Maddie Brown is shedding light on her decision to set boundaries with certain family members, including her father, Kody Brown. In the Monday, November 11, episode of her podcast, The Authentic Society, the 29-year-old spoke candidly about why she has “no contact with some” relatives, explaining that her decision is rooted in past experiences. “It’s because of stuff that has happened,” Maddie shared, later adding that her estranged father, 55, “doesn’t have any respect for boundaries, and you have to play by his rules, and I just don’t care to do that.”

Maddie, known for her straightforward nature, explained how her honesty often clashed with Kody’s approach. “My dad would get very angry when I would — I’m a straight shooter. You ask me a question, I’m going to tell you what I think,” she shared. This dynamic eventually became a breaking point in their relationship. “That was one of the reasons that I went no contact because it was like, he didn’t like a mirror being held up,” she continued.

Maddie, who is currently expecting her fourth child with husband Caleb Brush, is also a mother to Axel, 7, Evie, 5, and Josephine, 1. She revealed that her children have no relationship with Kody either, explaining during a 2023 appearance on the Somewhat Basic podcast that her kids “wouldn’t recognize him” if they saw him. Her decision to distance her children reflects a desire to create a positive and healthy environment for her family.

Reflecting on messages she often receives encouraging her to forgive her father, Maddie stated, “I always get messages from people who are like, ‘You should just forgive your dad and respect him,’” adding that others’ experiences may differ vastly from her own. “I don’t think you know what you’re talking about because your experience with your dad could be very different from my experience with my dad.”

When TLC viewers were first introduced to the Brown family in 2010, Kody Brown’s unique family structure was the focal point of Sister Wives, a reality show documenting the daily lives of his large polygamous family. At the time, Kody was married to Janelle, Christine, and Meri Brown. He was also courting Robyn, who became his fourth wife in December 2014. However, over the years, tension and differing values led to shifting dynamics within the family, resulting in several separations and strained relationships.

Maddie, one of Kody’s six children with second wife Janelle, has often been open about her perspectives on family dynamics. As she embarks on the journey of motherhood herself, she emphasizes the importance of establishing healthy boundaries to maintain a positive environment for her children. Her openness about navigating complex family relationships offers a glimpse into her commitment to personal growth and protecting her family’s well-being.

When TLC viewers first met the Brown family amid the show’s network debut in 2010, Kody was married to Janelle, Christine and first wife Meri Brown. Robyn Brown, whom he was courting at the time, eventually became his fourth wife after they tied the knot in December 2014.