Ruby Franke

Ruby Franke had 2.5 million subscribers watching her raise six children on "8 Passengers." She filmed five days a week for eight years. Brand deals. Sponsorships. A parenting empire built on the image of a devoted mother. Her children knew a different person. Part 1 of "The Good Mother" series examines what the Franke case reveals about narcissistic parenting psychology — the mother whose public warmth masked private cruelty, whose love was conditional on compliance, whose children learned early that their value was measured by how well they maintained her image. In August 2023, Ruby's son Russell escaped through a window at Jodi Hildebrandt's house. He was emaciated, bound, covered in wounds. His sister Eve was found malnourished in a closet. Both children had been tortured. Ruby and Jodi are both serving four to thirty years. The documentaries — Netflix's "Evil Influencer," Hulu's "Devil in the Family," ID's "Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence" — keep coming. Shari Franke published a memoir. Chad Franke reads his old diaries on TikTok. But this series goes deeper than case updates. "The Good Mother" examines the psychological patterns that made Ruby who she was — and why those patterns resonate with anyone who grew up with a parent whose love was a performance for others, not a gift for their children. The warning signs were on camera for years. Viewers reported Ruby to CPS. Nothing changed. The algorithm rewarded her strictness. The performance continued until escape. Ruby Franke taught parenting to millions. Her children are still recovering from being raised by her. Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/ Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePod This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice. #RubyFranke #8Passengers #JodiHildebrandt #NarcissisticMother #ShariHildebrandt #ChadFranke #KevinFranke #ConneXions #EvilInfluencer #DevilInTheFamily

>> Quer desbloquear episódios EXTRAS? Então, acesse a nossa outra página aqui no Spotify: ⁠ ⁠Fábrica de Crimes Horas Extras⁠⁠ Ou você também pode apoiar e entrar no nosso grupo secreto do Telegram pelo Apoia.se, ⁠ ⁠clicando aqui.⁠⁠ Se quiser apoiar pela Orelo, ⁠ ⁠clique aqui.⁠ >> Jodi Hildebrandt construiu um negócio milionário, aconselhando famílias a educarem seus filhos e esposas a lidarem com seus maridos. E o negócio dela foi elevado a outro patamar ao se associar com Ruby Franke, uma youtuber que produzia um canal com conteúdo voltado só para famílias. No entanto, as duas acabaram condenadas e a gente te conta o porquê nesse episódio. Vem ouvir todos os detalhes nesse episódio já disponível na sua plataforma preferida… >> Quer aparecer em um episódio do Fabrica? É muito fácil! Basta mandar uma mensagem de voz por direct no Instagram ⁠⁠@podcastfabricadecrimes⁠ ⁠ nós só publicaremos com a sua autorização. Vamos AMAR ter você por aqui :) Hosts: ⁠ ⁠Mari⁠ e ⁠Rob Editor: ⁠Victor Assis⁠ Aviso: O Fábrica aborda casos reais de crimes, contendo temas sensíveis para algumas pessoas. O conteúdo tem caráter exclusivamente informativo e é baseado em fontes públicas, respeitando a memória das vítimas e de seus familiares. As eventuais opiniões expressas no podcast são de responsabilidade exclusiva das hosts e não refletem necessariamente o posicionamento de instituições, veículos ou entidades mencionadas. Caso você tenha alguma objeção a alguma informação contida nesse episódio, entre em contato com: contato@fabricadecrimes.com.br Fontes: ABC4 UTAH . Franke, Hildebrandt sued in federal ‘racketeering’ scheme . 2025. Disponível aqui. https://www.abc4.com/news/8-passengers/franke-hildebrandt-sued-racketeering-scheme/ . AP NEWS. YouTube mom Ruby Franke, partner Jodi Hildebrandt charged with 6 felony counts of child abuse . 2023. Disponível aqui. https://apnews.com/article/youtube-child-abuse-ruby-franke-jodi-hildebrandt-b237eb83bb592bbc3b1a3c3757b1263d . AXIOS . Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt religious extremism child abuse . 2024. Disponível aqui. https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/03/25/ruby-franke-jodi-hildebrandt-religious-extremism-child-abuse . BBC NEWS BRASIL . Ruby Franke: quem é a 'mãe youtuber' condenada por abuso infantil nos EUA . 2024. Disponível aqui. https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/articles/ce955jpnvnyo . BIOGRAPHY.COM. Ruby Franke Story and Conviction . 2025. Disponível aqui. https://www.biography.com/crime/a65924884/ruby-franke-story-and-conviction . BIOGRAPHY.COM. Who Is Jodi Hildebrandt? Ruby Franke . 2025. Disponível aqui. https://www.biography.com/crime/a65924323/who-is-jodi-hildebrandt-ruby-franke</

