Podcast Summary: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode Title: FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL: ESTRANGED WIFE OF ACCUSED MONEY MANAGER SEX-TRAFFICKING SUSPECT HOWARD RUBIN INSISTS "HE'S A FAMILY MAN. SET HIM FREE"

Date: November 29, 2025
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Overview

In this episode, Nancy Grace assembles a panel of experts to dissect the disturbing and high-profile case of Howard Rubin—a former Wall Street money manager accused of operating a violent, years-long sex trafficking and torture ring. Despite mounting evidence, Rubin’s estranged wife is petitioning for his release, describing him as a “loving father and grandfather.” Grace and her guests lay bare the duality between Rubin’s philanthropic public persona and his alleged criminal depravity, probe the failures that allowed the situation to fester, and examine the deeper psychological and social dynamics at play.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Dual Lives of Howard Rubin (02:36–07:41)

• Nancy Grace introduces the main topic: Rubin’s estranged wife publicly defending him as a “family man” while Rubin faces staggering charges of sex trafficking, torture, and rape.
  • “If he’s such a great family man and you love him so much, why are you estranged?” (04:00)
• Grace immediately questions the sincerity of the wife's letter and whether she's motivated by love, denial, or financial gain.
• Rubin's public image as a philanthropist is heavily contrasted with detailed allegations of sexual abuse and violence.

2. The Sex Dungeon & Pattern of Abuse (05:44–14:45)

• Dr. Bethany Marshall (psychoanalyst) explains Rubin’s possible psychological motivations:
  • “A freak who has sexual sadism disorder. Somebody who can only get sexually aroused when the victim is humiliated, frightened, or terrified.” (05:44)
• Reporter details: Rubin’s “soundproof dungeon” was custom-built to facilitate these crimes.
• Megan Palin (New York Post) traces Rubin's career and the shocking longevity of the abuse:
  • Rubin was a well-known philanthropist who moved in elite circles, masking his double life.
  • “The claims first came out about ten years ago … it’s been known for some time.” (08:29)
• First civil suit against Rubin in 2017—raising the question: Why did it take so long for criminal charges?

3. Justice Delayed: Systemic Failures (09:09–15:50, 33:36–34:44)

• Danny Rubin (defense attorney; no relation) emphasizes presumption of innocence but notes the case's complexity.
• Panel discusses the slow law enforcement and prosecutorial response, drawing comparisons to similar cases (Epstein, R. Kelly, Sean Combs).
• Lynn Shaw (Lynn’s Warriors) describes New York’s elite as "the devil’s playground," criticizing complicity and silence among bystanders and gatekeepers, like doormen and medical professionals:
  • “Money talks. That’s all people care about ... People knew. Because we started hearing a lot of whispers two to three years ago.” (16:45)

4. Rubin’s Modus Operandi (14:12–19:31)

• Rubin lured women—often models—under the pretense of dates to luxury spaces, then physically abused and paid them after sessions.
• Use of NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) as a weapon—coercing silence after traumatizing encounters.
• Jennifer Powers's role as Rubin’s assistant and chief recruiter is scrutinized:
  • She arranged logistics, finances, and managed NDAs; paid lavishly by Rubin.

5. Psychological Analysis: Why Did Powers Help? (20:24–23:11, 41:48–43:16)

• Dr. Marshall posits that Powers likely derived satisfaction from facilitating abuse, beyond financial reward.
• Comparison drawn to Ghislaine Maxwell in the Epstein saga.
  • “In every organization … there is a woman somewhere willing to abuse other women.” (41:48)
• Powers and Rubin exchanged text messages about inflicting pain, indicating complicity and sadism.

6. The Consent Debate & The Victims' Plight (43:16–47:01, 55:10–57:10)

• Evidence includes incriminating text messages: “We gotta make her cry … this will be fun!! 😂”
• Defense argues for “consent,” but Grace and the panel dismantle this by pointing to the level of physical harm and victims’ clear distress.
• Dan Murphy (former NYPD): “They went up there thinking it was a date … they had no idea what they were getting themselves into.” (52:44)
• Victims were reportedly drugged, gagged, beaten into unconsciousness, then paid off.

