I so appreciate how you are hosting this interview. It’s a dream come true for me, to hear what the interviewed person has to say without incessant interruptions by the interviewer. You both go above & beyond in this respect, thank you. You’re very engaged without interfering with her story. What a lovely way to hold her story sacred. A rare gem. I’d have listened for 30 hours! An incredible story told by a very very gifted story teller.
So true ... she is an amazing story teller - reaching deep within to reveal the progression of feelings and thoughts at every stage. - forever growing in her awareness of her changing circumstances.
I didn’t know Joesph Smith admitted on record he had been lying and wasn’t the prophet he said he was and that he made it all up. That’s sad that people still choose to believe his lies. I can see why they have offshoots like Warren Jeff’s that lie, they have seen it works.
I’m almost 65 yrs old and my parents have passed on to the other side. I still haven’t told my family all I had gone through as a child. They saw some of the physical and verbal abuse (not all) because my abusers would whisper threats and nasty, horrible things to me. There was also sexual abuse. Not sure, even today, which abuse or abuser was more damaging. I never said a word because, I believe, I was afraid of breaking up the family and what would happen to my mom and my siblings. Thank you. All of you for helping others. Love and blessings for you all. 🙏💕
I'm so sorry you were out through all that as a child. My lovely mum passed away when she was 66, and about a year before she passed she told me and my sister of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. She was such a brave woman for keeping this all inside for so long, but I wish she had told someone sooner because it was almost like a pressure valve released after she told us. I hope you have people around that you can confide in about your experiences ❤
I absolutely love that you talked about the gaze in the courtroom with Warren, and how you stood strong and won the stare down !! Some might find this small but OMG there’s so much power in just that. You had defeated him in that moment ! Thank you for sharing
This was the most fascinating 13 hour podcast I have ever heard! I’m eating up every morsel of it! Elissa is incredibly articulate. She was as clear-minded and articulate at the ending as she was when the podcast began. Absolutely incredible!
Was this REALLY 13 HRS?? I've listened to this throughout my work day all week!! I have absolutely soaked EVERY minute of it! I've watched 100's of episodes but THIS by far the best!! I literally didn't want it to end! My heart just ached for Elissa! I wanted to reach into the screen and just hug her! She is such a genuine sweet lady that i feel like i could just sit and talk to all day! I would love to meet her one day.... PODCAST PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!
It's very impactful to hear your story Elissa. As a Finnish nurse and midwife, these discussions about high-demand-religions helps me understand some of my patients better. I hadn't heard of the FLDS before this year but in Finland we have Jehovas Witness' and lots of Laestadians, who are not as extreme. I can recognise similarities with the psychologically violent conditioning that young girls and women go through. You are making change even inside the arctic circle ❤ Not to burden your shoulders though, you've done plenty for other people already. I hope for a steady recovery for you. I hear your point about it being ugly and a on-going struggle, and let it be so. There is absolutely no shame in that. None of us can ever be ready and whole, just better than before hopefully!
I come from a Finnish family living in North America who is laestadian (one of the branches) and I am both surprised but not surprised to find a comment tying Laestadians to a high demand religion story on Mormon stories. Surprised because it is a very small sub-sect as far as I’m aware so i was surprised to see it mentioned on a UA-cam video I’m watching, and not surprised because you are right it is a high demand religion just not as extreme. Interestingly I never found it to feel high demand growing up. It really is true that what you grow up with just feels normal as a child and even for most people their whole lives. I can also relate a lot to Mormon stories in some ways and have listened to hours upon hours of their podcasts. I’m so curious though what your experiences have been with people in Finland in these religions - who knows you might have actually met and spoken to relatives and other people I know there in Finland!
@Juliaae Yes, JW are extremist cause they will die or let their children die for not taking blood to save their life. If someone off they're family will be dis fellowshipped or leaving their organisation, they will not speak to them till the end of their life. I'm an ex JW and Through Elissa 's story i understand that people are mislead cause deeply they want to. It's easy when someone thinks for you
I realize this is more than 1 yr old but after I watched all 3 parts of this testimony I am compelled to comment. My deepest respect and admiration to this brave young woman. She is an amazing speaker. Thank you for allowing this to happen.
She is so inspiring - not only for what she’s survived, but for her willingness to share the aftermath and her journey to herself. She deserves every joy and I wish her a lifetime of peace, love and ease.
Believe me, every single former victim would be glad to have the chance to stand up against their abusers. The only reasons they don't do it are 1. society does not give them the chance to, and 2. every single thing a former victim of abuse describes, is being questioned if it really happened or if it's just in your maybe sick mind. She was luck, that it happened in this setting with this type of abuser.
Elissa is a wonderful storyteller who needs little prompting. John is a skilled interviewer and asks all the right questions to prompt guests when needed-- or doesn't-- when not required :)
Elissa you are powerful, what a horrible story. The only thing is different is I was listening to Sam and Michelle they said that Joe Smith was not a polygamist, it was actually Brigham Young. But it really doesn’t matter who started it, we know it was started. Doesn’t change your story.
This hits way too close to home with me. I’m another cult survivor. My entire life. I raised my family in it. I know their tactics. No matter which cult it could be, the tactics are the SAME. it’s painful to watch this woman expound all of this painful mess. How should she, or any other of these or survivors and victims have to prove or defend anything??!!! It’s distressing. Warren Jeffs is a monster, and there are many more of his kind, and are still walking free.
I'm sorry you experienced that. i understand what you mean. The key is if you are going to take legal action you do have to have proof, or there will be no conviction. Otherwise anyone could just make an accusation and the person could be convicted. Thinking of Amber Heard who claimed to be a victim of DV when she was the actual perpetrator. She was believed for awhile, but none of her evidence held up in court.
I can't help but wonder if Warren Jeffs ever had a vision that this young "rebellious" child would be his downfall... Props to Elissa for her strength, courage and perseverance.
I read Elissa’s book a few years ago and hearing that she was finally reunited with her sisters is amazing! I’m sure it was bittersweet after all the years and everything they’ve all been through. But they weren’t child brides because she kept fighting for them, and that is such a huge achievement.
I am quite literally holding my breath as I listen to this 'Hero's Journey' of Elissa's. It is almost unbelievable that you survived these events, especially the aftermath, and have taken back the power of putting yourself back together on your terms. Most definitely threaded with gold. Thank God and the universe that you were born. 1986 was indeed an important year.
Yes she is. Even with the messy parts of her falling apart and putting herself back together. Not everyone can do what she has done by being public with her journey.
That is never coming. They haven't changed, they still look up to Joseph Smith. I read comments and it was said that people have a picture of Joseph Smith in their homes. Now they have prophets taking over. Could their be more Lori Vallow Daybell's Chad Day Bell's?
She should get some kind of compensation for all of the sexual abuse she suffered and the traumatic experiences she had with all of those miscarriages and a still birth before she was even 20 just blows my mind the men in that cult are nothing but sexually perverted pigs yuk what sort of Drs or Midwives looked after her and never did anything about it makes me sick
Same! I'm into the early a.m. having been up all night following Elissa's journey. It feels important to support and honor her through this next step of her telling the truth of what happens within the FLDS cult. Sending Many Blessings for Elissa and her family. 💜
Elissa! You are a hero! I have goosebumps all over hearing about the sexual abuse Warren was going to do more of….if he hadn’t been caught when he did. Please never underestimate your power and how amazing you are!!!!
Oh John, don’t be discouraged! So many people can grow from this knowledges. Not just people from FLDS or LDS cultures, there are so many cultures that subjugate other people. This has the power to influence so many others, in similar positions to that which Elissa experienced .. her story can help strengthen, ground and empower those who just need to know it is possible. This particular interview .. most powerful thing I have heard in a very long time. Don’t be discouraged.
This has been such a wonderful podcast. Thank you!! John, you weren’t feeling your best but you still created the environment for such a wonderful and powerful testimony . Thank you, Jen for your sweet understanding and your push to get her on the show. And Elisa THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY!! So powerful!
