The Curious Case of Jodi Hildebrandt

Jody Hildebrandt—trusted therapist or master manipulator? When does self-improvement cross the line into psychological control? With lawsuits mounting and a chilling documentary laying bare her methods, it’s time to ask: how does someone like Hildebrandt amass so much influence over those seeking help? And why do smart, rational people fall under the spell of someone who, by all accounts, seemed to have built a full-blown cult?

Psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott joins the conversation to break down the disturbing tactics Hildebrandt used to manipulate her victims—leveraging authority, exploiting shame, and creating an environment where she alone held the "truth." From bizarre obsessions with sexuality to the reinforcement of extreme religious doctrine, Hildebrandt’s grip on her followers was as insidious as it was lucrative.

But what kind of person buys into something like this? Is it just a matter of faith-based conditioning, or are some people more susceptible to this kind of manipulation than others? And perhaps the biggest question—was Hildebrandt a true believer in her own twisted philosophy, or just a master at controlling those desperate enough to listen?

#JodyHildebrandt #TrueCrime #PsychologicalManipulation #CultMentality #HiddenKillers #ShameExploitation #MindControl

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The husband and children of Ruby Franke, the disgraced YouTube mom now serving time for child abuse, are breaking their silence in Devil in the Family, a new three-part Hulu documentary. The series, premiering February 27, gives a raw and emotional look at the unraveling of the Franke family as Kevin Franke and their children share their side of the story.

A newly released trailer offers a glimpse into the series, showing Kevin Franke grappling with his role in what happened. He opens up about life inside their Utah home and the impact of allowing therapist Jodi Hildebrandt to move in—a decision that ultimately led to the severe mistreatment of his children.

“It eats me alive,” Kevin says in the trailer, reflecting on his failure to intervene as the abuse escalated. The emotional confession highlights the deep regret and pain he now carries.

Ruby Franke, known for her now-infamous 8 Passengers YouTube channel, was arrested in August 2023 alongside Hildebrandt after one of her malnourished children escaped and begged a neighbor for help. Authorities discovered shocking conditions, leading to charges of aggravated child abuse. Both women pleaded guilty and were sentenced to significant prison time.

Throughout Devil in the Family, Kevin Franke details how Hildebrandt’s influence over Ruby played a pivotal role in the family’s downfall. Hildebrandt, who ran a controversial counseling organization called ConneXions, allegedly convinced Ruby to take extreme disciplinary measures, isolating the children and subjecting them to inhumane punishments.

“I should have seen it. I should have stopped it,” Kevin admits in the series. His statements mark the first time he has spoken publicly about the case since his wife’s conviction.

The Franke children, who have largely stayed out of the public eye since their mother’s arrest, also share their painful experiences in the documentary. Their testimonies reveal the emotional and physical toll of their mother’s strict parenting and the manipulative tactics used by Hildebrandt.

The docuseries aims to unpack how a once-celebrated family vlogger, who built a massive following by promoting strict parenting, became a convicted abuser. It also sheds light on the dangers of cult-like ideologies and the devastating impact they can have on families.

Produced by ABC News Studios, Devil in the Family joins a growing list of true-crime documentaries exploring the dark side of family influencers. The series promises to be an eye-opening account of control, manipulation, and the long road to healing for those affected.

Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke streams exclusively on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ beginning February 27.

#RubyFranke #TrueCrime #DevilInTheFamily #HuluDocumentary #FamilyDrama #ChildAbuseAwareness #8Passengers

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.

    

 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

    

 Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience. 

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. 

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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com 

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.

    

 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

    

 Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.

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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Unmasking Ruby Franke FBI Expert Robin Dreeke Breaks Down Shari Franke Memoir

Was family vlogging ever really about family—or was it just another way to cash in on childhood innocence? Ruby Franke, once the face of the popular YouTube channel Eight Passengers, crafted a wholesome image of family life—one that, according to her daughter, Sherry Franke, was a carefully curated front hiding something far darker. In her new memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, Sherry pulls back the curtain on the alleged abuse and control that shaped her upbringing, exposing the chilling reality behind the perfectly edited videos.

But Ruby wasn’t operating alone. Her husband, Kevin Franke, played his own role—one that raises serious questions about willful ignorance and blind loyalty. How does a father just step away from his family under the guise of “self-improvement” while another woman steps in to assume control? And what does it say when his return to reality comes with zero accountability? Retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke joins the discussion, breaking down the psychological manipulation at play and the disturbing influence of Jodi Hildebrandt, the so-called therapist who only amplified Ruby’s obsession with control.

