Life on the YFZ Ranch: Warren Jeffs' 13th Wife Amy Speaks Out on the Raid and Her Role as Caretaker 

Amy, please don't ever be embarrassed about ANYTHING that happened in your time in the FLDS. Sam and Melissa's viewers understand that you were so indoctrinated that you had no choice. I'm unbelievably impressed by you and by the courage, kindness, grace, love, gentleness, strength, and gorgeous soul you managed to maintain. The FLDS didn't steal who you are, and I'm so proud of you. Thank you for sharing your story. ❤❤❤

She is a survivor and is not wallowing in victimhood. This is admirable. She was never entitled and tried to see the good in others. Amy is a great person.

I am just so amazed at the strength & tenacity of the women who have found their way out of this cult. So proud of all you are accomplishing with your transparency.

I can’t say enough about this series of interviews with Amy. This has been the most informative of any FLDS member/survivor I have ever listen to. So much respect for this young women along with Sam and Melissa for this wonderful and sensitive insight.

Amy has a beautiful heart and soul feeling for others❤

The kitty was actually a calming presence during the hardest parts of Amy’s story. He’s just chilling like hi, I’m here, everything is going to be ok. ❤

Damn I am so fascinated by this. So many thoughts. (1) Obviously she's not a member of the FLDS anymore. I'm sure we'll get to this in the next installment of the interview, but I really want to know what finally broke her faith. I've heard from so many FLDS people in interviews and books about their stories. But never anyone who was SO close to Warren Jeffs and was actively in the religion for SO long. Basically until the bitter end. The harsh rules didn't break her faith. Being denied children didn't break her faith. Warren ripping apart families didn't break her faith. Heavenly sessions didn't break her faith. Knowing he had underage brides didn't break her faith. Knowing he slept with his underage brides didn't break her faith. Him renouncing himself being prophet didn't break her faith... what on earth finally did it for her? I really look forward to hearing this. (2) Again bringing up Rebecca Musser's "the witness wore red" book - it's interesting to hear about the raid from the mothers' perspective. And you had an interview with the CPS perspective. I think Rebecca gives a good account of law enforcement's perspective. Like Amy's question about the search warrants is answered in Musser's book. Musser was truly amazing. She wanted to be involved in the raids to make sure they went about it the right way, to not scare anyone and be sensitive to the FLDS culture. And they brushed her off at first. Right up until they realized they were in over their heads and had no idea what they were doing. "Rebecca, there are 15 year old girls who are full-bellied pregnant, and we ask them if they've had sex and they say no. Are they lying to us or do they not know what sex is?" I can imagine Rebecca internally rolling her eyes before telling them "We don't use that word sex, ask if they've had 'marital relations' instead." Finally they agreed to allow Rebecca and her sister Elissa to come on as consultants to help things go smoother. Basically the first half of the book is her story growing up and as Rulon's wife, and the second half is her rebuilding her life as well as her involvement with law enforcement and the trials. Also Elissa has a great interview on Mormon Stories Podcast if you haven't listened to it already. (3) The other thing that really really strikes me is that... I know you guys have ripped on law enforcement and CPS for 'ripping apart families' and 'doing it all wrong' but like... based on what Amy said in this interview, it seems like Warren basically did the same thing. Except kinda worse imo. Like Warren ripped apart families with no paper trial and no way legal recourse for anyone to get their kids back. Yeah CPS didn't do a good job, but the parents could still go to their kids trial and try to get them back. When kids in Short Creek poofed to Zion, there was no recourse at all. Warren ripped apart families and sent people to live in a literal barn. I feel like CPS did better by people than... a barn lol. Basically... everyone did bad lol. But yeah as much as you want to rip on CPS, what Warren did was even worse, and the CPS thing never would have even happened if Warren hadn't decided to 'build Zion' by destroying FLDS families and ripping everyone apart.

I tear up every time Amy says “Little One” - it’s heartbreaking to hear how the children were taken away like that.

