Understanding Their Attraction to Reality TV

Zac noted that their interest in participating stemmed from the dynamic within their Mormon community, particularly the relationships between wives and husbands. “In the first season, there were a few other couples who were quite active in the church, but Jen and I were among the most prominent and devout at the time,” he shared. “I believe producers found our relationship intriguing because of that.”

The show, titled The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, debuted in September 2024. Initially, viewers speculated whether Zac and Jen were related to actor Ben Affleck, a question that was later clarified as false. As the series progressed, the couple’s relationship faced scrutiny amid allegations of controlling behavior and other personal issues.

Opening up about their marriage and faith, Jen expressed a desire to shed light on the realities of Mormon relationships. “Sometimes, you feel compelled to share your truth without fully understanding why,” she said. “It’s difficult to be vulnerable about what actually happens in Mormon marriages, but I believe exposing these truths is important.”

Jen hopes her honesty will spark conversations within the Mormon community, encouraging others to reflect on their own relationships. “I hope members of the Mormon faith see our story and realize they’re not alone in their struggles. Maybe they’ll recognize patterns or patriarchy issues in their own marriages,” she added. “Despite the backlash, I stand by my decision to be transparent.”

She also shared that her openness has cost her friendships, but she remains committed to authenticity. “I’ve lost friends because of this, but I don’t mind. I’m here to show up and speak my truth,” Jen affirmed.

How Jen and Zac First Connected

Zac reminisced about their initial meeting on a Mormon-specific dating app called Mutual, which functions similarly to Tinder but caters exclusively to members of the faith. “I started using it after my LDS mission in the Dominican Republic,” he explained. “I was captivated by the idea of connecting with someone who shared my beliefs.”

Zac reached out to Jen via message just before he moved to Hawaii. Although he didn’t expect a relationship, he described their first date as a life-changing experience. “That night was one of the most memorable of my life,” he said.

Jen, meanwhile, was preparing for her own LDS mission but decided to postpone her plans after meeting Zac. “I told him I wasn’t going on my mission and suggested we should get married instead,” she joked, referencing her decision to prioritize their relationship over her religious commitments. Zac shared that he began saving money, borrowed from his father, bought a ring, and proposed within ten months. The couple tied the knot shortly thereafter.

Financial Disputes and Clarifications

A significant point of contention on the show involved Zac’s alleged gambling problem. Zac clarified that many of the financial accusations were based on misunderstandings. “My medical school tuition was never paid by me – I wasn’t even enrolled at the time of filming,” he stated. “The claims about my finances are false and hurtful, and they’ve caused unnecessary social media backlash.”

Jen disputed Zac’s account, asserting that she had discussed paying for his medical education with his parents. “I offered to contribute to his med school expenses,” she said. Zac explained that his father had saved money specifically for that purpose, which was paid directly to the school, not handled by Zac himself. “I never saw or touched that money,” Zac emphasized, clarifying that he withdrew from medical school before any funds were transferred.

Additional Financial Sources

Beyond their reality TV earnings and social media income, Zac shared insights into his early financial efforts. “In Utah, many teenagers sell pest control or alarms door-to-door during summer, earning substantial sums,” he explained. “Some of my friends became millionaires through this work, and I used that income to support my family early on.”

Zac admitted that stepping back from being the primary breadwinner was challenging. “It’s still nerve-wracking at times, especially when I’m just a dad at home or out with my kids, questioning my purpose,” he admitted. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I have, but I’m still figuring out what I want to do long-term.”

Family Expansion and Surprising Revelations

Jen and Zac are proud parents to two teenagers and are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their third child. Their journey to parenthood has been filled with surprises, including Jen’s unexpected pregnancy shortly after her second child. Zac recalled feeling overwhelmed by the news, joking that Jen “tricked” him into another pregnancy by removing her IUD without informing him.

“It was a stressful time, especially before we sought therapy,” Zac admitted. Jen found the situation amusing, quipping, “Whoops, I forgot to tell you I took out my IUD!”

Facing the Threat of Divorce

Between seasons one and two of Mormon Wives, Zac and Jen experienced a period of separation. Jen admitted she was seriously contemplating ending her marriage during that time. “I often told Zac that I was considering leaving, explaining my feelings and giving him the choice to join me or walk away,” she shared. “I wasn’t opposed to divorce; I was simply being honest about my feelings. That period of reflection actually strengthened our relationship because I found clarity and confidence in my decision.”

Jen emphasized that her willingness to confront difficult truths ultimately brought them closer, and she remains committed to their journey together despite the hurdles they’ve faced.