Episode Notes – Heinous Beliefs Podcast

Episode Title: Faith, Control, and Abuse – The Disturbing Case of Ruby Franke

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Heinous Beliefs, we pull back the curtain on one of the most disturbing cases of parental abuse in recent years—the downfall of Ruby Franke.

For years, Ruby was the face of 8 Passengers, a YouTube channel that promoted family values, strict parenting, and a faith-based approach to raising children. But beneath the surface, something much darker was happening. With the influence of her so-called counselor and mentor, Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby’s idea of discipline escalated into full-blown psychological and physical abuse.

By the time authorities got involved, two of her children had endured months of starvation, isolation, and physical torture—all in the name of “righteousness.” This case is not just about bad parenting—it’s about the dangers of religious extremism, cult-like ideology, and the unchecked power that comes with being an internet personality in a world where people trust influencers too easily.

Today, we’ll break down the rise and fall of Ruby Franke, the warning signs that were ignored, and what this case tells us about the fine line between faith and fanaticism.

Timestamps:

🔹 00:00 – Introduction & Listener Discretion
Before we dive in, we discuss the heavy nature of this case, why it’s important to talk about these issues, and a shoutout to all our amazing listeners.

🔹 03:15 – Who Was Ruby Franke? The Rise of 8 Passengers
How did Ruby go from a wholesome family vlogger to one of the most hated figures on the internet? We explore the early days of her channel, her strict parenting philosophy, and the slow shift into something more dangerous.

🔹 10:45 – The Red Flags: When “Tough Love” Becomes Abuse
Meal deprivation, extreme punishments, public shaming—viewers noticed things weren’t adding up. We discuss the biggest warning signs in Ruby’s parenting and how the internet tried to intervene before it was too late.

🔹 18:20 – Jodi Hildebrandt: The Manipulative Mind Behind It All
Jodi wasn’t just a therapist—she was a master manipulator who used faith-based fear tactics to push Ruby into extreme beliefs. We take a deep dive into Connexions, Jodi’s twisted counseling methods, and how she isolated Ruby from her family and the outside world.

🔹 25:00 – The Horrific Discovery: A Child’s Desperate Escape
On August 30, 2023, a malnourished 12-year-old boy fled Jodi’s house, duct tape around his ankles and wrists, begging for food and water. What police found inside was beyond horrifying. We break down how authorities finally stepped in.

🔹 33:30 – The Arrest, Trial, and Public Backlash
Ruby and Jodi’s arrest made headlines worldwide. But even after being charged, Ruby showed no remorse, insisting she was doing “God’s work.” We go over the trial, their sentencing, and how the internet reacted.

🔹 40:00 – Faith, Fear, and Control: When Religion Becomes a Weapon
We wrap up the episode by discussing how religious beliefs are sometimes manipulated to justify abuse. What can we learn from this case, and how can we protect others from similar situations?

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✔ Influence Can Be Dangerous: Just because someone appears wholesome online doesn’t mean they should be trusted blindly.
✔ Religious Extremism Can Enable Abuse: When faith is twisted into a tool for control, it becomes dangerous.
✔ Community Awareness Matters: The internet saw the red flags years before authorities did. Public concern can save lives.
✔ Kids Deserve Protection, Not Suffering: Discipline should never come at the cost of a child’s safety.

Resources for Abuse & Help:

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, there are resources available:

📞 National Child Abuse Hotline (U.S.) – 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788
📞 RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | www.rainn.org
📞 Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support
🌍 Child Helpline International – www.childhelplineinternational.org (For help in various countries)

🚨 If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please contact 911 or your local authorities.

You are not alone. Help is available.

Join the Conversation:

📩 Email: heinousbeliefs@gmail.com
📸 Instagram: @heinousbeliefs

We love hearing from you! Have thoughts on this case? Want to suggest future episodes? Send us an email or DM us on Instagram!

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review, share with a friend, and spread awareness—because the more we talk about these cases, the harder it becomes for abusers to hide behind faith and power.

Stay safe, stay skeptical, and always question everything.