When vlogger Ruby Franke was arrested for child abuse in August 2023, it shocked millions who had followed her family’s seemingly perfect life on YouTube. But behind the wholesome image was a much darker reality. With counselor Jodi Hildebrandt’s influence, the Franke family spiraled into a nightmare. Now, in Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, the Frankes’ eldest children, Shari and Chad, and Ruby’s husband, Kevin, speak out for the first time. In this episode of Mormon Stories, we react to this gripping series, unpacking the shocking revelations and what they say about family, control, and the dangers of social media.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:02:45 Curious Case of Judi Hildebrant

00:22:45 “Mormon Mommy Bloggers”

00:30:40 Kevin is also a victim of an abuser

00:48:50 Ruby thinks a happy family is an obedient family

01:10:57 Ruby’s channel was “Advancing the image of the church”

01:26:00 Pressure in Mormonism to find a partner that is acceptable by church standards

01:56:49 The Franke kids begin to shut down to the camera

02:02:26 Ruby tells Chad: “Fake being happy right now”

02:14:17 Who is the “Devil in the Family” representing?

02:30:20 “The beanbag incident” with Chad’s bed being taken away

02:40:42 Shari saying Chad got “beaten” and had to help him clean up blood off the walls

03:01:21 Kevin’s initial reaction to ConneXions - “This is a cult”

03:23:20 Lauren’s reaction to Jodi’s house: “They had Costco inside this house”

03:28:00 The LDS church could be shutting this dogma down but they don't

04:04:00 When Jodi is possessed its a feature, when the kids are possessed its a bug

04:31:10 Jodi Gave Ruby permission to be this way

04:49:40 Shari calls the police for the first time to do a wellness check on the kids

04:58:54 The younger daughter found in the closet - wasn't even able to talk

05:17:50 “Takes an exceptional lack of empathy” for a mother to do this

05:25:11 Assessment of how Kevin let this happen

05:41:30 Sometimes families like these can be more susceptible to manipulation

06:07:00 Become cult informed! Become born again to your own intrinsic knowledge

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