My Life as an FLDS Child Bride - Elissa Wall Pt. 2 | Ep. 1653

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 24 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 810

  • @sunnylilme
    @sunnylilme Рік тому +602

    Also.. THANK YOU TO THE HOST, for not interrupting her story. It was much more powerful that way.

    • @TeeJayNZ
      @TeeJayNZ Рік тому +24

      Agree he was so good and empathetic

    • @janciesielski6157
      @janciesielski6157 Рік тому +3

      😮😮

    • @terieleimoore1375
      @terieleimoore1375 Рік тому +16

      Their silence seriously spoke volumes in the best way, it really did help to amplify her voice even more which is saying something because I saw another person in here describing her story and the way she tells it as captivating, and it is exactly that, but that amount of respect and patience really sets them apart as interviewers as well. They said they wanted to give her the opportunity to tell her whole story and I feel like they REALLY did that - AND with respect. A true example of “actions speak louder than words.”

    • @taniam2606
      @taniam2606 10 місяців тому

      YAS!!!

    • @janenelusty8916
      @janenelusty8916 7 місяців тому

      😊😊😊p😊😊😊pppp😊😊pp😊😊😊😊😊😊😊pp😊p😊😊

  • @lj9524
    @lj9524 9 місяців тому +49

    …..I am in tears listening to the sexual abuse of a 14 year old girl….Ms Steed is an amazing survivor of the FDLS cult. She is an intelligent, articulate and amazing young woman. She told her experience of living in a cult so well. I am so so very sorry for her suffering. She is brave and courageous! Thank you both for your conversation.

  • @lady8jane
    @lady8jane 2 роки тому +484

    I somehow found it incredibly comforting to hear the other people in the room quietly crying in the background as she tells the worst parts of her story. I appreciate the team for being so warm and compassionate.

    • @lindaroloff34
      @lindaroloff34 Рік тому +22

      Her openness of her childhood is remarkable.
      Changing families on the whim of the male elders had the have been heartbreaking.

    • @adutdau7823
      @adutdau7823 6 місяців тому

      @@lindaroloff34

    • @Melissa-Glover
      @Melissa-Glover 5 місяців тому +2

      I noticed that too

    • @southernbelladonna78
      @southernbelladonna78 5 місяців тому

      I didn't hear anyone crying, but I was.

    • @BrigitteTesson
      @BrigitteTesson 5 місяців тому

      @@lindaroloff34kokkkk’ñz,q

  • @e.d.3640
    @e.d.3640 2 роки тому +346

    So many adults complicit in child trafficking and sexual exploitation, and not one stepped up to protect her… horrifying story. She is a very brave woman, what a survivor she is. I hope only the best for her

    • @lijohnyoutube101
      @lijohnyoutube101 Рік тому +1

      The core foundation of all religion is ‘comply’. If they were too loose with the brainwashing, no religion would ever continue. Religion only continues because of extreme indoctrination.

    • @annamineer2521
      @annamineer2521 Рік тому +24

      She's been able to see some of them incarcerated. She's managed to escape and heal and she won a $16M judgement against that horrible Warren Jeffs. She's a survivor and is doing beautifully. She didn't "lose her testimony" either. She found it!❤ One of her sisters escaped too.

    • @leandrobravo3319
      @leandrobravo3319 Рік тому +3

      That's the beauty of a religion devoted to love.

    • @helenkobayashi6900
      @helenkobayashi6900 Рік тому +6

      ​@@annamineer2521 Yes but her mother was one of the criminals

    • @graedot
      @graedot 11 місяців тому +12

      And it still happens and Utah turns a disgusting, crusty, nasty, black, blind eye to it. I'm sickened.

  • @TheInstigator1026
    @TheInstigator1026 2 роки тому +271

    1:07:24. "he said, One day, you're going to sit and tell your story, and thousands are going to listen."
    So powerful and moving! Thank you, Elissa, for sharing your incredible story of survival, strength, and resilience.
    I will be looking to get your book, to support the amazing work you do, and the person you have become.
    Peace be the journey. ✌

    • @TheInstigator1026
      @TheInstigator1026 Рік тому +5

      @@sarahjarrell1262 yeah, this probably was not what the prophet had in mind...

    • @Who-Dunnit
      @Who-Dunnit Рік тому +4

      Very powerful. Hope he's in hell tho.

    • @leandrobravo3319
      @leandrobravo3319 Рік тому +2

      Yeah... was at that point I started realy vomiting, becaus an "upstanding man" told a 14y/o girl "Well, one day you will happily tell a ton of people how you were forced to marry a bully and get raped by him and how happy you are about it now.", no matter how it turned out for her. Realy moving and powerfull.

    • @shadowmomma
      @shadowmomma 7 місяців тому

      Hundreds of thousands. Untold millions, down the line.

    • @meganmerchant704
      @meganmerchant704 Місяць тому

      Of course not, but Elissa turned it into something beautiful. ​@@TheInstigator1026

  • @ambers8
    @ambers8 2 роки тому +118

    Hey John, I was born in 1963 and adopted by a Mormon couple. Just like Elissa being told that her DNA would change, my parents were told that the DNA of their adopted children would change in the temple sealing…therefore we were told that there was a literal change of blood and it was as if we were the literal children of our adoptive parents. It was so ingrained that, I’m embarrassed to say, I used my adoptive parent’s medical history as my own until I was pregnant with my 5th child. Ugh!!

