Escaping the Kingston Polygamy Group w/ Amanda Rae | Ep. 1837

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  • Опубліковано 15 лис 2023
  • Content Warning: Discussions of @‌buse of children, including ince$t.
    Those who want to support Amanda can do so here:
    venmo.com/u/Arae18
    paypal.com/paypalme/AmandaRae...
    The Kingston Group, founded by Elden Kingston, has a complex hierarchy where Ortell emerged as a leader, introducing incestuous practices. From bloodline beliefs linking them to Jesus to intricate rules dictating marriages, the Order's control over its members is striking.
    In this gripping interview with Amanda Rae, we dive deep into the secretive world of The Order, exploring its history, shocking practices, and the personal experiences of those raised within it. Amanda unveils the manipulation and trauma faced by women, the indoctrination of children in their schools, and the stark realities of life under polygamous marriages.
    Revealing her own journey, Amanda shares her struggle for freedom and the challenges faced after leaving. Her recounting of institutionalized financial fraud, emotional manipulation, and attempts to break free from The Order's grip are both heart-wrenching and eye-opening. Tune in for an insider's perspective, confronting the darker aspects of cults, survival after leaving, and the ongoing healing process.
    Amanda's channel: @AmandaLovesRachel
    Episode Show Notes: www.mormonstories.org/portfol...
    Chapters
    00:01:50 Background of Kingston Group “The Order”
    00:06:10 He died because they didn’t believe in doctors
    00:09:20 Ortell introduces incest into the church by marrying his own niece
    00:13:50 Background on The Order
    00:15:30 Blue blood, Kingston bloodline is directly linked to Jesus
    00:17:45 Rules of Kingston “direction from God” on who to marry
    00:20:37 Child brides
    00:24:55 Paul’s sermon, teaching men how to impregnate a woman with a female child
    00:29:15 Two main rules: polygamy and consecration
    00:30:00 Law of Consecration
    00:33:45 Anne Wilde
    00:36:35 Where the group is located
    00:40:00 Tax fraud, they stole half a billion from the government
    00:43:50 Bleeding the beast
    00:45:15 Beginning of Amanda’s story
    00:47:30 How her mom converted into The Order
    00:51:20 The men don't want accountability it’s not about getting caught
    00:52:20 Her mom had five children, Amanda was the second
    00:56:00 Law of Sarah - wives giving consent
    00:59:50 The Order has its own elementary school - Ensign Learning Center
    01:01:40 “Numbered men”
    01:12:13 How they dressed, rules around media and diet restrictions
    01:17:50 Attending a public middle school
    01:18:45 Teachings surrounding race
    01:24:20 Escaping polygamy TV series
    01:27:30 Figuring out who her dad is
    01:38:07 Her mom was working to take care of ten kids
    01:39:45 Private Banks Fidelity Funding Kingston Bank
    01:45:45 Going to Penn Foster Homeschool
    01:54:50 The breaking point for her
    01:57:00 Dating a man from the Order
    01:58:50 The day she finally left
    02:00:10 When she ran away the last time
    02:04:30 Story of friend wanting to leave The Order
    02:13:00 Leaving The Order
    02:17:15 Reconstructing after leaving the cult
    02:20:30 She got married to someone who’d left The Order
    02:21:50 What the Kingstons believe about being gay
    02:22:22 After seven years she filed for divorce
    02:23:19 Being part of Escaping Polygamy TV Series
    02:28:55 She knew she would be exposing them when she got out of the cult
    02:30:20 What it was like being on the TV show?
    ___________________
    At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
    Our overall mission is to:
    1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
    2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
    3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 932

  • @ginao6810
    @ginao6810 6 місяців тому +177

    This is why so many cults/religious groups try to restrict education!
    Her mother grew up outside the group, so had other ideas of life. And then Amanda went to just 2 years of public school and that was enough to shed light on the group’s falsehoods.
    It speaks to the power of education, and the importance of meeting people different to you.

    • @brianhard1841
      @brianhard1841 28 днів тому

      Australian aboriginals who never were "educated", had devised an understanding on the consequences of incest. It's called a skin system, and each aboriginal is made aware as to whom they need to avoid, and over 60,000 years they learnt what Mormons couldn't?

  • @TheForestCrone
    @TheForestCrone 6 місяців тому +190

    I have never seen someone leave an incredibly restrictive cult, deconstruct and pull off a healthy reconstruct so fast. Ever. Wow. Amanda, you are impressive. Your strength is just - I have no words. I hope you love and appreciate yourself so much for being willing to engage in practices of critical thinking, rebelliousness and demanding better for yourself. It saved you. YOU saved you.

    • @merricat3025
      @merricat3025 6 місяців тому +9

      Still watching. Thank God she went to public school fir 2 years

    • @nickywal
      @nickywal 6 місяців тому +14

      I was watching a woman who left a strict Amish group, got her and her kids out of abuse. She was so confident and grounded I assumed it was years ago, then they were talking about how the court case was held under social distancing and it might not have been worth putting the children through testifying in person as the masks and face shields might hide some of the trauma. It was genuinely shocking

    • @ZSC92
      @ZSC92 5 місяців тому +7

      I think Tylee Ryan would have been like this strong woman.

    • @merricat3025
      @merricat3025 5 місяців тому +5

      @@ZSC92 maybe. Too bad she didn't speak up when questioned by police after Charles was killed or when Charles told police Lori needed help.

    • @TheForestCrone
      @TheForestCrone 4 місяці тому +9

      @@merricat3025 that's not fair, she was a child and under the control of her manipulative mother.

  • @CultstoConsciousness
    @CultstoConsciousness 6 місяців тому +866

    We are so happy to see this collaboration! Amanda's story is incredibly important to the ex Mormon space. Lots of love to you both!

