BONUS OUTAKES- LORI VALLOW COUSIN BRAXTON

Whoops … Braxton won’t be invited if he isn’t part if the wife swapping or the swinging

Anne Young

Oh my hell is all I can say. Nutty

Collette Osburn

I love your analysis! Want to add, if we speak out loud words about doubting family culture, then you might just lose your place in that family, in your world. I listened to Braxton, don't agree with him, but he does seem more sane than the others. I live in Oregon where people deal with tsunami threats that never happen. I don't hoard water or food. I hoard materials for my hobby without any belief that it's necessary. I just want stuff. There's clearly a belief system at work for Braxton that's not healthy but he didn't kill anyone!😳

Carla Perkins

I tried watching but I’m sorry I only got halfway through, I just can’t listen to it. Not you, him or people like that in general. It’s just too far gone, or so out of what my view of reality is, I can’t take it seriously, and my brain just cannot stay tuned in to nonsense or what I view as fantasy. And if the world is ending and it’s a big miserable non sustainable place, uhm I’m not sticking around for that and if my time is up it’s up. Circle ⭕️ of life and all. 🤷🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️💁🏻‍♀️ But you were great as always Lauren!! 🦋💜😉

JessicaK

I'm going to pass on this part. I only made it through 50 minutes of the first part, but I am curious about those "White tents." LOL

Susan

Oooo okay thank you for this outtake. He seems so nice and it just all feels so yucky. And then his comment at the end how he’s in contact with Melaniece and how she is trying to stay out of this as much as possible. What did he say afterwards?? How sad that his prep-er beliefs trump his ability to empathy for the real victims.

Emi Gibbons

That non-white non-European leader stuff made me Ill.

Emily Lou

Prepping is interesting. When I figured out it was a big business opportunity that was ALL I needed to know. It’s not worthwhile. Prepare for smaller scale stuff, sure. I’ve got some extra water, a basement a hand crank radio and a flashlight. Good to go. Is a full scale nuclear war or such really survivable? Long term? I doubt it. I am not sticking around to fight my neighbor for the last can of cat food in town. He’s assuming that he’s preparing for something Biblical, but it still interesting that he seems to truly be eager for it to happen. The truth is that if some horrible catastrophe occurs, none of us knows how it will happen. We can guess, but we’ll all be taken by surprise. I’m not making a bunch of charlatans rich in the meantime.

Emily Lou

You ask great questions!

Moo2

Hi Jill, great question thanks for asking. The 144K are Jewish believers (Rev 7:3 and 14: 4-5). This will be during the tribulation period, meaning after the church has been taken. The 144K will be left behind and protected from judgment and death (Rev 7: 2-3, 14:1). They are tasked with bringing non-believers to God. When the Bible refers to 144K, it is not saying that only 144K will be going to heaven, it means that 144K will be given the task to make the final attempt to bring more to God. Tent City is not mentioned in the Bible, and I am guessing it's not in the Book of Mormon, therefore it is easy to guess that Braxton (and others) are preparing for the tribulation (??). To be clear, Rev is a difficult book to read, making it difficult to have a clear understanding of the timeline, this is my best guess on how things will be going down. To be extra clear, I don't want to come across as Gibb or Vallow having that "spiritual" debate vs. staying focused on the kids, meaning I am willing to be corrected on this. Hope that makes sense.

Moo2

Michelle Matas

Great post, thanks

Michelle Matas

I don’t know how you were able to listen to some of his beliefs with a straight face because as I listened, my mouth was frequently hanging open in disbelief. I guess that’s why I’m not a journalist. Some of the things Braxton has read in books and has adopted as fact are unbelievable. He reminds me a lot of the people who have made it out of the Gothard fundamentalist families. They are so sheltered and not exposed to other ways of thinking that don’t even know there are other options out there. Braxton did confuse me because he would say that the books were only fun and not gospel, but then totally build his life and the lives of his children around what the books said. The political theories were also bonkers (I’m running out of adjectives). The whole “non white” (and Braxton trying to redefine that term) discussion made me sick to my stomach. I know nothing about the LDS religion (and I do realize that Braxton and the preppers are an off-shoot), but can anyone just write a book about whatever they want and have others in the church declare it gospel? With that much power being given to these unqualified authors, no wonder there are some terrible outcomes.