    • @deadmanswife3625
      @deadmanswife3625 Рік тому +2

      LOL

    • @suemount6042
      @suemount6042 Рік тому

      Can’t find anything to LOL in ambers message brainwashing is horrendous

    • @jenniferbyrne4567
      @jenniferbyrne4567 Рік тому +17

      Children are easily manipulated! It isn’t surprising that you believed that all along. I’m sorry you were lied to.

    • @mary-janebelec9082
      @mary-janebelec9082 5 місяців тому

      WOMAN HATING. MISOGENY.

    • @Lunarisa1971
      @Lunarisa1971 5 місяців тому +1

      It's not like there was DNA in those days. It was easy for them to lie to you. And if you believe in your faith then you believe the lies. Especially when your a child. You probably would have been having kids in the years that DNA was just becoming a thing and testing would have been hard to get ahold of. Don't beat yourself up for their lies. You didn't make them. You just listened to your parents and isn't that what we are all raised to do?

  • @Aml8503
    @Aml8503 Рік тому +173

    My gosh. My daughter turns 14 this week. She’s still so innocent and just barely starting life into womanhood! What horrible abuse!! I can’t even imagine what this woman went through. My heart breaks for her and I’m so glad she escaped. She’s so dang brave and awesome.

    • @Peaceshiet812
      @Peaceshiet812 Рік тому +14

      I remember my twin girls at that age so clearly , it makes me physically sick to think her own mother didn’t protect her.

    • @livid5480
      @livid5480 9 місяців тому +5

      It hurts me to know she was just a wall away from her child. The mother had all means to protect her daughter and she chose not to.
      Such a brave person. My heart goes out to you.

    • @PatriciaTennery
      @PatriciaTennery 7 місяців тому +1

      Warren did not really care about people especially if he saw them as pawns

    • @Yulia.chandrika
      @Yulia.chandrika 6 місяців тому +5

      I didn't even have my period at 14. It's uncommon but mine came a bit later.
      This is absolutely crazy specially because of the psychological manipulation making her believe God wants that 🤦🏻

    • @brendakauffman8133
      @brendakauffman8133 6 місяців тому +1

      @@Peaceshiet812 Her mother was indoctrinated too. She thought she was doing right.

  • @stephanieh4412
    @stephanieh4412 2 роки тому +70

    I really appreciated John taking back his comment and apologising in this episode.

  • @LizKrause
    @LizKrause 2 роки тому +120

    It’s crazy that a woman falling in love with another man is the biggest no no in a polygamous community where men have 20 wives

  • @satutoivonen9679
    @satutoivonen9679 2 роки тому +820

    Wow, this was the most captivating podcast I've heard in my life. How come she's so incredibly wise with no education and only 36 years of age? What an incredible woman.

    • @lindalove831
      @lindalove831 2 роки тому +93

      I totally agree, I started listening for just a few minutes but ended up listening to the entire podcast.

    • @jeannemarie5908
      @jeannemarie5908 2 роки тому +76

      I agree!! One very, very wise young woman, wise and articulate. Fascinating to listen to her speak because she is so confident and powerful while communicating such traumatic experiences.
      I have great respect and admiration for this woman.

    • @h.a.k-m3370
      @h.a.k-m3370 2 роки тому +24

      Totally agree 💯
      And also: greetings from a fellow Finn listening the Mormon Stories.

    • @ms.fancypants8548
      @ms.fancypants8548 2 роки тому +15

      I agree I was just thinking wow I can’t believe she is younger than me.

    • @satutoivonen9679
      @satutoivonen9679 2 роки тому +15

      @@powderandpaint14 Oh, I didn't know she's had an education, my bad. I just asumed as that has not come up once anywhere that I've seen. Just out of curiosity, what education has she had, please tell me as you seem to know?
      And nooo therapy so does not make a person wise. I was in therapy before she ever made it out of the FLDS. I can garantee you I've had more therapy than she has and that hasn't made me wise. That's not how therapy works. At all.
      So what I'm saying here is, you don't know what you're talking about, do you? You just wanted to disagree for disagreements sake. Not necessarily... how should I put it... wise.

  • @missylee3022
    @missylee3022 2 роки тому +147

    That other girl saying "we could run" is going to stay with me forever.

    • @agapeeternal
      @agapeeternal 6 місяців тому +7

      I love that her and Ruby are still friends too

    • @christinesbetterknitting4533
      @christinesbetterknitting4533 5 місяців тому +1

      ​@@agapeeternalI love that she and Ruby are still friends, too

    • @DrSues-nq7oz
      @DrSues-nq7oz Місяць тому

      @@christinesbetterknitting4533 Well and nicely done! I am also so impressed by how much thinking and reading and learning that Elissa has done and is still doing as she continues to tell her story and do such important work.

  • @creatrixcorvusarts876
    @creatrixcorvusarts876 2 роки тому +267

    As I am listening to her recount her timeline, it is easy to forget that this all took place in such a short time…before she was an adult! It feels like all this was happening over decades! My brain felt like it turned inside out when I realised this.
    I am so grateful that Elissa is sharing her story.

    • @Rupes89
      @Rupes89 2 роки тому +8

      I agree. It’s harrowing. So easy to forget how fast this all happened, at such a young age. Such a strong person.

    • @TeeJayNZ
      @TeeJayNZ Рік тому +4

      Well said

    • @sylviamireles8152
      @sylviamireles8152 Рік тому +3

      ​@@Rupes89
      C

  • @knittnpretty
    @knittnpretty 2 роки тому +104

    My breath actually caught in my throat when Miss Steed heard the words, "one day thousands will listen to you tell your story"!

