Serialously with Annie Elise – Episode 353

Jodi Hildebrandt | What Netflix’s ‘Evil Influencer’ Left Out: The Secret Affair & True Motives
January 5, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Annie Elise takes a deep, critical dive into the Netflix documentary "Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story" and what it left out about Jodi Hildebrandt, her involvement with Ruby Franke of the “8 Passengers” YouTube channel, and the abusive, cult-like organization Connections. Annie provides rich context, exclusive insights, and firsthand accounts from Jodi’s family—going well beyond recent documentaries to unearth overlooked motives, secret dynamics, and the dangerous underbelly of modern cult leadership.

Main Themes

Deconstruction of the Netflix documentary with a focus on its omissions regarding Jodi Hildebrandt’s past, her cult dynamics, and her intimate relationship with Ruby Franke.
The manipulative, abusive, and cult-like practices of Jodi and the Connections group.
Firsthand stories from survivors and family members, revealing patterns of abuse long before Ruby Franke’s involvement.
Parallels between Connections and other infamous cults.
The importance of recognizing cult warning signs, understanding the psychology behind cult leadership, and enhancing online protection for children.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Netflix Documentary: A Limited Lens

[02:00 – 08:10]

Netflix’s "Evil Influencer" centers on Jodi Hildebrandt but omits key details about her deeper motives and her true relationship with Ruby Franke.

“I found myself questioning, ‘Why'd they leave this out?’ Why didn’t they expand more on Jody’s romantic relationship with Ruby? …They just focused on the body cam rescue and missed the real mastermind.” – Annie Elise [05:43]
Annie expresses disappointment in the documentary’s focus on the children’s rescue, rather than diving into Jodi’s long pattern of manipulation and the psychological roots of her cult tactics.

2. Case Recap: 8 Passengers and the Descent into Abuse

[08:11 – 14:16]

Ruby Franke’s “8 Passengers” vlogging channel documented her LDS family’s life, but the content grew increasingly punitive and extreme as Jodi’s influence expanded.

“These regular vlogs started shifting to being hyper-focused on parenting advice... on how to punish your children. And I’ll take that a step further: punish your children in accordance with the LDS Church.” – Annie Elise [10:40]

3. Jodi Hildebrandt: Origin Story and Cult Formation

[18:28 – 27:05]

In-depth look at Jodi’s own words from conferences and interviews:
- Her upbringing in a strict LDS household (“emotionally unavailable parents”) [21:06]
- Struggles with control and eating disorders [21:40]
- Formation of Connections and a rigid therapeutic doctrine emphasizing “truth,” “responsibility,” and “distortion” [24:35–27:05]
  
  “If you’re depressed, it’s your fault, and you're not an unworthy person, but you don’t have honesty, responsibility, or vulnerability.” – Annie Elise [27:05] "If you will stay inside truth, you will not become ill. You just won't...My desire is to spread this throughout the whole entire world." – Jodi Hildebrandt [31:54]

4. Early Scholarship, Sexuality, and Projection

[37:44 – 47:48]

Jodi’s graduate research fixated on LDS women’s sexuality, shame, and the dichotomy between public condemnation and private struggle.

“She talks about how the language used to describe sex, especially as teenagers, negatively affected their feelings about sexuality.” – Annie Elise [38:07]
Annie connects Jodi’s repressed attitudes toward sexuality with later projections of shame and control over others’ sexual behaviors, particularly in Connections’ teachings.

5. Testimony from Jodi’s Family – Cycles of Abuse Predating “8 Passengers”

[48:26 – 56:32]

Jodi’s niece, Jesse, details her own abuse by Jodi: forced confessions, emotional torture, isolation, being locked in offices, and deprivation—all executed under the guise of “removing sin” [50:08].

“She would lock me in … a closet at her office… I had to write out my sins and beg for forgiveness on my hands and knees. And then she’d say, ‘No, there’s more. There’s more.’” – Jesse [50:44]
Jesse characterizes Jodi as a “narcissistic cult leader,” asserting that her methods are longstanding, not aberrational.

6. The Rescue: How Far the Abuse Went

[60:26 – 63:16]

Details of the child rescue: children found emaciated, bound, with chemical burns and signs of prolonged abuse at Jodi’s house.

