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

Sun Mar 23 2025

It was the most viewed home on realtor websites for weeks. It’s a curious looking house. As you swipe through the photos of the 15 foot tall ceilings, the grand glass windows, the $5M price tag starts to make sense. But what is that? There is an entire concrete bunker like structure underneath the house with its very own panic room. A bank vault door - leading to a room with a toilet and sink. To keep people out - and to keep people in. This is the home that Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt tortured Ruby’s 2 youngest children in. There are detailed diaries left behind by Ruby Franke describing how she tortured them with cactuses, pouring cayenne pepper and honey into their wounds, and all the unique punishments she came up with. All the while posting podcast episodes - giving advice to other moms. How to be a perfect mom. Just like her. Full show notes at rottenmangopodcast.com

Summary

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

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

Loading summary...

Transcript

Lowe's Advertisement (0:01)

Lowe's knows what makes Springfest savings even better are member only doorbuster deals right now Rewards members can save $40 on an Allen and Roth Chesler gold faucet was $99 now $59 plus save $110 on a Cobalt 40 volt battery trimmer and blower combo kit was 279 now 169 Lowes we help you save valid through 324 while supplies last program subject to terms and conditions. Details@lowes.com terms subject to change.

Starbucks Advertisement (0:32)

First decision of the morning A creamy mocha Frappuccino drink or will we ease into the day with a sweet vanilla, maybe a smooth caramel? Oh, what about that white chocolate mocha? No matter which flavor you choose, delicious coffee awaits. Better coffee starts a better day. Start with bottled Starbucks Frappuccino drinks. Pick up a bottle near you wherever you buy your groceries.

Narrator (1:00)

For a few weeks. In 2024 this becomes the most viewed house on realtor.com which I mean it's a little random. It's this 5 million dollar mansion in what appears to be a beautiful yet seemingly middle of nowhere place in Utah. It's stunning, don't get me wrong, but in the Doomsday bunker if it's the end of the world, the apocalypse is hitting. This might be a great place to hide out. Typ of way it looks like a bunch of square concrete blocks just jammed together to make this giant 10,000 square foot behemoth of a home. It's got 15 foot ceilings, views of the Red Rock Mountains from the living room. The primary bedroom even has its own fireplace in front of a giant soaking tub, giant walk in closet with washer and dryer inside. Side note, the primary bedroom. The windows are massive and they're seamless. They're unframed so you just see the red mountains and it almost looks like an LED screen from the primary bedroom. But the real selling points are the beautiful pool, the hot tub, home theater, second kitchen, guest house, dog washing station, the blinds are all controlled by a remote. It's an incredibly secluded, isolated on 1.4 acres of property. Your neighbors are all several blocks away. Ultimate privacy. But the more that you click on these pictures it starts to get confusing. Why is there a doomsday bunker inside this house? I mean, what are the owners preparing for? It feels like judging by the photos, a good chunk of the house is just unfinished concrete rooms in the basement for storage for survival. There's even a panic room with a giant door sized safe vault door that you have to get through. And once you swing it open in the basement, it's equipped with its own fridge, sink, toilet. The purpose would be, I guess, in case of doomsday, you could go in there and stay safe. Or if someone's breaking into the home, you want to protect yourself, you can rush in there, or maybe you can lock someone inside from the outside. But why would you want to do that, Right? Kevin Franke, who has spent a lot of time in this now viral home with his wife, Ruby Franke, and the owner of the home, Jody Hildebrand. He says, while we were at that house, there were things that happened. I can't explain it. There was a tremendous crash in the basement that we heard directly beneath us. But when we went and checked, there was nothing. It's just small instances like this. Below them, there would be an empty, completely empty concrete storage room. Nobody's down there, but they hear something like a table falling over, crashing over. They run downstairs. I mean, there's truly nothing. There's nothing that could have even fallen off the walls. What would that sound come from in a completely empty room? Or another time. Kevin says the whole house is glass. And he looks up one day and he sees a massive handprint high up on the glass. Like, there's no way anybody could have gone up there. No human could have reached that high. And why would they? The hand is about three times longer than a normal person's hand. The fingers are just scraping down the window. It appears. I mean, what the hell is that? It seems like everyone in that house is convinced that that is the presence of Satan. Maybe the house is haunted. Jody, the homeowner would have a bishop come over performing exorcisms on a daily basis. It seems like whoever or whatever is in this house is targeting Jody Hildebrandt. There are plates that Kevin said would just fly off the counter out of nowhere, and they would just go full speed, just shattering, Crashing on impact. Like, how do you explain that? There were whispers that sounded like people were around, but nobody was there. Kevin says, I can't explain it, but I saw it with my own eyes. I became the resident exorcist. But the house being allegedly haunted is not why the house is so famous on realtor.com. it's not because it's haunted. It's because August 30, 2023, two children were rescued out of the basement of that home. They had been held captive, tortured, starved, and abused. This is the case of Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt. We would like to thank today's sponsors who have made it possible for Rotten Mango to support the Biz Parents Foundation. They're a nonprofit organization devoted to protecting professional child performers and their rights. This episode's partnerships have also made it possible to support Rotten Mango's growing team. We'd also like to thank you guys for your continued support. As always, full show notes are available by rotten mangopodcast.com this is part three of the four part Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt case. Please watch part one and two before this episode. In part one, we go over Ruby Frankie's YouTube channel and her being, quote unquote, canceled by concerned Internet users netizens who believed that she was abusing her six children behind the scenes. Which side note, we will be referring to the eldest children by Sheri and Chad. By their names, they have publicly spoken out about what's happened. They're adults. Sherry actually has an incredible book that I think everyone would gain a lot of. Not just insight on the case, but insight on what it would mean to be the child of a family vlogger. It's the type of book that gives you a lot of pause, it makes you think a lot. And she's a phenomenal writer. It's called House of My Mother, so go buy a copy. Go buy 22 copies. Share it with your friends. To support Sheri Franke, the four youngest Frankie kids will be referred to by their first initial of their names or when feasible, just as one of the kids. Regardless of if their names are publicly out there, we're going to just use their first initial. In part two we went over Jody Hildebrandt, the so called porn therapist who made it her life's mission to just make married couples divorce. That appears to be her favorite thing in the world. She loves ruining marriages and even concocting plans to get patients admitted into prisons. Allegedly, there's a lot going on in there. And in part two, we end off with Jodie telling Ruby and Kevin that she's being haunted by demons sent by Satan in this $5 million mansion. They fully believe it and they invite Jodie to come stay in the Frankie household with them and their six kids. And Sheri realizes something's not right. Sheri, the eldest daughter. It also seems like Ruby and Jody are having intimate relations.