Ruby Franke and the Mormon Cult: Inside the Dark Side of Mommy Vlogging

Let's talk about Ruby Franke. If you've been anywhere near the news or social media lately, you've probably heard the jaw-dropping story of this Mormon mommy vlogger who went from online sensation to convicted child abuser. Yeah, it's intense, disturbing, and, honestly, fascinating.

On this week's podcast, I sat down with the brilliant Janelle Devlin, mental wellness coach and Utah resident, to unpack everything Ruby Franke—the disturbing Hulu docuseries Devil in the Family, the cult dynamics she got wrapped up in, and what her story reveals about Mormon culture's obsession with perfection.

Who is Ruby Franke, and How Did This Happen?

Ruby Franke built an empire on YouTube as the picture-perfect Mormon mom, sharing every intimate detail of her family life with millions of followers. But as her popularity grew, so did the dark side of her story. Ruby was arrested for unimaginable child abuse, alongside her involvement with Jodi Hildebrandt and the controversial ConneXions cult. How does someone go from beloved influencer to convicted criminal? It’s not as uncommon as you think.

The Mormon Cult of Perfectionism

Here's the thing about Mormon culture, especially in Utah: the pressure to be exceptional and perfect is suffocating. It's not just about looking good—it's about spiritual worthiness, eternal family unity, and performing flawlessly for your community. Ruby Franke's downfall is deeply tied to this toxic perfectionism. As Janelle explained, this isn't just about one person—it's an entire culture that sometimes quietly fuels unhealthy behaviors and destructive decisions.

Life as a Non-Mormon in Utah

Living as a non-Mormon in the heart of Mormon country is no picnic, and Janelle shared some eye-opening insights. From feeling like an outsider to navigating Utah’s unique social expectations (did you know coffee can signal whether you're part of the LDS community?), Janelle’s perspective highlights the complexities and nuances of fitting in—or choosing not to—in a society dominated by Mormon values.

Family Vlogging and Consent

One of the most heartbreaking elements of Ruby's story is her children's lack of consent in their very public lives. Ruby’s eldest daughter, Shari, has spoken out powerfully against family vlogging, aiming to protect other kids from this exploitation. This opens a critical conversation: Are we ready to confront the dark side of oversharing our personal lives online?

Psychological Insights and Narcissism

Ruby’s story isn't just about religion or social media. It’s also about psychology. Ruby Franke displays textbook narcissistic behavior—driven by external validation and power. Janelle provided fascinating insights into how someone can become so deeply entrenched in destructive beliefs and actions.

Final Thoughts and Moving Forward

Ruby Franke’s fall from grace is a cautionary tale for anyone seduced by online fame, religious exceptionalism, or the promise of a perfect life. But it's also an invitation to reevaluate how we interact with social media, parent our children, and understand our own human desires for connection and validation.

Want to dive deeper into this? Check out my full conversation with Janelle Devlin on the podcast.

Listen Now: The Reinvention Room Podcast

Resources:

• Follow Janelle Devlin on Instagram: @DevlinWorldwide

• Book a clarity call to launch your podcast: Book Your Free Call

• Watch Devil in the Family on Hulu.