Summary: In this episode, we delve into the controversial and disturbing story of Ruby Franke, a former family vlogger whose life took a dark turn. We explore the dynamics within the Franke family, the influence of Jodi Hildebrandt, and the eventual legal consequences faced by Ruby and Jodi. The episode highlights the blurred lines between authenticity and performance in the world of family vlogging and the impact on the children involved. Keywords: Ruby Franke, family vlogging, child abuse, Jodi Hildebrandt, legal consequences, Mormon community, child welfare Sources and other links Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, Documentary, Disney Plus. Abused by Mum: The Ruby Franke Scandal, Documentary, Seven Plus The House of My Mother, by Shari Franke If any of our content is distressing & you need to talk (Australia): Lifeline Phone: 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Or please seek assistance in your country Check us out on our socials for images and updates: ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ Join us on Patreon: Our brand new Patreon Two Crime Besties: Crime Adjacent is coming soon! More laughs, more banter, more crime-adjacent chaos . Be first in line for bonus episodes — subscribe now! ⁠Patreon.com/twocrimebesties We have set up “Buy Me a Coffee”. If you'd like to keep us caffeinated (or wined 😉) while we prep our next episode, please feel free to ⁠Click Here⁠ to buy us a coffee. Stay curious, crime besties! Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences. The topics discussed may contain sensitive material related to real-life crimes, violence, and distressing events that may be disturbing or triggering. All opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the views of any organisations or entities associated with the production. While we strive to provide accurate and factual information, true crime stories may involve speculation, theories, and varying interpretations of events. Some details may be presented in a way that is meant to engage and educate rather than to sensationalise. Listener discretion is advised. Chapters: ​00:00:00 Introduction to Ruby Franke ​00:00:00 The Rise of '8 Passengers' ​00:00:00 Behind the Scenes: Family Dynamics ​00:00:01 Jodie Hildebrandt's Influence ​00:00:01 Public Outcry and Legal Consequences ​00:00:02 The Aftermath and Advocacy

Episode Notes Books The Biography of Ruby Franke by Annie Press https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-biography-of-ruby-franke/id6479947211 Ruby Franke Biography: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of a Family Influencer by Harrison O. Joseph https://bookshop.org/p/books/ruby-franke-biography-the-untold-story-of-the-rise-and-fall-of-a-family-influencer-harrison-o-joseph/22406761 🎙️ Podcasts Some Place Under Neith (Last Podcast Network) – While there is no single episode explicitly titled after Ruby Franke, episodes focusing on family vloggers and online abuse touch on themes relevant to her case. For updates: https://www.lastpodcastnetwork.com/spun The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke – Wondery (Check Wondery's official feed or partner networks) https://wondery.com/shows/the-rise-and-fall-of-ruby-franke/ Last Podcast on the Left – Commentary episodes on extreme parenting and cult dynamics often include discussion relevant to Ruby Franke’s ideology. https://open.spotify.com/show/3yZg2MCkf31pPXiG4nznrg Reddit Podcast Recommendations: Ruby Franke – Discussion thread for curated podcast episodes on Ruby Franke https://www.reddit.com/r/podcasts/comments/18qcv9b/best_podcast_series_or_episode_covering_the_ruby/ 📰 Articles & Reports The Story of Ruby Franke’s Chilling Spiral from Popular 'Momfluencer' to Convicted Felon – Biography.com https://www.biography.com/crime/a60319774/ruby-franke-story Utah adds protections for child influencers following YouTuber Ruby Franke’s child abuse conviction – AP News https://apnews.com/article/ruby-franke-youtube-child-abuse-utah-influencer-law-2024-5b4b2e3ad2a99e11ae40e44d9702b22c ‘Devil in the Family’ Trailer: Hulu’s Ruby Franke True-Crime Docuseries Reveals Dark Side of Influencer Culture – Time https://time.com/7261390/ruby-franke-devil-in-the-family-hulu-true-story/ 📺 Documentary / Docuseries Devil in the Family – Hulu Docuseries on Ruby Franke (announced 2024) https://www.hulu.com/series/devil-in-the-family