    • @mads597
      @mads597 6 місяців тому +24

      All my favorites 🥹

    • @bendyrland7213
      @bendyrland7213 6 місяців тому +11

      Must be collaboration day. I watched both your collabs with Owen today as well.

    • @umumclean8161
      @umumclean8161 5 місяців тому

      More like mentally deranged people to me. No standard of morality at all.

    • @projectionv.accountability1010
      @projectionv.accountability1010 4 місяці тому +3

      Respectfully, that's not correct. Her story is important- period. But "the order" is not part of the "ex-Mormon space". Cults exist- my ex MIL is the leader of a "religious new age healing" cult (my wording). She says she gets her info from God, just like all these other leaders. But she's "Christian" in the sense that she's saying words spoken by Christians. The only correlation with the LDS church is that the Order leaders themselves use the terminology that followers recognize and feel comfortable with in order to maintain unrelenting devotion. It's merely a manipulative tool. SAYING they were 'the real Mormons' in no way draws a connection to the mainstream church or the exes thereof. It's really damaging to understanding and teaching how cults work (and thrive) and how we are ALL susceptible, to call it anything other than narcissistic liars using carefully crafted wording to lure their prey... and get the cash needed to carry out the con. If the farce persists that groups like this are just an offshoot of the LDS church, the actual cultic actions will be overlooked, laughed off as 'weird', and it creates a false narrative that cults = religion. You can join a religion and you can leave a religion. But no one joins a cult- we only call it that afterward. This platform reaches too many people to conflate the two.

    • @paulahard1200
      @paulahard1200 4 місяці тому +3

      Sad that no one really reads the the WORD of GOD.The holy Bible The Jewish are the line of Jesus..We that are not Jesis are Gentiles but those who have excepted Jesus as their personal Lord n Savior then are grafted into the vine of Jesus..😊GODblz Bsav LivnluvinCHRIST p.h.

  • @BrigitteDiessl
    @BrigitteDiessl 6 місяців тому +208

    With Amanda talking about the police taking her and other teens home, there are echos of Jessi Hildebrandt here and the Franke kids. This is just devastating.

    • @ajohnsonlllll
      @ajohnsonlllll 6 місяців тому +15

      Glad someone said this! Was thinking of those Hildebrandt kids whilst Amanda recounted her experience. You are on the money here. That 7x7 room bare concrete basement she described was just horrible.

    • @nickywal
      @nickywal 6 місяців тому +17

      And even when one of her cousins got out and was in state custody, she was forced into meetings with her parents, including her dad who had served at least one prison sentence for nearly beating his daughter to death

    • @Ms.Prairie
      @Ms.Prairie 6 місяців тому +6

      Ugh poor Jessi :(
      and this was like Myspace / baby Facebook era. Facebook didn’t even have a chat function until 2008-ish, let alone functions of Snapchat
      I feel for them as a rural isolated queer kid. I’m so happy they survived. I don’t know if I could have; just so inspiring.

    • @ArtfullyMusingLaura
      @ArtfullyMusingLaura 6 місяців тому +3

      I thought that when she talked about being put in the basement as a punishment. @@Ms.Prairie

  • @Veruska75
    @Veruska75 3 місяці тому +20

    As someone who lives in Scandinavia and thinks it’s just wild that these kind of practices still exist with all our medical knowledge I have to say I’m super impressed with Amanda. I think it’s absolutely awe inspiring that Amanda, at such a young age too had so much strength, character and wisdom to figure all that out and even act on it. Amanda, I think you are the most righteous of them all. You are super brave, and man you’ve got heart. Respect!

    • @gr8heather
      @gr8heather Місяць тому +2

      My great great grandfather came straight from Scandinavia and was one of only a few in that time to join Mormonism, and was one of the higher power Mormon men. Can I come back to Scandinavia? 😭

    • @Mrs.7613
      @Mrs.7613 Місяць тому

      @@gr8heather My great great great grandfather also came from Scandinavia to practice his religion and settle in Utah in 1866.

  • @lostpelican1883
    @lostpelican1883 6 місяців тому +303

    I'm SO here for Amanda. I love her offbeat humor that breaks the tension even when she's talking about truly strange, dark and sinister things. She & all the ex-Kingston people have this bright spirit that shows so much strength, they weren't crushed even after all theyve been through. I have so much compassion for these people and wish the very best for them.

    • @Boots534
      @Boots534 6 місяців тому +2

      Great story John & Margie. You're both so good with ppl. I think one reason she's ok. I mean i know she had some hard times, but wasn't so traumatized like some, because she wasn't physically abused growing up, so thank God for that. I hope she knows the real truth now and believes in Jesus still. Beautiful girl inside & out.

    • @Kristenm28
      @Kristenm28 5 місяців тому +1

      ​@Boots534 she doesn't. She is in a new cult now but doesn't realize it. The "new age."

    • @wetsocks7619
      @wetsocks7619 4 місяці тому +2

      ​@@Kristenm28 do you mean that she believes in spirituality or that she is a part of a new group?

    • @basicallyno1722
      @basicallyno1722 4 місяці тому

      Well except that one from Escaping Polygamy who is married to the predator Bryan Nelson. She just swapped one narcissistic man for the old ones.

    • @basicallyno1722
      @basicallyno1722 4 місяці тому +2

      @kristen she’s not in a group, she’s practicing and studying from different religions and beliefs. That’s not what a cult is…

  • @lillianbowles9902
    @lillianbowles9902 6 місяців тому +318

    Thank you Amanda Rae! I was raised in the AUB cult and a recipient of Hope After Polygamy scholarship! You all make a significant impact on so many!