    • @dmaria8684
      @dmaria8684 Рік тому +4

      Millions of women across the globe ❤

    • @ironbutterfly6835
      @ironbutterfly6835 Рік тому +8

      I just bought my 14 year old grand daughter her first bra. She is a late bloomer but she also wasn’t mentally ready for that step. Her mother and I have defended her right to face maturity on her terms. Physically she wore cami ‘s etc. and shyly let us know she will be undressing in front of other girls during P E class this semester. I’m stunned listening to this incredible brave woman

    • @karensiegel6669
      @karensiegel6669 Рік тому +4

      ​@@ironbutterfly6835have female relative at 12 looks like she could be older teenager easily. Praying all goes well with her growing up because people of all ages can be very cruel over something you cannot control.

  • @sallyostling
    @sallyostling 2 роки тому +263

    Thank you Mormon Stories for allowing her the time and format to tell her story long form. I've seen her before and heard some of her story, but not on this detail.

    • @siriuslyconfused1
      @siriuslyconfused1 2 роки тому +13

      Entirely agree! I LOVE Elisa’s book and I am so beyond happy to hear this in her words in her own voice!

  • @kaysharogers32
    @kaysharogers32 5 місяців тому +16

    I see why these videos are some of the most popular on the channel. Elissa's story is heartbreaking to listen to, but so incredibly told.

  • @rmengelken
    @rmengelken 8 місяців тому +16

    John, the connections you made to come up with the Mark Twain quote, "Travel is fatal to prejudice," was brilliant!

  • @belalima5779
    @belalima5779 2 роки тому +98

    Child trafficking, in the midst of a community that should be your haven.
    You are amazingly strong, and I am so incredibly happy you are out! This was a heart breaker and the biggest inspiration at the same time. Thank you! 💙

  • @Super69firebird
    @Super69firebird 2 роки тому +73

    I love listening to anyone willing to discuss their experiences in the Flds, especially Elissa and Rebecca Wall. How brave Elissa was to take on the church and stick it to Warren!

  • @dramatriangle
    @dramatriangle 2 роки тому +145

    I love the way she speaks so confidently and eloquently, and yet she's able to explain how it felt going through this as a child. I can really relate to the religious abuse aspect and the part where we're not supposed to think for ourselves, when some of us are naturally wanting to be very logical and very thoughtful about our faith.

    • @lijohnyoutube101
      @lijohnyoutube101 2 роки тому

      All religion is abusive, its nothing but cult brainwashing to get others to believe nonsense thru fear, shaming, control, manipulation etc etc

  • @karinaz8756
    @karinaz8756 Рік тому +47

    I can’t imagine what it must feel like to have ADULTS telling you , you must allow yourself to be raped. She didn’t have the words to articulate her abuse. It’s all incredibly sick. She was A CHILD. What kind of man gets off on abusing kids.

    • @mariaguzman1552
      @mariaguzman1552 Рік тому +1

      Perverts

    • @mariepresho3653
      @mariepresho3653 Рік тому

      It’s disgusting and look at all the states that are now allowing men to marry girls as young as 14. It’s not just the Mormons. This new Republican Party, oops I mean the Taliban allow it.

    • @jenniferbyrne4567
      @jenniferbyrne4567 Рік тому +8

      This!!!!! They should all be in jail!

    • @michelleduncan9965
      @michelleduncan9965 11 місяців тому +1

      A demon. THAT'S who gets off on abusing kids.

    • @ayceleijae
      @ayceleijae 10 місяців тому

      Her cousin! Yuck!

  • @TheJoxy1
    @TheJoxy1 2 роки тому +126

    Wow. She is so strong. She has just said she had been married over 3 years and was 17. I have goosebumps and streaming tears. I just want to hug her, DV is the same world over, but hers was institutional. I hope this womans life is healing for her xxx BLESS HER.

  • @dianafree2601
    @dianafree2601 2 роки тому +76

    This should be a major movie so that all can see the horror of this. She is amazing to be this psychologically intact. This was child trafficking and we as a society allowed. Woman of the US should be appalled this could happen. This woman is amazing and should be a national speaker to law makers, police, schools and awareness to society. So awful.

    • @annamineer2521
      @annamineer2521 Рік тому

      And there are still somewhere between 6,000-10,000 people still following this garbage.

    • @cecesmith6229
      @cecesmith6229 Рік тому

      Child abuse in the name of "religion".

    • @patevans3709
      @patevans3709 Рік тому +3

      No--that would be exploiting her and others in her predicament! It is NOT meant to be entertainment!

    • @MissAmy2913
      @MissAmy2913 8 місяців тому +5

      It is not exploitation if she gives permission for her story to be told. If she had creative control over her story, and that story was seen in theatres all over the country, it would be seen by so many more people. Secrecy and being quiet allows evil a place to expand. Light must be allowed to conquer the darkness.

    • @sarahmurphy-nf4yl
      @sarahmurphy-nf4yl 5 місяців тому

      ​@patevanEEUCATUONAL.. NOT ENTERTAINMENT... EDUCATUONAL.. s3709

  • @taylorstreet3154
    @taylorstreet3154 2 роки тому +89

    Elissa is an INCREDIBLE storyteller. this woman doesn’t use the work “um or like” one time in the entire story. john and jen are speechless i love it

  • @MotorcoachVocalist
    @MotorcoachVocalist 8 місяців тому +8

    2:22 “You will never touch me again.” The exact words I spoke at age 17 to my father who had been molesting me. The rage and fire that “rose up” is a real thing. “If you do I will call the police. And if you ever touch (my sister) I will kill you myself.” He never touched me that way again. So, bravo! We do what it takes when we can. 😢

  • @yorgasor
    @yorgasor 2 роки тому +49

    I've had to have listened to over 1,000 hours of Mormon Story podcasts, but this blows them all away. Thank you so much for sharing your story!