WARNING: THIS EPISODE MAY CONTAIN GRAPHIC DETAILS INVOLVING SEVERED CHILD ABUSE AND MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR SOME LISTENERS; LISTENER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED. Former Family Vlogger Ruby Franke And Former Marriage and Family Therapist Jodi Hildebrandt Are Serving Up To 30 Years In Prison for Abusing Ruby's Two Youngest Children. This is the third and final part of our series on this troubling story out of Ivins, Utah. On August 30, 2023, former YouTube family and lifestyle vlogger Ruby Franke and her "therapist" turned business partner, turned lover (???) Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested, charged, and ultimately pleaded guilty to several counts of child abuse. We are going to discuss the 2025 docuseries about this troubling case which premiered on Hulu entitled "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke". SOURCES: https://people.com/ruby-franke-rise-fall-youtube-vlogger-charged-child-abuse-7969073 https://www.hulu.com/series/devil-in-the-family-the-fall-of-ruby-franke-302e037b-92b9-4c45-8acd-a0db60d5a159 https://gazettedirect.com/ruby-franke-kids-now/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2Tm3BVK4qo&t=22s https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2021/09/28/see-how-lds-church/ https://www.biography.com/crime/a60319774/ruby-franke-story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qnf7RbmyvU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbOXjxWKUiE LINKS: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/killaforniapod PayPal: https://www.paypal.coCashm/paypalme/killaforniapod Merchandise: https://killaforniadreamingpodcast.threadless.com/ Website: https://killaforniadreamingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillaforniaDreamingPodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1296620370450345/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/killaforniadreaming Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killaforniadreamingpod/?hl=en X: https://twitter.com/killaforniapod Email: killaforniapod@gmail.com TikTok: @killaforniadreamingpod Cash App: $KDpodcast 🐻🔛 Support the show

8 Passengers Fallout: Divorce Finalized as Ruby Franke Serves Prison Time The story of Ruby Franke officially closed a major chapter this week as a Utah judge signed off on her divorce from Kevin Franke—marking the legal end to a marriage that once played out in front of millions on YouTube, before unraveling in one of the most disturbing child abuse cases the state has seen in years. It’s now on paper: the marriage that began in 2000, spanned six children, and was broadcast through a curated lens on the “8 Passengers” channel, is over. But the real story isn’t the divorce. It’s the fact that Kevin Franke is now the sole legal guardian of their four remaining minor children—kids who were, until recently, trapped in an abusive nightmare behind the closed doors of a so-called parenting enterprise. Let’s rewind to how we got here. In August 2023, the illusion broke. One of the youngest Franke children—emaciated, injured, and desperate—escaped out of a window from the home of Jodi Hildebrandt in Ivins, Utah. That home wasn’t a safehouse. It was a crime scene. The boy went to a neighbor’s house asking for food and water, and what they saw led them to call police immediately. Authorities later found his sister in similar condition. The two women at the center—Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt—were arrested and eventually admitted to four counts each of aggravated child abuse, a second-degree felony. According to Washington County Attorney Eric Clarke, the kids had been kept in conditions he described as “concentration camp-like.” We're talking about extreme malnutrition, physical injuries, emotional torment—the works. Ruby Franke is now serving at least four years in Utah State Prison, with four consecutive sentences of one to fifteen years each. She’s admitted to a range of abuses, including physically torturing her son, dunking his head underwater, forcing him into strenuous physical tasks, and making both children stand in direct sunlight for long periods without food or water. This wasn’t “tough love.” It was cruelty, systemized and delivered under the pretense of discipline. Meanwhile, the divorce paperwork went through the usual formalities. Filed under “irreconcilable differences”—which feels like calling a wildfire a small campfire. Kevin Franke submitted the signed stipulation in early March, and by March 20th, Judge Roger Griffin finalized the divorce decree. Under the agreement, Kevin walks away with full custody, their Springville home, and a 2.8-acre property in Scofield. Ruby gets to keep $85,000 she withdrew before they split, but the rest of the couple’s joint financial accounts go to Kevin, with the exception of an investment account in her name. Kevin also agreed not to pursue child support from Ruby, effectively considering anything owed already paid. It’s a move that might say more about his priorities—focused on healing the