    • @CharityS-Minnesota
      @CharityS-Minnesota 6 місяців тому +14

      This makes me happy to hear! For the last almost 2 years, I hope after polygamy has been my Amazon charity, where whatever I spend, they donate X amount of money of my purchase to hope after polygamy. So if anybody else sees this… you can do an affiliate Charity, if you have Amazon prime, I believe you have to prime I’m not positive though, but anyways, they have been my designated Charity.

    • @coll4455
      @coll4455 5 місяців тому +1

      ❤👏👏👏

    • @lahawk7410
      @lahawk7410 5 місяців тому +15

      @@CharityS-Minnesota Amazon discontinued the Smile program a while back. I recall getting a notification that they were no longer supporting that program or my charity. I was disappointed.

    • @CharityS-Minnesota
      @CharityS-Minnesota 3 місяці тому

      @@lahawk7410 omgosh I need to go check that!!
      I don’t recall seeing an email about that!! Thank you

  • @SheerioKitty727
    @SheerioKitty727 6 місяців тому +380

    I was hoping for Amanda to be on. More people should be aware of this cult. Escaping Polygamy should have had more seasons.

    • @Grandmomof30
      @Grandmomof30 6 місяців тому +11

      I agree on the show should have been longer cause I still love the show.

    • @SheerioKitty727
      @SheerioKitty727 6 місяців тому +8

      @@Grandmomof30 the whole 10 escapes a season is bull

    • @Grandmomof30
      @Grandmomof30 6 місяців тому +9

      @@SheerioKitty727 all of it was real no one is in their shoes about what or how they feel don't start saying their fake

    • @SheerioKitty727
      @SheerioKitty727 6 місяців тому +24

      @@Grandmomof30 no I'm saying the network wanting 10 escapes a season was messed up, the girls couldn't guarantee 10 people would want to be on camera. I know it was real. Sorry I didn't communicate that.

    • @user-wj9su1tu6k
      @user-wj9su1tu6k 6 місяців тому +1

      I watch the show reruns every early monday mornings on court tv ... id.totally watch more if new episodes were done, its so interesting and i feel horrible for all these girls

  • @vlong5537
    @vlong5537 6 місяців тому +105

    Wish DHS would take names and numbers for the lost child support and consequently fraudulent welfare, food stamps, health care, etc. These numbered men should go to prison.
    Good interview, Amanda Rae. Thank y'all.

    • @nickywal
      @nickywal 6 місяців тому +13

      It wasn't mentioned in the interview but Ortell was arrested for it. He chose to pay the fine rather than admit all these kids were his

    • @justamom863
      @justamom863 6 місяців тому +3

      What does it matter? The kids still needed the food and health care. They weren't getting it any other way.

    • @vlong5537
      @vlong5537 6 місяців тому +7

      @@justamom863 The kids already got the food and health care. That obviously is not the issue.

    • @nickywal
      @nickywal 6 місяців тому

      @@vlong5537They didn't though, order kids are routinely forced to dumpster dive or get eat waste food sent for livestock, the order doesn't believe in doctors. Meanwhile the men, particularly the 7 brothers in leadership live in luxury

    • @biancawarfield7666
      @biancawarfield7666 6 місяців тому +2

      This may be the only way to get them in trouble. When John asked why they’re allowed to take money and exploit workers? Same thing that happens in Scientology. Because they can hide behind the “religious status” of tax exempt, they’re allowed to say that their members “agree” to religious doctrine. Just like how Christian clergy is paid less than what we consider legal, religious organizations aren’t mandated to pay anything or minimum wage. Lots of loop holes

  • @donnellallan
    @donnellallan 6 місяців тому +143

    I love Amanda Rae so much! I discovered her content just recently and I turn to it again and again. I converted to Mormonism as a teenage girl in the 1970’s, so I grew up in a secular extended family, but it was so patriarchal that The Kingston Group actually reminds me of my upbringing, minus the polygamy. I love it when Amanda shares how she cut through the gaslighting to do what she knew in her heart was right for herself. At 68 I continue to be treated as if I am incompetent at making choices for myself and it is infuriating. Amanda encourages me to keep fighting the good fight. Thank you all for another great discussion! 💜💜💜

  • @bodytrainer1crane730
    @bodytrainer1crane730 6 місяців тому +145

    Laws need to change in Utah when teens are looking for help and to get away from their families (cult, abuse, etc.)

    • @tomsmith6468
      @tomsmith6468 6 місяців тому +7

      250,000 kids were married in America from 2005 to 2015😢

    • @Lufsixq
      @Lufsixq 4 місяці тому

      Thats kindda hard to do when 90% of the politicians in Utah are Mormon and anywhere between 35-45% are from off shoot branches like the Kingston group.

    • @TheBlondbimbo1000
      @TheBlondbimbo1000 4 місяці тому +3

      That is a huge number of victims. That is beyond sad

    • @RafaelTorrez-zc3wl
      @RafaelTorrez-zc3wl 2 місяці тому

      You forgot the definition of a cult. There are laws.

    • @Omar-kk9fp
      @Omar-kk9fp 2 місяці тому +1

      Not effing victims!!!!!
      Use your brain: develop critical thinking skills and abandon magical thinking!!!!!
      😂🎉🎉🎉😂😂😂😂

  • @kulaniwarner7262
    @kulaniwarner7262 6 місяців тому +93

    That IS crazy she is the first Kingston interviewee. Thanks for a great interview.