Authentic. What a determined, lovely young woman. Her courage has helped break open such evil. Greetings from South Africa. Wishing you health, healing and so much happiness. ❤️
I like how John takes the time to relate this back to mainstream Mormons. Because the LDS is involved in every aspect of government and monopoly business in Utah. Utah is extremely corrupt.
Yes,and look at all the Mormon linked tragedies in IDAHO!! I wouldn’t feel safe there. As a Canadian I wish something would be investigated in Cardson Alberta as well as Bountiful BC. These people are having large families and I have seen how powerful those families become. It’s true everywhere. I’m 75 and the abuse I’ve seen over the years in various churches is astounding. I could write a book too, all I can say anymore is try not to become a member. Even if you are just an attendee be careful. In my case we were excommunicated and given over to Satan for the destruction of our flesh in a small rural place for defending someone falsely accused. My own in laws saw to it!!30 years later that place has had many struggles and we have watched with heavy hearts. To this day we are shunned,even though they know they were wrong. Pride is horrible. We actually have legal proof now but are very hesitant to follow through because though we were right, popularity and money always seem to win. Sadly an,unexplained fire burned the lovely chapel down last winter. We live a very quiet life, and grieve the most for the impact on our children. I read this ladies book a few years ago. I wish her and others in similar situations well. Just never give up on God. He loves you.
Amen! I’m learning now at 43 it’s ok that it’s so messy and ugly to heal and that’s ok. I’ve been away from a toxic marriage for 10 years & out of Mormonism for 8 years but I am still healing. And I’m tired of being called strong and resilient. I am now claiming more than those…I’m also learning how to be a vulnerable, authentic, thriving and REAL PERSON as a warrior. And yes…to be my own hero and best friend!!! So much love coming your way!!! 💕
What a magnificent interview! Thanks for an interviewer who truly allows their guest to speak, who listens, and asks such thoughtful questions. And of course thanks to Elissa for her incredible strength, clarity, intelligence and story telling genius.
People not believing Elissa with the rationalization that she was "looking for fame" are some of the most illogical human beings around. WHO would put themselves through all of the trauma Elissa did in order to get her story into the courtroom for something as trivial as FAME????? In order to live with the trauma that continues to this day? It's astounding what some people will twist into "truth" in order to avoid facing reality. What purpose does this absurd twisting serve in these folks? Dumbfounding.
When she wrote the book, she was a bit bitter and that came across. She was still with the guy that she left the FLDS with and he was very much the hero of the story. It was clear that she was telling it as she remembered it though.. Now she has grown up and seems like a very level-headed woman. Proof that therapy can help... Sounds like she got some kind of education to boot, because she's amazingly eloquent. Obviously a lot of the criticism against her, was coming from inside the FLDS.
Unfortunately many ppl hang on and see by "gas light". It has spread to politics too. Say any outlandish thing to justify everything. Honesty is hard to come by, slander is the name of the game.
This women is amazing, she is not only giving voice to the women in her own community but also to the thousands of other women and young girls around this world !
This is my second time watching this series of interviews with Elissa. I'm so blown away at her strength. I feel so much love and compassion for her and all the members of the FLDS that have experienced so much abuse.
Yes! I was so touched by how she encouraged everyone to show love and compassion to FLDS members - and EVERYONE! ...saying we never really know what others are going through. She said that in part one. So much love for others in spite of the abu$e she endured.
I have been to Naboo. I’m 79 yo but have friends that were taught as their parents saw as correct. I commend you and love your book. You are special and have helped my friends. I worked as a Psychologist and a Case Manager and applaud you. ❤❤❤
Thank you Elissa for this marathon interview❤️ growing up in the southwest I remember the unfolding of some of this. Looking back knowing what you were going through is a heartbreaking perspective. I look forward to reading your book. I can’t say how proud I am of you for your strength and perseverance. Truly remarkable!
Powerful, what an amazing yet heartbreaking interview 🩷 I have these ppl put away, I'm so proud of you speaking out, really am 🩷 Sending so much love from Scotland 💙🤍
Started this series a few days ago. I’ve heard bits of Elissa’s story before in docs, but hearing it in her own words in long form, uninterrupted, has been so authentic and touching. While I did not grow up in the FLDS or LDS, parts of her story are very similar to my own. Elissa, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for sharing your journey and being honest about the hardest parts. As someone who was not strong enough to stand up for myself in a court, it means the world that you stood up for assault survivors everywhere❤ Big love to MSP!
Can Elissa please start a podcast herself. I have enjoyed listening to all three parts. It’s amazing to see how well she articulated everything, what an amazing women with an incredible story.
I am so grateful to each of you for bringing us this powerful unedited story. Elissa is an incredible aware and talented healer and storyteller. Thank you. It means the world.
Thank you so much. I'm not a mormon, but I am a woman and what I hear is the story of girls and women all over the world for generations. Thank for being brave and now for your courage. WJ is a monster.
Sitting going through anxiety ptsd episode last 9 weeks. Event triggered by illness that killed all my masking and coping to control it through life. A shell. Listening to distract me but you began to talk about this calapse and healing journey. My brain stopped looping and listened. Tears. This helps so much. Thank you.
I’ve listened to all 3 episodes and Elissa’s bravery and strength just shines through her story. I’m in England and have had no direct involvement with the LDS church; but I love Mormon Stories, and hearing peoples stories told openly, and fully; such inspirational testimonies of overcoming adversity and control. Keep doing what you’re doing John - and as for Elissa, I shall be following your journey as you move forward.
Best interview ever! Elissa Wall tells her story so heartfelt and vulnerable and strong. And every word she speaks is warmly welcomed and appreciated by two amazingly beautiful hosts. What a day they had. Thanks to the three of you. Really beautiful.
what a brave woman... i have been crying a few hours straight... specially the part she mentioned how her mother not taking a stand against her, in her mind is her mother's way of protecting her.... that broke me ... she has learnt not to even expect the bare minimum...that broke my heart ...
I binge-watch the three sessions with this powerful survivor. She tells her story in the most compelling why possible. I'm so proud of her for taking a stand for herself and others.
What an incredible woman your sacrifice have saved so many other women thank you for sharing your story. I know it was painful may God bless you with good health and peace of mind and spirit
I am not part of fdls, but I didn’t doubt your story for 1 second. Thank you for being brave. There are still women in this nation that live in a similar situation that is not even attached to a religion . I don’t know you but I love you .
It is amazing to hear of all the people in the FLDS that she has helped break free. I hope her courage to tell her story gets many people in the LDS to look at their church history, Joseph Smith married a 12 year old, several 14 year olds and took wives from other married man. I hope Elissa's story also helps many LDS break free.
Yes the FLDS really more closely follows Joseph Smith. Warren Jeff's is more like Joseph Smith with his belief systems and having the ultimate authority over his people even with the high demand for them to "build Zion, " than the regular LDS church is. As a business they altered their practices when laws were put into place by the government, and the current prophet of the church would have a sudden new revelation that agreed with the law of the land( polygamy, allowing blacks into the priesthood and abandoning the thought that black people have the curse of Cain).
I read your book 10 years ago, Elissa. I had much respect for you then and even more now. It is great to hear you tell your story now in retrospect. Thank you for sharing. Regardless of the specific religious aspects, it is a human story that is in some ways universal……unfortunately abuse and misogyny and narcissism are widespread. Your courage and bravery from even a young age is remarkable and admirable. And your willingness to prosecute and fight has most surely saved lives. You can be very proud. I hope you have more peace and joy in your life now. Wishing you the very best.
Thank you, Thank you Elisa. Your story helps to shed light on many of our stories. We are all treasures for each other, not to plunder but to appreciate. I love the way you have shared some of your process toward healing, of breaking into pieces in order to move toward becoming whole. I believe healing is possible and hold hope for all of us. I love the way you speak of resilience and have returned to your town to witness and enable the healing of others. John thank you for for providing the venue for the "long story". My partner(non LDS) says Elisa's story has changed his life.Thank you again.
I am so impressed of Elissa!!! That she was able to find so much strength in herself! As a victim of abuse and loads of gaslighting myself - to see her example gives me so much hope! And that you struggeled with your mental health and are open about it makes you an example to me even more!! Thank you, Elissa!! And so wise, intelligent and such a good story teller as well!!