  • @mayasummer6784
    @mayasummer6784 2 роки тому +49

    Such a powerful story, I’m speechless. The Netflix special missed so many key parts to her story that should be mentioned to help better understand what living in the flds is really like. I hope more people get to hear her story!

  • @T-41
    @T-41 2 роки тому +68

    As she is reciting the horror story, I had to stop it, take a break, and leave the room a couple of times. I am old enough to realize there is so much evil and suffering in the world, but this first person account is just too powerful and devastating to not be terribly affected by hearing it.

  • @emk7132
    @emk7132 Рік тому +77

    Painting from 1862 that captures how Elissa felt in her wedding dress: The Unequal Marriage by Vasily Pukirev. And reminds us all how the power over women and girls is so much bigger and so much older than FLDS.

  • @112462112
    @112462112 2 роки тому +29

    I have no words. Her strength of character and soul. Her resilience, openness and honesty. Stunning. Absolutely stunning. I left “The Church” 25 years ago and have kept so much buried. It’s time to face my past and heal. Thank you!

    • @MissAmy2913
      @MissAmy2913 8 місяців тому +3

      Please follow through and do it! I have been working on my religious trauma (nothing like what Elisa has been through) and it has been life changing. I buried it for decades but now I feel like at 52, I have permission to become the person I was supposed to be.

  • @goingbananas581
    @goingbananas581 2 роки тому +37

    My mom is a devout LDS woman who adopted 2 children 30 years ago. She was told in the Provo temple by the temple president that those 2 kids would have their DNA/blood changed when they were sealed to her. It seems its not just the FLDS that have that weird thought going around. Haha 😄 Crazy!

    • @hunnypie1873
      @hunnypie1873 Рік тому +3

      Wild

    • @joannedavis1991
      @joannedavis1991 Рік тому

      It’s a cult with mind controlled propaganda. Sick.

    • @user-bw3fl7fj9w
      @user-bw3fl7fj9w 7 місяців тому +1

      Funny... when I was sealed to my parents at the Washington DC Temple.i don't remember any such comments. Maybe, because I was In my early 50s ? I was asked if I had my adoption papers and I said no no one said to bring them.. they had to go ask permission for me to get sealed that day . I said we drove several hours and someone is coming for this...I was never told. I later wrote a letter complaining that it's unfair to adopted people to be asked for their adoption papers, when they don't make people show their birth certificate to prove these are indeed their parents!!

    • @Starry_Night_Sky7455
      @Starry_Night_Sky7455 2 місяці тому

      DNA will magically change, eh 😂? 🤣😂🤣

  • @tdecker2937
    @tdecker2937 2 роки тому +40

    She is so resilient and amazing. Hopefully there are many more who have left this CULT and followed in her footsteps. Just like Scientology, the light needs to be shined on this cult!

  • @chrisgibbs9218
    @chrisgibbs9218 Рік тому +22

    Every time you tell your story, it helps heal your heart. Never let anyone silence you!

  • @reneewelch7993
    @reneewelch7993 4 місяці тому +5

    Helping others escape cults by sharing your story is remarkably brave and kind.

  • @kaiazion5351
    @kaiazion5351 5 місяців тому +10

    I was groomed by my step father into believing it was normal to be naked in frot of him, to dress, undress in front of him. To be naked at the beach, for him to engage about information on sexuality. I remember so many creepy interactions with him. My Mother knew and condoned it. He was also a violent, alcoholic domestic abuser to the point where I used to hide a knife under my mattress... just in case I had to protect myself against him. Trauma is real, I am triggered constantly by certain things. This story resonates so strongly. What a brave woman. ❤

  • @mariannewall955
    @mariannewall955 2 роки тому +54

    There is a side of the story that is not being told about Elissa’s father. The final reason Elissa’s mom was taken from Lloyd was because of the years of terrible physical abuse he perpetrated upon Sharon’s kids. The day she never went back was one of the worst displays of abuse where he and his 3rd wife had tried to kill Elissa’s brother David through choking him. David and Sharon fled the home Sam Barlow (the cop from FLDS) came to gather up Sharon and David from the streets of Salt Lake and the rest of the children were gathered up from his home never to return.
    Now several of the police department was now aware of the abuse. The police not apart of the FLDS tried to convincer Sharon to file charges and Sharon said no she didn’t want to do that to Lloyd but she wanted her children safe.
    If that would’ve happened in the general public those children would’ve been taken away and there would have been a restraining order against Lloyd.
    I think every child wants to love their biological father. And to be fair some of Elissa’s siblings did not have as harsh of treatment from Lloyd and his other wives. But there was terrible abuse to many of them especially the boys.
    I also understand that people can go through the same experience and have totally different perspectives. The fact is Lloyd was extremely abusive and with all the media coverage that has not been brought to light is rather interesting and disturbing.

    • @mormonstories
      @mormonstories  2 роки тому +10

      😢😢😢

    • @sandymmusic8909
      @sandymmusic8909 2 роки тому +9

      So sad. Thanks for sharing.

    • @AMYforHIM
      @AMYforHIM Рік тому +8

      I haven’t listened to the entire podcast. Its very difficult to hear. At the moment I’m having a difficult time with her seeming protection and excuses she’s providing for her mother’s role in the abuse. Coming from a personal history of childhood trauma, where my mother was complicit in ignoring the abuse, there are just no excuses for a parent not protecting their child. I understand there was brainwashing and the mother may have been abused as well, but in my mind there’s just no excuses for the neglect and lack of protection.