As more former child influencers come forward about their experiences, the question remains—how many more kids are still trapped in this modern-day nightmare of parental exploitation disguised as entertainment?

#TrueCrime #RubyFranke #EightPassengers #FamilyVlogging #KevinFranke #CultMentality #ChildExploitation

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Jodi Hildebrandt, the disgraced Mormon therapist sentenced to four to 30 years in prison for child abuse, was once a trusted counselor who claimed to help couples heal. However, a chilling new documentary reveals how she manipulated her clients, particularly women, into turning against their husbands—often leaving them with destroyed marriages and shattered reputations.

Before forming an alliance with fellow convicted child abuser and YouTube parenting influencer Ruby Franke, Hildebrandt ran LifeStar Utah County, a franchise focused on treating sex and pornography addiction. Her methods, however, went far beyond therapy, as multiple former clients now claim she used fear and religious guilt to control families and break apart relationships.

In The Curious Case Of… Jodi Hildebrandt, released by Investigation Discovery, male clients describe how she systematically alienated their wives, making them see their husbands as abusers or sinners. Adam Steed, one of Hildebrandt’s former clients, had sought therapy alongside his wife to cope with childhood trauma. Instead of healing, he claims Hildebrandt influenced his wife to the point where she “lost the ability to know for herself if something was right.”

“She sought Jodi’s approval for everything,” Adam recalled. “It was like a drug for her.”

Then, Adam says, his wife orchestrated a horrifying trap. After months of Hildebrandt’s strict guidance, which prohibited physical affection between spouses, Adam’s wife suddenly encouraged him to bathe their baby. While he was in the tub with the child, she entered the room in lingerie, acting flirtatiously. At first, Adam thought his wife was reconnecting with him. But when she saw his physical response, her demeanor changed.

“She looked at my private parts disgusted and just walked off,” he said.

Shortly after the incident, Adam’s wife filed for divorce, sought a protective order against him, and took full custody of their children. She accused him of having inappropriate boundaries due to his own history of childhood sexual abuse.

“My biggest fear being a victim of sexual abuse was to be accused of being a sexual abuser,” he said.

Adam wasn’t the only husband who lost everything under Hildebrandt’s guidance. Daniel Choate, another former client, described how his wife weaponized the therapist’s teachings against him.

After admitting to occasionally looking at pornography, Daniel sought help from Hildebrandt alongside his wife. However, instead of helping them work through their differences, Hildebrandt convinced his wife that his actions were equivalent to infidelity. Soon, Daniel was sleeping outside the marital bed, forbidden from entering their shared bedroom except during specific time slots.

“If I didn’t abide by these rules, she let me know that she was going to take the kids and leave,” he said.

Eventually, his wife accused him of sexual misconduct and left him, cutting him off from his children. Through tears, Daniel denied the allegations.

“I would never hurt my daughter,” he said.

While Hildebrandt’s controversial therapy practices destroyed marriages, her crimes went even further. In August 2023, she was arrested and charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse. Authorities discovered two of Franke’s children at her residence in horrific conditions—starved, beaten, and restrained with duct tape. One of the children, a 12-year-old boy, managed to escape and seek help from a neighbor, leading to the arrests of both women.

Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse and was sentenced to four consecutive terms of one to 15 years in prison. In February 2024, Franke received a sentence of four to 60 years. Their exact sentences will be determined by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.

Franke’s estranged husband, Kevin, had not seen their children for over a year and was not charged with any crime. Prosecutors revealed disturbing details during her trial, including doorbell camera footage showing the emaciated 12-year-old boy, shackled and covered in bruises, begging neighbors for help.

The Curious Case Of… Jodi Hildebrandt is part of Investigation Discovery’s The Curious Case Of series, which airs Mondays at 10/9c.

#JodiHildebrandt #RubyFranke #MormonScandal #TrueCrime #InvestigationDiscovery #MarriageManipulation #ChildAbuse

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Federal Lawsuit Exposes Jodi Hildebrandt & Ruby Franke’s Alleged Child Abuse Scheme 

A federal lawsuit has been filed against Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby Franke, and their company, Connexions Classroom, accusing them of engaging in electronic fraud and promoting child abuse under the guise of coaching and counseling. The lawsuit, brought by Michael Tilleman, claims the abuse of Franke’s children was part of a broader scheme spanning nearly two decades, affecting thousands of individuals and families.

