Digest

This podcast episode investigates the case of Ruby Frankie, a Mormon mumfluencer who gained a large following online for her strict parenting style, and Jody Hildebrandt, a mental fitness coach who allegedly influenced Ruby's actions. The episode begins by introducing Ruby Frankie and her family, highlighting their rise to fame through their YouTube channel, "Eight Passengers." The hosts discuss the concerns that arose regarding consent and exploitation of the children in their videos, as well as the pressure to create increasingly outrageous content. The episode then delves into Ruby Frankie's strict parenting style, highlighting the harsh punishments she inflicted on her children, including withholding food, making them sleep on the floor, and sending her son to a wilderness camp for troubled teens. The hosts discuss the concerns that arose from her methods and the red flags that were ignored before the case came to light. The episode then introduces Jody Hildebrandt, a mental fitness coach who allegedly manipulated and controlled Ruby Frankie, encouraging her abusive behavior and isolating her from her family and friends. The hosts discuss Jody's history of questionable practices and her alleged manipulation of Adam Steed, a former client. The episode concludes by detailing the events that led to the arrest of Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt, including the police investigation, the discovery of the children in various states of neglect and abuse, and the charges of aggravated child abuse. The hosts discuss the aftermath of the case, including the sentencing of Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt to 30 years in prison, the impact on the Frankie children, the ongoing custody battle, and the broader implications of the case.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Rise and Fall of Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt

This episode explores the case of Ruby Frankie, a Mormon mumfluencer accused of child abuse, and her alleged accomplice, Jody Hildebrandt, a mental fitness coach. The episode covers their rise to fame, the abuse allegations, and the subsequent legal proceedings.

00:01:09

Introducing Ruby Frankie and the Allegations

The hosts introduce Ruby Frankie, a Mormon mumfluencer known for her strict parenting style, and discuss the shocking allegations of abuse and torture that came to light when her 12-year-old son escaped and called 911.

00:06:12

Ruby Frankie's Background and the Rise of Eight Passengers

The hosts delve into Ruby Frankie's background, tracing her journey from a young Mormon woman to a successful family vlogger. They discuss her marriage to Kevin Frankie, their large family, and the creation of their YouTube channel, "Eight Passengers," exploring the concerns surrounding consent and exploitation of the children.

00:22:17

Ruby Frankie's Parenting Style and the Red Flags

The hosts examine Ruby Frankie's strict parenting style, highlighting the harsh punishments she inflicted on her children. They discuss the concerns that arose from her methods, including withholding food, making children sleep on the floor, and sending her son to a wilderness camp for troubled teens.

00:36:16

The Role of Jody Hildebrandt

The hosts introduce Jody Hildebrandt, a mental fitness coach and founder of Connections, a life coaching company. They discuss Jody's involvement with the Frankie family, her history of questionable practices, and her alleged manipulation of Adam Steed, a former client.

00:52:00

The Arrest and Charges

The hosts detail the events that led to the arrest of Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt, including the police investigation, the discovery of the children in various states of neglect and abuse, and the charges of aggravated child abuse.

01:08:13

The Aftermath and Sentencing

The hosts discuss the aftermath of the case, including the sentencing of Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt to 30 years in prison. They also discuss the impact on the Frankie children, the ongoing custody battle, and the broader implications of the case.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the main allegations against Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt?

  Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt were accused of six counts of aggravated child abuse, including starvation, torture, emotional abuse, and neglect.

• How did the case come to light?

  The case came to light when Ruby Frankie's 12-year-old son, Russell, escaped from their home and called 911, reporting that he and his siblings were being abused.

• What were some of the red flags that were ignored before the case came to light?

  Red flags included Ruby Frankie's harsh parenting style, her withholding of food as punishment, her sending her son to a wilderness camp for troubled teens, and the reports of the children being left home alone for days on end.

• What was Jody Hildebrandt's role in the abuse?

  Jody Hildebrandt was accused of manipulating and controlling Ruby Frankie, encouraging her abusive behavior, and isolating her from her family and friends. She was also accused of abusing her own niece, Jesse Hildebrandt.

• What were the consequences for Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt?

  Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt were both convicted on four counts of aggravated child abuse and sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.

• What is the current status of the Frankie children?

  The Frankie children who are still under the age of 18 are in the care of the Department of Child and Family Services. Shari Frankie is studying social policy at university, and Chad Frankie is a social media influencer.

Show Notes