In this powerful interview, Sam and Melissa sit down with Melanie and Cory, a couple who bravely left the polygamous AUB (Apostolic United Brethren) church. Melanie, the daughter of the current prophet of the AUB, shares her harrowing experience of being married as a child bride within the church, and how she found the courage to escape in adulthood. In this emotional conversation, Melanie opens up about the pressure of growing up under her father's leadership, the challenges of living in a polygamous community, and the pain of breaking free from a coerced marriage. Cory shares his own perspectives and how they've built a new life after leaving the AUB. #Polygamy #AUB #ExclusiveInterview #EscapingTheAUB #ExPolygamist #ChildBride 00:00:00 Early Marriage and Abuse in FLDS 00:06:48 The Belief of the 144,000 and Its Impact 00:14:02 The Beginnings of Endowment Houses 00:20:31 Preparing for a Unique Wedding Ceremony 00:26:41 Seeking Approval and Spiritual Validation 00:33:58 Facing a Crisis of Faith and Polygamy 00:40:51 Unconventional Relationship Beginnings 00:47:22 Legal Battle for Child Custody 00:53:52 Living Without Organized Religion Join our NEW Patreon HERE: https://patreon.com/growingupinpolygamy If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org At Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world." If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy Insta: @growingupinpolygamy New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com Theme Song created by @artcowles Please feel free to reach out to us! [email protected] --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupinpolygamy/support