Hildebrandt and Franke are currently in prison after pleading guilty to four counts each of aggravated child abuse. Prosecutors described the abuse of Franke’s children as "concentration-camp-like," with the women subjecting them to starvation, isolation, and other severe mistreatment. Each was sentenced to one to 15 years in prison per charge.

Before her arrest, Franke ran the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, amassing over 2.3 million subscribers. She collaborated with Hildebrandt to produce content for Connexions Classroom, a brand that positioned itself as a life coaching and self-improvement service but allegedly encouraged harmful practices. According to Tilleman’s lawsuit, Connexions Classroom was a front for a racketeering enterprise that financially exploited clients while promoting abusive parenting techniques.

"The concepts taught by Hildebrandt and Franke led children to extreme danger," Tilleman stated, pointing to the condition of Franke’s children at the time of her arrest as evidence of the risks involved.

Tilleman alleges that Hildebrandt and Franke’s methods not only harmed Franke’s own children but also destroyed marriages, alienated family members, and put countless other children in danger. He claims he personally witnessed the effects through his ex-wife, who "enthusiastically" followed Hildebrandt’s teachings for over a decade.

The lawsuit alleges that Hildebrandt’s influence caused his ex-wife to disregard their now 10-year-old daughter’s well-being. Tilleman recalled seeing unexplained injuries on his daughter, including dehydration and sunburns, which he now believes could have stemmed from abuse inspired by Connexions’ teachings. He referenced Franke’s personal journal entries detailing the mistreatment of her children as further proof of the harmful ideology promoted by the company.

Even after Hildebrandt and Franke’s convictions, Tilleman claims his ex-wife continues to embrace their methods, raising concerns about his daughter’s ongoing safety. "She still follows these teachings despite the overwhelming evidence of harm," he asserted.

The 112-page lawsuit details other clients’ experiences, highlighting numerous instances in which Hildebrandt faced professional discipline. It argues that Connexions Classroom was designed to "brainwash" individuals into paying for services that inflicted emotional and psychological distress. Programs and coaching packages reportedly ranged from $5,000 to $15,000, while monthly subscriptions cost $84. The lawsuit claims these high-priced services were part of a scheme to exert control over clients while maximizing financial gain.

Tilleman alleges that Hildebrandt intentionally targeted vulnerable individuals, convincing women to manufacture marital conflicts and encouraging them to violate court-ordered parental rights. He argues that while Hildebrandt marketed herself as a therapist, she avoided the legal responsibilities of a licensed counselor by branding her work as "life coaching."

"This was a fraud operation, preying on individuals in vulnerable positions," the lawsuit states.

Tilleman is seeking millions of dollars in damages and hopes the lawsuit will bring accountability beyond the criminal convictions of Hildebrandt and Franke. The case adds to the growing scrutiny of so-called "life coaching" enterprises that operate outside of regulated mental health practices, raising questions about consumer protections in the industry.

#JodiHildebrandt #RubyFranke #ConnexionsClassroom #ChildAbuseLawsuit #8Passengers #ParentalRights #FraudScandal

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

On this episode, we dig into the shocking new lawsuit against Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke, which alleges that their ConneXions empire isn’t dead—it’s still manipulating, isolating, and financially exploiting victims, even with its leaders behind bars. Filed by former client Michael Robert Tilleman, the lawsuit accuses Hildebrandt, Franke, and their network of running a racketeering operation disguised as therapy, using coercion and fear to control their followers. Even more disturbing, the lawsuit claims that ConneXions members continue to recruit and enforce Hildebrandt’s harmful teachings, with some cases of child abuse allegedly still occurring. How does a system like this survive without its leaders, and can it finally be dismantled? We break it all down.

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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com 

Mommy Blogging After Ruby Franke What Needs to Change

Is exploiting your own children for views just the new normal? Or is it a form of child abuse wrapped in a shiny, monetized YouTube package? Shari Franke, daughter of infamous family vlogger Ruby Franke, has pulled back the curtain in her memoir The House of My Mother, exposing the dark reality behind the so-called "wholesome" family content. But where do we draw the line between innocent family moments and full-blown narcissistic exploitation?

Psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott weighs in on the psychological toll of growing up as content—kids robbed of privacy, shaped into social media brands before they even know who they are. With more children falling victim to online predators and struggling with identity crises, is it finally time for serious regulation? Or are we all just watching the slow-motion train wreck of a generation raised by the algorithm?

#ShariFranke #RubyFranke #YouTubeScandal #ChildExploitation #ParentingEthics #SocialMediaDangers #HiddenKillers

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.

    

 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

    

 Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.

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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com