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.
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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