How Jodi Hildebrandt Destroyed Marriages and Lives Before Her Arrest, New Documentary Released
How Jodi Hildebrandt Destroyed Marriages and Lives Before Her Arrest, New Documentary Released 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 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 Feb 18min
Federal Lawsuit Exposes Jodi Hildebrandt & Ruby Franke’s Alleged Child Abuse Scheme
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 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
6 Feb 25min
Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke Accused of Fraud, Racketeering, and Ongoing Abuse in New Lawsuit
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 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 Feb 14min
Mommy Blogging After Ruby Franke What Needs to Change
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 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
3 Feb 18min
Should the Family Vlogging World Change After Ruby Franke's Crimes?-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
26 Jan 11min
Can Ruby Franke Every Truly Reconcile With The Children She Abused?
Can Ruby Franke Every Truly Reconcile With The Children She Abused? What happens when the very people meant to protect you become your greatest threat? In this chilling dive into the Ruby Franke case, retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer explores the psychological aftermath of abuse, the fractured family dynamics, and the lasting scars left behind. Can forgiveness ever find a place in such profound betrayal, or does the shadow of Ruby's alleged actions forever loom over her children? As Coffindaffer breaks down the disturbing mindset of abusers, the question arises: Can anyone who inflicts such harm truly change? And what about the quiet complicity of Kevin Franke—was he an unwitting victim, or an enabler complicit in the darkness? This episode leaves no stone unturned, painting a haunting picture of a family torn apart and the battles yet to come. Will time bring healing, or are some wounds simply too deep to mend? #TrueCrime #RubyFranke #FamilyBetrayal #JenniferCoffindaffer #ChildAbuseAwareness #PsychologyOfAbuse #HiddenKillersPodcast 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
24 Jan 10min
Should the Family Vlogging World Change After Ruby Franke's Crimes?
What happens when the line between parenting and profiteering gets blurred? Ruby Franke, once a family vlogging star on YouTube with the channel 8 Passengers, now faces allegations of disturbing behavior alongside her business partner, Jody Hildebrandt. But who was Ruby Franke before Jody entered the picture? And how did their relationship allegedly escalate into a tangled web of exploitation, control, and manipulation? With the release of Shari Franke's memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, chilling new details emerge, shining a spotlight on the darker side of family vlogging. Is the industry fostering a culture of exploitation, or can it be done responsibly? The episode dives into the ethical gray areas, legal gaps, and personal accounts of those most affected. Are platforms like YouTube complicit, or does the responsibility ultimately rest with parents? When does sharing your family life online cross the line into something harmful? And more importantly—who decides where that line is? #RubyFranke #FamilyVlogging #TrueCrimeToday #HiddenKillers #ParentingEthics #Exploitation #ShariFranke 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
22 Jan 11min
Surviving 8 Passengers, Shari Franke's Story
What happens when a seemingly perfect family facade crumbles, revealing a nightmare behind closed doors? Shari Frankie, daughter of former YouTuber Ruby Frankie of Eight Passengers fame, is breaking her silence about the alleged horrors she endured growing up. From twisted parenting tactics to shocking revelations of manipulation and abuse, Shari’s memoir lays bare the disturbing dynamics of her mother’s household and the sinister influence of Jody Hildebrandt. How does a successful family influencer go from millions of followers to a prison cell? Retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer joins the discussion, shedding light on the dark journey of Ruby Frankie, her descent into alleged sadism, and the dangerous partnership that fueled it all. This chilling account uncovers the devastating effects of alleged abuse, control, and complicity, leaving us to question: Was Ruby always this way, or did Jody awaken a monster? How far would someone go when emboldened by a partner in crime? #TrueCrime #RubyFrankie #JenniferCoffindaffer #EightPassengers #ChildAbuse #CultBehavior #FamilySecrets 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
22 Jan 9min