“He had duct tape on his ankles and wrists, wounds treated with cayenne pepper, and he thought it was his fault.” – Annie Elise [14:16]

7. The Secret Affair: Evidence of Jodi & Ruby’s Intimacy

[63:16 – 69:36]

Netflix hints at but does not confirm the rumors of Jodi and Ruby’s intimate relationship.
Annie references Ruby’s daughter Sheri’s memoir as direct confirmation of the relationship:

“The room was bathed in the soft glow of candles… the air was heavy with the scent of lavender and vanilla wafting from the massage oils on the dresser… I felt like I had just walked into someone else’s honeymoon suite.” – Sheri Frankie read by Annie Elise [66:15]

8. Manipulation, Cult Tactics & Financial Exploitation

[69:36 – 80:19]

Connections’ methods mirrored classic cult playbooks: shame-based learning, reality distortion, isolating followers, and encouraging financial dependence.

“They require hours of indoctrination… If you’re sick, on vacation, or it’s Christmas, they shame you for not doing more.” – Annie Elise reading a former member’s account [80:27]
Jodi’s group brought in ~$46,000 per month at its peak, with clients paying more than their mortgages [72:47].

“She was preying on desperate people... and she just saw them as her piggy bank.” – Annie Elise [72:47]

9. Cult Parallels: Nxivm, Chad Daybell, and Modern Meme-ification of Cults

[80:27 – 88:50]

Annie compares Connections to Nxivm (Keith Raniere), highlighting parallels in recruitment, retention, and personal branding of “life coaching” as a front for abuse.
Draws connections to other modern cult leaders, warning that the same techniques (especially leveraging faith or a need for connection) are pervasive.

“Why do cults always lean on religion? … People who follow religion are so faithful and have such blind faith and such hope. … They just exploit it and take everything from you.” – Annie Elise [97:41]

10. Sentencing, Ongoing Risk & What’s Next

[88:50 – End]

Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke were sentenced to four consecutive terms of 1–15 years; parole possible after four years.

"The fact that they could be out in four years is mind boggling to me… Jody is still running her cult from behind bars." – Annie Elise [88:50]
Annie cautions that, if released, both women remain high-risk for recidivism—especially as Jodi continues communication with her followers from prison.

11. Final Insights: On Falling for Cults, Parental Responsibility, and the Need for Awareness

[97:41 – End]

Reflects on the psychology of cult membership, why smart people fall for them, and how subtle, escalating manipulations can overwhelm victims.
Reiterates the critical need to safeguard children online, recognize the red flags, and never cede power to “experts” who demand unquestioning obedience.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Jodi’s cult status:

“Any time somebody is talking about their direct connection and speaking to God about being in distortion or dark spirits… For me, cult, cult, cult, cult, cult.” — Annie Elise [32:59]
On the secret affair:

“They condemned queerness very publicly in their Connections videos while embodying it privately.” — Annie Elise, quoting Sheri’s memoir [66:15]
On the cult’s mechanics:

“You can’t learn from them unless you’re willing to compromise your integrity and just comply… They teach against individuality. It’s set up for you to remain in it.” – Former group member read by Annie Elise [80:27]
On sentencing and future danger:

“Jody is still teaching. And if she’s released, she’ll go right back. I think she should definitely be locked up for the full 60 years.” – Annie Elise [88:50]
On why people fall for cults:

“It takes a very unique person to fall into a cult… It’s not a bad thing. It’s someone who feels like there’s something missing in their life...and then they exploit it.” — Annie Elise [97:41]

Timestamps for Important Segments

[02:00] – Critique of Netflix documentary
[14:16] – Recap of 8 Passengers, shift to extremism
[18:28 – 32:59] – Jodi’s “truth” doctrine, core beliefs, direct audio clips
[37:44] – Discussion of Jodi’s sexuality research
[48:26 – 56:32] – Jesse (niece) on Jodi’s pre-Ruby abuse
[60:26] – Descriptions of child rescue and abuse
[63:16] – Analysis of secret Jodi/Ruby relationship, Sheri’s account
[72:47] – Financial exploitation, cult’s monthly earnings
[80:27] – Former member’s list of cult tactics, cult comparisons
[88:50] – Sentencing, parole, and ongoing risk
[97:41] – Annie’s reflections on cult psychology and prevention

Tone & Style

Conversational and relatable, candidly mixing personal outrage with detailed, well-researched analysis.
Annie speaks directly as “your true crime bestie” but maintains journalistic rigor, especially in highlighting facts, quoting sources, and distinguishing opinion/speculation.

