

Side Stories: Bad Mormons
7 snips Mar 19, 2025
In this engaging discussion, journalists Natalie Jean and Amber Nelson, both Mormon investigators, reveal shocking stories of faith and crime. They delve into the notorious cases of Ruby Franke and Tim Ballard, highlighting the dark side of Mormon beliefs and cultural practices. Explore unsettling family dynamics, including harsh disciplinary methods and the psychological effects of toxic belief systems. With a mix of humor and insightful analysis, they invite listeners to critically examine the intersection of religion and societal impact.
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Public Punishment
- Ruby Franke, a mommy vlogger, inflicted extreme punishments on her children, like making her son sleep outside.
- This went viral, revealing the abuse.
Demonic Expulsion
- Jodi Hildebrandt's therapy involved harsh punishments to expel supposed "demons" from children.
- This was connected to their belief that misbehavior allowed evil forces to enter.
Fake Possessions
- Jodi Hildebrandt would fake demonic possessions, blaming them on the children's "sexual sins."
- This manipulation intensified Ruby Franke's belief in Jodi's "powers."