Amazing! Long,... But worth it! I thank this lady Elisa for her candid personal evolution, which has now become an inspired work with the ability to clear, and heal multitudes❗😇🙏💕
I admit, sometimes I skip forward on some of these stories, but I listened to every single minute of all 3 parts of this story. She's such an inspiration.
Captivating, every minute of it. Cried so many times, and just wanted to sit with you and hug you. Thank you for sharing the hard stuff. You are so well spoken, resilient, and such a beautiful woman. I have a daughter near your age, and I can't imagine going through what you have. Much love and happiness to you.
Worth every minute. Thank you for the sacrifice of time and energy it took to bring this to us. So much to think about and process. Elissa definitely needs a bigger platform...equal to Brene Brown.
I’m definitely one of those people who definitely did not go through anything like what Elissa experienced and yet I find myself relating so much to the shape of her story. I’m in such awe of her grace and openness in telling her story for the umpteenth time because it is a story people need to hear and I’m so grateful for her willingness to do so. I’ll likely never meet any of you but the connections these stories make for people, even just mentally, are so powerful and meaningful for so many reasons. Thank you all 💕
John that’s true about processing. I left the Church about 8 or 9 years ago because it was too sad for me to go to church after my divorce. I immediately had an awakening that I didn’t believe in the plan of salvation and therefore any part of the religion or soon after, any religion. I’ve been a very spiritual person my whole life, so it wasn’t hard to identify with Spirituality. But it wasn’t until a couple months ago that I found Mormon Stories, the CES letter, etc, etc. I’m learning so much and even currently reading No Man Knows My History. So here I am…processing again! And I’m honing in more on listening to myself, quieting my mind, having self-compassion, trusting myself, and following my own intuition. Even though I work with clients everyday and teach them these tools, now I’m learning to be more resolute with my practice of doing those things for myself, consistently.
Ellisa- I remember your case being in the news and your Oprah special. Thank you for standing up and telling your story all those years ago. Your bravery to face Warren amazes me. I see you and Rebecca and Rachel Jeffs as true heros that saved generations of children and women from so much future abuse.
Ellisa Wall if you ever read the comments on these videos, you are an incredible resilient human being, your story holds so much weight and the way you tell it is incredible and unlike anything else, I could listen to you share your experiences for forever, thank you for giving your time to share it with us.
"And HE looked down" brought me to tears. This whole series is incredible, Elissa is incredible, but that power shift could not be more perfectly written by the best authors of all time.
What a beautiful strong young women. I am an active LDS woman, happily married for 43 years. My own experience doesn't mirror the sad destructive stories that others have had. My husband loves and respects me. I truly am treated as his equal in all things. I believe that God is perfect as is His plan. The human man is not perfect.The LDS experiences vary greatly. I'm glad that mine is how i feel God would want us to practice this religion. We work together as man and wife. However, I'm extremely glad that i didn't live during the polygamist era. We're really just an average loving family like many others who appreciate the Gospel guidelines for our own health and happiness. Warren jeffs has ALWAYS been a man who makes my hair stand on end. Creepy, evil and unbelievable. This beautiful young woman is a hero in my eyes and many others. She's humble yet powerful and i suspect she'll help MANY more than a few and make a difference to MANY more than a few as she suggests. She is beautiful inside and out. A true hero. I cant imagine what she's gone through and i pray that her bravery will eventually bring her a beautiful life of peace and happiness. I know that God will absolutely bless her for her truthfulness and courage. ❤
Leaving the mainstream LDS church was incredibly difficult for me to do. But, when I hear these stories from former FLDS members I cry. I can’t even imagine the horror of actually living polygamy on earth. I couldn’t even imagine living polygamy in heaven as a Mormon. Thank you Elissa for sharing your story with the world. You are so brave and a hero to me!!
Wow, what a powerful story. John it is amazing to me as to how this channel gives people a voice they have never had to share their story, allowing them to further heal. I am amazed at the strength of Ellis Walls through all the abuse. The fact that she had a will and was willing to ask questions allowed her to escape and bring down Warren Jeff's. It also was what caused her so much trouble while she was part of the FLDS. Most survivors, particularly those from a system like the FLDS wouldn't have the strength to do what she did once she had escaped.
I was raised mainstream LDS, my story isn't as deeply traumatic as hers. I did experience bad things, & was traumatized from this church. At some point I will tell my story, somehow.
I do hope and pray you read God’s word. Not the Mormon version, the true New King James Bible. Gods not the Mormon god. Jesus Christ truly is a wonderful savior and full of grace and forgiveness and acceptance. Jesus meets us where we are and loves us as we are. No rituals, rules or legalistic traditions. Jesus is my best friend, my savior, my lord, my help in all things. I am so thankful you escaped the Mormon cult and will pray you meet Jesus and get to know him as well. The one true God Almighty is the only God worthy of our worship. Any man who claims to be a prophet or spokesperson or representative (looking at Roman Catholics) is a liar. Read the four gospels of the New Testament, please. Praying for all in recovery from these evil cults.
I'm sorry that happened to you. Wishing you inner-peace and happiness in whatever way suits your soul. I'm sure listening to survivors is very helpful - also showing that you are not alone. I hope this year ahead is a great one for you!
As horrific as the miscarriages & the still birth were, it was ultimately a huge Blessing for Elissa that she was physically unable to have children with her first husband. Having children with him would have Trapped her in the FLDA & made it easier for them to control & silence her.
...plus deal with the possible genetic related problems due to being so closely related. I moved to far western Colorado in 2004, went to a rock music festival at the state line that was very inexpensive and lots of tickets were given away to 1st day, or both, to general admission. To get to parking lot or vendors you went into general seating. I noticed a lot of people who looked like I'm familiar with Apaalachian interpreting. I said something when back at work and was told there is awareness in the mainstream medical research and management groups there has been an issue ... due to genetic nondiversity in a lot of long term local families. I can't say I "see it" anymore, but know when I travel out of the area i notice people generally overall look different. (And behavioral symptoms, not ust outward physical of course. )
Plus something no body is talking about is the fact having children with a first cousin could have such birth defects etc… I can’t believe the idiocity of this religion
1:34:42 this moment genuinely rattled me. My heart broke for everyone in that room. Such an intense, deeply emotional moment for all 3. Thank goodness for Elissa and everyone who helped put a stop to the abuse by Jeffs. Where are my tissues!?
I am absolutely blown away by the strength of this woman! I don't even have words for it! Thank you for everything you have done! ❤️I wish you nothing but the best! ❤️
So many amazing moments in this podcast episode. I reached for the like button so many times only to remember I had already hit Like. I was enthralled for every one of the 12+ hours 😅🤣 from beginning to end. Wonderful scaffolding and storytelling
Patricia 79 yo. As a therapist, it appears I believed you before you truely believed you. Wish we could meet but instead, I’m sending you great love energy. Great interview!
The talk of love being “the veins of gold that stitch us back together” was so moving! It really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing your story in such an eloquent way.
Thank you Elissa for sharing your journey so vulnerably. Your strength will continue to grow with you. Your words have & will continue to positively change lives.
I watch these videos that are hours long...and I want to thank you for doing THIS, at THIS length, because I NOW know the importance of taking TIME to talk about these important stories of where we are AT, and sharing it with FAMILY and others. taking THE TIME, because things have turned into sound bites, especially coming out of the "silent" generation, where so many misunderstandings were born, disconnection, fake relationships, emptiness, no space to "work things out". This is so deeply important. Even with MY husband, and me waking up to patriarchy and seeing the oppression of womyn all around me, and in me and the cost of it to myself and my loved ones, I continue to feel I have to get out GENERATIONS of programming in 5 minutes or the agitation starts, around it taking "too long". ugh. My grown children , also, are upset at the length of time and space I need, and that my transition to taking up space, mattering, having strong emotions around the loss, the fear etc. THE length of these videos are recalibrating something and resonates inside to some natural way of "being" as humans that has been lost. Here is a quote from a book I saw. "The knack of our species lies in our capacity to transmit our accumulated knowledge down the generations. The slowest among us can, in a few hours, pick up ideas that it took a few rare geniuses a lifetime to acquire. Yet what is distinctive is just how selective we are about the topics we deem it possible to educate ourselves in. Our energies are overwhelmingly directed toward material, scientific, and technical subjects and away from psychological and emotional ones. Much anxiety surrounds the question of how good the next generation will be at math; very little around their abilities at marriage or kindness or collaboration, consideration. We devote inordinate hours to learning about tectonic plates and cloud formations, and relatively few fathoming shame and rage. The assumption is that emotional insight might be either unnecessary or in essence unteachable, lying beyond reason or method, an unreproducible phenomenon best abandoned to individual instinct and intuition. We are left to find our own path around our unfeasibly complicated minds - a move as striking (and as wise) as suggesting that each generation should rediscover the laws of physics by themselves. ~Alain de Botton (Book: The School of Life: An Emotional Education) Thanks SOOO much for doing this. Love & Light
John .. this girl. Wow. Thank you for having her. I am going to have to listen to this several times. Elissa shares SO MUCH wisdom in this interview. Thanks so much to your entire team.
