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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 – now the subject of a new Disney+ docuseries – 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
Abuse Child Abuse Dysfunctional Families Entertainment & Celebrities Parenting & Families Relationships Religious Studies Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking
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What listeners say about The House of My Mother

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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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Brave

Listened to it in one sitting. Thank you for sharing your story. Brave and honest!

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The most respectable author

Shari Franke has ripped her heart out and written a heart breaking yet eye opening book about a terrifying chapter in her life that we hopefully will all hold onto for our future and present children. No mother, father, outside adult or close adult should have the power to exploit a child through the internet or social media. My prayers of healing & love are always with this family.

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Phenomenal

Very brave to speak up about her life and experiences. It bought to light many things that need to change in this world. Despite how hard it was to hear her story, it was sensationally written and exposed the truth behind the monster that is social media and Ruby Franke.

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So interesting

A fascinating look into what happened with the Franke family. A very honest and brave telling of the story. Very well written.

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Jaw dropping

Unbelievable to listen to. How a seemingly normal family was destroyed by wanted fame and then destructive cult like influence and violence

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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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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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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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