    • @annamineer2521
      @annamineer2521 Рік тому +5

      ​@@AMYforHIMI'm with you. My mother didn't protect me either and I don't give her a pass. I had to forgive for my own sake, but she had to answer for that when she met Jesus. But I don't make excuses for her.

    • @tiryaclearsong421
      @tiryaclearsong421 Рік тому +3

      ​@@AMYforHIM She went through so much that it seems anyone who wasn't blatantly abusive was "nice" or "good" to her. She is only 36 though and still has time to unpack the rest, but many people I know who went through severe trauma reach a functional state and just can't keep unpacking and keep their job or responsibilities at some point. So unpacking the trauma becomes like triage, stop them from dying and ducktape the rest. My mom is twenty years older than her and only now unpacking that none of the "good" people in her life were good to her either. And she honestly just rejects some of it because some of them are dead and she won't darken their memory. It's weird but she is nice and functional and not perpetuating the abuse, she just has this cognitive dissonance that her mom was a good mom while also saying her mom's parenting was not ideal and she wouldn't do it herself or have me do it. It's weird but she's still in therapy.

  • @redsox19521
    @redsox19521 2 роки тому +26

    This is one strong, resilient, and determined woman. She has endured and overcome so much. I wish her many good days ahead.

  • @MxPx77
    @MxPx77 2 роки тому +26

    She is amazingly poised and articulate for what she was put through. Incredible story teller.

  • @sushi6608
    @sushi6608 2 роки тому +25

    It took me a while to realize that I sat frozen for a significant amount of time listening to Elissa's recount of what happened to her. To think this was and continues to human beings everyday.

  • @oritigra
    @oritigra 2 роки тому +18

    It is so painful and insightful to listen to Elissa telling her story. Thank you all for this series!

  • @brendaclement6753
    @brendaclement6753 2 роки тому +10

    What an amazing and interesting storyteller. Can’t believe I’ve been listening to someone talk for 6+ hours and can’t wait to hear more. I grew up in the mainstream Mormon church and left as a young adult. I’ve heard many common threads while she’s talking about FLDS and main stream Mormons. Something new for me to learn, and my mother had told me this, that the church really pushed my mother and father into marriage. My mother was single with me when I was eight years old and my father had never been married at age 40. He adopted me right away and baptized me. I am really really enjoying this interview.

  • @amylou22snowhite
    @amylou22snowhite 2 роки тому +21

    My great aunt lost so many pregnancies to rH factor in the 40s and 50s that she lost count. My heart goes out to any woman suffering loss like this. Medical science is wonderful!

    • @graedot
      @graedot 11 місяців тому +2

      I have a negative blood type, father of my kids was positive. We have two lovely children, no miscarriages. Yes, it's not a bad time to be alive even though we tend to believe it is.

    • @user-bw3fl7fj9w
      @user-bw3fl7fj9w 7 місяців тому

      They have an injection given after delivery that's supposed to protect the next baby. Not sure when they started doing it.

  • @nancybuecker2260
    @nancybuecker2260 7 місяців тому +7

    What a horrible experience for a young woman. I’m so happy she had the strength to get out of that situation. What an incredibly strong beautiful woman.

  • @sandramelia3765
    @sandramelia3765 11 місяців тому +8

    Your visceral reaction to W. Jeff’s presence, is the unconscious, primal understanding of being in the presence of pure evil.

  • @rtrgirl417
    @rtrgirl417 2 роки тому +27

    This is tough on so many levels. I was born in 87. I can't stop thinking of where I was in my life at the time she was experiencing this abuse.

    • @TeeJayNZ
      @TeeJayNZ Рік тому +4

      I keep thinking the same and I think back at some of my difficult times but nothing compared to this omg

  • @Abenn944
    @Abenn944 2 роки тому +22

    A million thanks to Elissa & MS!!
    This has been enthralling & the eloquent manner she speaks with has had me captivated since the beginning.
    Elissa sharing her story is more impactful than she will probably ever know.
    So much love to her ❤️

  • @tricia9940
    @tricia9940 11 місяців тому +7

    This was so moving and incredibly informative. And I was moved to tears hearing her story and experiences as a 14 year old girl. It was absolutely heartbreaking. And then to hear her talk about her first Christmas and realizing she had done the right thing. I’m so happy she has found joy in her life.

  • @SuzanneTatham-so1jj
    @SuzanneTatham-so1jj Рік тому +26

    I cannot stop listening to your compelling and tragic story. So very inspired by you.

  • @klggrabo
    @klggrabo 2 роки тому +28

    Wow, what a gifted speaker. She is an amazing story teller and such an incredible example of resilience. I’m her age and totally wish we could be best friends in real life. What an amazing woman!

  • @KrisBlack-idahogirl
    @KrisBlack-idahogirl Рік тому +5

    The level of her knowledge of self is amazing to me. The clarity of understanding and recognizing her feelings throughout each of her experiences is trulely great. My childhood was full of trauma. I could no more identify my feelings at the time because i was distancing myself fromm reality just to survive. I admire this womans strength. Her being able to be in the moment and identify her feelings through each instance. Still surviving it all. Thats truly amazing to me.

  • @bellebelle7868
    @bellebelle7868 2 роки тому +17

    This was the most powerful, insightful, sad captivating life story of such a brave strong women I’ve ever heard…

  • @lauraburdett8932
    @lauraburdett8932 2 роки тому +26

    Your book was how I learned about the FLDS. You are an incredibly worthy woman. Thank you so much for your story.