Takeaways for the Uninitiated

Jodi Hildebrandt was not simply a misguided therapist—her actions were part of a calculated, abusive, and cult-like system dating back years before her infamous partnership with Ruby Franke.
The Netflix documentary only scratches the surface: the story’s true depth lies in the manipulation, psychological projections, financial exploitation, and the secretive personal dynamics at its heart.
Survivors and ex-members describe a classic cult: shame-driven teachings, engineered dependency, financial draining, and extreme isolation for dissent.
Even after her arrest, Jodi maintained her control over followers—underscoring the continued risk posed by charismatic, manipulative leaders.
Awareness, careful skepticism, and open dialogue are essential tools to preventing and breaking the hold of modern cult-like organizations.

Final Thought:
“Don’t kill people. Don’t join a cult. And stay the hell away from Jodi Hildebrandt.” – Annie Elise [99:35]

Serialously with Annie Elise – Episode 353

Jodi Hildebrandt | What Netflix’s ‘Evil Influencer’ Left Out: The Secret Affair & True Motives
January 5, 2026

Episode Overview

Main Themes

Deconstruction of the Netflix documentary with a focus on its omissions regarding Jodi Hildebrandt’s past, her cult dynamics, and her intimate relationship with Ruby Franke.
The manipulative, abusive, and cult-like practices of Jodi and the Connections group.
Firsthand stories from survivors and family members, revealing patterns of abuse long before Ruby Franke’s involvement.
Parallels between Connections and other infamous cults.
The importance of recognizing cult warning signs, understanding the psychology behind cult leadership, and enhancing online protection for children.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Netflix Documentary: A Limited Lens

[02:00 – 08:10]

Netflix’s "Evil Influencer" centers on Jodi Hildebrandt but omits key details about her deeper motives and her true relationship with Ruby Franke.

“I found myself questioning, ‘Why'd they leave this out?’ Why didn’t they expand more on Jody’s romantic relationship with Ruby? …They just focused on the body cam rescue and missed the real mastermind.” – Annie Elise [05:43]
Annie expresses disappointment in the documentary’s focus on the children’s rescue, rather than diving into Jodi’s long pattern of manipulation and the psychological roots of her cult tactics.

2. Case Recap: 8 Passengers and the Descent into Abuse

[08:11 – 14:16]

Ruby Franke’s “8 Passengers” vlogging channel documented her LDS family’s life, but the content grew increasingly punitive and extreme as Jodi’s influence expanded.

“These regular vlogs started shifting to being hyper-focused on parenting advice... on how to punish your children. And I’ll take that a step further: punish your children in accordance with the LDS Church.” – Annie Elise [10:40]

3. Jodi Hildebrandt: Origin Story and Cult Formation

[18:28 – 27:05]

In-depth look at Jodi’s own words from conferences and interviews:
- Her upbringing in a strict LDS household (“emotionally unavailable parents”) [21:06]
- Struggles with control and eating disorders [21:40]
- Formation of Connections and a rigid therapeutic doctrine emphasizing “truth,” “responsibility,” and “distortion” [24:35–27:05]
  
  “If you’re depressed, it’s your fault, and you're not an unworthy person, but you don’t have honesty, responsibility, or vulnerability.” – Annie Elise [27:05] "If you will stay inside truth, you will not become ill. You just won't...My desire is to spread this throughout the whole entire world." – Jodi Hildebrandt [31:54]

4. Early Scholarship, Sexuality, and Projection

[37:44 – 47:48]

Jodi’s graduate research fixated on LDS women’s sexuality, shame, and the dichotomy between public condemnation and private struggle.