  • @singer0004
    @singer0004 6 місяців тому +78

    This clan honestly scares me as a black person living in utah, not gonna lie

    • @nickywal
      @nickywal 6 місяців тому +10

      Yeah very very racist, there was also an article a while back about one of Paul's sons attacking a gay couple. But surely that's not much different to a lot of other Mormons

    • @singer0004
      @singer0004 6 місяців тому +7

      @@nickywal I'm happy to have had good experiences with regular Mormons in Utah

    • @LeedleleedleDae
      @LeedleleedleDae 6 місяців тому +2

      I don’t blame you one iota! Every time Amanda brings up their racist beliefs in the cult it makes me mad as all get out. That’s as a person who lives in the south and was raised in the southern baptist convention too😅 (their racism is a bit less overt… ugh why is it like this. )

    • @alienvampirebusterswhoyoug8257
      @alienvampirebusterswhoyoug8257 5 місяців тому +2

      @@singer0004don’t let them fool you

    • @Sethhaun78
      @Sethhaun78 5 місяців тому +2

      @@singer0004 seek the real Jesus christ the only way to life ..there is no races..leave that state and area while you can...run...do not be deceived..when things get bad you won't want to be there..move

  • @BrigitteDiessl
    @BrigitteDiessl 6 місяців тому +61

    Amanda is only two years older than my daughter. You are just so brave, Amanda. I admire you so much. I can't imagine my daughter going through this as brave and amazing as she is.

  • @krod6800
    @krod6800 6 місяців тому +69

    John you absolutely need to watch Escaping Polygamy. These young ladies are so brave and so strong. It’s inspiring. The Order is a horrific abusive group.

    • @jeaninecookson167
      @jeaninecookson167 6 місяців тому +6

      Shocked at how little John knew about the order.

    • @janshe3597
      @janshe3597 6 місяців тому

      @@jeaninecookson167IKR, I’m surprised…

  • @MPGRAY84
    @MPGRAY84 6 місяців тому +64

    Amanda is phenomenal!! Her intelligence and determination to make sure that she relays factual information constantly amazes me!! THIS WAS A GREAT ONE!!! THANK Y’ALL!!

  • @BG-ig6fd
    @BG-ig6fd 6 місяців тому +20

    One of the saddest moments for me was when Amanda said her dad told her he was not her dad when she was growing up. Wow. Talk about screwing up your child, psychologically.

  • @barbaravanriemsdijk8440
    @barbaravanriemsdijk8440 3 місяці тому +7

    What a privilege to listen to Amanda's story. An unusually intelligent and courageous young woman who at such a young age searched for the truth and when she found it had the strength of will to act on it despite the consequences.

  • @mwest3191
    @mwest3191 6 місяців тому +75

    Fangirling hard as two of my fav shows cross over! I think groups like The Order are far less known to the mainstream public- undoubtedly part of what allowed them to flourish for so long. (I’m a nevermo, so people ARE interested and you guys are all making a bigger difference than you know. 👏☺️♥️)

  • @jamparker969
    @jamparker969 6 місяців тому +94

    You should interview more people from the kingston group. The world needs to know how harmful this organization is

    • @mienafriggstad3360
      @mienafriggstad3360 6 місяців тому +6

      Yes; including Ananda's brother Eskel Grant

    • @GamerJay0007
      @GamerJay0007 6 місяців тому +6

      I just came across this video. Not Mormon, know nothing about it, don’t care to, but this is insane. I can’t believe this is real??!!

    • @barbararuiz2690
      @barbararuiz2690 5 місяців тому +4

      ​@@GamerJay0007 I'm a Texan who has lived in Utah the past 14 years. Northern Utah is bizarro-land.

    • @pamfink4052
      @pamfink4052 5 місяців тому

      @GamerJay it's very real. Warren Jeff's is in prison for s😞sexually abusing under age girls

    • @mommaofboys163
      @mommaofboys163 4 місяці тому +3

      Yes I’m hoping Kollene will be next

  • @Chil_95
    @Chil_95 5 місяців тому +26

    I am a simple Orthodox from Russia, I would never have thought that such disgusting cults could exist in 2023

    • @rob7724
      @rob7724 4 місяці тому +1

      In Islam, polygamy is also allowed. It's not only exist in 2024, it's thriving😂

    • @JDog-tn8we
      @JDog-tn8we 4 місяці тому

      There are SO many cults in America. IMHO I think it comes from the Church being broken into so many denominations and not remaking true to the orthodoxy to the Word of God.
      I am a confessional Lutheran - a sort of Western Orthodox. Our family left what I call Americhurchianity about 10 years ago. So much of the Protestant American churches have become what the book of Revelation warns us. It’s so sad.

    • @JDog-tn8we
      @JDog-tn8we 4 місяці тому +1

      @@rob7724 Islam and Mormonism are very similar.

    • @rob7724
      @rob7724 4 місяці тому +1

      @@JDog-tn8we yep

  • @mellowjeje13
    @mellowjeje13 6 місяців тому +29

    Amanda Rae and Jessie Hildebrandt have been the two interviews i haven't been able to even pause. Glued to my screen, hanging on every word. Incredible interviews with some powerful, intelligent and resilient people ❣️

  • @mienafriggstad3360
    @mienafriggstad3360 6 місяців тому +55

    👏 Yea Amanda is on. Please have her full brother Eskel Grant on; he went from the Kingstons to the LDS; he recently left the LDS

    • @jeaninecookson167
      @jeaninecookson167 6 місяців тому +9

      Omgosh! I am so glad to hear he left the LDS.

    • @jordynvalenzuela2554
      @jordynvalenzuela2554 5 місяців тому +5

      I didn’t know he left LDS. I’ll have to look up his story (if he talks about it). Good for him!!

    • @GirlPaintsArt
      @GirlPaintsArt 2 місяці тому

      Good because LDS is really just a cult too!!

