'm so glad he was caught and imprisoned. There are more men with the same predilection as Jeff's that need arrested, I hope justice is done sooner than later.
Just an average male grifter, cult-leader. Incarcerated
Every time I listen to one of these interviews…I sit riveted 😮. Ty Chris for sharing your story with us.
Chris' family's story is amazing to hear. I am going to use some of his dad jokes with my kids!
“A bunch of men left, even the mayor”
I believe the mayor with 4 wives is Sam’s dad from Growing Up In Polygamy.
I’ve always suspected the reason Sam’s dad was sent away was because he seems like a smart man & all around good guy. Smart people with a good heart aren’t easily manipulated & don’t follow blindly.
Sam has a very different FLDS story, very sweet. I’ve always attributed that to (probably) his dad.
Oh interesting!
@@CultstoConsciousnessPlease interview Sam from Growing up in Polygami.
@pyenygren2299 she already has.
Yes David Zitting, Sam mentioned it in more details on Mormon stories. He still doesn't know why he got kicked out
Sam’s dad being the mayor is one of those weird facts I’ve picked up from watching them. If someone interviewed Sam, it probably wouldn’t come up.
The best part of his story is how he created his own community
Congratulations on all your successes...your beautiful marriage, your devotion to your children and living your truth!
One of my favorite guests so far. I hope we can hear from his wife as well someday. I think her perspective would be so interesting also.
Chris is awesome!
One of the funnest guys i have ever had the privilege of working with.
Chris missed his calling as a Comedian (great sense of humor) lol He's such a cool guy the way he can express his most valuable experiences with such RESPECT...Thank You for sharing. Rich Blessings To ALL🙏📿🙏📿
His resort is where you should do a C2C vacation, what better place than the dream come true of a former cult member.
What a great interview! We need to hear from Lydia for sure. This really highlights the difference of experience and viewpoint between men and women in FLDS.
At 1:05, I LOVE how he says "I don't want to be guilty of adultry!!!" (Like, it never occurred to him that he would comply and stop touching his wife... thats some pure love)
Wow, what an incredible human who seems to have always lived true to himself and his family. I'm sure there are deeper emotions, but Chris, you embody the very definition of a man of integrity. Salvation was never about acts or baptism. It is the loss of every person who does not have the privilege to know you or your story. Your family is blessed. Thank you for another incredible story of life and love and truth, Shelise!
Lydia sounds AMAZING I’d love to hear from her. Beautiful interview I LOVE his energy, positivity and love for his family. He’s a real man
Very interesting and coherent and good. I am so glad the family with 7 children was able to stay together. The pecan resort sounds amazing and I was also glad he got back the house he built i Short Creek too once the UEP was taken away from the FLDS control. Whether in or out of a group lie this, it is much better for children to stay together with their parents and Warren Jeffs' worst mistake was ripping families apart. Lyle Jeffs (Warren's full brother) was mentioned. Here in England I just started reading a book by Charlene Jeffs who was married to Lyle and had a large family with him "Tell your heart to beat again." which I bought on Amazon.
It’s so sweet to see his face light up and his joyful adoring laugh when he talks about his wife wearing a bikini for the first time. What a precious love he has for his wife. I can’t imagine wearing a bikini after 3 kids let alone 7, that’s impressive!!
Chris is very level headed. If you want to know how it is for 90% of the people in the flds church then this would be the one to watch.
An amazing real life outcome in Chris’ life! And a lovely young man. I’m so glad he was able to reconcile with his Dad. It’s so important to have the grounding family relationships for all of us, especially when the going has been so confused by dogma and a damaged belief system. Congrats to finding your way Chris. It can be a pretty bleak life if we can’t get over the hurdles placed along the way. Really happy for you!
Chris is an amazing human and friend. He is such an inspiration!
I cant finish the video today.
But boy is it so nice seeing a man just gush and smile ear to ear talking about how he met his wife. And how much he fell for her. It’s so lovely to hear! I wish them the best time in life
Chris is an absolute delight! Thank you for the interview!
Thank you for sharing Chris' story! I love his attitude - he doesn't sugarcoat anything but is so upbeat and funny. I want to stay at his resort!
I am truly impressed with the direction this family has taken itself. The resort sounds so cool!
Loved this episode! Thank you Chris for sharing your story! Congrats on your new venture it sounds amayzing 🎉
Thank you for sharing your story Chris! It's amaing to see how far you've come and being an inspiration to other men suffering under the hands of cults
Side note-- LOVE the little pop up sound when you show a picture since I am usually looking away. I know when I hear that you have a pic up
Glad to hear it! That’s why we put it in there 😁
One of the best interviews I’ve ever watched. Bravo!!! A true love story. In every way.
Great interview Thank you both so much and i look forward to an interview with lydia as well ❤
Chis, you clearly have a love of life: everyone in your life, the family and home(s) that you created and now the business you are creating. Nothing that you have been through has made you the least bit bitter. You are a beautiful person and you deserve all the happiness and success that you have in your life. Also, for someone who struggled in school so much, you are very articulate and you are a very intelligent storyteller. The very best to you and your family!
Chris's family: "we think you're garbage". Also Chris's family: "can you give us your time and talents"? F-ing hypocrites!
Wow. That really is so unbelievably rare for a marriage that young to actually work. I am so glad these two had each other! Obviously that was in spite of the FLDS rather than because of it...but even my grandparents, who were not Mormon, but married as teens, had a very toxic relationship that IMO actually should have ended in divorce.
