Jodi Hildebrant’s controversial organization, ConneXions, played a role in former YouTube star Ruby Franke’s child abuse case.
Hildebrant and Ruby met in 2019, when the “8 Passengers” vlogger was looking for help parenting her and husband Kevin Franke’s eldest son, Chad. (Ruby and Kevin welcomed six children before he filed for divorce in 2023.)
Ruby, in turn, was also looking for support — which she found in Hildebrant’s ConneXions. “[The organization] has truly turned my life around,” Ruby said in a video, which was shown in ID’s 2025 series Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence. Hildebrant went on to move into the Franke family home.
In 2023, Ruby and Hildebrant were arrested and charged with six counts of felony child abuse. The arrest occurred after one of Ruby’s sons escaped out of a window of Hildebrant’s Utah home and asked a neighbor for help. Ruby pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse and agreed to serve a prison term and that her sentences would run consecutively. She also agreed to testify against Hildebrant, who pleaded guilty. Hildebrandt voluntarily surrendered her license after her 2023 arrest. The first parole hearings are scheduled for 2026.
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What Is Jodi Hildebrant’s ConneXions?
Hildebrant — who graduated from The University of Utah and later received a therapist license — began developing manuals, marital counseling and support groups under ConneXions. She also launched a men’s group, which Kevin participated in.
What Was Ruby Franke’s Role in Jodi Hildebrant’s ConneXions?
After crossing paths with Hildebrant, Ruby dove head first into ConneXions and joined the team as a “certified mental fitness trainer.” Ruby stopped uploading on her “8 Passengers” YouTube channel, and instead started appearing on Hildebrant’s ConneXions class, calling herself the “sidekick.”
Who Else Was Involved in Jodi Hildebrant’s ConneXions?
Pam Bodtcher taught ConneXions classes and was allegedly 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 wife of vlogger Grant Thompson, who died in a 2019 paragliding accident — opened up about her experience with ConneXions in ID’s Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence. Janae claimed that the group was tasked with making goals, including not yelling at her kids.
“That was called my addiction,” Janae alleged. “I was addicted to yelling at my kids. And one of the requirements is to make three calls a day. You call somebody in your group and talk about your triggers, that’s what we would call them. So if I yelled at my kids, it’s like, ‘OK, 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 report their phone calls, but she began feeling “shame and guilt” that she wasn’t meeting Hildebrant’s standards. Janae ultimately left ConneXions in 2022.
What Is the Lawsuit Related to ConneXions?
Michael, a former client of Hildebrant’s, filed a lawsuit in 2025 accusing Hildebrant and Ruby of fraud and racketeering in connection to ConneXions. Michael mentioned Bodtcher in his lawsuit, explaining in ID’s Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence that she was “extremely involved” in the organization. He also mentioned his ex-wife, who has since sought to have the lawsuit dismissed. Ruby and Hildebrant have also sought to dismiss the lawsuit.
Is ConneXions Still Operational Despite Jodi Hildebrant’s Arrest?
It’s unclear whether the organization is still holding meetings. “I don’t know, I don’t have proof that ConneXions classroom is still operating, nor do I know the scope of Jodi’s influence or power from behind bars at this point,” journalist Shelby Lofton said in ID’s Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence.
She continued, “It’s hard to fathom. But unfortunately, we know that even when leaders are punished or put behind bars, they can still have followers. They can still have a lot of influence and their teachings can still be implemented. And it’s a scary thought to ponder.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
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