  • @monicamacneille3372
    @monicamacneille3372 3 місяці тому +7

    Watching the Nevin Pratt connection unfold was wild!

  • @michelleduncan9965
    @michelleduncan9965 5 місяців тому +21

    This was utterly astounding & so, so, so dark. Amanda is magnificent in her explanations, her great memory (despite understandable confusion) from lack of true family trees & her grasp of the PERVASIVE & MANY LEVELS OF HORRIFIC GRIFTING & FRAUD. It's beyond mind blowing. I pray for Ananda's safety. The gene pool must be BADLY DAMAGED.

  • @lissettedennis5964
    @lissettedennis5964 6 місяців тому +106

    In the late 90’s I volunteered at a women’s shelter in Salt Lake a few times and I remember hearing one time in a hush voice from the ladies that ran the shelter that they used to get many women running from polygamy in the shelter. I thought they were crazy because I was a TBM. But listening to these stories makes me realized how common that might be.

    • @i3ch0x
      @i3ch0x 6 місяців тому +7

      Love being thought of as crazy

    • @Sentientdreamer
      @Sentientdreamer 6 місяців тому +8

      The church has radically narrow blinders on its TBM... It's hard to see from the outside.

    • @cabrown308
      @cabrown308 4 місяці тому +1

      Hopefully you will break free of this cult

  • @emmawood1232
    @emmawood1232 6 місяців тому +95

    We're all so proud of you, Amanda. Just please remember how far you have come.

  • @user-io7kz4kv3z
    @user-io7kz4kv3z 3 місяці тому +5

    I met an amazing woman trying to Leave the Kingston group who was attending another Church and exploring her options . Incredibly Brave and Courageous , some of what she told me was jaw dropping . I cherished her knowledge and friendship and pray for her safety every day !

  • @debbiedonovan8362
    @debbiedonovan8362 6 місяців тому +36

    Love, love , love Amanda Ray- and culty cup of coffee!! This woman is a Rock Star!!!! And Hero of those leaving polygamy.

  • @redsox19521
    @redsox19521 6 місяців тому +24

    She is such a great example of the human struggle for personal freedom. Her strength, perseverance,determination, and will to gain her freedom to live authentically with purpose is to be commended.

  • @iamjustsaying1
    @iamjustsaying1 6 місяців тому +14

    Leaving a cult or HD religion leaves one very disoriented about who you are, what is "normal," who to trust, and how to trust yourself, etc. She conveyed this very well.

  • @cynthiaputman1034
    @cynthiaputman1034 6 місяців тому +13

    I've been in therapy for 10 years . Suffering from childhood trauma. I totally understand Amanda. You need to be healthy to attract healthy relationships.
    Best wishes to you Amanda ❤️ ❤

  • @hayleyd2339
    @hayleyd2339 6 місяців тому +24

    Thank you for going back to traditional interviews! I find people’s personal stories so intriguing.

  • @agapelove2853
    @agapelove2853 4 місяці тому +6

    My sweet mama escaped the LDS CULT in 1950 … long story, thank God above my military father met her at SunValley Resort in Idaho … my father bought mama a bus ticket too S Missouri too his grandmothers .. they married ..4children later .. growing up… us children never knew what happened where, why and when???
    Before she passed at 83 she told us children everything about what she went through and how she escaped LDS
    NOTHING HAS CHANGED, STILL HAPPENING TOO A MANY … mama’s family removed her out of very large establishment left too her due too her leaving at the young age of 16
    God Bless you sweet Amanda

  • @bernjobi
    @bernjobi 6 місяців тому +74

    YAYY! just a few days ago i remembered amanda mentioning her getting in contact with you guys ~a month ago, and was wondering what was up! so excited to listen, i know its going to be great. amanda is a wonderful storyteller

  • @emptynesters2520
    @emptynesters2520 6 місяців тому +38

    Thank you John, Margie, and Amanda for bringing this episode to us! We appreciate you all so much!♥️💖💝

  • @electra424
    @electra424 6 місяців тому +19

    PLEASE have Amanda back for another episode!!! She has so many fantastic and tragic stories to tell. Maybe you could have her and Michelle Michaels do an interview together Michelle's story is incredible, and Amanda and Michelle have such great chemistry together. Thank you John, Margi and the rest of the MSP team for making this interview happen. And thank you Amanda for being the wonderful person you are 💜

  • @kristieroybal4888
    @kristieroybal4888 5 місяців тому +19

    She was always very mature for her age. That's how she got away. Her story is breathtaking. I grew up in Salt Lake, and I lived in West Valley. I grew up with stories of the Kingstons. I'm so glad she found a good counselor. She is an incredibly fantastic human beings. And I'm really glad she swears! 😄 GOOD FOR HER.

  • @heavencanwait421
    @heavencanwait421 6 місяців тому +17

    I can’t believe just how “normal” this young woman is!

  • @MarkLee-dc2sl
    @MarkLee-dc2sl 6 місяців тому +38

    That was one of the most informative interviews of Amanda yet. It was sad, gross, scary and even funny all in one! Awesome job!

  • @DomsMom47
    @DomsMom47 3 місяці тому +5

    It’s crazy to me the similarities in my story and yours. I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness, and upon leaving I jumped into a marriage in 2015 when I was 18 and divorced in 2022 after coming to an insane life realization of how my JW mother and grandmother still were controlling my life into being what they thought it should be and the familiarity of how I thought my life was supposed to be. It’s so hard to learn to trust yourself when you’ve been conditioned not too.

  • @angelaruhlig5135
    @angelaruhlig5135 6 місяців тому +16

    Nevermo here that's been listening to Mormon Stories for a few years, and that's how the algorithm led me to Amanda. This is by far one of my favorite episodes!!