It is so clear that his family has been blessed. He has such a sweetness and goodness about him. Thank you for sharing your amazing story.
I kept seeing this post but kept passing it by, mostly because it has Warren Jeff's disgusting mug on it.. but it kept showing up in my feed since I watch your posts fairly often.. so tonight I finally watched it & I'm sooo glad I did! What a wonderful podcast, and what a wonderful guest Chris was! And most importantly, what a wonderful testament he & Lydia are, that There is Happiness After the Jeff's! Real happiness!! I feel sure that much of that happiness comes from being true to themselves and listening to, what I call Spirit, speak to their heart & soul on how to be people of Integrity and Love. You don't need a church of men to tell you how to live, how to make up rules for life, etc. We all know deep down inside. We were created this way and I'm so happy for this couple that were able to get free from this Cult. I've experienced being separated from church family and friends, and it's rough, but sometimes, as Chris's story goes, we get to see them again. I wish them every happiness in the world.
PS. Chris.. keep listening to Lydia.. that girls BS/Cult radar works 100% on target! 🎉
Thank you so much for your Story, Christopher. I have lots of love and respect for you and your family.
Was so touched by your Lovestory and how beautifully you talk about your wife 🥰
All the best for the future. May you and your family always feel loved and stay healthy and happy.
This episode had me at the edge of my seat. Chris is an exceptional story teller. I was amazed at how he was not allowed free time to relax or play and now he owns a resort for families to come play, make memories & connect with nature. I would love to hear more about Lydia's experiences and I'm sooooooooo curious about their children's point of view. Thank you for sharing these stories.
So lovely!!! So proud of this guy for choosing Love and living authentically. Honestly, so powerful. Hi Lydia...sending you hugs!
You, as a host Shelise, are killer. So kind and always knowing what to say. Love listening to you.
The part where his peers were pressuring him to use drugs, on a serious note I would imagine there is a high rate of SUD among ex-members, partially because trauma and SUD go hand in hand but also because they received absolutely no proper education on drugs. Although public schools don't do a good job either
What an interesting interview! Christopher is such a positive, awesome person...a born storyteller! All the best to him and his family!
Glad to hear that you & your wife are STILL together 🥰🫂💕❣️ I have to agree you BOTH made that work🥰❣️ You have a very Strong Mother... I have heard so many horrible stories of others that didn't work out like yours💔😭. I'm glad you all are free❣️ 💞 ALOHA FROM HAWAI'I 💞🌹 LYSSA 🌹
I love getting all these different perspectives, and his resort sounds amazing with all the waterslides and everything!
Ok well I didn't volunteer for the c2c vacation, but clearly y'all need to go to this resort. Such an amazing story. Your guests are always so amazing!❤
I continue to be shocked about how distructive the cults are to families. Your relatives can't come into your house because they are not of the same faith? That is teaching hate. I get so frstrated at the things they teach that sometimes I cannot comment because I don't know where to start.
Divide and conquer
Here's a comment for the algorithm. Keep exposing the lies. I am a recent subscriber, so I've been trying to catch up for months. You are bringing awareness and bringing nastiness into the light. You are amazing.
More education about life, reality, love and light here than any of these “churches”. And most importantly about protecting yourself and others from predators. ♥️✌️
Thank you so much! Welcome to C2C where KinkyKitties are embraced not shamed! 😜 we do our best ☺️
Was really an interesting video - feel like I could have listened to his stories for hours!
What a great story, love the sound of Lydia and Chris appears to be such a lovely man. I’m so glad that love prevailed ❤
You sound like a great parent and all-around person ❤ thank u for sharing your story
11:38 and I’m already in love with this guy 😍 and I love Lydia even more and I haven’t even met her. But their love for each other and for life, despite the odds, is infectious. Now back to the video :)
Really enjoyed this video! I'm so glad to see they left the cult and are prospering!!! Yes, I'd love to hear from his wife too!
I cannot tell you how relieved I was when he finally came to the part where he and his wife both chose love instead of their feckless religion!
Loved this interview! Would love to see Chris on again to tell more stories and hopefully his wife Lydia! He never did get to tell the story of his daughter and her boyfriend he briefly mentioned he would go into later! ☹️
Chris is an example of consciousness! He was in such an extreme group but still had a healthy mentality towards women and family and regular day to day behaviour… I loved the way he spoke about Lydia and wish them well ❤
Not everyone coming out of a cult adopts the toxic indoctrination
I'm newer to this channel and after this video, I'm for sure turning on my notifications. I can't wait to hear from Lydia!!!
Welcome to C2C! We hope Lydia will decide to come on!
Loved your story, thank you for sharing it. Also, your resort sounds rad!
Thank you for sharing your story. I appreciate how educational this channel is.
Thanks for watching!
What an amazing interview! What a special person!
I really enjoyed this interview. My mother in the room next door. Thank you. - Omar St
Chris: drops gems entire episode
Also Chris: "DoNT eAT YeLLOw SNOW"
My favorite interview so far.
Im so confused how this story went from working man to owning 50 acres and building a resort, many houses and lake... What did i miss, what am i missing in life lol
He bought the property when it wasn't worth much. The wind blows a lot down there, and nobody thought anyone would want to live there. But watching the land being developed, it is getting less dusty when the wind blows because there's more grass and roads, ect. Plus keep in mind he's been doing construction since he was like 16. And knows every trade that it takes to build a house start to finish.
Great interview. Already checked out Pecan Valley Resort. Amazing!
Loved this interview...I am thinking I just found another vacation spot to check out😊