Wow, what a powerful share. ❤ TY so much Elissa for sharing your full story. You are a brave and strong women, a survivor. I'm amazed that you worked to bring W. Jeff down, because it came at a huge cost to you personally. The fact that you had a will and were willing to ask questions, allowed you to escape and bring down Warren Jeff's. IT's amazing you were able to accomplish this. The process also put your story on trial too, and you never know what a jury or public will be persuaded to believe in a court of law, with the defense attempting to shoot holes in the evidence. I can only imagine the full trauma this has caused in your life. 💜🧡💛💚💙❤ John it is amazing to me as to how this channel gives people a voice they have never had to share their story, allowing them to further heal. TY!!! 💜I am amazed at the strength of Ellis Walls through all the abuse. It also was what caused her so much trouble while she was part of the FLDS. Most survivors, particularly those from a system like the FLDS wouldn't have the strength to do what she did once she had escaped.
The last 20 mins of this is the best! Singing out your pain! I love that she found that. And recognising that she is spiritual despite it all. Wanting to tell the next part of the story etc. so much energy for LIFE!
I have been LOVING these interviews. After the second one posted I purchased her book on Audibles. Just finished it last night. This 3rd interview was perfectly timed.
No words are enough to describe the incredible strength and beauty of this young woman. So evident she has not only found her opportunity to share her own story and in doing so shed light and hope for others going through similar trials. So eloquent and captivating to listen to. Thank you!❤
What a powerful, strong and brave woman. Though I don't know this woman, my heart swelled with pride just to be privileged to hear her story. I would like to thank her as a woman for all she has done for those without a voice, thank you so much!
OMG, Just when I think you can’t find a more fascinating story than some of the ones I’ve seen through the years, you prove me wrong. Thank you all for doing this. Elissa is amazing.
I am SO grateful for your bravery and sharing your story… I have wondered and hoped you had found peace and happiness since hearing the little bit of your story from the documentary. Amazing strength you have displayed and helped so many other girls along the way. Absolutely beautiful resilience… I pray your life continues to bring you true happiness, freedom & love.
I know it was so hard to share your story but you've saved so many lives. You made people question there faith and not just the FLDS. You survived you didn't deserve this treatment but you survived because you had independent thoughts despite them telling you what they were doing was right. You got away from it and your living proof you can leave.
Elissa, wow, it is absolutely fascinating listening to you explain, on so many different levels, what your experience through such abuse has been!! I love how you differentiate your ‘seasons’. My dear, this helps me put some of the experiences of my life in order & ‘behind’ me. You were born with a strong sense of self. You were subjugated your entire life, but your SELF remained .. and you found your way out of the quagmire! Oh my goodness, Elissa, you have so many more gifts to share with the world. You are so young .. still. You have me in awe and I am humbled.
I happened across this channel completely by accident a couple of months ago, and am riveted by the content. I have nothing to do with anything Mormon, but am totally fascinated by the stories and histories related. However this series with this incredibly articulate intelligent woman is something else again…. So many times you see even hour long interviews that leaving you screaming inside … “ I need to know more…”. With so many questions.. this format is perfect. There are so many lessons outside of FLDS, Mormonism…. Life lessons for all. Thank you all.
I have been hooked to Mormon Stories for a long time. Elissa’s story made me physically ill when she was 14, and through out her suffering for years afterwards. I can’t say enough of how this inspired me. I begin on my knees with prayer and extend my heart and arms to her. God bless her and her precious loved ones.
A Life Lesson for me is not only Love Yourself but Acceptance. Working on having the grace to accept myself with all of my flaws and to extend that acceptance to those in my life who have harmed me. Trying to accept them with their flaws as I have flaws. The beauty of Ellissa's message of learning how to do better. Her forgiveness and compassion for her mother especially is the true message of Christ and inspiring to me. Thank you so much Elissa! Thank you so much Jenn! Thank you so much John! Yes, I have wanted to visit this area and the ghosts of my ancestors. See you there some day
This series should receive an award. Best MS ever.
Yea
Absolutely
🎉
I so appreciate how you are hosting this interview. It’s a dream come true for me, to hear what the interviewed person has to say without incessant interruptions by the interviewer. You both go above & beyond in this respect, thank you. You’re very engaged without interfering with her story. What a lovely way to hold her story sacred. A rare gem. I’d have listened for 30 hours! An incredible story told by a very very gifted story teller.
So true ... she is an amazing story teller - reaching deep within to reveal the progression of feelings and thoughts at every stage. - forever growing in her awareness of her changing circumstances.
Ppoi😊p😊0😊
😊😊
You said that so eloquently! And SO true! I don’t like it when the interviewer keeps interrupting!
I didn’t know Joesph Smith admitted on record he had been lying and wasn’t the prophet he said he was and that he made it all up. That’s sad that people still choose to believe his lies. I can see why they have offshoots like Warren Jeff’s that lie, they have seen it works.
This truly is an epic story. Elissa articulates her story with such insight, compassion and humanity. She is a courageous, resilient woman!
Yes. All this. She’s an amazing storyteller and survivor.
Agree. Her strength is amazing and inspiring. Thanks Elissa!!!
I’m almost 65 yrs old and my parents have passed on to the other side. I still haven’t told my family all I had gone through as a child. They saw some of the physical and verbal abuse (not all) because my abusers would whisper threats and nasty, horrible things to me. There was also sexual abuse. Not sure, even today, which abuse or abuser was more damaging. I never said a word because, I believe, I was afraid of breaking up the family and what would happen to my mom and my siblings. Thank you. All of you for helping others. Love and blessings for you all. 🙏💕
I'm so sorry that happened to you.
Wishing you tons of inner peace and happiness.
You deserve it.
I’m so sorry you went through that. I hope that you’re doing well now I’m 66 and I went through some horrible abuse as well from a relative.
I'm so sorry you were out through all that as a child. My lovely mum passed away when she was 66, and about a year before she passed she told me and my sister of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. She was such a brave woman for keeping this all inside for so long, but I wish she had told someone sooner because it was almost like a pressure valve released after she told us. I hope you have people around that you can confide in about your experiences ❤
Bless your heart sweetie
One step at a time..
I absolutely love that you talked about the gaze in the courtroom with Warren, and how you stood strong and won the stare down !! Some might find this small but OMG there’s so much power in just that. You had defeated him in that moment ! Thank you for sharing
YES!
❤️
100%!!!!!
This. Chills just thinking about it. You took back your power. You are many amazing things, and incredibly strong is among them. So inspiring.
This was the most fascinating 13 hour podcast I have ever heard! I’m eating up every morsel of it! Elissa is incredibly articulate. She was as clear-minded and articulate at the ending as she was when the podcast began. Absolutely incredible!
Was this REALLY 13 HRS?? I've listened to this throughout my work day all week!! I have absolutely soaked EVERY minute of it! I've watched 100's of episodes but THIS by far the best!! I literally didn't want it to end! My heart just ached for Elissa! I wanted to reach into the screen and just hug her! She is such a genuine sweet lady that i feel like i could just sit and talk to all day! I would love to meet her one day.... PODCAST PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!
So happy you enjoyed @Lisa R !