kids rather than fighting over dollars. Neither side asked for alimony. Apparently, they both have what they need to move on—at least financially. What’s more, despite everything, Ruby Franke has chosen to keep the last name “Franke.” Whether that’s a legal convenience or something deeper is anyone’s guess, but it’s a curious choice given the devastation tied to that name now. Both Ruby and Jodi Hildebrandt accepted plea deals that cut their total charges from six to four. But make no mistake—the weight of what they admitted to remains enormous. They each face up to 60 years behind bars, though with Utah's system, they’ll be eligible for parole after four. At her sentencing, Ruby addressed her children, thanking the police for “saving them”—and, she said, saving her. She claimed that being handcuffed was the beginning of her freedom, describing herself as so twisted by manipulation that she believed “dark was light and right was wrong.” It’s a haunting statement, especially when you consider

WARNING: THIS EPISODE MAY CONTAIN GRAPHIC DETAILS INVOLVING SEVERED CHILD ABUSE AND MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR SOME LISTENERS; LISTENER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED. Former Family Vlogger Ruby Franke And Former Marriage and Family Therapist Jodi Hildebrandt Are Serving Up To 30 Years In Prison for Abusing Ruby's Two Youngest Children. This is the second part of our series on this troubling story out of Ivins, Utah. On August 30, 2023, former YouTube family and lifestyle vlogger Ruby Franke and her "therapist" turned business partner, turned lover (???) Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested, charged, and ultimately pleaded guilty to several counts of child abuse. We are going to discuss the 2025 docuseries about this troubling case which premiered on Hulu entitled "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke". SOURCES: https://people.com/ruby-franke-rise-fall-youtube-vlogger-charged-child-abuse-7969073 https://www.hulu.com/series/devil-in-the-family-the-fall-of-ruby-franke-302e037b-92b9-4c45-8acd-a0db60d5a159 https://gazettedirect.com/ruby-franke-kids-now/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2Tm3BVK4qo&t=22s https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2021/09/28/see-how-lds-church/ https://www.biography.com/crime/a60319774/ruby-franke-story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qnf7RbmyvU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbOXjxWKUiE LINKS: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/killaforniapod PayPal: https://www.paypal.coCashm/paypalme/killaforniapod Merchandise: https://killaforniadreamingpodcast.threadless.com/ Website: https://killaforniadreamingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillaforniaDreamingPodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1296620370450345/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/killaforniadreaming Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killaforniadreamingpod/?hl=en X: https://twitter.com/killaforniapod Email: killaforniapod@gmail.com TikTok: @killaforniadreamingpod Cash App: $KDpodcast 🐻🔛 Support the show

Shari wächst in einer Familie auf, die nach außen perfekt wirkt. Ihr Zuhause ist makellos, ihre Eltern predigen Werte wie Disziplin, Gehorsam und Stärke. Sie hat fünf Geschwister, trägt schöne Kleidung und Shari ist berühmt. Millionen von Menschen bewundern sie und ihre Familie auf Youtube. Denn Shari ist die Tochter der weltberühmten Influencerin Ruby Franke. Was sich aber hinter den Kulissen dieser vermeintlichen Bilderbuchfamilie abgespielt hat, ist kaum zu fassen. Gewalt, Hunger, Isolation. Und mittendrin die Kinder, die schweigen mussten. Shari spricht über ihre Kindheit mit einer grausamen Mutter und das Erwachsenwerden in aller Öffentlichkeit vor Millionen Zuschauern. Das ist die Geschichte von Angst, Schmerz - und dem Überlebenskampf einer starken jungen Frau. Karolin und Jule besprechen den Fall, beleuchten die Hintergründe und sprechen mit dem Kriminologen Manuel Heinemann vom Institut Psychologie und Bedrohungsmanagement. Instagram: @sistersincrime.podcast @julegoelsdorf @karolin_kandler Autorin: Carolin Johannsen Quellen: Doku Disney Plus "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke" Buch: "The house of my mother" Shari Franke https://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/new-footage-details-revealed-ruby-frankes-arrest-104063858 https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jan/25/family-vlogger-who-became-child-abuser-ruby-franke-daughter-shari-interview https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2025/01/09/shari-ruby-franke-memoir-8-passengers/77578757007/ https://deadline.com/2025/01/ruby-franke-docuseries-hulu-1236249136/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoluD6zjiWQ https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/ruby-franke-daughter-shari-memoir-house-of-my-mother-b2675547.html https://abc7.com/abc-2020-momfluencer-ruby-franke-jodi-hildebrand-child-abuse/14554910/ https://www.biography.com/crime/a60319774/ruby-franke-story https://www.nbcnews.com/news/ruby-franke-docuseries-hulu-new-details-child-abuse-case-rcna193738 https://www.indiatoday.in/world/shows/story/the-buzz-from-youtube-fame-to-prison-the-fall-of-ruby-franke-and-jodi-hildebrandt-glbs-2686736-2025-02-28 Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte: https://linktr.ee/sistersincrimepodcast Du möchtest Werbung in diesem Podcast schalten? Dann erfahre hier mehr über die Werbemöglichkeiten bei Seven.One Audio: https://www.seven.one/portfolio/sevenone-audio Hilfsangebote: https://www.hilfetelefon.de/ Das Hilfetelefon "Gewalt gegen Frauen" ist ein bundesweites Beratungsangebot für Frauen, die Gewalt erlebt haben oder noch erleben. <a href="https:/

WARNING: THIS EPISODE MAY CONTAIN GRAPHIC DETAILS INVOLVING SEVERED CHILD ABUSE AND MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR SOME LISTENERS; LISTENER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED. Former Family Vlogger Ruby Franke And Former Marriage and Family Therapist Jodi Hildebrandt Are Serving Up To 30 Years In Prison for Abusing Ruby's Two Youngest Children. This is the first part of our series on this troubling story out of Ivins, Utah. On August 30, 2023, former YouTube family and lifestyle vlogger Ruby Franke and her "therapist" turned business partner, turned lover (???) Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested, charged, and ultimately pleaded guilty to several counts of child abuse. We are going to discuss the 2025 docuseries about this troubling case which premiered on Hulu entitled "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke". SOURCES: https://people.com/ruby-franke-rise-fall-youtube-vlogger-charged-child-abuse-7969073 https://www.hulu.com/series/devil-in-the-family-the-fall-of-ruby-franke-302e037b-92b9-4c45-8acd-a0db60d5a159 https://gazettedirect.com/ruby-franke-kids-now/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2Tm3BVK4qo&t=22s https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2021/09/28/see-how-lds-church/ https://www.biography.com/crime/a60319774/ruby-franke-story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qnf7RbmyvU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbOXjxWKUiE LINKS: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/killaforniapod PayPal: https://www.paypal.coCashm/paypalme/killaforniapod Merchandise: https://killaforniadreamingpodcast.threadless.com/ Website: https://killaforniadreamingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillaforniaDreamingPodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1296620370450345/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/killaforniadreaming Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killaforniadreamingpod/?hl=en X: https://twitter.com/killaforniapod Email: killaforniapod@gmail.com TikTok: @killaforniadreamingpod Cash App: $KDpodcast 🐻🔛 Support the show

Episode Notes – Heinous Beliefs Podcast Episode Title: Faith, Control, and Abuse – The Disturbing Case of Ruby Franke Episode Summary: In this episode of Heinous Beliefs , we pull back the curtain on one of the most disturbing cases of parental abuse in recent years—the downfall of Ruby Franke. For years, Ruby was the face of 8 Passengers , a YouTube channel that promoted family values, strict parenting, and a faith-based approach to raising children. But beneath the surface, something much darker was happening. With the influence of her so-called counselor and mentor, Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby’s idea of discipline escalated into full-blown psychological and physical abuse. By the time authorities got involved, two of her children had endured months of starvation, isolation, and physical torture —all in the name of “righteousness.” This case is not just about bad parenting—it’s about the dangers of religious extremism, cult-like ideology, and the unchecked power that comes with being an internet personality in a world where people trust influencers too easily. Today, we’ll break down the rise and fall of Ruby Franke, the warning signs that were ignored, and what this case tells us about the fine line between faith and fanaticism. Timestamps: 🔹 00:00 – Introduction & Listener Discretion Before we dive in, we discuss the heavy nature of this case, why it’s important to talk about these issues, and a shoutout to all our amazing listeners. 