YouTube Family's Dark Secret: How a Parenting Group Led to Child Abuse Charges

Jodi Hildebrant’s disputed organization, ConneXions, had a significant role in the recent child abuse case involving former YouTube personality Ruby Franke.

Hildebrant and Ruby first connected in 2019, when the “8 Passengers” vlogger was searching for guidance in parenting her and husband Kevin Franke’s oldest son, Chad. (Ruby and Kevin welcomed six children before Kevin initiated divorce proceedings in 2023.)

In turn, Ruby was also seeking support — which she discovered within Hildebrant’s ConneXions. “[The organization] genuinely transformed my life,” Ruby stated in a video, featured in ID’s 2025 series Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence. Subsequently, Hildebrant moved into the Franke family residence.

In 2023, Ruby and Hildebrant were apprehended and charged with six counts of felony child abuse. The arrest followed one of Ruby’s sons escaping through a window at Hildebrant’s Utah home and requesting assistance from a neighbor. Ruby entered a guilty plea to four counts of child abuse and agreed to a prison sentence, with the sentences to be served consecutively. She also agreed to testify against Hildebrant, who also pleaded guilty. Hildebrandt voluntarily relinquished her professional license following her 2023 arrest. The initial parole hearings are scheduled for 2026.

Continue reading to learn more about ConneXions:

Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt's Friendship Timeline Amid Child Abuse Arrest

What Is Jodi Hildebrant’s ConneXions?

Hildebrant — who graduated from The University of Utah and later obtained a therapist license — began developing instructional materials, marital counseling, and support groups under the banner of ConneXions. She also launched a men’s group, in which Kevin participated.

What Was Ruby Franke’s Role in Jodi Hildebrant’s ConneXions?

After meeting Hildebrant, Ruby quickly became deeply involved in ConneXions, joining the team as a “certified mental fitness trainer.” Ruby ceased posting on her “8 Passengers” YouTube channel and instead began appearing in Hildebrant’s ConneXions classes, referring to herself as the “sidekick.”

Who Else Was Involved in Jodi Hildebrant’s ConneXions?

Pam Bodtcher led ConneXions classes and was reportedly listed as the president of the organization. When Ruby was arrested, two of her children were found at Bodtcher’s home.

What Have Former Clients Said About Jodi Hildebrant’s ConneXions?

Janae Thompson — the spouse of vlogger Grant Thompson, who tragically died in a 2019 paragliding accident — shared her experiences with ConneXions in ID’s Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence. Janae claimed that the group assigned tasks, including refraining from yelling at her children.

“That was labeled my addiction,” Janae alleged. “I was addicted to yelling at my kids. And one of the requirements was to make three calls daily. You would contact someone in your group and discuss your triggers, which is what we termed them. So, if I yelled at my kids, it would be like, ‘Okay, take a couple steps back, what triggered you to lose emotional control that you indulged in your addiction that you yelled at your kids?’”

Janae claimed that they would submit reports of their phone calls, but she began experiencing “shame and guilt” for not meeting Hildebrant’s expectations. Janae ultimately departed ConneXions in 2022.

What Is the Lawsuit Related to ConneXions?

Michael, a former client of Hildebrant’s, filed a legal action in 2025 accusing Hildebrant and Ruby of fraud and racketeering in connection with ConneXions. Michael mentioned Bodtcher in his lawsuit, explaining in ID’s Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence that she was “heavily involved” in the organization. He also mentioned his ex-wife, who has since sought to have the lawsuit dismissed. Ruby and Hildebrant have also petitioned to have the lawsuit dismissed.

Is ConneXions Still Operational Despite Jodi Hildebrant’s Arrest?

It remains unclear whether the organization is still conducting meetings. “I’m unsure whether ConneXions classroom is still operating, nor do I know the extent of Jodi’s influence or power from behind bars at this point,” journalist Shelby Lofton stated in ID’s Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence.

She continued, “It’s difficult to comprehend. But unfortunately, we know that even when leaders are punished or incarcerated, they can still have followers. They can still wield considerable influence, and their teachings can persist. And it’s a disconcerting thought to consider.”

If you or someone you know is facing child abuse, dial or text the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.