Gandhinagar: A captivating new podcast series titled “The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke” is delving into the controversial case of Ruby Franke, a Utah-based vlogger who rose to fame as a “momfluencer” 👩‍👧but ultimately faced child abuse charges. Franke, known for her đź“ąYouTube channel “8 Passengers” (channel taken off , an alternative is here) which documented her life with her six children, was sentenced in February 2024 to 4-60 years in prison for four counts of felony child abuse. The Wondery podcast, hosted by Paula Barros, explores Franke’s journey from seemingly harmless family vlogging to the shocking allegations that led to her downfall.
The first episode of “The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke” leaves listeners with a sense of unease, raising questions about the complexities of online personas and the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly perfect facades
From College Sweethearts to a YouTube Empire
The first episode, “Meet the Frankes,” sheds light on Franke’s early life. We learn that she met her husband Kevin at Utah State University and they married soon after. The couple went on to have six children between 2004 and 2014. Interestingly, the podcast highlights that Franke’s family hailed from a community where online presence, particularly through family vlogs, was quite common. Her sister, Bonnie, was the first influencer in the family, paving the way for Ruby and her other siblings to follow suit.
The Rise of “8 Passengers” and Growing Concerns
In 2015, Franke launched her YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” offering viewers a glimpse into their daily lives. The channel quickly gained popularity, amassing over 2 million subscribers and generating substantial income through sponsorships. However, amidst the seemingly picture-perfect family facade, concerns began to arise regarding Franke’s parenting methods. The podcast details several instances where Franke subjected her children to harsh punishments, often filmed and documented on the channel. These punishments, primarily directed towards the younger children, included denying food, excessive physical exercises, emotional manipulation, and even sleep deprivation.
Public Outcry and Legal Repercussions
As public scrutiny intensified, Franke faced criticism and even threats online. The authorities were called to her residence on multiple occasions, with child welfare services intervening in several instances. Petitions calling for an investigation into her treatment of the children gained significant traction online, culminating in her arrest in August 2023.