Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation Episode: Amanda Rae - The Kingston Clan and Escaping Polygamy
Release Date: March 12, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Trust Me, hosts Lola Blanc and Megan Elizabeth delve deep into the harrowing experiences of Amanda Rae, a former member of the Kingston Clan, also known as "the Order." Through Amanda's firsthand account, listeners gain an intimate understanding of life within this polygamous group in Utah, the manipulative practices employed to maintain control, and the arduous journey of escaping such an oppressive environment.

Overview of the Kingston Clan

[29:23] Amanda Rae begins by providing a comprehensive overview of the Kingston Clan:

"I was born in it, but obviously, in the later years, because it was in the 90s when I was born. It was actually started, though, in 1935. So it's been around for a while."

The Kingston Clan originated as an offshoot of the LDS Church during Utah's statehood era when polygamy was outlawed. Over the decades, it evolved from a religious movement into a more insular and controlling organization, emphasizing the "pure Kingston bloodline" through practices like intermarrying relatives, including underage girls.

Amanda's Childhood

Amanda shares vivid memories of her early life within the Order:

[29:34]

"We called ourselves Order members. Okay, so that was like our term Kingston Clan was kind of coined from the outside world."

Despite being integrated into society, members lived in separate homes to avoid suspicion. Amanda recounts the confusion and deceit surrounding her parentage:

"I was like, who, who's my dad then? I don't understand. And then I asked him... he said no. And so I'm like, well then who the hell is my dad?"

This secrecy extended to everyday aspects of life, including education and family structure.

Practices and Beliefs

The Kingston Clan enforced strict doctrines to maintain control:

• Bloodline Purity: Leaders married half-siblings and nieces to preserve what they considered a "pure" lineage. Amanda describes:

  [17:19]

  "And then I think, obviously the most thing that makes people want to watch the Kingston clan, I feel like, is the incest is one of the biggest ones where, like, wait a minute."

• Financial Control: Members signed 10% forms, surrendering control of their finances to the Order's bank.

  [16:10]

  "Consecration, which is give your all to the Lord. So they sign 10% forms, inventory forms. That means that everything they own could potentially be given up."

• Racism and Exclusivity: The Order propagated racist ideologies, teaching that only white individuals could attain heaven.

  [37:08]

  "We were taught that there was a great war in heaven... only white people will be in heaven."

Marriage and Polygamy

Polygamous marriages were not only encouraged but enforced to sustain the group's bloodline:

[17:57]

"Including my dad. His third wife is his half sister."

Amanda narrates her personal struggle with arranged marriages within the clan, highlighting the emotional and ethical turmoil it caused.

Education and Child Labor

Education within the Order was subpar, with children often forced into labor from a young age:

• Minimal Formal Education: Amanda was homeschooled with little actual instruction.

  [35:09]

  "They put me in homeschool at fifth grade. And I was basically teaching myself. Like, there was no teacher."

• Child Labor: Children as young as second grade were sent to work, with pay discrepancies favoring higher-ranking members.

  [48:39]

  "I'm noticing a pattern that it's always the leader's kids or the leader's brothers and/or sisters' kids."

This exploitation extended to financial manipulation, where members were uncertain about their earnings and had limited access to their funds.

Breaking Free: Amanda's Escape

Amanda's escape from the Kingston Clan was fraught with danger and confrontation:

[65:04]

"I ran away. I had been running away a lot, but I really liked this boy who was not Kingston."

Her final attempt to leave involved confronting the Order's financial control by trying to help a friend retrieve his money from the Order's bank. This act of defiance led to a violent altercation:

[67:27]

"He wasn't getting his money out. They weren't letting him get his money out... So he gives me his phone, I go back there, and I start taking pictures."

During this confrontation, Amanda was physically attacked by the leader's brother, resulting in injuries that necessitated police intervention. Despite witnessing the abuse firsthand, Amanda highlights the group's attempts to gaslight and discredit her experience:

[72:03]

"So why doesn't he show that footage to the police?"

Aftermath and Healing

Post-escape, Amanda faced immense isolation and the challenge of rebuilding her life:

• Isolation: Being cut off from her family left her feeling alone and anxious.

  [34:32]

  "It was hard, especially when your whole life, you were surrounded by the noise of your siblings."

• Trauma and Therapy: Amanda engaged in extensive therapy to address the emotional and psychological scars left by the Order.

  [65:04]

  "Working through my trauma because I kept going back to the Order topics."

• Emotional Abuse Awareness: She emphasizes the emotional manipulation within the clan, teaching members to distrust themselves and rely solely on the Order's leadership.

  [84:20]

  "If someone is questioning, there’s a reason you’re questioning. And you need to trust yourself enough to let yourself dive into those questions to get the answers that you deserve."

Conclusions and Insights

Amanda Rae's story underscores the insidious nature of cults like the Kingston Clan, highlighting how they manipulate, control, and exploit their members through a combination of emotional abuse, financial domination, and enforced conformity. Her journey from indoctrination to emancipation serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of self-trust and critical thinking.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognizing Red Flags: Strict control over personal finances, enforced conformity, and manipulation of beliefs are hallmark signs of cult behavior.

• Value of External Perspectives: Exposure to the outside world played a crucial role in Amanda's ability to question and eventually escape the Order.

• Healing is Non-linear: Recovery from such traumatic experiences involves ongoing therapy and support, emphasizing that healing is a personal and gradual process.

• Importance of Support Systems: Organizations like Holding Out Help provide essential resources for individuals leaving oppressive groups, aiding in their transition and recovery.

Notable Quotes

• Amanda Rae on Financial Control:
  [17:20]

  "The 10% forms means that everything they own could potentially be given up."

• Amanda Rae on Emotional Abuse:
  [84:20]

  "If someone is questioning, there’s a reason you’re questioning. And you need to trust yourself enough to let yourself dive into those questions to get the answers that you deserve."

• Megan Elizabeth on Recovery:
  [81:30]

  "Healing is never linear. It’s part of the work, especially when you were not given the tools in your childhood."

Final Thoughts

Amanda Rae's insightful narrative not only sheds light on the dark realities of the Kingston Clan but also offers hope and guidance for those seeking to break free from similar oppressive environments. Trust Me continues to provide a platform for survivors to share their stories with honesty and compassion, fostering understanding and awareness of the complexities surrounding cults and extreme beliefs.

Connect with Amanda Rae:

• YouTube: Amanda Ray R A E
• Instagram: Amanda Ray Grant
• TikTok: Amanda Ray Grant
• Podcast: Culty Crew (Under Construction)

Stay Connected with Trust Me:

• Instagram: @TrustMePodcast
• Twitter: TrustMeCultPod
• TikTok: TrustMeCultPodcast

Remember to follow your gut instincts, watch out for red flags, and never stop questioning to ensure your sense of self remains intact.