“She talks about how the language used to describe sex, especially as teenagers, negatively affected their feelings about sexuality.” – Annie Elise [38:07]
Annie connects Jodi’s repressed attitudes toward sexuality with later projections of shame and control over others’ sexual behaviors, particularly in Connections’ teachings.

5. Testimony from Jodi’s Family – Cycles of Abuse Predating “8 Passengers”

[48:26 – 56:32]

Jodi’s niece, Jesse, details her own abuse by Jodi: forced confessions, emotional torture, isolation, being locked in offices, and deprivation—all executed under the guise of “removing sin” [50:08].

“She would lock me in … a closet at her office… I had to write out my sins and beg for forgiveness on my hands and knees. And then she’d say, ‘No, there’s more. There’s more.’” – Jesse [50:44]
Jesse characterizes Jodi as a “narcissistic cult leader,” asserting that her methods are longstanding, not aberrational.

6. The Rescue: How Far the Abuse Went

[60:26 – 63:16]

Details of the child rescue: children found emaciated, bound, with chemical burns and signs of prolonged abuse at Jodi’s house.

“He had duct tape on his ankles and wrists, wounds treated with cayenne pepper, and he thought it was his fault.” – Annie Elise [14:16]

7. The Secret Affair: Evidence of Jodi & Ruby’s Intimacy

[63:16 – 69:36]

Netflix hints at but does not confirm the rumors of Jodi and Ruby’s intimate relationship.
Annie references Ruby’s daughter Sheri’s memoir as direct confirmation of the relationship:

“The room was bathed in the soft glow of candles… the air was heavy with the scent of lavender and vanilla wafting from the massage oils on the dresser… I felt like I had just walked into someone else’s honeymoon suite.” – Sheri Frankie read by Annie Elise [66:15]

8. Manipulation, Cult Tactics & Financial Exploitation

[69:36 – 80:19]

Connections’ methods mirrored classic cult playbooks: shame-based learning, reality distortion, isolating followers, and encouraging financial dependence.

“They require hours of indoctrination… If you’re sick, on vacation, or it’s Christmas, they shame you for not doing more.” – Annie Elise reading a former member’s account [80:27]
Jodi’s group brought in ~$46,000 per month at its peak, with clients paying more than their mortgages [72:47].

“She was preying on desperate people... and she just saw them as her piggy bank.” – Annie Elise [72:47]

9. Cult Parallels: Nxivm, Chad Daybell, and Modern Meme-ification of Cults

[80:27 – 88:50]

Annie compares Connections to Nxivm (Keith Raniere), highlighting parallels in recruitment, retention, and personal branding of “life coaching” as a front for abuse.
Draws connections to other modern cult leaders, warning that the same techniques (especially leveraging faith or a need for connection) are pervasive.

“Why do cults always lean on religion? … People who follow religion are so faithful and have such blind faith and such hope. … They just exploit it and take everything from you.” – Annie Elise [97:41]

10. Sentencing, Ongoing Risk & What’s Next

[88:50 – End]

Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke were sentenced to four consecutive terms of 1–15 years; parole possible after four years.

"The fact that they could be out in four years is mind boggling to me… Jody is still running her cult from behind bars." – Annie Elise [88:50]
Annie cautions that, if released, both women remain high-risk for recidivism—especially as Jodi continues communication with her followers from prison.

11. Final Insights: On Falling for Cults, Parental Responsibility, and the Need for Awareness

[97:41 – End]

Reflects on the psychology of cult membership, why smart people fall for them, and how subtle, escalating manipulations can overwhelm victims.
Reiterates the critical need to safeguard children online, recognize the red flags, and never cede power to “experts” who demand unquestioning obedience.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Jodi’s cult status:

“Any time somebody is talking about their direct connection and speaking to God about being in distortion or dark spirits… For me, cult, cult, cult, cult, cult.” — Annie Elise [32:59]
On the secret affair:

“They condemned queerness very publicly in their Connections videos while embodying it privately.” — Annie Elise, quoting Sheri’s memoir [66:15]
On the cult’s mechanics:

“You can’t learn from them unless you’re willing to compromise your integrity and just comply… They teach against individuality. It’s set up for you to remain in it.” – Former group member read by Annie Elise [80:27]
On sentencing and future danger:

“Jody is still teaching. And if she’s released, she’ll go right back. I think she should definitely be locked up for the full 60 years.” – Annie Elise [88:50]
On why people fall for cults:

“It takes a very unique person to fall into a cult… It’s not a bad thing. It’s someone who feels like there’s something missing in their life...and then they exploit it.” — Annie Elise [97:41]

Timestamps for Important Segments

[02:00] – Critique of Netflix documentary
[14:16] – Recap of 8 Passengers, shift to extremism
[18:28 – 32:59] – Jodi’s “truth” doctrine, core beliefs, direct audio clips
[37:44] – Discussion of Jodi’s sexuality research
[48:26 – 56:32] – Jesse (niece) on Jodi’s pre-Ruby abuse
[60:26] – Descriptions of child rescue and abuse
[63:16] – Analysis of secret Jodi/Ruby relationship, Sheri’s account
[72:47] – Financial exploitation, cult’s monthly earnings
[80:27] – Former member’s list of cult tactics, cult comparisons
[88:50] – Sentencing, parole, and ongoing risk
[97:41] – Annie’s reflections on cult psychology and prevention

Tone & Style

Conversational and relatable, candidly mixing personal outrage with detailed, well-researched analysis.
Annie speaks directly as “your true crime bestie” but maintains journalistic rigor, especially in highlighting facts, quoting sources, and distinguishing opinion/speculation.

Takeaways for the Uninitiated

Jodi Hildebrandt was not simply a misguided therapist—her actions were part of a calculated, abusive, and cult-like system dating back years before her infamous partnership with Ruby Franke.
The Netflix documentary only scratches the surface: the story’s true depth lies in the manipulation, psychological projections, financial exploitation, and the secretive personal dynamics at its heart.
Survivors and ex-members describe a classic cult: shame-driven teachings, engineered dependency, financial draining, and extreme isolation for dissent.
Even after her arrest, Jodi maintained her control over followers—underscoring the continued risk posed by charismatic, manipulative leaders.
Awareness, careful skepticism, and open dialogue are essential tools to preventing and breaking the hold of modern cult-like organizations.

Final Thought:
“Don’t kill people. Don’t join a cult. And stay the hell away from Jodi Hildebrandt.” – Annie Elise [99:35]

353: Jodi Hildebrandt | What Netflix's 'Evil Influencer' Left Out: The Secret Affair & True Motives

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Summary

Serialously with Annie Elise – Episode 353

Episode Overview

Main Themes

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Netflix Documentary: A Limited Lens

2. Case Recap: 8 Passengers and the Descent into Abuse

3. Jodi Hildebrandt: Origin Story and Cult Formation

4. Early Scholarship, Sexuality, and Projection

5. Testimony from Jodi’s Family – Cycles of Abuse Predating “8 Passengers”

6. The Rescue: How Far the Abuse Went

7. The Secret Affair: Evidence of Jodi & Ruby’s Intimacy

8. Manipulation, Cult Tactics & Financial Exploitation

9. Cult Parallels: Nxivm, Chad Daybell, and Modern Meme-ification of Cults

10. Sentencing, Ongoing Risk & What’s Next

11. Final Insights: On Falling for Cults, Parental Responsibility, and the Need for Awareness

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Style

Takeaways for the Uninitiated

Summary

Serialously with Annie Elise – Episode 353

Episode Overview

Main Themes

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Netflix Documentary: A Limited Lens

2. Case Recap: 8 Passengers and the Descent into Abuse

3. Jodi Hildebrandt: Origin Story and Cult Formation

4. Early Scholarship, Sexuality, and Projection

5. Testimony from Jodi’s Family – Cycles of Abuse Predating “8 Passengers”

6. The Rescue: How Far the Abuse Went

7. The Secret Affair: Evidence of Jodi & Ruby’s Intimacy

8. Manipulation, Cult Tactics & Financial Exploitation

9. Cult Parallels: Nxivm, Chad Daybell, and Modern Meme-ification of Cults

10. Sentencing, Ongoing Risk & What’s Next

11. Final Insights: On Falling for Cults, Parental Responsibility, and the Need for Awareness

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Style

Takeaways for the Uninitiated