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The House of My Mother

A Daughter's Quest for Freedom

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The House of My Mother

By: Shari Franke
Narrated by: Shari Franke
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About this listen

From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog and the hidden abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, and how, in the face of unimaginable pain, she found freedom and healing.

Shari Franke’s childhood was a constant battle for survival. Her mother, Ruby Franke, enforced a severe moral code while maintaining a façade of a picture-perfect family for their wildly popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which documented the day-to-day life of raising six children for a staggering 2.5 million subscribers. But a darker truth lurked beneath the surface – Ruby’s wholesome online persona masked a more tyrannical parenting style than anyone could have imagined.

As the family’s YouTube notoriety grew, so too did Ruby’s delusions of righteousness. Fueled by the sadistic influence of relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, together they implemented an inhumane and merciless disciplinary regime.

Ruby and Jodi were arrested in Utah in 2023 on multiple charges of aggravated child abuse. On that fateful day, Shari shared a photo online of a police car outside their home. Her caption had one word: 'Finally'.

For the first time, Shari will reveal the disturbing truth behind 8 Passengers and her family’s devastating involvement with Jodi Hildebrandt’s cultish life coaching program, 'ConneXions'. No stone is left unturned as Shari exposes the perils of influencer culture and shares for the first time her battle for truth and survival in the face of her mother’s cruelty.

©2025 Shari Franke (P)2025 Simon & Schuster UK
Biographies & Memoirs Child Abuse Dysfunctional Families Entertainment & Celebrities Religious Studies

What listeners say about The House of My Mother

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You cannot pick your family members

Reality - heard about this sort of family control but to have it so clearly expressed and the writer did an excellent job. Extremely moving . I could not stop listening to the very end.

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An eye opener

Proving again that it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows and you have absolutely no idea what a person is going through. Let alone 6 children and their father being tortured and abused by someone that was supposed to ground them. I used to watch 8passengers and was definitely side eyeing behaviour, but this is next level.

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Heart wrenching story

Well written and honest account of Shari’s experience growing up with a cold and controlling parent. She’s admirable d very brave to tell her story

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Amazing strong daughter

It was hard listening to the book just sorry for family that Rudy put them through. Hope she enjoy jail

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Absolutely amazing!!!!

Shari, you are a beautiful inspiration!
I need to make this more than 15 works but my first sentence says it all.

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A truly heart-rending family history spanning many years of abuse.

I liked the fact that Shari was able to get the therapy she needed that enabled her to work through her traumas sufficiently to be able to write about what she and her family went through. I feel sure this book will help others who have suffered abuse in childhood to know they are not alone and that there is a way out.

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heart wrenching

honest and raw. seeing how the author struggled and developed incredible resilience and was so determined is inspiring.

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Incredible Bravery

So beautifully written and presented. It was wonderful to hear the story from Shari’s perspective.

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Reshaping trauma and creating new positive pathways for herself and her siblings. Admirable!

Shari, thankyou for sharing your words and memories. I cried listening to your poignant recounts. Such bravery and determination to be oneself and take on the role of breaking down family trauma and setting new pathways towards light and love. I pray your life moving forward will be one of peace and may scripture continue to be your guide. How insightful to see you allow your siblings stories to be shielded yet make space for their mind and bodies to heal. God bless you.

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Thank you Shari

Absolutely heartbreaking. You’re so strong beyond words Shari.. thank you for sharing your story. I wish you all peace and the best for the future.

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