  • @susiekaiser1
    @susiekaiser1 7 місяців тому +7

    She stayed for her mother and her sisters yet, they didn’t worry about her or her brothers when they were kicked out at 13. Those poor uneducated boys. And their dad should have broken down the gates to get to his children. It all baffles me. I’m glad that Elisa was released from her miserable marriage. These people are all sick!

  • @sbraith
    @sbraith 2 роки тому +40

    What an amazing storyteller, and such an emotional story to tell. I hope the book succeeds in every respect. I would hope too that it reaches an even wider audience by being made into a movie. We all need to hear Elissa's voice.

  • @FabricofTime
    @FabricofTime Рік тому +6

    I"m exactly the same age as Elissa; her birthday is twelve days before my own. I grew up in a couple of different IFB (independant fundamental Baptist) churches and while my upbringing was NOWHERE near as abusive as Elissa's in the FLDS (nor as restrictive), it's fascinating how many shades of similarity there are. They used a lot of the same terminology and a lot of the same fears to keep us apart from "the world" and to make us afraid of the people on the other side.
    It's wild to think about what life was like for me and for her at nearly the same time. Her road was much longer and harder than mine, but I'm glad we're both free.

  • @franniebear777
    @franniebear777 2 роки тому +23

    I have heard many stories from the FLDS as well as "The order"/ Kingston Clan. Most of the stories are horrific but this one hit different because of the detail and emotion being explained so well. I was surprised because this is the first account that has really talked about Ruhlen. It surprised me to hear that it seems he was not as bad and had more of a heart than Warren. It seems Warren Jeffs was the worst thing to happen to the people that were part of the FLDS. I have heard recording of his voice on several occasions and also got chills and an uneasy feeling each time, even before hearing about all he did. He was an enemy to women. I am so glad Elissa got out and so sorry for all she went through as part of this group. Such a strong woman and very well spoken. I hope the message eventually reaches many others in these groups and they can get out. Thank you for sharing.

    • @kimtopp5984
      @kimtopp5984 Рік тому

      A bunch of dirty old men hiding behind religion…

  • @kimross76
    @kimross76 2 роки тому +22

    I love Jen. “He’s creepy looking”. Summed up perfectly.

  • @the_syncopated_traveler1453
    @the_syncopated_traveler1453 Рік тому +11

    Warran Jeff's absolutely used her marriage arrangement as a punishment. Sick

  • @claireday8593
    @claireday8593 5 місяців тому +5

    Oh this is heart breaking she was so young. It is crazy that an older man can marry a child and that child is then groomed by everyone. The fact they are telling a child that their duty is to do what the man teaches you to do. I can’t believe that religious groups and so many of them are ok with it. I have never understood how people think that any God could be ok with sexual abuse towards children and makes these children believe that this is what happens to all children. This lady is so strong to be able to talk about her experience it needs to be talked about and needs to stop this is not ok.

  • @panninggazz5244
    @panninggazz5244 2 роки тому +20

    I grew up in a suburban nuclear family. I am in the Jones Generation (last part of Boomers) and I had zero understanding of sexuality until I dated at 16. Once I learned, my friends and I educated ourselves on birth control immediately. I was raised Protestant but there was a large Mormon community around us (Orange County, CA) I saw that the Mormon boys were not as naive and were allowed things like Mad magazine and other media that the girls were not given. Not sure where I am going here, but was inspired to think out loud here.

  • @silmuffin86
    @silmuffin86 Рік тому +10

    What a strong amazing woman! She is exactly my age, and it's like she's lived twice as long. She's been through so much, and yet she's there, so beautiful inside and out, thriving.

  • @shirlzitting647
    @shirlzitting647 Рік тому +7

    She wrote her story, her genuine history, condensed into a book, but her telling it in this, what, 13 hour series, is more like a library, and the raw emotions that are never manifest in a book. I imagine the script of this series is more than a book. Do we see a sequel? But like Joseph said, "no man knows my history". There is so much more.

  • @ashleysmallwood7937
    @ashleysmallwood7937 2 роки тому +50

    Hearing her version of what happened to her, in her own words, reminds me of the reading of the diary that you all did of the young bride of Joseph Smith that didn’t want to get married and only wanted to attend the local dance.. (I apologize for not remembering her name.)

  • @GeorgesGulch
    @GeorgesGulch 2 роки тому +21

    I listened her book a few months after it came out (I’m just a few years older than her, so I was young, too.) and have hoped to see her out there more ever since. I craved to hear her story in her voice, though the narrator was good. To this day when I see the name Allen, I hear it in the narrator’s voice. Anyway, at the time I knew she was young and doing life. Just getting her story written as she was making sense of everything was a massive accomplishment. I’m so happy to see her here with you all, John.

  • @susiekaiser1
    @susiekaiser1 7 місяців тому +6

    This young woman had no one to stand up for her! At 14! So very sad.

  • @mjay858
    @mjay858 Рік тому +4

    What an amazing woman. Came to listen for just and min and stayed for the whole thing. She is a beautiful story teller. She is so articulate, so brave and her intelligence shines through! And pretty to boot! Thank you for sharing your story. Keep on sharing! You stopped a world of hurt your a hero!

  • @adebocook
    @adebocook 8 днів тому +1

    I have followed so many of these survivors and I just think she is so well spoken and with so much passion for truth. Thank you for sharing this incredibly difficult life event that is everlasting.