I agree with you 100%
Seriously after all these hours still think I need more of her story. She is just a captivating powerhouse
It is 10 hours
This is wonderful, and thank you for giving her the opportunity to speak.
It's very impactful to hear your story Elissa. As a Finnish nurse and midwife, these discussions about high-demand-religions helps me understand some of my patients better. I hadn't heard of the FLDS before this year but in Finland we have Jehovas Witness' and lots of Laestadians, who are not as extreme. I can recognise similarities with the psychologically violent conditioning that young girls and women go through. You are making change even inside the arctic circle ❤ Not to burden your shoulders though, you've done plenty for other people already. I hope for a steady recovery for you. I hear your point about it being ugly and a on-going struggle, and let it be so. There is absolutely no shame in that. None of us can ever be ready and whole, just better than before hopefully!
And thank you to Mormon stories podcast!
From a fellow Finn: I couldn’t agree more. Elissa, you reach out to the whole world, you’re amazing!
I come from a Finnish family living in North America who is laestadian (one of the branches) and I am both surprised but not surprised to find a comment tying Laestadians to a high demand religion story on Mormon stories. Surprised because it is a very small sub-sect as far as I’m aware so i was surprised to see it mentioned on a UA-cam video I’m watching, and not surprised because you are right it is a high demand religion just not as extreme. Interestingly I never found it to feel high demand growing up. It really is true that what you grow up with just feels normal as a child and even for most people their whole lives. I can also relate a lot to Mormon stories in some ways and have listened to hours upon hours of their podcasts.
I’m so curious though what your experiences have been with people in Finland in these religions - who knows you might have actually met and spoken to relatives and other people I know there in Finland!
@Juliaae Yes, JW are extremist cause they will die or let their children die for not taking blood to save their life. If someone off they're family will be dis fellowshipped or leaving their organisation, they will not speak to them till the end of their life. I'm an ex JW and Through Elissa 's story i understand that people are mislead cause deeply they want to. It's easy when someone thinks for you
@@TheJullefultrue
I realize this is more than 1 yr old but after I watched all 3 parts of this testimony I am compelled to comment. My deepest respect and admiration to this brave young woman. She is an amazing speaker. Thank you for allowing this to happen.
Thousands of arms are reaching out to hold you Elissa. You are truly amazing.
She is so inspiring - not only for what she’s survived, but for her willingness to share the aftermath and her journey to herself. She deserves every joy and I wish her a lifetime of peace, love and ease.
Believe me, every single former victim would be glad to have the chance to stand up against their abusers. The only reasons they don't do it are 1. society does not give them the chance to, and 2. every single thing a former victim of abuse describes, is being questioned if it really happened or if it's just in your maybe sick mind.
She was luck, that it happened in this setting with this type of abuser.
Totally agree!❤
She had lived a lifetime by the time she was 21. Wishing her much peace.
And all of it forced on her
Amen
P😊ñ
Ññ pollo ppñ lo pollo p pollo
@@TeeJayNZ😢😢okikly😅kkti keep kk😮
@@lightfountaink😊 3:00:14 ouu optimum uo😮kku
What a powerful interview. I've never seen John so quiet and uninterrupting
i know what you meant but also your comment sounds like it's throwing shade a little bit 😂
Elissa is a wonderful storyteller who needs little prompting. John is a skilled interviewer and asks all the right questions to prompt guests when needed-- or doesn't-- when not required :)
@@Shiiiveeers 😅😅😅
He was doing his job because she is a great speaker.
Elissa you are powerful, what a horrible story. The only thing is different is I was listening to Sam and Michelle they said that Joe Smith was not a polygamist, it was actually Brigham Young. But it really doesn’t matter who started it, we know it was started. Doesn’t change your story.
This hits way too close to home with me. I’m another cult survivor. My entire life. I raised my family in it. I know their tactics. No matter which cult it could be, the tactics are the SAME. it’s painful to watch this woman expound all of this painful mess. How should she, or any other of these or survivors and victims have to prove or defend anything??!!! It’s distressing. Warren Jeffs is a monster, and there are many more of his kind, and are still walking free.
Please..What were you in? I am studying this
@@GG-kk9dr
Deep doo doo.
Thank you for sharing . I hope you are safe and free !
I'm sorry you experienced that. i understand what you mean. The key is if you are going to take legal action you do have to have proof, or there will be no conviction. Otherwise anyone could just make an accusation and the person could be convicted. Thinking of Amber Heard who claimed to be a victim of DV when she was the actual perpetrator. She was believed for awhile, but none of her evidence held up in court.
I can't help but wonder if Warren Jeffs ever had a vision that this young "rebellious" child would be his downfall...
Props to Elissa for her strength, courage and perseverance.
LOL I seriously doubt that man ever had any 'visions'. He's a pathological liar, narcissist and probably a clinical psychopath. Just my opinion.
That one night he woke in a cold sweat with a bone rattling chill running through him 😂
I don’t think he’s that perceptive and he’s definitely not spiritual enough. Great question though ☺️
Haha...I wondered the same thing!
@@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 uj0jjc060JCzhjJg0xjKjz0jcKx06X60Hzj0kx8JC0jJX0Z0 0ZJ0jJ0cjz00jx0hXh00o0kzjxl0HCj00jc00j60JC00VKjx0xk0JUi 0KC0hzjxcJz0g0660jx06z0cxxzvjkH0zjcu0xxXOJ0z0JHj0KczH0cjccvkzhlx0j. G0x00bz06JcH0zpjx0ho nzj060Kc0jxj0J06xp0jvc06J0zcj0jo zJckzx0j0l06C0kcoIlg Jx06J0gj0czj06UZkbj0zx0jpczzVK0KCl0h00jPjx0x0kgz0cjxI 06VjU0lh60CjjxKCk00KXKx0j zj60jx0JC6Hzc00Jgzjc0jxh0jj60JC0600gz ykkxzj0zkJc0z60J066J0jzJChx00xu 0zxkjgx00xkcxX0kxj0KCjg060jcjzzci zjxjh0hzc0jxkz xji.jG0X60nCx0K060xhl60BXL JXXJu k060HJZJX0u0zxkckxZc k zcjx0vczzj0Jkxj0lJx0ckzhKgkcxjC0j xv0k0Jz0xj0UJo.ck0jJ0lj0hojx6JX06 06LHC600z0lJjj0j0cz0cgzOo.KcU Rjcij006JpJc0kco.U0czx0kJco.k06 Lbjljcjzjc0x0uxjbo99088z0a4😊ąąą😊aa😅a😊😊ąaD9s4ac4fgzhGht4sxsd0
I read Elissa’s book a few years ago and hearing that she was finally reunited with her sisters is amazing! I’m sure it was bittersweet after all the years and everything they’ve all been through. But they weren’t child brides because she kept fighting for them, and that is such a huge achievement.
I am quite literally holding my breath as I listen to this 'Hero's Journey' of Elissa's. It is almost unbelievable that you survived these events, especially the aftermath, and have taken back the power of putting yourself back together on your terms. Most definitely threaded with gold. Thank God and the universe that you were born. 1986 was indeed an important year.
She is amazing! This series is one of my favorite Mormon stories of all time!
This is the most captivating story ever on Mormon Stories. This woman is amazing.
totally agree
I can only agree!!!
Yes she is. Even with the messy parts of her falling apart and putting herself back together. Not everyone can do what she has done by being public with her journey.
absolutely agree with you
Should get the presidential medal of freedom
This is such a historic series. Thank you Elissa and MS team!
Elissa should receive a medal for bravery from the State if Utah.
Yes and Utah should
Stop tolerating this abusive cult.
That is never coming. They haven't changed, they still look up to Joseph Smith. I read comments and it was said that people have a picture of Joseph Smith in their homes. Now they have prophets taking over. Could their be more Lori Vallow Daybell's Chad Day Bell's?
She should get some kind of compensation for all of the sexual abuse she suffered and the traumatic experiences she had with all of those miscarriages and a still birth before she was even 20 just blows my mind the men in that cult are nothing but sexually perverted pigs yuk what sort of Drs or Midwives looked after her and never did anything about it makes me sick
Agree 💯
@@ainokea911absolutely, the darkness surges. We must fight with everything we have.
