Malevolent Mormon Mommys | The Case Against Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt8 Jan

Inside The House Of Ruby Franke As Her Daughter Shares The Horror Story

Shari Franke’s memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, begins with a striking and unforgettable image: the moment police forced open the front door of her family’s home with a battering ram. Shari, the eldest daughter of the once-popular family vloggers behind the 8 Passengers YouTube channel, captured the moment on her phone and shared it on Instagram, writing, “This moment, this climax of my family’s descent into madness, needed to be documented, preserved, and shared on social media.” It was an act of reclamation—an attempt to wrest back control of her narrative from a life shaped by forced smiles and staged perfection. Today, with the release of her memoir through Gallery Books, Shari pulls back the curtain on the tabloid nightmare her family became.
Ruby Franke, Shari’s mother and the matriarch of the 8 Passengers channel, was arrested in 2023 along with her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. The two women were charged with multiple counts of aggravated child abuse after Shari’s younger brother escaped from Hildebrandt’s home and begged a neighbor for help. The boy, visibly malnourished and injured, revealed a harrowing story of being tied up with ropes and deprived of food. Inside Hildebrandt’s home, police discovered Shari’s younger sister in a similarly emaciated and injured state. The public’s collective gasp over these revelations was only the beginning. In The House of My Mother, Shari details how the Franke family’s carefully curated image of wholesomeness and faith unraveled behind the scenes, exposing the dark underbelly of a household where control, manipulation, and emotional abuse reigned.

Before the arrests, the Frankes had amassed nearly 2.5 million subscribers on YouTube, drawn to their idyllic portrayal of life as a large Mormon family. But Shari’s memoir reveals a far different reality. The transformation, she writes, began when Hildebrandt, a counselor with controversial methods, entered their lives. Hildebrandt’s influence over Ruby grew rapidly, shifting the family dynamics in alarming ways. “She was our family’s very own cult leader,” Shari writes. “She turned my mother into a fawning, starstruck acolyte who lapped up her every demented word like it was holy water.” Kevin Franke, Ruby’s husband and Shari’s father, was gradually pushed out of the household. According to Shari, Hildebrandt became the puppet master, dictating the family’s every move under the guise of therapy and spiritual guidance.

In a particularly disturbing episode, Hildebrandt took over Shari’s bedroom, filling it with candles and massage oils. Shari’s suspicions about a deeper relationship between her mother and Hildebrandt were confirmed one night when she saw Ruby sneaking out of her former room. “It was equal parts fascinating and horrific,” Shari recalls. “Two women who publicly condemned queerness in their ConneXions Classroom videos, while embodying it privately.” Hildebrandt’s teachings, presented as strict moral guidelines, included extreme punishments and bizarre rituals. Shari writes that these teachings justified the alienation of Kevin, who was sent away to “work on his shortcomings” while the children’s welfare deteriorated.

The memoir’s most heart-wrenching moments recount Shari’s growing concern for her siblings. Isolated from her family while attending Brigham Young University, Shari made repeated calls to the Department of Child and Family Services, desperate to have someone intervene. But it wasn’t until her brother’s dramatic escape that authorities finally acted. Ruby and Hildebrandt’s subsequent arrest and guilty pleas to four counts of aggravated child abuse brought an end to their reign of terror. Each woman was sentenced to four to thirty years in prison—a grim chapter in a story that continues to haunt the public consciousness.

Shari, now 21, has emerged as an advocate against the exploitation of children in family vlogging. Her experiences growing up in front of a camera have shaped her into a vocal critic of the practice, which she believes inherently violates children’s privacy and well-being. In her memoir and public statements, Shari argues there is no ethical way to monetize a child’s life online. “Making money off your kids with no oversight as to how much the kids are getting paid—there’s no way to do that well,” she asserts. Shari has taken her advocacy to the legislative level, supporting bills that protect underage influencers by guaranteeing them a share of their earnings. “It should be 100 percent,” she insists, though she adds that even financial compensation cannot undo the psychological damage inflicted by growing up with one’s life broadcast to millions.

The memoir also sheds light on Shari’s personal struggles, from suicidal ideation to a damaging relationship with a married church elder. She writes candidly about feeling unloved as a child and grappling with the immense pressure to perform for the camera. Her journals and old family vlogs, which she reviewed while writing the book, offer a painful juxtaposition: moments of apparent happiness on screen contrasted with behind-the-scenes misery. “It felt like it wasn’t my life,” Shari reflects. “The vlogs show smiling faces, but all I remember is the yelling between takes.”

Shari’s relationship with her father has begun to heal in the wake of the arrests. Kevin Franke, who describes his “invitation to leave” the family as “a hellish and abusive experience,” has acknowledged his role in the family’s exploitation. Shari appreciates his willingness to take responsibility, even as she remains critical of his past inaction. Her relationship with Ruby, however, is irreparable. In a letter sent from prison, Ruby reminisced about Shari’s childhood but failed to address the abuse. Shari’s response was resolute: “I don’t feel an emotional tie to her anymore.”

With the release of The House of My Mother, Shari hopes to close a painful chapter of her life while advocating for change. She’s on track to graduate from BYU with a degree in political science and plans to work in data analytics—far from the spotlight she once lived under. Her engagement, announced on Instagram, marks a new beginning. Yet, Shari’s mission to protect children from the harms of family vlogging continues. “I hope that by sharing my story, other child influencers will see that their voices matter,” she writes. “And that it’s worth whatever bridges they might burn.”

Shari’s memoir serves as both a personal catharsis and a rallying cry against a billion-dollar industry that thrives on the commodification of childhood. The question remains: will her story be the wake-up call needed to spark meaningful change, or will the cycle of exploitation continue? The public, it seems, is just beginning to reckon with the consequences of a life lived online.
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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

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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

Should Ruby Franke's Story Create A 'Crack Down' On Family Vloggers?

Are some parents sacrificing their children's well-being for clicks and cash? In this thought-provoking episode, retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke dives into the unsettling world of family vlogging and the fine line between parenting and profiting. Is sharing your child’s life online the same as signing a permission slip for summer camp, or does it open a Pandora’s box of potential harm? Robin pulls no punches as he questions the motives behind these decisions, reflects on his own parenting philosophy, and unpacks the "crazy" that can ripple through generations when parents prioritize fame and fortune over their children’s well-being. Through a blend of wisdom, humor, and heartfelt anecdotes, Robin challenges us to “play the tape forward” and consider the long-term impact of exposing children to the digital spotlight. When the pursuit of more eclipses the importance of healthy relationships, where does that leave the next generation? And ultimately, what will your legacy be—money in the bank or a hug that outshines it all? #FamilyVlogging #ParentingMatters #ProtectKidsOnline #BehavioralAnalysis #DigitalEthics #HealthyRelationships #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

22 Jan 12min

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