  • @senatoraous
    @senatoraous 2 роки тому +14

    I was really drawn to Elissa in the Netflix documentary, I live in a country where her book is not available so I am very happy I get to hear her story like this. Thank you. Such a great story teller.

    • @senatoraous
      @senatoraous Рік тому

      @taramcgavan7654we do have Amazon but it’s doesn’t offer the same range of products. I’m in Turkey, Amazon got here like 2018

    • @sweetla4750
      @sweetla4750 5 місяців тому

      What’s the name of the documentary?!

  • @southernbelladonna78
    @southernbelladonna78 5 місяців тому +6

    This is so disturbing. To think that many grown adults contributed to brainwashing a child into thinking she was lucky to be forced into marriage and having children....... and on top of it to her cousin. How many adults contributed to this? How? I can barely understand how anyone could turn a blind eye to this.

  • @panninggazz5244
    @panninggazz5244 2 роки тому +7

    I can’t stop commenting! So thankful that you were given so many hours to talk to us. It takes as long as it takes!!!

  • @EstherLTurner
    @EstherLTurner Рік тому +18

    She has way more grace for her maternal parent than she deserves. Indoctrination and brain washing does not excuse trafficking your own daughter to a cult or leaving here teenage boy on the side of a highway.

    • @annamineer2521
      @annamineer2521 Рік тому

      I agree. These women need to be removed and deprogrammed. They certainly don't deserve children.

  • @soleillebolduc2448
    @soleillebolduc2448 2 роки тому +21

    Wow. Such unimaginable trauma and pain. I am so sorry, Elissa, that you experienced any one of those things let alone all of those things.... my heart hurts for you and so many others. You are a strong and amazing human. Thank you for sharing your story.

  • @kpwillson
    @kpwillson Рік тому +3

    Elissa Wall is an incredible person with a true internal sense of right and wrong, and extreme courage. She's also incredibly poetic and well spoken. Given the environment she was raised in, these traits are even more impressive. Thanks for an amazing interview. So much respect for Elissa

  • @tinalangborg5920
    @tinalangborg5920 Місяць тому +1

    You are such a survivor!
    I understand why you didn't leave. You barely had the strength to survive the day, let alone plan or have the energy to escape.
    I'm so happy for you and your new life ❤

  • @attitudeproblem6462
    @attitudeproblem6462 Рік тому +5

    Although my heart hurts for all the miscarriages she had to endure, I can’t help but be glad for her that she does *not* have that type of connection w/ that animal she was married to.
    He delighted in making her pay for rejecting him.

  • @madrigale6396
    @madrigale6396 2 роки тому +7

    I'm so grateful to hear more of Elissa's story! I recently viewed a documentary that centered a bit on her story but I wanted so much more info and here it is! Thank you Elissa and this channel!

  • @Emm-z-l7i
    @Emm-z-l7i 6 місяців тому +11

    How has our U.S. government allowed this to happen?

    • @kuroe-chan5190
      @kuroe-chan5190 Місяць тому

      I’m guessing because it’s “religion” based bs so they can’t interfere I don’t know. I would love to know. It is sickening

    • @jessicam7467
      @jessicam7467 28 днів тому

      Freedom of religion. It's hard to believe something like scientology is allowed to abuse people, too.

  • @MsGhost87
    @MsGhost87 6 місяців тому +8

    It's interesting how small our world is. My fiance works with "lost boys" as well as just boys from Short Creek. I won't say more because I don't want to give more away. However, I have met several polygamist who grew up in Short Creek & who still have family there. The families who left or grew up outside Hildale, still practice, but in a modern way, much how the HBO version "Big Love" was portrayed.
    It's interesting for sure...
    Thank you for sharing your story ❤ I can't imagine. Without stories like yours, we wouldn't have known how bad this community was with Warren Jeff's at the helm... as well as others.

  • @savoydowdy4212
    @savoydowdy4212 Рік тому +1

    Wow. Just wow! Hands down the most powerful, moving story I've heard yet on a podcast. She seriously needs to write a book. The way she told her story I literally sat here imaging a movie playing in my head. The details are so vivid. Someone really needs to make her story a movie. No question about it. God bless you lady!

    • @terieleimoore1375
      @terieleimoore1375 Рік тому

      She did write a book about it, it’s called Stolen Innocence!

  • @ElijahsMimi
    @ElijahsMimi 2 роки тому +7

    At 1:53 the trauma was on purpose, it's part of Trauma Based Mind Control (TBMC) Traumatized people are easier to control, even to the point of acting like robot's, puppets. When we're traumatized it's easy for us to look for someone to tell us what to do.

  • @barbarademaio3980
    @barbarademaio3980 2 роки тому +20

    Elissa is so compelling in her story telling. Amazingly articulate. This Catholic listener was captivated. Will be a first listener as soon as next episode is released.

  • @MicaelaShepherd
    @MicaelaShepherd 2 роки тому +7

    Her story is fantastic because it is all about perspectives. He was motivating her with his words to change things for the church that change the lives of all of them forever.

  • @pemman
    @pemman 2 роки тому +19

    Wow! Elissa is such a lovely person and so good at bringing forth her story with all the various thoughts, feelings and so on. I can so understand that because of the indoctrination of a lot of dehumanization for a lot of Elissa's younger years (17 years plus) that so much conflict within Elissa had occured. Including, I feel, the working out of who she really was and unravelling whatever was the good, bad and ugly, etc. for herself so that at last she can like herself for who she really was. Looking forward to the final chapter. Well done Elissa :)

  • @RuxyMachal
    @RuxyMachal 6 місяців тому +2

    At 2:23 I felt that in my soul. My ex husband was that way, so nice and attentive in public and mentally, verbally and emotionally abusive in private. He only hit me once because I hit him right back, punched him straight in the head with all my might and told him if he ever touches me again I’ll kill him in his sleep. I had people say I have “the perfect husband”. I even snapped at one girl once and told her she could have him. I moved out a couple of months after that.