Auntie ❤ thank you for your strength and for telling your story with such love. I’m so happy to have you back in my life. It’s been so healing to be able to call you, to see you, to hug you. And to know that grandma got her life’s wish. To be with you again and be your momma ❤ my heart is so happy for you and I’m so blessed and grateful to have such an incredibly strong loving example like you, as my aunt. I Love you forever! -celesta

This interview is incredible. I love the work you are doing Sam and Melissa. Cycles being broken. God bless you all

The little cat in the background just looking and listening is too cute❤

First of all, I'm deeply offended that we have not met the kitty yet! Second of all, thank you for sharing your story. You are so lovely and eloquent and graceful and I appreciate so much you sharing your story with us

The fact that we just get a little insight of what Amy and the rest of the women and children (and also men) went through. It is just a small sliver of what they thought, felt, experienced. I think a lot of what happened is hard to translate to the outside world. We can empathize, get angry on their behalf but the fact that they're even halfway able to navigate society outside the FLDS, says a lot about their strength, adaptability and resilience. Respect!

Thank goodness you only lost the first part, it would be too hard to do all this again. This has to be one of the most valuable contributions to record of the flds. I’m lost for words Amy. You have the kindest soul. Sam this must be so hard hearing all this about people you loved. Melissa you’re the best interviewer and the silent kindness you’ve shown is so important.

It is mind blowing how strong Amy is. Loving, caring and so smart. Hope life is good to you. You are one special lady.Being raised in a cult for 7 years myself, I understand the mind set of doing what you were told and not questioning anything.

Amy you are strong & amazing. Thanks to you, children in the FLDS Jeffs family were well cared for, through all of the trials you all went through. God bless you.

I was in tears after hearing all of the backstory to this. I was always sad when I heard the stories about the raid but hearing it with more context made me feel like I now understood just how scary it would’ve been, even for the adult women. Thank you so much to Amy for sharing all of this with us, because it helps us to understand the experience of some of the people in the FLDS at the time and that’s really valuable information 🙏💖✨

Amy really is pure hearted ❤

Amy your love and grace has truly touched me. You brave brave soul. I am grateful I get to hear your story, knowing it must be tremendously difficult to share. You are bringing new insight and understanding- thank you so much for sharing. And Sam and Melissa of course for being such an incredible platform- you guys are true gems.

Amy, you are such a beautiful soul. Heaven bless you for being vulnerable and sharing your story. Our stories are similar but SO different! It's hard to comprehend all that we have been through. Sooo much confirmation bias! Sooo much cognitive dissonance! Sooo much covert spiritual abuse Sending love and healing 💕

It's hard for me to hear her talk about the "young mothers." These "young mothers" are actually children themselves who could not consent to relations with adult men, who were groomed and abused. Of the 53 removed girls aged between 14-17, 31 had children or were pregnant.

What an amazing woman. This interview is captivating, looking forward to the next episode.

Amy has a lot of courage to tell this story

Amy's story is the most fascinating you ever did. I love that she is factual and shows both sides of the experience - good and bad. Often, these types of narratives are overly dramatised and peppered with pseudo-psychology terms. I think Sam sees to it, that we get a nuanced view.

Thankyou for sharing. Love and peace ❤

What’s scary to me, aside from all the obvious, is that the spirit Amy felt when she was in his room, was probably an evil one.

Thank you, Amy, ❤ for sharing your story. Sam and Melissa you are connecting people by sharing stories. It is important that people such as myself, non Mormon, know little about FLDS know more. ❤ Bless the little one that you cared for.

So glad kitty came to hang out!

Amy- if you hadn’t taken care of that little girl, Warren would have placed her with someone else I’d imagine. I think you did such an amazing job caring for and loving her- I don’t think she could have had anyone better while her mom was gone.

Thank you so much for this series! It would be so amazing if you could interview more people from the FLDS maybe Jayden Jessop?