Jennifer Carter

I had to stop listening when he started talking the political lunacy. I don't care about a person's political leanings until they slide into lunacy. I understand being prepared for emergencies, but investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in it is depressing. Some prepping is like civil war re-enactors or Renaissance fair buffs, but some of these people must be scared all the time.

Alison Good

He was down right giddy with anticipation.

Jo Ann Morgan

Everything out of this guys mouth was insanity. It is so seriously, deeply dangerous that loads of people believe this toxic nonsense.

north wildlings

He thinks his massive hoards of stuff won't be destroyed in the hypothetical rapture. This is some very magical thinking.

north wildlings

Great interview as always. I wouldn't have been able to tolerate him. I don't think he knows what wheat is. I would be very suprised if he lives a whole-foods, gluten free lifestyle. Because his head is crammed with tons of superstitious fiction, but i didn't hear very many actual facts. Does he throw out 500 lbs of spelt and re-buy it every year? It doesn't have a long shelf life. Anyway. This interview just strongly confirmed what I've been thinking about this case. It blows my mind he thinks anyone else's beliefs are crazy.

north wildlings

Braxton seems very shallow minded. I wouldnt give his opinions or advice value. Lauren, you are so patient to look interested and keep a straight face, in many instances. We really don't need so many interview posts filling up social accounts to take up space. Don't you think there is enough about Lori's case, until the next trial gets underway?

TN Barb

And he's a time traveler... its BACK TO THE FUTURE... if He's a time traveler why not go back and save the kids??? Silly Doc and Marty

Michelle Matas

Only LDS will get an invite? How biblical of you.

Toni Groselle

Invite only? I’ll pass - and take my chances.

Toni Groselle

oops! hit the button too quickly! I can't equate how anyone could dismiss the horrid ways Lori's children were murdered and say it was because she thought the children would be safe. Boggles my mind.

double espresso

💖💖💖 yes, love this comment

Lauren and John Matthias

I have words about this interview, I just haven't yet found them. It was such an interesting interview yet I'm not sure what to think. I continue to be caught off guard and surprised. I can't equate

double espresso

Good grief! The Bible says, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” And “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Why would a Jesus follower be so worried about tomorrow and afraid of death. My faith believes the Rapture will occur first, but take me and my family, Lord Jesus, if the world becomes Armageddon-like. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Jo Ann Morgan

Fundamentally, Lori et.al., just took things one step further than what the church supports. The indoctrination by the church, LDS or otherwise, of magical thinking of its members is responsible, in part, for the actions of its members. Secret rooms where someone can directly communicate with Jesus!? You will need to be incredibly gullible to internalize these ridiculous beliefs. But these "beliefs" are not just interesting from a psychological standpoint, but are extremely dangerous. If you believe killing someone will result in their being with the Supreme creator then you would view that as a desired course of action. Lori apparently believed too much and seems to continue to believe this hogwash. Shame, shame, shame to the LDS.

Rebel King

I love how in Braxy’s world God swears

Jessalyn B

With each member of Lori’s extended family that you interview I’m wanting to dive into learning about family systems theory. Aside from Megan, they all have a similar capacity to dance around and minimize things that are obviously disturbing while deflecting blame onto others. Listening to Braxton was frustrating because the way he would answer/not answer questions felt like, gaslighty. And he would minimize his participation in the doomsday subculture by stating it as ideas he just finds ‘interesting to contemplate’ while simultaneously explaining things in a way that shows he is invested in the same beliefs. It was head spinning. And the interview with Janell the other day I found myself feeling so incredibly uneasy. Honestly some of it is probably the demure soft spoken voice that women are taught to use in church triggers me. But also hearing her talk about the Chad, Lori, Melanie, Julie Rowe, etc. and her ‘ability’ to discern and stay protected from those who use ‘spiritual gifts’ wrong had me rolling my eyes and actually angry. To try and sum up my thoughts on the prepper scene is that they seem to completely lack critical thinking skills and are fully invested in magical/emotional thinking. That feels very dangerous and like a perfect recipe for more stories like Lori’s with tragic endings for innocent people who can’t protect themselves. For example, Charles trying to get help and not being believed because the story he was telling seemed too bizarre to be taken seriously.