  • @Daaaanielle
    @Daaaanielle 11 місяців тому +8

    Damn. I hate her mother so much. It’s like she hated her kids

  • @lylymongeon
    @lylymongeon Місяць тому +2

    First experience for a woman is scary and painful. Requires CONSENT and a gentle approach. Anything less is rape. Married or not. And this is for consenting adults, let alone underaged individuals. Thank you for voicing it later than never.

  • @dawna1214
    @dawna1214 Рік тому +23

    This beautiful young woman is an excellent story teller. I could listen to her read the dictionary ❤lots of love and luck

  • @emptynesters2520
    @emptynesters2520 2 роки тому +11

    Oh Elissa♥️I hope you’re able to see this some day. No one on this earth should ever judge you, especially as a minor! You are a WARRIOR woman! Thank you for having the courage to stand back then and to stand now! We’ve been following your story since the beginning and have only ever viewed you as the badass you are!♥️Stay strong and blessed! We’re always rooting for you!♥️

    • @carolfulton-kennedy2482
      @carolfulton-kennedy2482 Рік тому

      Gosh YES - 💯%
      Elissa, you have me crying and cheering and smiling. All in this podcast!!
      What an incredible warrior you are.
      Sending all best wishes and massive hugs from Australia ♥️🩶

  • @mariannekennedy4548
    @mariannekennedy4548 8 місяців тому +5

    Oh how horrible - that marital rape at age 14 withzero understanding, zero preparation, zero desire-- hideous! Painful physically and emotionally. Your mind could have shattered then and there. Love and respect. ...TKO

  • @foridor
    @foridor Рік тому +1

    Elissa speaks with such passion and clarity. Its hard to believe that a society actually lives this way. I have so much respect for her.

  • @shannonodowd1198
    @shannonodowd1198 2 місяці тому +3

    I am so sorry for what you been through, you are so strong!! Never give up fighting!! 💜💜💜

  • @danielle7397
    @danielle7397 Рік тому +4

    what an incredible interview, she is soooo strong. My heart breaks for her. So happy she has found some peace and happiness, Big hugs to her!

  • @Who-Dunnit
    @Who-Dunnit Рік тому +6

    "Everyone was trying to coax me out" Is how you realise, they are all so complicit in every pain and violation she experienced, and I hope they wake up at night remembering the hand they played in every crime, every case human trafficking, child trafficking and sex trafficking they took part in. I genuinely want them to be haunted by that. Wherever they go, whatever their new or maintained ideology is.

    • @Jenny-nz8fb
      @Jenny-nz8fb 8 місяців тому

      They won’t have regrets because that’s who they are but they do need to be jailed.

  • @41Pucky
    @41Pucky 2 роки тому +70

    What an inspiration this woman is. This much abuse and still showing all this compassion and forgiveness. Girl, you’re the textbook definition of girl power and for testifying against Warren years later, you’re a total badass too ❤️💪🏻❤️

  • @Alex-pn2hn
    @Alex-pn2hn Рік тому

    Elissa is a WARRIOR. I don't think I would have survived this hardship. Thank you for your bravery and fighting to stop the cycle of violence and exploitation! You've saved so many other women and children through speaking up.

  • @gerdalyngillings2965
    @gerdalyngillings2965 Рік тому +10

    It’s a sad story. I can’t see how this thing happened in a first world country. How could people allow an unlearnt bully to manipulate a whole community with lots of families. I am speaking from the Caribbean and can’t fathom it. Where was the government? My God this is America.

    • @karinaz8756
      @karinaz8756 Рік тому

      These groups ALIENATE themselves from the larger communities. Law enforcement can’t step in unless the girls came forward. And of course they were brainwashed. I’m just absolutely disgusted that grown women can watch their children get abused by grown men and convince themselves it’s ok. It’s sick.

    • @iHeartAmySue
      @iHeartAmySue 9 місяців тому

      Was she BOUGHT from her father? Is that why they pushed her so hard. My God this is horrible.

  • @nicolemink5630
    @nicolemink5630 2 роки тому +4

    I normally don’t listen to long videos unless I’m on a road trip but mannn she is so smart & just explains everything in such a way you really can relate a feeling to what she’s saying. Good for her , definitely an awesome speaker . Kept my attention!

  • @sharkofjoy
    @sharkofjoy Рік тому

    What an incredibly insightful and empathetic person. I am never sure how exploitative conversations like this are going to feel, but the extreme long-form format of Mormon Stories helps create a context that no one could ever get in less time.

  • @ANNEWHETSTONE
    @ANNEWHETSTONE 2 роки тому +5

    I read the book years ago and knew very little at the time. Just what we heard on the news. This is way more indepth and i think i am now more mature to hear what she she went through. I can not understand how she was able to indure that. I have my own personal trauma but not any where near that degree. And it can take decades to try to stop yourself from negative thoughts and feelings.
    Thank you so much for sharing and i look forward to the next instalment!!

  • @andreamarie4023
    @andreamarie4023 2 роки тому +39

    This was one of the best podcasts… she is amazing

  • @klsb75
    @klsb75 7 місяців тому +1

    I am so happy that this episode popped up on my UA-cam feed! You are an incredible person, an inspiration, and seem like a wonderful mother, wife and friend! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story.