Digest

This podcast delves into the shocking story of Ruby Frankie, a Utah mother who gained immense popularity on YouTube through her channel "Eight Passengers." Her content focused on parenting, homeschooling, and family life, attracting over two million subscribers. However, as her fame grew, concerns arose about her parenting methods. In 2021, she began working with a therapist, Jody Hildebrandt, who had a significant impact on Ruby's beliefs and actions. Under Jody's influence, Ruby became convinced her children were possessed by demons and began abusing them physically and psychologically. This included waterboarding, tying them up, and denying them food and water. The podcast investigates Jody Hildebrandt's background, revealing her troubled past and questionable qualifications despite specializing in porn and sex addiction. Jody's influence extended beyond Ruby, as she encouraged Kevin, Ruby's husband, to separate from her and cut off communication with his children, leading to a fractured family. Ruby's parenting practices continued to draw criticism, culminating in a CPS investigation in 2020. However, the case was closed due to unsubstantiated claims. In 2022, Ruby's oldest daughter, Sherry, contacted authorities after discovering her younger siblings were left alone for five days. This led to Ruby and Jody's arrests for abusing Ruby's youngest children, Russell and Eve. Russell's escape from Jody's home and his account of the abuse he and his sister endured revealed the horrific truth behind the vlogs. The podcast explores the aftermath of the arrests, including the termination of Ruby's YouTube channels and the outrage sparked by their actions. Former patients of Jody Hildebrandt came forward with allegations of abuse, highlighting the dangers of religion-based therapy and the need for evidence-based approaches to mental health. The podcast also examines Kevin Frankie's role in the abuse and the ongoing legal proceedings. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for harm in family-based social media content and the importance of protecting children's well-being.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Rise of Ruby Frankie and "Eight Passengers"

This chapter introduces Ruby Frankie, a Utah mother who gained immense popularity on YouTube through her channel "Eight Passengers." Her content focused on parenting, homeschooling, and family life, attracting over two million subscribers.

00:00:03

The Influence of Jody Hildebrandt

As Ruby's fame grew, concerns arose about her parenting methods. In 2021, she began working with a therapist, Jody Hildebrandt, who had a significant impact on Ruby's beliefs and actions.

00:01:00

The Dark Truth Behind the Vlogs

Under Jody's influence, Ruby became convinced her children were possessed by demons. She began abusing them physically and psychologically, including waterboarding, tying them up, and denying them food and water.

00:20:09

Jody Hildebrandt: A Troubled Therapist

This chapter delves into the background of Jody Hildebrandt, a former therapist specializing in porn and sex addiction. Despite her profession, she was divorced and estranged from her own children, raising concerns about her qualifications.

00:22:37

Jody's Influence on the Frankie Family

Jody began counseling one of Ruby's sons and later became Ruby's personal mentor. She encouraged Kevin, Ruby's husband, to separate from her and cut off communication with his children, leading to a fractured family.

00:29:41

The Frankie Family's Downfall and Ruby's Arrest

Ruby's parenting practices continued to draw criticism, leading to a CPS investigation in 2020. However, the case was closed due to unsubstantiated claims. In 2022, Ruby's oldest daughter, Sherry, contacted authorities after discovering her younger siblings were left alone for five days.

00:32:00

Russell's Escape and the Horrific Discovery

Ruby and Jody were later arrested for abusing Ruby's youngest children, Russell and Eve. Russell escaped from Jody's home and sought help from a neighbor, revealing the extent of the abuse he and his sister had endured.

00:36:54

The Aftermath and the Dangers of Religion-Based Therapy

Ruby and Jody were arrested on multiple counts of child abuse. Their actions sparked outrage and led to the termination of Ruby's YouTube channels. Family members, including Ruby's sisters, spoke out against her and expressed relief that the children were safe. Former patients of Jody Hildebrandt came forward with allegations of abuse, describing her manipulative tactics and harmful practices. The episode highlights the dangers of religion-based therapy and the need for evidence-based approaches to mental health.

Keywords

Q&A

• What led to Ruby Frankie's downfall and arrest?

  Ruby's parenting practices, which included physical and psychological abuse of her children, drew increasing criticism. A CPS investigation in 2020 was closed due to unsubstantiated claims, but Ruby's oldest daughter contacted authorities in 2022 after discovering her younger siblings were left alone for five days. This led to a full investigation and Ruby's arrest for child abuse.

• What was Jody Hildebrandt's role in the abuse of Ruby Frankie's children?

  Jody Hildebrandt, a former therapist, became Ruby's mentor and influenced her beliefs about her children being possessed by demons. She encouraged Ruby to abuse her children and even separated Ruby from her husband and older children. Jody was also convicted of child abuse for her role in the abuse.

• What are the dangers of religion-based therapy?

  The case of Ruby Frankie highlights the dangers of therapy based on religious beliefs rather than scientific evidence. Jody Hildebrandt's practices, which were rooted in LDS teachings, led to harmful and abusive outcomes for her clients. It emphasizes the importance of seeking evidence-based therapy from qualified professionals.

• What are the implications of this case for family vlogging?

  The case raises concerns about the potential for harm in family-based social media content. It shows that appearances can be deceiving, and what seems like a happy and functional family on camera may be hiding a dark reality behind closed doors. It also highlights the need for responsible content creation and the importance of protecting children's well-being.

• What is the current status of the Frankie family?

  Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt are both serving prison sentences for child abuse. Kevin Frankie, Ruby's ex-husband, has not been charged with any crimes but has faced criticism for his inaction. The children are now in state custody, and the family is navigating the aftermath of the abuse and legal proceedings.

Show Notes