I just marathoned that whole thing straight thru. I was so taken with it that I couldn’t stop listening.
Same!
Same what a woman
Same...its 1:30am...
same
Same! I'm into the early a.m. having been up all night following Elissa's journey. It feels important to support and honor her through this next step of her telling the truth of what happens within the FLDS cult. Sending Many Blessings for Elissa and her family. 💜
Elissa! You are a hero! I have goosebumps all over hearing about the sexual abuse Warren was going to do more of….if he hadn’t been caught when he did. Please never underestimate your power and how amazing you are!!!!
Oh John, don’t be discouraged! So many people can grow from this knowledges. Not just people from FLDS or LDS cultures, there are so many cultures that subjugate other people. This has the power to influence so many others, in similar positions to that which Elissa experienced .. her story can help strengthen, ground and empower those who just need to know it is possible.
This particular interview .. most powerful thing I have heard in a very long time. Don’t be discouraged.
The strength of Elissa is immeasurable. Great interview and inspiring story!
This has been such a wonderful podcast. Thank you!! John, you weren’t feeling your best but you still created the environment for such a wonderful and powerful testimony . Thank you, Jen for your sweet understanding and your push to get her on the show. And Elisa THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY!! So powerful!
The very best! Was there for every minute. This never-mormon wishes Elissa a lifetime of riches. She will do great things.
Authentic. What a determined, lovely young woman. Her courage has helped break open such evil. Greetings from South Africa. Wishing you health, healing and so much happiness. ❤️
I like how John takes the time to relate this back to mainstream Mormons. Because the LDS is involved in every aspect of government and monopoly business in Utah. Utah is extremely corrupt.
Yes,and look at all the Mormon linked tragedies in IDAHO!! I wouldn’t feel safe there. As a Canadian I wish something would be investigated in Cardson Alberta as well as Bountiful BC. These people are having large families and I have seen how powerful those families become. It’s true everywhere. I’m 75 and the abuse I’ve seen over the years in various churches is astounding. I could write a book too, all I can say anymore is try not to become a member. Even if you are just an attendee be careful. In my case we were excommunicated and given over to Satan for the destruction of our flesh in a small rural place for defending someone falsely accused. My own in laws saw to it!!30 years later that place has had many struggles and we have watched with heavy hearts. To this day we are shunned,even though they know they were wrong. Pride is horrible. We actually have legal proof now but are very hesitant to follow through because though we were right, popularity and money always seem to win. Sadly an,unexplained fire burned the lovely chapel down last winter. We live a very quiet life, and grieve the most for the impact on our children. I read this ladies book a few years ago. I wish her and others in similar situations well. Just never give up on God. He loves you.
Amen! I’m learning now at 43 it’s ok that it’s so messy and ugly to heal and that’s ok. I’ve been away from a toxic marriage for 10 years & out of Mormonism for 8 years but I am still healing. And I’m tired of being called strong and resilient. I am now claiming more than those…I’m also learning how to be a vulnerable, authentic, thriving and REAL PERSON as a warrior. And yes…to be my own hero and best friend!!! So much love coming your way!!! 💕
You have to be a warrior, to get through all this bullshit they unload to the members, I like your attitude, you are power.
Elissa’s description of her healing process contains so many keys to healing ourselves, from what ever trauma we have encumbered.
She is amazing.
“Yes I went through hard things, but I’m continuing to go through hard things.” I felt that so deeply. Beautifully said!
What a magnificent interview! Thanks for an interviewer who truly allows their guest to speak, who listens, and asks such thoughtful questions. And of course thanks to Elissa for her incredible strength, clarity, intelligence and story telling genius.
People not believing Elissa with the rationalization that she was "looking for fame" are some of the most illogical human beings around. WHO would put themselves through all of the trauma Elissa did in order to get her story into the courtroom for something as trivial as FAME????? In order to live with the trauma that continues to this day? It's astounding what some people will twist into "truth" in order to avoid facing reality. What purpose does this absurd twisting serve in these folks? Dumbfounding.
When she wrote the book, she was a bit bitter and that came across. She was still with the guy that she left the FLDS with and he was very much the hero of the story. It was clear that she was telling it as she remembered it though.. Now she has grown up and seems like a very level-headed woman. Proof that therapy can help... Sounds like she got some kind of education to boot, because she's amazingly eloquent. Obviously a lot of the criticism against her, was coming from inside the FLDS.
@@Hanna-yn5ou .
Unfortunately many ppl hang on and see by "gas light". It has spread to politics too. Say any outlandish thing to justify everything. Honesty is hard to come by, slander is the name of the game.
This women is amazing, she is not only giving voice to the women in her own community but also to the thousands of other women and young girls around this world !
This is my second time watching this series of interviews with Elissa. I'm so blown away at her strength. I feel so much love and compassion for her and all the members of the FLDS that have experienced so much abuse.
Yes! I was so touched by how she encouraged everyone to show love and compassion to FLDS members - and EVERYONE! ...saying we never really know what others are going through. She said that in part one.
So much love for others in spite of the abu$e she endured.
I have been to Naboo. I’m 79 yo but have friends that were taught as their parents saw as correct. I commend you and love your book. You are special and have helped my friends. I worked as a Psychologist and a Case Manager and applaud you. ❤❤❤
Navoo
Thank you Elissa for this marathon interview❤️ growing up in the southwest I remember the unfolding of some of this. Looking back knowing what you were going through is a heartbreaking perspective. I look forward to reading your book. I can’t say how proud I am of you for your strength and perseverance. Truly remarkable!
Her book is so good!
Powerful, what an amazing yet heartbreaking interview 🩷
I have these ppl put away, I'm so proud of you speaking out, really am 🩷
Sending so much love from Scotland 💙🤍
Started this series a few days ago. I’ve heard bits of Elissa’s story before in docs, but hearing it in her own words in long form, uninterrupted, has been so authentic and touching. While I did not grow up in the FLDS or LDS, parts of her story are very similar to my own.
Elissa, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for sharing your journey and being honest about the hardest parts. As someone who was not strong enough to stand up for myself in a court, it means the world that you stood up for assault survivors everywhere❤
Big love to MSP!
Can Elissa please start a podcast herself. I have enjoyed listening to all three parts. It’s amazing to see how well she articulated everything, what an amazing women with an incredible story.
She is such a brilliant storyteller, i cant stop listening.
I am so grateful to each of you for bringing us this powerful unedited story. Elissa is an incredible aware and talented healer and storyteller. Thank you. It means the world.
Thank you so much. I'm not a mormon, but I am a woman and what I hear is the story of girls and women all over the world for generations. Thank for being brave and now for your courage. WJ is a monster.
Absolute legend. So glad to hear her story here where she can speak fully about everything.
Sitting going through anxiety ptsd episode last 9 weeks. Event triggered by illness that killed all my masking and coping to control it through life. A shell. Listening to distract me but you began to talk about this calapse and healing journey. My brain stopped looping and listened. Tears. This helps so much. Thank you.
I’ve listened to all 3 episodes and Elissa’s bravery and strength just shines through her story. I’m in England and have had no direct involvement with the LDS church; but I love Mormon Stories, and hearing peoples stories told openly, and fully; such inspirational testimonies of overcoming adversity and control. Keep doing what you’re doing John - and as for Elissa, I shall be following your journey as you move forward.
Best interview ever! Elissa Wall tells her story so heartfelt and vulnerable and strong. And every word she speaks is warmly welcomed and appreciated by two amazingly beautiful hosts. What a day they had. Thanks to the three of you. Really beautiful.
what a brave woman... i have been crying a few hours straight... specially the part she mentioned how her mother not taking a stand against her, in her mind is her mother's way of protecting her.... that broke me ... she has learnt not to even expect the bare minimum...that broke my heart ...
Me too.
I binge-watch the three sessions with this powerful survivor. She tells her story in the most compelling why possible. I'm so proud of her for taking a stand for herself and others.
What an incredible woman your sacrifice have saved so many other women thank you for sharing your story. I know it was painful may God bless you with good health and peace of mind and spirit
I am not part of fdls, but I didn’t doubt your story for 1 second. Thank you for being brave. There are still women in this nation that live in a similar situation that is not even attached to a religion . I don’t know you but I love you .
