What happens when faith turns into fanaticism — and motherhood turns into control?

 In this searing Hidden Killers commentary, Tony Brueski unpacks the disturbing psychology behind Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, the duo whose “spiritual discipline” of children became a criminal horror show.

Ruby’s journey from YouTube mom to convicted abuser isn’t just about narcissism — it’s about moral addiction. She craved righteousness the way others crave power, and Jodi knew exactly how to feed that need. Together they built a belief system where cruelty became holiness, obedience became worship, and children paid the price.

Tony explores the cult-like dynamic between leader and follower, the shared delusion (folie à deux) that turned ideology into torture, and the deeper question of why authoritarian faith systems flourish online.

This is the story of how conviction curdles into control — and how easily “doing good” becomes the justification for doing harm.

#RubyFranke #JodiHildebrandt #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #8Passengers #TrueCrimePodcast #ReligiousAbuse #ParentingGoneWrong #CultPsychology #UtahCrime

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Kevin Franke says redemption is real. He just announced he’s engaged to a new partner, just six months after finalizing his divorce from Ruby Franke — the former “8 Passengers” mommy blogger now serving a possible 30-year sentence for aggravated child abuse.

In this episode of Hidden Killers, we’re digging into what this “fresh start” really means — not just for Kevin, but for the children who lived under a camera, inside a home built on discipline, doctrine, and denial.

Kevin was never charged in Ruby’s criminal case. The two had separated before her arrest in 2023. But he was there for the rise of the YouTube family empire — a channel that broadcast strict, often disturbing parenting choices as content. And while Ruby ultimately took the fall with her counselor-turned-co-conspirator Jodi Hildebrandt, Kevin’s role in normalizing the platform is still under scrutiny.

Now, he’s trying to course-correct. He supported Utah’s new “child influencer” law — requiring that kids in monetized content receive protected earnings and the right to have their footage pulled as adults. His testimony was powerful. But does it erase the years he spent behind the camera?

This segment unpacks the psychology of quick re-partnering after trauma, the legal line between enabling and accountability, and why moving on isn’t the same as making it right. We examine the public push for “redemption,” and ask the hard question: is this genuine healing — or a quiet rebranding campaign?

It’s not about punishing a man for starting over. It’s about asking what real accountability looks like when the kids didn’t get a choice.

#KevinFranke #RubyFranke #8Passengers #TrueCrime #ChildAbuseAwareness #YouTubeFamily #HiddenKillers #FamilyVloggers #PsychologicalAbuse #ParentalAccountability #RedemptionArc #SocialMediaLaw

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From YouTube Mom to Felon-What Led to Ruby and Kevin Franke’s Divorce

Ruby Franke, once known as the strict but smiling matriarch of the 8 Passengers YouTube channel, is now serving a prison sentence for aggravated child abuse. In this gripping episode, we dive deep into the court documents, police bodycam footage, and the real-life consequences of a parenting philosophy that spiraled into criminal behavior. We walk through the collapse of Ruby and Kevin Franke’s marriage, the finalization of their divorce in March 2025, and the disturbing details of the abuse that unfolded behind closed doors — far from the picture-perfect family they shared online.

Through verified sources and firsthand records, we unpack how Kevin Franke, Ruby’s husband of 23 years, was systematically pushed out of the home under the direction of controversial therapist Jodi Hildebrandt. We explore how Ruby and Jodi’s ConneXions parenting model took over the household, leading to extreme punishments, child isolation, and eventually, a criminal case that shocked the nation. Kevin’s role, his regrets, and his emotional police interview shed light on how one of the internet’s most-watched families became one of its most tragic stories.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone searching for the latest updates on the Ruby Franke case, the truth behind the 8 Passengers channel, and how online fame, faith, and power can twist into something truly dangerous. Whether you're here for the facts or the fallout, we give you a clear, factual, and human account of one of the most disturbing family influencer scandals in recent memory.

  #RubyFranke #8Passengers #TrueCrimePodcast  

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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

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 the cost it came with.

In the end, the legal lines are drawn. Kevin Franke has custody. Ruby Franke has convictions. And six children are now trying to rebuild a childhood that was shattered under the watchful eye of a camera and the hidden weight of abuse.

#8PassengersCase #RubyFranke #ChildAbuseSentencing #FrankeDivorceFinalized

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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.

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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

Kevin Franke A Victim or an Enabler? FBI Expert Breaks It Down

Was Kevin Franke just another victim in Ruby Franke’s twisted world, or was he an enabler quietly standing by as the unthinkable happened? Hulu’s Devil in the Family has reignited the debate, shifting the spotlight onto Kevin—her husband, the father of their children, and the man who claims he was left in the dark. But how does his body language, his words, and his behavior hold up under the scrutiny of a behavioral expert?

Retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke dives into the psychology behind Kevin Franke, Ruby Franke, and the disturbing dynamics that fueled this nightmare. Was Kevin merely manipulated, or was he complicit in his own passivity? And what role did Jodi Hildebrandt play in pushing an already dangerous ideology even further? With deep analysis of the LDS faith’s influence, the power of manipulation, and the eerie similarities to past criminal cases, this episode unpacks the unsettling reality behind the Franke family scandal.

So, was Kevin Franke just a tool in Ruby’s grand design, or is there more to the story than meets the eye?

#RubyFranke #KevinFranke #TrueCrime #HiddenKillers #LDS #Manipulation #FBIAnalysis

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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

Was Kevin Franke a clueless victim of psychological manipulation, or was he just too comfortable letting someone else call the shots—even when it meant his own kids were suffering? The Hulu documentary Devil in the Family peels back the layers of one of the most twisted true crime cases in recent years, exposing how extreme parenting, blind faith, and YouTube fame created the perfect storm for abuse to thrive.

Tony Brueski and psychotherapist Shavaun Scott dig into the psyche of Kevin Franke—the father of six who claims he had no idea what was happening inside his own home. How does someone convince themselves that their spouse’s increasingly extreme behavior is just "parenting techniques" and not outright abuse? And more importantly, how do you walk away from your own children for a year because a self-proclaimed guru told you to?

Kevin insists he was blindsided, but can you really be a passive bystander when your own kids are suffering? And after everything, why does he still say he loves Ruby Franke? Is he on a path to healing, or is he just one manipulative figure away from falling into another trap?

#TrueCrime #RubyFranke #HiddenKillers #PsychologyOfAbuse #ExtremeParenting #CultMentality #KevinFranke

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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 Hidden Psychology Behind Kevin Franke’s Inaction – FBI Expert Weighs In

How do you go from being a father of six to turning a blind eye when your children are suffering? That’s the question swirling around Kevin Franke, who spent a year estranged from his wife, Ruby, and their kids—only to seemingly jump right back into the chaos when given the chance. Even as disturbing truths about alleged child abuse surfaced, he clung to the belief that Ruby and Jodi Hildebrandt had everything under control.

Was it brainwashing? An addiction to a toxic relationship? Or was Kevin simply so deep in denial that reality didn’t stand a chance? Retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke breaks down the psychological stronghold that kept Kevin tethered to an allegedly abusive dynamic, even as the walls of his world came crashing down. And with Kevin now fighting for custody of his children, the question remains—should he get them back? Or is he still too lost in the wreckage to be the father they need?

#TrueCrime #KevinFranke #RubyFranke #JodiHildebrandt #ChildAbuse #PsychologicalManipulation #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

FBI Behavioral Analyst on Why Kevin Franke Didn’t Act Sooner

How do you go from parenting to full-blown exorcisms? That’s the twisted reality of the alleged abuse unfolding in the Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt saga. What started as a strict religious upbringing spiraled into something far more sinister—kids being duct-taped, starved, and subjected to cruel punishments, all under the guise of “purging uncleanliness.” But how did Ruby go from a popular mommy vlogger to someone who saw her own children as demons? And was Jodi the puppet master, manipulating Ruby for her own twisted needs?

Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke break down the psychological manipulation, cult-like tactics, and sheer horror behind this case. From Jodi’s alleged possession performances to Kevin Franke’s apparent addiction to Ruby, it’s a deep dive into a world where control, abuse, and religious extremism collided—leaving the most vulnerable to suffer.

Did Jodi truly believe in what she was preaching, or was she just cashing in on control and chaos? And how do people so fully lose themselves in a belief system that they justify harming their own children?

#TrueCrime #RubyFranke #JodiHildebrandt #HiddenKillers #FBIAnalysis #PsychologicalManipulation #CultBehavior

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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

FBI Profiler Analyzes Kevin Franke’s Behavior In Ruby Franke Devil In The Family Doc

Was Kevin Frankie just an oblivious husband caught in the crossfire of a manipulative cult-like influence, or was he a willing enabler turning a blind eye to the horrors unfolding in his own home? Hulu's Devil in the Family has reignited the public debate, shifting the spotlight onto Kevin and his role—or lack thereof—in the Ruby Frankie child abuse case. FBI behavioral expert Robin Dreeke joins the conversation to break down Kevin’s statements, body language, and just how deep the psychological manipulation may have gone. Was Kevin truly kept in the dark, or is he still rationalizing his own inaction? And what role did the twisted interpretations of faith play in justifying the unthinkable?

#RubyFrankie #KevinFrankie #TrueCrime #HiddenKillers #RobinDreeke #BehavioralAnalysis #CrimeInvestigation

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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