How Jodi Hildebrandt Destroyed Marriages and Lives Before Her Arrest, New Documentary Released

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 Mar 13min

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 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

11 Mar 40min

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

9 Mar 10min

Does Kevin Franke Really 'Get It', If He Still Loves Ruby Franke? Was Kevin Franke a victim of coercion, or did he just turn a blind eye? The case of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt has been dissected from every angle, but Kevin—the husband who stayed, the father who didn’t intervene—is a puzzle in himself. Psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott joins Tony Brueski to unravel the layers of manipulation, blind faith, and pathological passivity that may have led Kevin to abandon his children to a house of horrors. Kevin now claims he was just another victim, swept up in a toxic mix of religious obedience and psychological control. But can we really accept that explanation? Or is it a convenient way to dodge accountability for the role he played—or failed to play—in protecting his own kids? As a new Hulu documentary attempts to shed light on his story, we ask the question: Should Kevin Franke be held responsible, or is he just another casualty of a cult-like system? #RubyFranke #KevinFranke #JodiHildebrandt #TrueCrime #HiddenKillers #CoerciveControl #CrimeDocumentary 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

7 Mar 10min

Is Kevin Franke a Victim or an Accomplice Of Ruby Franke, FBI Behavioral Expert Speaks Could Kevin Franke have stopped the nightmare unfolding under his own roof, or was he just another victim caught in Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt’s web of control? That’s the big question as we dig into the twisted dynamics of this case. Sure, he wasn’t the one tying up his children or starving them, but he also wasn’t stepping in when things spiraled into a full-blown horror show. Retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke joins us to break down the psychology of willful blindness, groupthink, and how belief systems can be weaponized. Was Kevin truly unaware of what was happening, or was he just too deep in the cult-like mindset to act? And more importantly, should that excuse him from responsibility? #TrueCrime #KevinFranke #RubyFranke #JodiHildebrandt #CrimeAnalysis #HiddenKillers #PsychologyOfCrime 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

5 Mar 9min

Kevin Franke Finally Speaks Out The Truth About Ruby Franke’s Abuse Was Kevin Franke a victim of manipulation, or did he knowingly turn a blind eye while his children suffered? The Ruby Franke case has left many stunned, but the focus now shifts to her husband, Kevin—a man who still claims to love the woman who tortured their children. While he insists he was a victim of religious coercion and extreme psychological control, many argue he was complicit, neglectful, and far too passive. With a new Hulu documentary shedding light on his role, Kevin is scrambling to explain his inaction. Was he brainwashed by the cult-like influence of Jodi Hildebrandt and the rigid authority of his faith? Or was he just a man too weak to stand up for his own kids? And now that he's seeking custody, should the courts even consider giving it to him? #RubyFranke #KevinFranke #JodiHildebrandt #TrueCrime #CultMentality #ChildAbuse #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

4 Mar 12min

Was Kevin Franke a victim of manipulation, or did he knowingly turn a blind eye while his children suffered? The Ruby Franke case has left many stunned, but the focus now shifts to her husband, Kevin—a man who still claims to love the woman who tortured their children. While he insists he was a victim of religious coercion and extreme psychological control, many argue he was complicit, neglectful, and far too passive. With a new Hulu documentary shedding light on his role, Kevin is scrambling to explain his inaction. Was he brainwashed by the cult-like influence of Jodi Hildebrandt and the rigid authority of his faith? Or was he just a man too weak to stand up for his own kids? And now that he's seeking custody, should the courts even consider giving it to him? #RubyFranke #KevinFranke #JodiHildebrandt #TrueCrime #CultMentality #ChildAbuse #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

4 Mar 12min

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.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

4 Mar 22min