It is amazing to hear of all the people in the FLDS that she has helped break free. I hope her courage to tell her story gets many people in the LDS to look at their church history, Joseph Smith married a 12 year old, several 14 year olds and took wives from other married man. I hope Elissa's story also helps many LDS break free.
Yes the FLDS really more closely follows Joseph Smith. Warren Jeff's is more like Joseph Smith with his belief systems and having the ultimate authority over his people even with the high demand for them to "build Zion, " than the regular LDS church is. As a business they altered their practices when laws were put into place by the government, and the current prophet of the church would have a sudden new revelation that agreed with the law of the land( polygamy, allowing blacks into the priesthood and abandoning the thought that black people have the curse of Cain).
I read your book 10 years ago, Elissa. I had much respect for you then and even more now. It is great to hear you tell your story now in retrospect. Thank you for sharing. Regardless of the specific religious aspects, it is a human story that is in some ways universal……unfortunately abuse and misogyny and narcissism are widespread. Your courage and bravery from even a young age is remarkable and admirable. And your willingness to prosecute and fight has most surely saved lives. You can be very proud. I hope you have more peace and joy in your life now. Wishing you the very best.
Thank you, Thank you Elisa. Your story helps to shed light on many of our stories. We are all treasures for each other, not to plunder but to appreciate. I love the way you have shared some of your process toward healing, of breaking into pieces in order to move toward becoming whole. I believe healing is possible and hold hope for all of us. I love the way you speak of resilience and have returned to your town to witness and enable the healing of others. John thank you for for providing the venue for the "long story". My partner(non LDS) says Elisa's story has changed his life.Thank you again.
I am so impressed of Elissa!!! That she was able to find so much strength in herself! As a victim of abuse and loads of gaslighting myself - to see her example gives me so much hope! And that you struggeled with your mental health and are open about it makes you an example to me even more!! Thank you, Elissa!! And so wise, intelligent and such a good story teller as well!!
Amazing! Long,... But worth it! I thank this lady Elisa for her candid personal evolution, which has now become an inspired work with the ability to clear, and heal multitudes❗😇🙏💕
I admit, sometimes I skip forward on some of these stories, but I listened to every single minute of all 3 parts of this story. She's such an inspiration.
THE MOST articulate, compassionate and resilient human I have EVER listened to. Just wow!
Captivating, every minute of it. Cried so many times, and just wanted to sit with you and hug you. Thank you for sharing the hard stuff. You are so well spoken, resilient, and such a beautiful woman. I have a daughter near your age, and I can't imagine going through what you have. Much love and happiness to you.
Worth every minute. Thank you for the sacrifice of time and energy it took to bring this to us. So much to think about and process. Elissa definitely needs a bigger platform...equal to Brene Brown.
I’m definitely one of those people who definitely did not go through anything like what Elissa experienced and yet I find myself relating so much to the shape of her story. I’m in such awe of her grace and openness in telling her story for the umpteenth time because it is a story people need to hear and I’m so grateful for her willingness to do so. I’ll likely never meet any of you but the connections these stories make for people, even just mentally, are so powerful and meaningful for so many reasons. Thank you all 💕
John that’s true about processing. I left the Church about 8 or 9 years ago because it was too sad for me to go to church after my divorce. I immediately had an awakening that I didn’t believe in the plan of salvation and therefore any part of the religion or soon after, any religion. I’ve been a very spiritual person my whole life, so it wasn’t hard to identify with Spirituality. But it wasn’t until a couple months ago that I found Mormon Stories, the CES letter, etc, etc. I’m learning so much and even currently reading No Man Knows My History. So here I am…processing again! And I’m honing in more on listening to myself, quieting my mind, having self-compassion, trusting myself, and following my own intuition. Even though I work with clients everyday and teach them these tools, now I’m learning to be more resolute with my practice of doing those things for myself, consistently.
Ellisa- I remember your case being in the news and your Oprah special. Thank you for standing up and telling your story all those years ago. Your bravery to face Warren amazes me. I see you and Rebecca and Rachel Jeffs as true heros that saved generations of children and women from so much future abuse.
Ellisa Wall if you ever read the comments on these videos, you are an incredible resilient human being, your story holds so much weight and the way you tell it is incredible and unlike anything else, I could listen to you share your experiences for forever, thank you for giving your time to share it with us.
I love that you brought up Josef Campbell because I immediately thought, Elissa is on a hero's journey. 💜💜💜
"And HE looked down" brought me to tears. This whole series is incredible, Elissa is incredible, but that power shift could not be more perfectly written by the best authors of all time.
What a beautiful strong young women. I am an active LDS woman, happily married for 43 years. My own experience doesn't mirror the sad destructive stories that others have had. My husband loves and respects me. I truly am treated as his equal in all things. I believe that God is perfect as is His plan. The human man is not perfect.The LDS experiences vary greatly. I'm glad that mine is how i feel God would want us to practice this religion. We work together as man and wife. However, I'm extremely glad that i didn't live during the polygamist era. We're really just an average loving family like many others who appreciate the Gospel guidelines for our own health and happiness.
Warren jeffs has ALWAYS been a man who makes my hair stand on end. Creepy, evil and unbelievable.
This beautiful young woman is a hero in my eyes and many others. She's humble yet powerful and i suspect she'll help MANY more than a few and make a difference to MANY more than a few as she suggests. She is beautiful inside and out. A true hero.
I cant imagine what she's gone through and i pray that her bravery will eventually bring her a beautiful life of peace and happiness. I know that God will absolutely bless her for her truthfulness and courage. ❤
Leaving the mainstream LDS church was incredibly difficult for me to do. But, when I hear these stories from former FLDS members I cry. I can’t even imagine the horror of actually living polygamy on earth. I couldn’t even imagine living polygamy in heaven as a Mormon. Thank you Elissa for sharing your story with the world. You are so brave and a hero to me!!
Wow, what a powerful story. John it is amazing to me as to how this channel gives people a voice they have never had to share their story, allowing them to further heal. I am amazed at the strength of Ellis Walls through all the abuse. The fact that she had a will and was willing to ask questions allowed her to escape and bring down Warren Jeff's. It also was what caused her so much trouble while she was part of the FLDS. Most survivors, particularly those from a system like the FLDS wouldn't have the strength to do what she did once she had escaped.
I was raised mainstream LDS, my story isn't as deeply traumatic as hers. I did experience bad things, & was traumatized from this church. At some point I will tell my story, somehow.
I do hope and pray you read God’s word. Not the Mormon version, the true New King James Bible. Gods not the Mormon god. Jesus Christ truly is a wonderful savior and full of grace and forgiveness and acceptance. Jesus meets us where we are and loves us as we are. No rituals, rules or legalistic traditions. Jesus is my best friend, my savior, my lord, my help in all things. I am so thankful you escaped the Mormon cult and will pray you meet Jesus and get to know him as well. The one true God Almighty is the only God worthy of our worship. Any man who claims to be a prophet or spokesperson or representative (looking at Roman Catholics) is a liar. Read the four gospels of the New Testament, please. Praying for all in recovery from these evil cults.
Please… tell your story; for your healing as well as the healing of others.
I'm sorry that happened to you.
Wishing you inner-peace and happiness in whatever way suits your soul.
I'm sure listening to survivors is very helpful - also showing that you are not alone.
I hope this year ahead is a great one for you!
It’s ok to figure things out! There’s no time limit…
What a gift to be listened to for 13 whole hours.
As horrific as the miscarriages & the still birth were, it was ultimately a huge Blessing for Elissa that she was physically unable to have children with her first husband. Having children with him would have Trapped her in the FLDA & made it easier for them to control & silence her.
...plus deal with the possible genetic related problems due to being so closely related.
I moved to far western Colorado in 2004, went to a rock music festival at the state line that was very inexpensive and lots of tickets were given away to 1st day, or both, to general admission. To get to parking lot or vendors you went into general seating. I noticed a lot of people who looked like I'm familiar with Apaalachian interpreting. I said something when back at work and was told there is awareness in the mainstream medical research and management groups there has been an issue ... due to genetic nondiversity in a lot of long term local families.