  • @ek7589
    @ek7589 6 місяців тому +51

    Amanda was in the show escaping polygamy, right? Thank you for sharing your story and working to help people get free of these situations!

    • @vickiegreen5107
      @vickiegreen5107 6 місяців тому +7

      Yes she was x

    • @mienafriggstad3360
      @mienafriggstad3360 6 місяців тому +12

      Yes she was; she was married on it; she is now divorced. She has her own u-tube channel and so does her brother

    • @teamcougars
      @teamcougars 6 місяців тому +1

      Yes, she was in Escaping Polygamy she is a true warrior ❤❤

    • @janshe3597
      @janshe3597 6 місяців тому +1

      @@vickiegreen5107Yes, some of the girls working on the show are her relatives too, cousins, etc…

  • @SnuggleBunnyBaby
    @SnuggleBunnyBaby 6 місяців тому +28

    Only 13mins in and it's cool to see John shocked by this info. Go Amanda!🎉

  • @Morgan-jy5dq
    @Morgan-jy5dq 6 місяців тому +24

    I love Amanda's channel but it is so fun to see her being interviewed. Please have her back again.

  • @totonow6955
    @totonow6955 6 місяців тому +18

    Amanda Rae has helped so many of us sharing her story way beyond specific cults.

  • @laurenmay2098
    @laurenmay2098 6 місяців тому +24

    I am a Christian, having a lots of trouble on how I see the church today. I think my faith was twisted, but my gosh, how people can do that to others? How can you grow up in this environment and even function normal? Amanda you are very blessed by being able to leave and rise above.

    • @bekah-boo
      @bekah-boo 6 місяців тому +2

      I'm in the same boat. I really wish there was a place for us that was safe & affirming like John & Margi provide here with Mormon Stories. I have thought so much about starting one with my brother. I know there is lots of us out there.

    • @laurenmay2098
      @laurenmay2098 6 місяців тому +3

      @@bekah-boo that's the reason I watched them, very helpful, no shame, no blame, only accepting people as they came. It will be great if you get your own channel.

    • @bekah-boo
      @bekah-boo 6 місяців тому +2

      @@laurenmay2098 same. I’m super glad I found this channel.

    • @alienvampirebusterswhoyoug8257
      @alienvampirebusterswhoyoug8257 5 місяців тому +3

      A cult that’s about 150 years old Christian cult is about 2000 years old there will be offshoots in all cults moral of the story is avoid all organized religions

    • @Sethhaun78
      @Sethhaun78 5 місяців тому

      32 minutes in there talking about religions plural .false religion made by deceived men..the Bible explains this they are children of the devil..not GOD..being Christian isn't RELIGION....the devil uses this to deceive...you...so now they will throw out the baby with the bath water 💦...meaning reject the truth the true living HOLY GOD .because they were deceived...do not be deceived seek the savoir Jesus christ alone.....not man not women ...but God in contrition...a christain is nothing like theze cults ...praying 🙏 you folks seek truth ..

  • @ramabey
    @ramabey 6 місяців тому +24

    I grew up in Bountiful and went to school with three Kingston kids. The one my age married her uncle after 9th grade.

    • @VirtuousHereticKristin
      @VirtuousHereticKristin 6 місяців тому +4

      My husband went to Viewmont, and he’s pointed some Kingston properties out to me.

    • @btbbtb2863
      @btbbtb2863 2 місяці тому

      🤢 🤮

  • @angelclaire100
    @angelclaire100 6 місяців тому +28

    I’m fascinated by this bountiful baby connection not gonna lie 😂
    Big fan of each of you. Excellent collab.

    • @HelloNewMoon
      @HelloNewMoon 4 місяці тому +1

      I know!!! Also whyyy was that dude watching John and so into his channel ???

  • @GaliSinatra
    @GaliSinatra 6 місяців тому +41

    I'm so glad this interview finally happened! Amanda is inspiring and I think she'd make a great panelist.

  • @bridgettsilva9169
    @bridgettsilva9169 6 місяців тому +26

    So happy to see Amanda finding her tribe after literally escaping polygamy.

  • @Sarah-Graham575
    @Sarah-Graham575 6 місяців тому +22

    Go Amanda!! I was so excited to see you on here at Mormon Stories! You help so many people, Amanda…let us help you continue your good work! It’s okay to be paid for your hard work♥️♥️♥️♥️

  • @Ms.Prairie
    @Ms.Prairie 6 місяців тому +17

    Thank you Amanda. ❤
    It feels silly to say as a stranger, but i’m so proud of you for vocalizing this. I deal with scrupulousity OCD and your life story as a survivor is truly medicine.

    • @user-cs9kr2wl6n
      @user-cs9kr2wl6n 2 місяці тому

      I dont have experience with that specifically but i struggle with other forms of OCD. It's so hard and feels so lonely sometimes. I'm sorry you have to go through that, I understand the pain of the obsessive thoughts

  • @nickywal
    @nickywal 6 місяців тому +45

    Queen Amanda, she and her family who are speaking out are amazing. The order interviews are always kind of hilarious, in the worst way, its funny watching people learn about it, even if the cult as a whole is truly evil

    • @laurenmay2098
      @laurenmay2098 6 місяців тому +4

      I am just commenting on how I thought that my Christianity was bad. There are a lots of situations that pastors and leaders just don’t handle right. I can’t imagine how awful these environment is. Very damaging, Amanda is quite smart and centered.

