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Podcasts > The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke

The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke • Law&Crime | Wondery

Ruby Franke, a Utah mom turned YouTube “momfluencer” who amassed 2.6 million subscribers, was known for her strict disciplinarian parenting style. But authorities now say that her "tough love" was actually child abuse. Ruby Franke's son escaped from the Utah home of her self-help business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. The boy was reportedly starved and tied up with duct tape along with his 10 year old sister. As law enforcement dug deeper, they uncovered injuries, torture, and emotional harm inflicted by both Franke and Hildebrandt. Law&Crime takes you behind the scenes, from Ruby and Jodi's path to internet stardom, to the investigation that brought them down. This 7-part series releases weekly on Mondays. You can listen to all episodes of The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start Your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/the-rise-and-fall-of-ruby-franke/ now.

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The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke • Law&Crime | Wondery

Episodes

  • Meet the Frankes | 1

    Dive into the complex family dynamics and public scrutiny faced by Ruby Franke of YouTube's 8 Passengers channel with hosts Paula Barros, Brian Schnee, Alexis Anderson, and guests Ruby Franke, Kevin Franke, Alice Dawes, and Carl Andresen on "The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke." In this gripping episode, the Frankes shed light on the birth of their popular YouTube platform in 2015, their journey to reach over two million subscribers by the end of 2018, and the unexpected challenges that accompanied their internet fame — all centered around their unique parenting and family life experiences.

    However, as their visibility grew, so did the public's concern regarding Ruby's controversial disciplinary practices. Experts and critics weigh in on the evolving tone of the audience's reaction, from carefree curiosity to stern criticism and outright alarm. Discover how this shift in public perception spurred actions ranging from police interventions to viral petitions, while the Frankes discuss the direct impact of these concerns on their personal lives and the safety of their children. This episode encapsulates the convergence of family vlogging and societal responsibility, triggering a profound discussion on boundaries, discipline, and the pressures of parenting in the public eye.

    Feb 19, 2024

  • Introducing: The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke

    Dive into the heart of controversy with "The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke," where the truth behind grave allegations surfaces. The podcast features a candid discussion with Ruby Franke herself, along with Paula Barros, who sheds light on the unsettling circumstances leading up to the recent investigation. The narrative unfolds as they delve into the events that compelled Franke's 12-year-old son to seek help, sparking a legal battle that has captured public attention.

    Listeners are drawn into the complexities of a case entangled with fame, parenting, and accountability. The episode further includes perspectives from a 911 Operator and a neighbor of the Franke family—voices that add depth to the understanding of the incident. This podcast peeks into the lives touched by the allegations and examines the repercussions faced by Franke and her business partner, offering a sobering look at the implications of actions under public scrutiny.

    Feb 6, 2024