Kate discusses the Netflix documentary Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, a chilling true-crime examination of Utah therapist Jodi Hildebrandt and her role in a devastating child abuse case involving popular parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke. Directed by Skye Borgman, the film explores how Hildebrandt, a licensed therapist and life coach, built power and credibility through her program ConneXions, ultimately manipulating Franke and others by weaponizing therapeutic language and moral authority. 

The documentary escalates as it reveals the “inhumane and merciless disciplinary regime” enforced under Hildebrandt’s influence, normalizing cruelty in the name of accountability and faith. The story reaches its horrifying conclusion in August 2023, when Franke’s emaciated 12-year-old son escaped through a window of Hildebrandt’s home and sought help from a neighbor, triggering the arrest of both women and exposing the dangers of unchecked influence, therapy culture misuse, and social media-driven credibility. 

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