🔹 03:15 – Who Was Ruby Franke? The Rise of 8 Passengers How did Ruby go from a wholesome family vlogger to one of the most hated figures on the internet? We explore the early days of her channel, her strict parenting philosophy, and the slow shift into something more dangerous. 🔹 10:45 – The Red Flags: When “Tough Love” Becomes Abuse Meal deprivation, extreme punishments, public shaming—viewers noticed things weren’t adding up. We discuss the biggest warning signs in Ruby’s parenting and how the internet tried to intervene before it was too late. 🔹 18:20 – Jodi Hildebrandt: The Manipulative Mind Behind It All Jodi wasn’t just a therapist—she was a master manipulator who used faith-based fear tactics to push Ruby into extreme beliefs. We take a deep dive into Connexions , Jodi’s twisted counseling methods, and how she isolated Ruby from her family and the outside world. 🔹 25:00 – The Horrific Discovery: A Child’s Desperate Escape On August 30, 2023, a malnourished 12-year-old boy fled Jodi’s house, duct tape around his ankles and wrists, begging for food and water. What police found inside was beyond horrifying. We break down how authorities finally stepped in. 🔹 33:30 – The Arrest, Trial, and Public Backlash Ruby and Jodi’s arrest made headlines worldwide. But even after being charged, Ruby showed no remorse, insisting she was doing “God’s work.” We go over the trial, their sentencing, and how the internet reacted. 🔹 40:00 – Faith, Fear, and Control: When Religion Becomes a Weapon We wrap up the episode by discussing how religious beliefs are sometimes manipulated to justify abuse. What can we learn from this case, and how can we protect others from similar situations? Key Takeaways from This Episode: ✔ Influence Can Be Dangerous: Just because someone appears wholesome online doesn’t mean they should be trusted blindly. ✔ Religious Extremism Can Enable Abuse: When faith is twisted into a tool for control, it becomes dangerous. ✔ Community Awa

Before Ruby Franke, the infamous YouTube mom behind the "8Passengers" channel, pleaded guilty to child abuse charges, authorities uncovered something chilling—a handwritten journal detailing the suffering she inflicted on her own children. In it, she described acts of cruelty with a detachment that made even seasoned investigators pause. As revealed in Hulu’s new docuseries Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke , a police investigator reads from the journal, bringing Franke’s own words into the open. One entry is particularly disturbing: "Sleep outside, shaved her head, doused her with water, over his nose and mouth, head in the toilet, needs to be painful. Blood on his face, scream and scream." Another entry is no less horrifying: "I told the boy, he emulates a snake. If he wants to emulate the Savior, he needs to be a hundred percent obedient with exactness. The body must engage in good work and the good works need to be painful. I have the power of God and he must obey." The extent of the abuse detailed in these pages is staggering. In one passage, Franke wrote about forcing her son into the sun, then returning with a "cactus poker" to prod him. She recorded her own twisted logic: "When I poke his back to get in the sun, he doesn’t even flinch. I told him, give your demon friend a message for me. I will not rest. I will not stop. I will not leave. I will fight him until the day you die." These weren’t the ramblings of someone suffering a temporary lapse in judgment. They were calculated. Premeditated. Written down as if she was keeping a ledger of pain. In August 2023, it all came to an end when Franke’s 12-year-old son escaped from the home she shared with her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. Starving, injured, and desperate, he ran to a neighbor and pleaded for help. The neighbor, moved to tears by the boy’s skeletal appearance, called 911. Soon after, authorities discovered his 9-year-old sister inside Hildebrandt’s home in an equally horrific condition. Franke and her husband, Kevin, had gained a massive following through "8Passengers," where their brand of strict, authoritarian parenting was often defended as tough love. Their content, which amassed over 2 million subscribers, frequently walked the fine line between discipline and outright cruelty. YouTube ultimately shut down the channel after Franke’s arrest. Kevin Franke was not charged in connection with the abuse. Jodi Hildebrandt, Franke’s business partner and a former therapist, only made things worse. The founder of the so-called "ConneXions" program, a religious-based self-help movement, Hildebrandt reportedly encouraged extreme parenting methods, preying