I can't say I "see it" anymore, but know when I travel out of the area i notice people generally overall look different. (And behavioral symptoms, not ust outward physical of course. )
Plus something no body is talking about is the fact having children with a first cousin could have such birth defects etc… I can’t believe the idiocity of this religion
So Very Grateful for Elissa Standing Up, Sharing her story, and showing all of us, that We can do this also!!!
1:34:42 this moment genuinely rattled me. My heart broke for everyone in that room. Such an intense, deeply emotional moment for all 3. Thank goodness for Elissa and everyone who helped put a stop to the abuse by Jeffs. Where are my tissues!?
I am absolutely blown away by the strength of this woman! I don't even have words for it! Thank you for everything you have done! ❤️I wish you nothing but the best! ❤️
So many amazing moments in this podcast episode. I reached for the like button so many times only to remember I had already hit Like. I was enthralled for every one of the 12+ hours 😅🤣 from beginning to end. Wonderful scaffolding and storytelling
Love Elissa Wall - thank you John for bringing us her story♥️
Patricia 79 yo. As a therapist, it appears I believed you before you truely believed you. Wish we could meet but instead, I’m sending you great love energy. Great interview!
“So much of our faith crisis is what we believe in about ourselves”
So many great takeaways from this third episode! Thank you, thank you!
The talk of love being “the veins of gold that stitch us back together” was so moving! It really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing your story in such an eloquent way.
Thank you Elissa for sharing your journey so vulnerably. Your strength will continue to grow with you. Your words have & will continue to positively change lives.
I watch these videos that are hours long...and I want to thank you for doing THIS, at THIS length, because I NOW know the importance of taking TIME to talk about these important stories of where we are AT, and sharing it with FAMILY and others. taking THE TIME, because things have turned into sound bites, especially coming out of the "silent" generation, where so many misunderstandings were born, disconnection, fake relationships, emptiness, no space to "work things out". This is so deeply important. Even with MY husband, and me waking up to patriarchy and seeing the oppression of womyn all around me, and in me and the cost of it to myself and my loved ones, I continue to feel I have to get out GENERATIONS of programming in 5 minutes or the agitation starts, around it taking "too long". ugh. My grown children , also, are upset at the length of time and space I need, and that my transition to taking up space, mattering, having strong emotions around the loss, the fear etc. THE length of these videos are recalibrating something and resonates inside to some natural way of "being" as humans that has been lost. Here is a quote from a book I saw. "The knack of our species lies in our capacity to transmit our accumulated knowledge down the generations.
The slowest among us can, in a few hours, pick up ideas that it took a few rare geniuses a lifetime to acquire.
Yet what is distinctive is just how selective we are about the topics we deem it possible to educate ourselves in.
Our energies are overwhelmingly directed toward material, scientific, and technical subjects and away from psychological and emotional ones.
Much anxiety surrounds the question of how good the next generation will be at math; very little around their abilities at marriage or kindness or collaboration, consideration.
We devote inordinate hours to learning about tectonic plates and cloud formations, and relatively few fathoming shame and rage.
The assumption is that emotional insight might be either unnecessary or in essence unteachable, lying beyond reason or method, an unreproducible phenomenon best abandoned to individual instinct and intuition.
We are left to find our own path around our unfeasibly complicated minds - a move as striking (and as wise) as suggesting that each generation should rediscover the laws of physics by themselves.
~Alain de Botton
(Book: The School of Life: An Emotional Education) Thanks SOOO much for doing this. Love & Light
This may be the most powerful story of personal journeying that I've heard in my entire life. Thank you so much.
John .. this girl. Wow. Thank you for having her. I am going to have to listen to this several times. Elissa shares SO MUCH wisdom in this interview.
Thanks so much to your entire team.
What an amazingly articulate and inspirational women Elissa Wall is? I have watched all 131/2 hrs transfixed…… Thanks all!xxx
Wow, what a powerful share. ❤ TY so much Elissa for sharing your full story. You are a brave and strong women, a survivor. I'm amazed that you worked to bring W. Jeff down, because it came at a huge cost to you personally. The fact that you had a will and were willing to ask questions, allowed you to escape and bring down Warren Jeff's. IT's amazing you were able to accomplish this.
The process also put your story on trial too, and you never know what a jury or public will be persuaded to believe in a court of law, with the defense attempting to shoot holes in the evidence. I can only imagine the full trauma this has caused in your life. 💜🧡💛💚💙❤
John it is amazing to me as to how this channel gives people a voice they have never had to share their story, allowing them to further heal. TY!!! 💜I am amazed at the strength of Ellis Walls through all the abuse. It also was what caused her so much trouble while she was part of the FLDS. Most survivors, particularly those from a system like the FLDS wouldn't have the strength to do what she did once she had escaped.
The last 20 mins of this is the best! Singing out your pain! I love that she found that. And recognising that she is spiritual despite it all. Wanting to tell the next part of the story etc. so much energy for LIFE!
Wow. Elissa is so incredibly articulate, and tells her story in the most beautiful way. An amazing lady.
Thank you so much Elissa and Mormon Stories for giving us such an in-depth look into the experience of Elissa and her community x
I have been LOVING these interviews. After the second one posted I purchased her book on Audibles. Just finished it last night. This 3rd interview was perfectly timed.
Longest I ever watched anything online. Thank you from B.C. Canada!!!
No words are enough to describe the incredible strength and beauty of this young woman. So evident she has not only found her opportunity to share her own story and in doing so shed light and hope for others going through similar trials. So eloquent and captivating to listen to. Thank you!❤
What a powerful, strong and brave woman. Though I don't know this woman, my heart swelled with pride just to be privileged to hear her story. I would like to thank her as a woman for all she has done for those without a voice, thank you so much!
OMG, Just when I think you can’t find a more fascinating story than some of the ones I’ve seen through the years, you prove me wrong. Thank you all for doing this. Elissa is amazing.
I am SO grateful for your bravery and sharing your story… I have wondered and hoped you had found peace and happiness since hearing the little bit of your story from the documentary. Amazing strength you have displayed and helped so many other girls along the way. Absolutely beautiful resilience… I pray your life continues to bring you true happiness, freedom & love.
I know it was so hard to share your story but you've saved so many lives. You made people question there faith and not just the FLDS. You survived you didn't deserve this treatment but you survived because you had independent thoughts despite them telling you what they were doing was right. You got away from it and your living proof you can leave.
Elissa, wow, it is absolutely fascinating listening to you explain, on so many different levels, what your experience through such abuse has been!! I love how you differentiate your ‘seasons’. My dear, this helps me put some of the experiences of my life in order & ‘behind’ me.
You were born with a strong sense of self. You were subjugated your entire life, but your SELF remained .. and you found your way out of the quagmire!
Oh my goodness, Elissa, you have so many more gifts to share with the world. You are so young .. still. You have me in awe and I am humbled.
I happened across this channel completely by accident a couple of months ago, and am riveted by the content. I have nothing to do with anything Mormon, but am totally fascinated by the stories and histories related. However this series with this incredibly articulate intelligent woman is something else again…. So many times you see even hour long interviews that leaving you screaming inside … “ I need to know more…”. With so many questions.. this format is perfect. There are so many lessons outside of FLDS, Mormonism…. Life lessons for all. Thank you all.
I have been hooked to Mormon Stories for a long time. Elissa’s story made me physically ill when she was 14, and through out her suffering for years afterwards. I can’t say enough of how this inspired me. I begin on my knees with prayer and extend my heart and arms to her. God bless her and her precious loved ones.
A Life Lesson for me is not only Love Yourself but Acceptance. Working on having the grace to accept myself with all of my flaws and to extend that acceptance to those in my life who have harmed me. Trying to accept them with their flaws as I have flaws. The beauty of Ellissa's message of learning how to do better. Her forgiveness and compassion for her mother especially is the true message of Christ and inspiring to me. Thank you so much Elissa! Thank you so much Jenn! Thank you so much John! Yes, I have wanted to visit this area and the ghosts of my ancestors. See you there some day