  • @Valiant.Unicorn
    @Valiant.Unicorn 6 місяців тому +19

    Amanda is the best guest you've ever had! ❤Although I’m maybe biased❤️🤍🦄

  • @nathaliag7101
    @nathaliag7101 6 місяців тому +45

    Amanda is such a bada*s. She rose from the ashes, literally an environment meant to suppress women into a strong, intelligent woman with a powerful voice. We ride for Amanda lol🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️

    • @dukeduke2790
      @dukeduke2790 4 місяці тому

      Don’t forget to help the brainwashed and oppressed boys also💯💯

  • @thebulgariancheese
    @thebulgariancheese 6 місяців тому +17

    Amanda is amazing! I love that now she is able to add some humor to her story. I think, Mormon Stories should interview more of the Escaping poligamy cast - Jessica, Andrea, Shanell, Priscilla and others who escaped during the show. Their stories are amazing!

  • @lizzypop2628
    @lizzypop2628 6 місяців тому +14

    We love you Amanda!!!!! THE INTERACTION BETWEEN YOU 3 was so wholesome❤️

  • @krystaladams4440
    @krystaladams4440 6 місяців тому +22

    Amanda is one of the best people and so strong!! Im so proud of her and so thankful that I know her!!

  • @renee8833
    @renee8833 6 місяців тому +11

    Actually screamed a lil when I saw Amanda’s name and my heart grew 3 sizes. Proud of you dude 🥹

  • @WaffleFaceRVA
    @WaffleFaceRVA 6 місяців тому +13

    I love Amanda Rae! This interview was even better than I expected. I really felt like John and Margie were reading my mind, squeezing as many questions in as possible! Amanda I'm gonna go buy your merch and keep up the good work all of you!

  • @kristanricketts5028
    @kristanricketts5028 6 місяців тому +17

    Amanda seems to get prettier and prettier as she goes. Waited til the premiere was over bc I get too distracted by the chat to hear the story fully so catching it after. But, love the crossovers and grateful for yall that stand and speak out 💚

  • @conniet2319
    @conniet2319 5 місяців тому +8

    Great interview John & Margie. Amanda is so brave and had such an amazing story to share.

  • @girlygirllensay
    @girlygirllensay 3 місяці тому +3

    What a beautiful soul you are Amanda💛 thank you for sharing your story!!

  • @valerielynch4014
    @valerielynch4014 6 місяців тому +12

    Thank you so much for interviewing Amanda! This is the interview I have been waiting for!

  • @tashachristina
    @tashachristina 5 місяців тому +4

    This interview was so intriguing! I turned this on just before bed thinking I would fall asleep, but continue in the morning and gosh darn, I listened to the whole thing. Amanda, you are an incredible person, thank you so much for sharing your story.

  • @ClairesMyth
    @ClairesMyth 6 місяців тому +14

    So glad you had Amanda Rae on!!! She's excellent 💗

  • @jeandalton7108
    @jeandalton7108 3 місяці тому +3

    Mental health care is so important for these people! Brainwashing can be very difficult to undo.

  • @nae0067
    @nae0067 6 місяців тому +10

    You can get married but you can’t leave?!
    I love Amanda Rae! Great interview! I hope I would have her strength if I was in her situation.

  • @deannabrown9667
    @deannabrown9667 6 місяців тому +8

    More please. This is so intriguing and there’s so much more about the Kingstons to discuss.

  • @crystalwalline6670
    @crystalwalline6670 2 місяці тому +4

    Love love love Amanda Rae! She is smart, funny, confident, and an excellent speaker and leader. Please have her on again!

  • @deannapowell7237
    @deannapowell7237 6 місяців тому +8

    I love Amanda. I have been listening to her channel for a long time. I am so happy you got to interview her. She is an inspiration. My favorite episode on her channel is her "why I got divorced" episode. I was nodding and audibly saying "YES! YES!" to everything she said in that episode. I totally related to her as a divorcee. She has done such a good job listening to her still small voice......she's just totally inspiring. Love her. ❤️

  • @xxxxxcjm
    @xxxxxcjm 2 місяці тому +2

    This was a brilliant interview. Thank you so eye opening

  • @chubbyaardvark
    @chubbyaardvark 6 місяців тому +14

    Intelligent, insightful and funny- what a gem of a lady. Bless you for sharing your story in order to hopefully help others. 💙

  • @bonnielucas1941
    @bonnielucas1941 6 місяців тому +8

    So awesome to see Amanda telling her story! You're a warrior, Amanda!! Doing so much good!
    Thank you, John for having Amanda on! 😘💕

  • @lynnbowenrealestate
    @lynnbowenrealestate 6 місяців тому +13

    Love Amanda so glad to see her on your station. She is a special one!❤

  • @anniejensen77
    @anniejensen77 6 місяців тому +4

    It's interesting to think that this group was able to convince Amanda that her instincts weren't to be trusted. That even after she left, she struggled to trust her instincts. How ironic it is that her instincts have been right about everything her entire life. Her ability to trust her own instincts is what got her out. This story is inspiring and to hear.

  • @smoore7614
    @smoore7614 6 місяців тому +9

    Since you briefly mentioned Kody Brown, I thought I'd mention that he was on a program with Radio Free Mormon where he said polygamy is necessary because men need (or want) more than one woman. He also hinted he is looking for another wife. He is truly disgusting.

    • @janshe3597
      @janshe3597 6 місяців тому

      He’s an idiot, why they chose to interview him is beyond me. They were given a list of topics that he would speak about, plus what he would not talk about…

  • @rhutabaga420
    @rhutabaga420 6 місяців тому +14

    Stoked for this

  • @brooke_reiverrose2949
    @brooke_reiverrose2949 6 місяців тому +10

    Love seeing a long form interview of Amanda! Yay thank you to all three of you ❤

  • @gingercollier7949
    @gingercollier7949 Місяць тому +1

    I watched Escaping Polygamy and when it ended I started watching Amanda. These young women helped so many to escape Polygamy and are true hero’s. You should have all the girls together on you channel. It’s great to see Amanda still exposing the numbered men.

