Engaged Already? Kevin Franke’s Fresh Start After Ruby’s Prison Sentence
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 Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
13 Loka 14min
From YouTube Mom to Felon-What Led to Ruby and Kevin Franke’s Divorce
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 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.truecrimetodaypod.com 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
27 Maalis 30min
Was Kevin Franke Brainwashed? The Truth Behind His Loyalty to Ruby-WEEK IN REVIEW
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 Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com 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
16 Maalis 14min
Kevin Franke A Victim or an Enabler? FBI Expert Breaks It Down
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 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.truecrimetodaypod.com 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
14 Maalis 14min
Was Kevin Franke Brainwashed? The Truth Behind His Loyalty to Ruby
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 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.truecrimetodaypod.com 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
14 Maalis 14min
The Hidden Psychology Behind Kevin Franke’s Inaction – FBI Expert Weighs In
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 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.truecrimetodaypod.com 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
13 Maalis 12min
FBI Behavioral Analyst on Why Kevin Franke Didn’t Act Sooner
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 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.truecrimetodaypod.com 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
12 Maalis 13min
