Rotten Mango Podcast Summary

Title: Ruby Franke Wrote "Abuse Diary" While Posting A “Keeping Kid Safe In Predatory Society” Podcast

Host: Stephanie Soo
Release Date: March 23, 2025
Episode: Part Three of Four – Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt Case

I. Introduction to the Case

In this gripping third installment of the Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt saga, Rotten Mango delves deeper into the harrowing experiences of the Frankie family. Hosted by Stephanie Soo, the episode meticulously unpacks the dark transformation of Ruby Franke from a beloved family vlogger to a twisted abuser orchestrating unimaginable horrors against her own children with the aid of Jody Hildebrandt.

II. Background Overview

Part One Recap:
Ruby Franke, a successful family vlogger with millions of followers, faces backlash from concerned internet users alleging child abuse. Her eldest children, Sheri and Chad, publicly speak out, providing firsthand accounts of their traumatic upbringing. Sheri authorizes the book House of My Mother, offering profound insights into life within a family vlogging environment.

Part Two Recap:
Introduces Jody Hildebrandt, a self-proclaimed "porn therapist" with dubious credentials. Jody's manipulative tactics are revealed as she fosters an environment aimed at dissolving marriages and sowing discord. Ruby and Kevin's marriage begins to crumble under Jody's influence, setting the stage for the catastrophic events that follow.

III. Part Three Highlights

A. Ruby and Jody's Descent into Darkness

The episode chronicles how Ruby Franke and Jody Hildebrandt move into an isolated $5 million mansion in Utah. This property, initially lauded as a secluded haven, becomes the epicenter of sinister activities. The mansion features a doomsday bunker, vast unfinished concrete rooms, and a panic room equipped for extreme isolation.

Notable Quote:
"The primary bedroom's windows are seamless, almost like an LED screen displaying the Red Rock Mountains, but there's an inexplicable presence that turns this sanctuary into a prison." ([03:00])

B. Establishment of Control and Abuse

Ruby and Jody establish a reign of terror over the remaining family members, particularly targeting the youngest children, R (11) and E (9). Their tactics involve severe physical and emotional abuse, manipulating the children into believing they are possessed by demons.

Notable Quote:
"I can help him. I will not rest. I will not stop. I will not leave. I will fight him until the demon in you dies." – Ruby Franke ([03:50])

C. The Connections Podcast and Journal Entries

Ruby and Jody host the Connections Podcast, ostensibly aimed at offering parenting advice and spiritual guidance. However, the content increasingly reflects their abusive ideologies, promoting distorted views on mental health and personal responsibility.

Simultaneously, Ruby maintains a journal detailing the abuse, providing chilling firsthand accounts of the torture inflicted upon her children.

Notable Quote:
"Bullying your child with extreme discipline is necessary for their salvation." – Jody Hildebrandt ([15:11])

IV. Impact on Family Members

A. Kevin Franke's Separation and Struggle

Kevin Franke, Ruby's husband and father of the children, becomes a victim of the escalating abuse. Initially attempting to exorcise the supposed demons, Kevin is systematically pushed out of the household.

Notable Quote:
"I remember as I was holding my youngest and just crying, she was crying. Ruby was taking pictures... it looked like she was capturing this for content." – Kevin Franke ([26:48])

B. Sheri Franke’s Advocacy and Isolation

Sheri, the eldest daughter, emerges as the sole family member resisting Ruby and Jody's control. She strives to protect her siblings by reaching out to authorities, but faces systemic barriers as CPS and police fail to intervene effectively.

Notable Quote:
"I was confused and I think I responded and said, 'I wish you the best,' but then I got blocked. It was heartbreaking." – Sheri Franke ([35:28])

V. External Observations and Neighbors' Reactions

Neighbors begin noticing the unusual behaviors of Ruby and Jody, such as the absence of the children's cars and the eerie isolation of the mansion. Attempts to check on the children are thwarted by the family's strict lockdown protocol, leaving the community in distress.

Notable Quote:
"Ruby just turns to them and bluntly states, 'Every marriage should have a separation.' It was very weird." – Neighbor ([21:58])

VI. Escalation Towards Rescue

As abuse intensifies, Ruby and Jody's actions become increasingly desperate to maintain control. The children's physical and psychological states deteriorate, prompting Sheri to make a crucial call to authorities. Despite her efforts, the response proves inadequate, delaying the intervention until the situation becomes dire.

Notable Quote:
"If you listen to their advice, you will likely lose relationships with family members... Definitely stay far away from these people." – Netizen Reaction ([20:00])

VII. Conclusions and Insights

This episode underscores the insidious nature of manipulation and control within a family setting. Ruby Franke and Jody Hildebrandt's blend of public persona and private terror serves as a stark reminder of how outward appearances can mask profound evil. The failure of support systems to protect vulnerable children further highlights systemic flaws in handling such abuse cases.

Key Takeaway:
The intersection of online influence and unchecked personal agendas can create environments ripe for exploitation and abuse, necessitating vigilant oversight and robust support mechanisms for at-risk families.

VIII. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Kevin Franke on the Supernatural:
   "I can't explain it, but I saw it with my own eyes. I became the resident exorcist." ([08:03])

2. Ruby Franke on Parenting Philosophy:
   "There is no such thing as having a disorder that robs you of agency, ever. Anxiety is a choice. Depression is a choice." ([15:11])

3. Sherry Franke's Plea:
   "I was just trying to be worried about the kids, and now it's about you, Sherry, and your need for attention and your jealousy." ([36:54])

4. Ruby Franke on Truth and Deception:
   "I will keep you in my prayers. You appear to be a very lost soul." ([35:57])

5. Journal Entry Reflecting Abuse:
   "R's rage comes out when he can't have what he wants... 'I'm going to run away.'" ([48:00])

6. Jody Hildebrandt on Trauma:
   "Holding onto trauma is staying in a state of self-deception." ([60:00])

IX. Final Thoughts

Part three of the Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt case reveals the depths of familial abuse masked by public influence. Rotten Mango effectively portrays the disturbing transformation within the Frankie household, laying the groundwork for the impending rescue and legal repercussions in the forthcoming final installment.

Stay Tuned:
Don’t miss the concluding part, where Rotten Mango will cover the arrests, jailhouse revelations, and the intricate conspiracies surrounding Kevin Franke and others involved in this chilling case.