Khloé in Wonder Land Escaping Polygamy and Starting Over ft. Ashley Sandmire
Feb 18, 2026
Ashley Sandmire, raised in a polygamist AUB community, left as a young mother and now shares her story of grief, healing, and rebuilding. She discusses growing up with dozens of siblings, patriarchal and unsafe dynamics, and how public school and community shaped her awareness. She also talks about leaving the religion, parenting after trauma, honesty with her kids, and finding resilience through therapy and connection.
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Raised In A Fragmented Polygamist Family
- Ashley grew up in a polygamist family where her dad had six wives and they lived in separate trailers before the family split.
- Her childhood included financial strain and an attempted community relocation that never fully materialized.
Mother Married Young And Groomed
- Ashley's mother married at 17 to a man 24 years her senior and was effectively groomed into the relationship.
- That upbringing contributed to generational trauma and shaped Ashley's view of motherhood.
Public School Gave Perspective And Escape
- Ashley attended public school which exposed her to different family dynamics and helped her see her upbringing as unusual.
- Sports, especially soccer, became her outlet and reason to stay in school.