7. Financial Crimes: The IRS Steps In (36:05–39:47)

• When criminal prosecution lagged, the IRS caught up to Rubin and Powers. The Powers family failed to report nearly $9 million from Rubin—tax fraud charges ensued.
• Telling quote: “If the local authorities … won’t lift a finger, the tax man will.” (37:24)

8. The Family Man Defense & Denial (51:27–52:44, 60:28–61:58)

• Mary Henry’s letter to the judge hails Rubin as a loving, devoted family man.
• Grace points out the disconnect and possible motives for such character testimonials.
• “Either love is blind or money has blinded her. We wait as justice unfolds.” (60:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nancy Grace:
  • “If he’s such a great family man and you love him so much, why are you estranged?” (04:00)
  • “Translation: torturing women in his soundproof dungeon. Oh, who said that? Oh, it was me.” (03:17)
  • “He wasn't at home making tomato soup and cheese sandwiches. He spent hours and hours … planning and arranging torture sessions.” (60:44)
• Dr. Bethany Marshall:
  • "A freak who has sexual sadism disorder ... can only get sexually aroused when the victim is humiliated, frightened, or terrified." (05:44)
  • "Sociopaths wear something that we call the mask of sanity.” (30:31)
  • “Reuben could only get an erection by beating women up. Torturing them.” (30:30)
• Lynn Shaw:
  • “A woman doing this to other women? ... This is not just exploitation. This is evil. Evil happening.” (44:53)
  • “...there’s a big demand lately for these sex dungeons in people’s apartments here in New York. How horrific is this that people are normalizing ... terrorist acts?” (45:40)
• Danny Rubin (Defense):
  • “These things are alleged right now. … He's innocent until proven guilty.” (10:25)
  • When confronted by Grace: “...if you have to [judge clients], you have no business being a defense attorney.” (59:31)
• Megan Palin (New York Post):
  • “He was known for donating hundreds of thousands of dollars … but the claims first came out about ten years ago.” (07:41, 08:29)
  • Describing victim injuries: “…the breast implant … was flipped upside down because she’d been beaten so hard by Reuben with a closed fist.” (56:16)
• Dan Murphy:
  • “You can’t [consent] in a case like this. These people were absolutely sold a bill of goods … He’s a manipulator.” (52:44)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Introduction of the Case: 02:36
• Discussion of the Sex Dungeon: 05:44–06:07
• Who Is Howard Rubin?: 07:15–07:41
• Facade of Philanthropy: 07:41–08:29, 17:20–18:34
• Systemic Failure Analysis: 09:09–10:56, 33:36–34:44
• Role of Jennifer Powers: 19:31–20:24, 34:29–36:05
• IRS Investigation: 36:05–39:47
• Conversation on Complicity and Sadism: 41:48–43:16, 44:21–45:40
• Legal Disputes over Consent: 48:04–48:52, 51:27–52:44
• Victim Injuries and Aftermath: 56:02–57:10

Conclusion

Nancy Grace and her panel methodically debunk the narrative that Rubin is a misunderstood family man. The episode exposes the ugly reality behind Rubin’s charitable image, highlights the systemic lapses that enabled prolonged victimization, and calls into question how privilege and power can insulate perpetrators from scrutiny for years. The panel’s discussion—unflinching, sometimes caustic, always passionate—makes clear that beneath surface-level denials and public posturing, the facts of Rubin’s case are deeply disturbing, and justice for the victims is long overdue.

For listeners seeking even deeper dives, check timestamps above or find original segments with these voices:

• Nancy Grace, host/prosecutor (signature fiery tone)
• Dr. Bethany Marshall, psychoanalyst (clinical but clear)
• Megan Palin, journalist (reportorial detail)
• Lynn Shaw, activist (impassioned)
• Danny Rubin, defense attorney (measured, legalist)
• Dan Murphy, former NYPD (pragmatic law enforcement)