This is Part 3 of a three-part series with Elissa Wall, forced by FLDS prophet, Warren Jeffs, to be a child bride at only 14 years old, eventually escaping to become the woman to get Jeffs on the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted and finally bring him to justice. In this episode we explore why prosecution against leaders of cult communities is awash in complications and obstacles, and why Elissa’s circumstances and willingness to testify make her uniquely situated to break open a real case against Jeffs. Elissa shows immense bravery and conviction to continue to be willing to fight the exhausting fight for justice year after year, though it comes at significant personal cost. Elissa may have come a long way to deconstruct much of her indoctrination, but she had yet to begin processing the various traumas those beliefs and the community inflicted on her. She decides to write her story in a book to get more information out to the world and give her still-trapped family members a chance to eventually “wake up” on their own. As she writes her story, Elissa relives much of her trauma and while the case against Jeffs also moves forward, Elissa finds her mental health rapidly spiraling out of control. While it ultimately leads to the loss of her second marriage, Elissa finally begins the steps towards real acceptance, understanding, and healing as a new dawn opens up for the next stage of life. She explains how dark and “ugly” the healing process needs to be sometimes, though that part is often hidden from people’s stories. Chapters 00:00:00 Recap of previous story up to Elissa deciding to go to authorities & reasons why prosecution was nearly impossible until now 00:17:00 Struggles with mental health & indoctrination during this time 00:22:00 With Jeffs on the run from the FBI and Elissa outed as the one willing to testify against him, she and her family go into hiding 00:32:00 Elissa’s mental health continues to deteriorate 00:40:00 Warren Jeffs is caught. Elissa prepares to face the impending legal battles including vitriol and character assassination 01:06:00 The trial, conviction, & overturning 01:43:00 Elissa decides to keep fighting for her family still under the influence and control of the FLDS. She begins writing her story. 01:50:00 A Texas Raid uncovers even darker truths about Jeffs level of depravity 02:12:00 Elissa finishes her book, but loses her marriage due to her declining mental health 02:29:00 Journey towards acceptance of her trauma and the path towards healing 02:46:00 The hidden but necessary, ugly and dark side of healing from trauma. Elissa wants conversations about this part of healing to be safe & open. 02:50:30 A woman at a book signing helps Elissa find and meet her mother & sisters again and reconnect. 02:55:00 Elissa makes the difficult decision to move back to her old community at Short Creek to help more of the community change and heal for the better after Jeff’s arrest. 03:30:00 What has Elissa’s faith transition been like? Episode Show Notes: https://www.mormonstories.org/podcast/warren-jeffs-take-down-elissa-wall/ Elissa Wall Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxq5opj6GqODSoWE84SO72AfXgAQwAhYV ABOUT US: Mormon Stories Podcast is the longest-running and most successful podcast in Mormonism - hosted by Dr. John Dehlin. 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. We also occasionally interview 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, and 3) Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions. Mormon Stories Podcast is a product of the Open Stories Foundation - a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to supporting Mormons in religious transition. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?d... Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Amazon Smile: Be sure to select “Mormon Stories” website: https://smile.amazon.com app: https://amz.run/5r2M Our Platforms: Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7d... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstories... Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 #MormonStories #Mormon #lds