  • @Mizzlenum
    @Mizzlenum 6 місяців тому +6

    OMG it's so crazy that these things are still happening in Utah. I was in Utah a couple of months ago after many years and suddenly I started to pay attention and it just felt very werid, I wanted to leave ASAP.

  • @wanwan2180
    @wanwan2180 6 місяців тому +14

    Oh my god i feel so bad for her mom that's still in the cult.... it must be so hard growing up as an outsider and then bein trapped there. I hope she gets out... The whole not owning your money thing is so messed up for people who want to leave, how is it even legal?!

    • @joycemyers2444
      @joycemyers2444 3 місяці тому

      You have to realize the psychological indoctrination these women have endured. It is not easy, especially as you get older. They lose everything, including their kids, go into a world alien to them, often leaving penniless. Unless someone is there to help them it seems hopeless.

  • @nomadicfoodie6286
    @nomadicfoodie6286 6 місяців тому +8

    She has so much integrity! Not wanting to ask for money is more complex and a deeper soul wound than John’s encouragement to ask covers! Also I wish that the Documentary/ TV career could have been more clearly linked to exploitation too. She had her family being “rescued “ on TV and the producers had the gall to put a number on it! How impersonal!

  • @foxibot
    @foxibot 6 місяців тому +14

    This girl is so smart to be raised in that cult, glad you got out Amanda and I really really hope you are ok.

    • @johna7450
      @johna7450 6 місяців тому

      Last I checked, you don't get to choose your parents, and being raised in a cult isn't really a good prediction of intelligence.

  • @medioreblatherskite
    @medioreblatherskite 6 місяців тому +11

    Amanda going on other channels and collabs is so so much fun

  • @IAmJustOneMom
    @IAmJustOneMom 4 місяці тому +3

    Margi, I see you. Amanda Rae, your community just multiplied. You are a needed voice. Thank you.

  • @danielle7397
    @danielle7397 6 місяців тому +28

    I recently stumbled across Amanda Rae so glad to see her on MSP. She is such an inspiration of strength. My heart breaks for her and fills with joy that she is on the right track and will find peace and a normal life.

  • @llmaxwell2508
    @llmaxwell2508 4 місяці тому +2

    Thank you, Amanda! You have done a good service to the women and children in this cult.

  • @jsue9480
    @jsue9480 6 місяців тому +8

    I got chills head to toe when John bore testimony of her considering to be ok with asking for money. The spirit testified that it's important and that my 10% I used to pay to the LDS church would be happily sent to her or Mormon Stories Podcast instead!!
    Preach John!!

  • @T-41
    @T-41 6 місяців тому +15

    Wonderful, inspiring guest and interview. Truly an impressive young lady. How is it not scandalous and criminal that the state of Utah allows polygamy , etc. to go on? ( I know those responsible for protecting the public are” bought” like the legal and political structure across the country.)

  • @claren4643
    @claren4643 6 місяців тому +6

    I am so thankful you interviewed her!

  • @julieprince5538
    @julieprince5538 6 місяців тому +8

    The Courage that Amanda has left me speechless. Amanda you are so beautiful and amazing and I wish you ALL the Love you deserve ❤
    John and Margi and the MS team you are changing life’s one story at a time as I have said before!
    I don’t think anyone has any idea how deep this runs in our society 😢 it starts at the top down and you wonder with all the publicity that has come to light regarding the abuse and fraud that exists that some criminal action would be taken.
    I don’t believe that there is separation between state and government and therefore the Mormon church keeps this hidden to protect its Corporation.
    I lived across the street from a Kingston wife and the abuse was heartbreaking!
    I believe only light can penetrate the darkness so I send Love to All

  • @glo3139
    @glo3139 6 місяців тому +7

    Watching these stories, makes me feel so much MORE grateful for the way that I was brought up. I was able to go to school and marry my high school sweetheart and have a family. Everyone has a story, EVERY single one of us, but it’s so important to remember that when we have problems, or issues, that there is ALWAYS someone out there, who has it worse. Appreciate what you do have at the moment, and be grateful for the gift of God, Life, Love and Family. ❤

  • @vee5401
    @vee5401 6 місяців тому +9

    I’ve been waiting for this interview for like 2 years

  • @AmandainSF
    @AmandainSF 6 місяців тому +12

    Another amazing episode. MSP has the best interviews.

  • @alhetcis1578
    @alhetcis1578 6 місяців тому +12

    Looking confident and cute girl! Awesome interview. John, you slept on the Amanda Rae interview for way too long. This interview is just scratching the surface of the amazing work that Amanda does through her research and sharing her story and the stories of others. Good job all involved! Love Margi, such a baddie.

  • @ReneeDN
    @ReneeDN 6 місяців тому +6

    Love that you had Amanda on the podcast! Thank you.

  • @lunaacacia
    @lunaacacia 6 місяців тому +13

    This was all so fascinating. Amanda seems like an awesome woman and I could listen to her talk forever.

  • @mikeyantis8067
    @mikeyantis8067 6 місяців тому +7

    Not being mormon, the more I learn from your podcast is educational. This Kingston Polygamy discussion is crazy and to realize that this was very much like the beginning of the LDS church when Joseph Smith was the leader. You cannot make this stuff up and have anyone believe it could be true. The bilking of government programs for the benefit of the group is troubling. Earning your way to heaven to receive a more presteguis placement can be so stressful. So glad heaven is offered freely to all that believe.