Lauren Rencher

Lauren—way to hang in there with this!! It’s such a pleasure to listen to you work. (I often wonder if you are wound up or really exhausted after these types of interviews…?). *I admire your tenacity!! Something I’ve been taught: “Beliefs” can (and often do) change. When I hear people like Braxton, it gives me a weird feeling in my core. Seriously. A “belief”…is pronounced as so solid for them. One other thing about current-day predictors of “what will happen” according to the Bible. A couple things they always forget: 1). Doesn’t biblical teaching say that us humans cannot/will not know of these things—-they are a mystery. 2). Like Michelle said, when humans start making and twisting words/meanings….LORDY!!! (Not saying I know btw!! Lol)

Angela M

Lauren you’re awesome! You have an amazing way of connecting with people to really get down to the nitty gritty. My favorite part of this is when he tried to back out of answering a question and you’re like “I’m good” lol. Spill it all Braxton! Very interesting interview, and a great job getting info on how things can go from genuinely concerned/prepared to paranoid and evil.

Carly Fontana

I listened to the You Tube interview. It was super helpful in understanding the thought process of people with his belief system. I am left curious, toward the end of the interview he speaks about Alex's beliefs and how he came to do what he did in detail. I'm assuming he is just speculating and like his end times theories his thoughts take on, for him, a belief that he knows the absolute truth ? Is that correct or did he have the inside story on Alex?

jill leslie

Hi Michelle. Curious where in the texts it says that 144,000 Jewish people are meant to gather?

jill leslie

Thank you for this! So fascinating.

Katie Alosi

Would be super interested to hear both dr John & John Dehlin’s thoughts on SO much of this interview.

Isabel Hendrix

Yea, if you kill your kids, doesn't your mother of the year award go away? Good point Amy!!

Moo2

I understand what everyone is saying about Braxton getting all excited about this topic, to some it may seem creepy, but to him, it MIGHT be the opportunity to talk about something he's passionate about without being shut down. THAT SAID, the 144K are Jewish people, not Gentiles, I guess I am 144K out .... and the second coming?? goodness, that's part of the Christian package. I can't speak for the Book of Mormon, but I can say that in the Bible, there is NO mention of the Tent City or any of this stuff ... and like my pastor always said, God's word combined with Man's word is just Man's word, keep it simple saints and follow God's word.

Moo2

I LOVE Adam and Rex, They are the most open in the family, and I think they are really trying to get a handle on what really happened. Honestly, I don't know how anyone even touching this family can't come away without feeling some type of PTSD, poor Larry and Kay's heads must still be spinning on what happened to their sweet grandson and brother.

Moo2

I thought the same thing about Lauren how diplomatically she handled it. How she didn't show any reaction and responded so thoughtfully. She's definitely good with interviews! Polite, patient, diplomatic. 🕊

Lizzy

Very well put. You nailed it, imo. ✅️

Lizzy

Ha! I missed a lot of stuff but maybe?

Lauren and John Matthias

Creeper on full display. I remember my Dad telling me if you listen to people long enough, they tell on themselves. Accurate. Again. Thank you Lauren for putting the work in and doing so gracefully.

Rebecca Jacobson

Well said

Rebecca Jacobson

Lauren, you did an excellent job, but he is very disturbing. He gets a little zealous about those books. The way he talked about Lori’s body and looks was very uncomfortable. Then the only thing he mentioned about his wife was how stunning her picture was in the dating site. It was all just very odd. I still need to listen to the outtake. I find Lori’s side of the family very attention seeking in the worst way.

Valorie Dodart

Really, he can’t remember Lot? Lauren, you are very kind and patient. I listened to some of the interview on YouTube. I just wanted to smack that little moue of distaste off his face when he discussed Megan Conner. “Well, she didn’t really know the family,” says he. Oh, yeah? I beg to differ; she was paying attention. The Cox family has this willful blindness that is really disturbing. Braxton isn’t the brightest light in that particular firmament, so listening to him is tedious. I have more luck with Rex Conner and Adam Cox but there, too, they aren’t plumbing any depths. At the end of the day, the family seems to live entirely on the surface; the Vallow Daybell Horror Show was on full view to them all, it seems, and no one blinked.

Kate FitzGerald

Lauren, you did a beautiful job. I had a hard time listening to Braxton because he seemed so removed from JJ and Tylee's suffering and horrific murder to the point of still seeing Lori as a good mom who had an “off the rails” way of “protecting” them from the end of the world. I didn’t see any outrage, only his explanation of how they got it wrong. Maybe I’m being too hard on him, but there were many “WTF!” shouts from me while watching the interview.

Amy N.

Did he say something about virgins or am I hearing things?🤷‍♂️🥂

Mc Spunky