This was incredible, thanks

This has been the most insightful interview I’ve listened to so far. It’s like Amy has been able to take all of the good that was taught and all of the good or tender memories and hold them dear despite the horrors of what was happening and from what she has since realised. She’s incredible. I admire her so much 💗

This interview is amazing and such an important story to tell ❤

This series of interviews with Amy is one of the best I've watched on FLDS women. It shed some light on topics I haven't heard ex-FLDS women speak on. We are able to understand the innerworkings of life better. It also shows that Warren was just a person, he isn't a boogeyman, even evil people can be complicated individuals with good and bad moments. It's wild to see her today and think back when those of us who were glued to the TV during the raid in Texas saw these women. These are the same women, and now look at them thriving and telling their stories in 2024. Thank you, Amy.

I can’t wait for the next part.

Amy, thank you for being so brave to share your story. You are amazing ❤

I've cried with and for Amy every installment of this interview. To think this all happened when she was between the ages of 16 and 24. Her resilience is incredible.

Amy - your strength and resilience are so inspiring. Not just to have experienced and survived such trauma, but to be speaking about it now. Thank you for having the bravery to share your story with us. I hope you continue to follow your heart and make your life whatever you want it to be, free to choose for yourself

Yet another amazing interview. I'm so sorry Amy had to go through these horrible circumstances. Warren failed her but so did the State of Texas. I hope she is healing ✨

Sending so much love. I'm so sorry you went through such a hard time, you're such a strong person. ❤

omg wait i saw the thumbnail again after listening to the interview, is that photo her with "the little one" she refers to throughout her stories in the raid? T_T oh my god i'm not crying you're crying I really hope that baby is okay and still in Amy's life somehow.

This story is incredible. God bless you for taking care of the children ❤

This is such a captivating interview/story.

Ms Dryer -I am so sorry you had to experience this nightmare. Sending love❤

She is truly an inspiration- just tragic what they have all been through 😢

Amy, your spirit is so soft, kind, tender thoughtful... Even though you have many reasons to feel angry and become jaded, you seem to have a great spirit about you. Thanks so much for sharing your story! You seem like an amazing person! God Bless you and so glad you got out of the brainwashing!

I think he was pushing everyone because he could and he had no limits. Lack of sleep and gaslighting, he completely brain washed people and no one stood up to him so he just kept pushing the limits.

Amy, you are a beautiful soul. It broke my heart to relive so much of these experiences, though I wasn’t in Warren’s family. I pray you will be blessed and happy through the rest of your journey.

Such a difficult story! She is one strong lady!💕 Also, I love the kitty chilling in the background! Very soothing to look at the kitty! 😍

I wish I had some great words of encouragement. Just, thank you.

Amy is so strong

Thanks. I'm glad you called them little girls instead of young ladies. Our mind set changes and matures when we get outside of our "bubble".

Your cat is killlin me!! Amy, your story is so brave. Thank you for sharing,

will we hear how Amy was able to leave FLDS? She is a lovely soul.

Amy - I hope you life brings you as much love and kindness as you have shown to others. Your strength is admirable and your heart is beautiful.

Saving those books ... I loved each of those very books as a kid too. 😢❤💔

What a crazy journey Amy has been on! And watching the kitty in the back makes hearing the hard stuff a bit easier!!!

Please everyone like and comment something nice so that Melissa and Sam can get there Chanel out to more people. Love you guys.

Phaze Concrete was a very staunch Warren Jeffs following company and they did get concrete jobs working on LDS Temples.

The evil in this man is unbelievable. The living God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you, now and always.

Amy is so pure soul. Doesn’t cost trouble. Making sure everyone is happy and safe. My heart breaks to listen how much she tried to do everything right. Also I am appreciate to hear another prospective about Warren Jeffs. He was like a teenager I want it now and this way…… nobody gives him borderline! A mind lost boy in an adult body …..

