Documents and Videos Reveal Disturbing Details in Ruby Franke Child Abuse Case

Kevin Franke Speaks Out on Ex-Wife Ruby Franke’s Crimes: ‘I Have Regrets’ Kevin Franke, the estranged husband of disgraced parenting influencer Ruby Franke, is breaking his silence following her conviction for child abuse. In a new interview, he admitted that he trusted his wife and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, despite mounting concerns about their extreme parenting methods. “The bottom line is: I was choosing to trust a licensed professional mental health counselor and my wife, and they gave some terrible counsel,” Franke told Good Morning America. “And I have regrets. And I wish I hadn’t done those things.” Ruby Franke, 43, was once a celebrated mommy blogger with over 2.5 million subscribers on her YouTube channel, 8Passengers. Alongside Hildebrandt, she later founded ConneXions Classrooms, a parenting and lifestyle brand that offered paid counseling sessions and retreats. What was once a lucrative online business ultimately unraveled into a criminal case when authorities discovered two of Franke’s children malnourished and restrained in Hildebrandt’s home. The case shocked audiences familiar with Franke’s strict parenting style, which had already raised red flags. In one of her earlier 8Passengers videos, her eldest son Chad casually revealed that he had been forced to sleep on a beanbag for seven months as punishment. After losing sponsors and facing backlash, Franke shifted to working with Hildebrandt, who encouraged even harsher parenting methods. In one resurfaced video from ConneXions Classrooms, Franke told parents, “If your child comes to you on fire, you don’t pat them on the head and say, ‘It’s OK, I’ll help you.’ No, you beat them, and you kick them, and you hit them with a rod.” Kevin Franke, a professor and father of six, said he was unaware of the extent of the abuse but now acknowledges that his wife’s actions were dangerous. He last saw his children more than a year before Ruby’s arrest in August 2023. The abuse allegations surfaced when Franke’s 12-year-old son escaped from Hildebrandt’s $5.3 million home in Ivins, Utah. The child, severely malnourished and bound with duct tape, ran to a neighbor for help, prompting an immediate police response. Authorities discovered another one of Franke’s children, a 9-year-old girl, in similarly horrific condition. The case revealed years of disturbing practices, with Franke’s eldest daughter, Shari, previously attempting to alert child services about the abuse. Both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse and were sentenced to a minimum of 30 years in prison. Despite the horror of the case, Kevin Franke admitted that his feelings for Ruby are complicated. “I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving her,” he said. “Does that mean that I want to let her back into my life? Let her back into my kids’ lives? Absolutely not.” Kevin and his son Chad are now speaking out ahead of the release of Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, a new documentary detailing Ruby’s rise and fall. The documentary includes never-before-seen clips of Franke’s aggressive outbursts, painting a stark contrast to the polished image she portrayed online. Reflecting on the dangers of social media, Kevin Franke is now urging parents to reconsider exposing their families to the public eye. “There is real danger when you place yourself, or your family, your children, out onto public social media,” he warned. The case has ignited broader discussions about parenting influencers, the ethics of monetizing family life, and the potential dangers of unregulated online advice. While Franke and Hildebrandt marketed their content as guidance for struggling parents, their convictions highlight the dark side of influencer culture, where financial incentives can overshadow child welfare. #KevinFranke #RubyFranke #JodiHildebrandt #TrueCrime #8Passengers #ConneXions #ParentingScandal 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 Feb 32min

The shocking downfall of YouTube’s 8 Passengers family took the world by storm when Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested for horrific child abuse. But one name has remained at the center of controversy—Kevin Franke. Was he an enabler who failed to protect his children, or was he just another victim of the psychological control wielded by Ruby and Jodi? In this deep-dive episode, we unravel the complex story behind Kevin Franke’s relationship with Ruby, his shocking admission that he still loves her, and the disturbing influence that led to the unraveling of their family. We’ll explore the timeline of events leading up to Ruby’s arrest, the extreme parenting methods she enforced, and the toxic mentorship of Jodi Hildebrandt, who many believe played a pivotal role in radicalizing Ruby. Kevin Franke’s decision to remain legally married long after the abuse was exposed raises questions—was he truly in the dark, or did he ignore the red flags for too long? With firsthand accounts, legal analysis, and public reactions, we examine the weight of his role in this tragic case. As Kevin fights for custody of his children, sues Jodi Hildebrandt, and tries to rebuild his life, the internet remains divided. Is Kevin Franke a father who failed his kids, or a man manipulated into silence? Join us as we break down the case, separate fact from speculation, and uncover the real story behind the headlines. 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

25 Feb 20min

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

23 Feb 13min

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 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

17 Feb 13min

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 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 Feb 18min

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 Feb 17min

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 Feb 18min

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 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 17min