on vulnerabilities within the Mormon community. According to a therapist featured in the docuseries, Hildebrandt "was excellent at exploiting Mormon anxiety." Her influence, combined with Franke’s already dangerous beliefs, created a toxic and violent environment for the children trapped in their care. Both Franke and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. Their sentences—ranging from four to 30 years—will be decided by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole. At her sentencing, Franke broke down in tears, addressing her children directly. "I will never stop crying for hurting your tender souls," she said. But the damage was already done. Devil In The Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke is now streaming on Hulu. #TrueCrime #RubyFranke #8Passengers #ChildAbuse Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetoda

Kevin Franke Speaks Out on Ex-Wife Ruby Franke’s Crimes: ‘I Have Regrets’ Kevin Franke, the estranged husband of disgraced parenting influencer Ruby Franke, is breaking his silence following her conviction for child abuse. In a new interview, he admitted that he trusted his wife and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, despite mounting concerns about their extreme parenting methods. “The bottom line is: I was choosing to trust a licensed professional mental health counselor and my wife, and they gave some terrible counsel,” Franke told Good Morning America . “And I have regrets. And I wish I hadn’t done those things.” Ruby Franke, 43, was once a celebrated mommy blogger with over 2.5 million subscribers on her YouTube channel, 8Passengers . Alongside Hildebrandt, she later founded ConneXions Classrooms , a parenting and lifestyle brand that offered paid counseling sessions and retreats. What was once a lucrative online business ultimately unraveled into a criminal case when authorities discovered two of Franke’s children malnourished and restrained in Hildebrandt’s home. The case shocked audiences familiar with Franke’s strict parenting style, which had already raised red flags. In one of her earlier 8Passengers videos, her eldest son Chad casually revealed that he had been forced to sleep on a beanbag for seven months as punishment. After losing sponsors and facing backlash, Franke shifted to working with Hildebrandt, who encouraged even harsher parenting methods. In one resurfaced video from ConneXions Classrooms , Franke told parents, “If your child comes to you on fire, you don’t pat them on the head and say, ‘It’s OK, I’ll help you.’ No, you beat them, and you kick them, and you hit them with a rod.” Kevin Franke, a professor and father of six, said he was unaware of the extent of the abuse but now acknowledges that his wife’s actions were dangerous. He last saw his children more than a year before Ruby’s arrest in August 2023. The abuse allegations surfaced when Franke’s 12-year-old son escaped from Hildebrandt’s $5.3 million home in Ivins, Utah. The child, severely malnourished and bound with duct tape, ran to a neighbor for help, prompting an immediate police response. Authorities discovered another one of Franke’s children, a 9-year-old girl, in similarly horrific condition. The case revealed years of disturbing practices, with Franke’s eldest daughter, Shari, previously attempting to alert child services about the abuse. Both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse and were sentenced to a minimum of 30 years in prison. Despite the horror of the case, Kevin Franke admitted that his feelings for Ruby are complicated. “I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving her,” he said. “Does that mean that I want to let her back into my life? Let her back into my kids’ lives? Absolutely not.” Kevin and his son Chad are now speaking out ahead of the release of Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke , a new documentary detailing Ruby’s rise and fall. The documentary includes never-before-seen clips of Franke’s aggressive outbursts, painting a stark contrast to the polished image she portrayed online. Reflecting on the dangers of social media, Kevin Franke is now urging parents to reconsider exposing their families to the public eye. “There is real danger when you place yourself, or your family, your children, out onto public social media,” he warned. The case has ignited broader discussions about parenting influencers, the ethics of monetizing family life, and the potential dangers of unregulated online advice. While Franke and Hildebrandt marketed their content as guidance for struggling parents, their convictions highlight the dark side of influencer culture, where financial incentives can overshadow child welfare. #KevinFrank