I’ve lost friends who weren’t really friends but having one family of mothers ur moms sister wives losing those when her dad died and those siblings then ur step dads family when u got married then moving losing those wives and kids who were urs as well has to be the roughest thing ever I couldn’t do it how she survived this is wild to me

No reason to be embarrassed about anything that was happening beyond your control, that you’ve been taught from birth to follow. Hang in there, and thanks for speaking truth.🙏🏻💜

The end part is stronger than most drama movies... add to that the frocks and hairdos... Then Warren Jeffs saying "smile ladies" ...as mothers were handing over their children to be taken away.

Where is Part 5??

Those mommas were glad you were there, I would argue you weren't involved in anything besides being a reassurance.

Amy, you are a strong, amazing woman. Never forget this!

What a LOVELY woman and SOOO brave.

My heart breaks for the children. I am just staring to process the trauma of being separated from mom multiple times because she was emotionally unstable. The FLDS kids experienced so much more.

Amazing! The detail and the true plain honesty of this lady. So beautiful and heartfelt so matter of fact after living a life of brainwashed horror. Cudos to you Amy!

Very valuable resource for that time period. Also that is the most well behaved and polite cat. lol. Mine would have been knocking everything off and demanding some lap time.

Melissa’s face says it all when talking about the heavenly sessions. It takes a strong woman to endure what Amy has.

Love the inclusion of the music it is comforting

Hi Sam & Melissa ❤ I was watching some of your older videos, and I got to the part where Sam told us about the special soap... I was wondering - what was that special soap made of? The one that Warren said to wash all the houses from top to bottom? Sounds he's a germophob amongst other things 😂

How sad! I wonder how this affects young children as the get older.

That is so interesting and wild to here Amy talk about this vs people on the outside she was raised in this normal for her and to be able to just follow all this for herself and the kids and other wives I couldn’t do it I’m the opposite and it would have been bad for me

Blueberries for Sal 🥰

Awwww the cat❤

Basically she's an angel

😲 Wow 👏Amy 🙏

Wow. Amy as well was a child of this weird cult. What adults do is one thing. When you bring children into this world can be atrocious.

Warren Jeffs was put on the FBI 10 Most Wanted List on May 6,2006.

Amy thank you for sharing your frightening story. Thank you for being truthful. I couldn't have gone through this myself. Jeffs is nothing more than a common sex criminal. I sincerely hope Karma catches up with him, anywhere, anytime.

can you link Jaden?

@ 43 min in -- another possible reason I can imagine is this: he wanted to avoid an all-male environment. Having women and children around was normal for the men, it would give the Ranch the feeling of a permanent home rather than a job site. And probably it was motivating as well. He wanted to transplant the community's culture whole, even if perhaps breaking up families/clans within it.

It sounds like torture and abuse to take the kids from their moms, get rid of toys and books, and isolating them in a barn for weeks/months… I’m trying to be careful because I know it’s complicated.

Sorry if I missed it but did she know your sister Sam??

Break the silence. Break the cycle.

Contractors only need a recommend after the dedication. Before that, no.

It’s so hard. CPS and police couldn’t just do nothing. But how do you manage so many people and so many crimes and abuses?

I keep hearing a cat don’t see it tho I wasn’t sure if it’s my dog bothering my cat or he’s just loud lol

How old is Amy now. She’s been through so much but still looks like a young lady

Sorry, squirrel moment, 😻 What is the kitty’s name?! 😻

Talk about seeing the cup half full type of person ❤

you do not need a temple recommend to work on the temple.

Where do they get the money to fund their lives, and buy these properties

Loved the interview but I think she gives Warren a little too much credit sometimes. He’s an evil man to his core without an ounce of empathy or compassion for anyone other than himself

It feels like she is still under his sway

Believing in god shouldn’t be a scary thing and living in a barn from having such a nice house is wild I’ve been homeless lol and I bet Amy did have a heavenly experience wasn’t thru Warren I bet it was thru her I’ve had it once or twice when I needed go most and after I got everything I ever wanted

What a dignified cat