What are Jodi Hildebrandt’s Connekingen? Organization explained

Jodi HildebrantThe controversial organization, Connexions, played a role in the former YouTube star Ruby Frankechild abuse.

Hildebrant and Ruby met in 2019, when the “8 passengers” Vlogger was looking for help with raising her and husband Kevin FrankeThe oldest son, Chad. (Ruby and Kevin welcomed six children before he applied for a divorce in 2023.)

Ruby, in turn, was also looking for support – which she found in Hildebrant’s Connexions. ‘[The organization] Really turned my life, “said Ruby in a video, which was shown in ID’s 2025 series Ruby & Jodi: a cult of sin and influence. Hildebrant continued to the Franke family house.

In 2023, Ruby and Hildebrant were arrested and accused of six counts of Crime Child Abuse. The arrest took place after one of Ruby’s sons escaped from a window by Hildebrant’s Utah house and asked a neighbor for help. Ruby argued guilty of four counts of child abuse and agreed to serve a prison sentence and that her penalties would run successively. She also agreed to testify against Hildebrant, who pleaded guilty. Hildebrandt voluntarily handed over her license after her arrest of 2023. The first conditional hearings are planned for 2026.

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What are the Connexions of Jodi Hildebrant?

Hildebrant – who graduated from the University of Utah and later received a therapy permit – started developing manuals, marital counseling and support groups under Connexions. She also launched a men’s group, in which Kevin participated.

What was the role of Ruby Franke in the Connexions of Jodi Hildebrant?

After crossing paths with Hildebrant, Ruby Dove first went in connection with Connexions and joined the team as a ‘certified mental fitness trainer’. Ruby stopped uploading on her “8 passengers” YouTube channel and started to appear on Hildebrant’s Connexions class instead and called itself the “sidekick”.

Who else was involved in the Connexions of Jodi Hildebrant?

Pam Bodtcher gave Connexions lessons and was reportedly mentioned as president of the organization. When Ruby was arrested, two of her children were found in the house of Bodtcher.

What have former customers said about the Connexions of Jodi Hildebrant?

Janae Thompson – Vlogger’s wife Grant ThompsonHe died in a paragliding – accident in 2019 – opened her experience with Connexions in IDs Ruby & Jodi: a cult of sin and influence. Janae claimed that the group was instructed to make goals, including not shouting at her children.

“That was my addiction,” Janae claimed. “I was addicted to shout at my children. And one of the requirements is to make three phone calls a day. You call someone in your group and talk about your triggers, that’s what we would call them. So if I threw my children, is it like:” Ok, a few steps back, what did you activate to lose emotional control that you have? “

Janae claimed that they would report their phone calls, but she began to feel ‘shame and guilt’ that she did not meet the standards of Hildebrant. Janae eventually left Connexions in 2022.

What is the lawsuit with regard to Connexions?

MichaelA former customer of Hildebrant’s, brought a lawsuit in 2025 that Hildebrant and Ruby of fraud and racketeering accused in connection with Connexions. Michael mentioned Bodtcher in his lawsuit, explained in IDs Ruby & Jodi: a cult of sin and influence That she was “extremely involved” with the organization. He also mentioned his ex-wife, who has since tried to have the lawsuit reject. Ruby and Hildebrant have also tried to reject the lawsuit.

Are Conneksen still operational despite the arrest of Jodi Hildebrant?

It is unclear whether the organization still holds meetings. “I don’t know, I have no evidence that the classroom of Connexions is still operating, nor do I know the scope of Jodi’s influence or power from behind bars on this point,” Journalist Shelby Lofton said in id’s Ruby & Jodi: a cult of sin and influence.

She continued: “It is difficult to understand. 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 is a scary thought to think.”

If you or someone you know, experience, call or text Child Help Hotline on 1-800-422-4453.