Ruby Franke and the Toll of "Sharenting" | Episode 41 with Jessica and Lauren

Ruby Franke is a former YouTube “momfluencer” whose family vlog 8 Passengers once showcased picture-perfect parenting—but behind the scenes, it was a story of control, abuse, and obsession with external validation. We break down her journey from LDS family vlogger to convicted abuser, and how her partnership with therapist Jodi Hildebrandt fed into religious extremism, fear-based parenting, and a dangerous online persona that ultimately led to a 30-year prison sentence.We also dig into the broader implications of “sharenting”—when parents share their children’s lives online. As mental health providers and moms, we talk about the ethical gray areas: lack of consent, data collection, and the emotional toll of growing up on camera. This conversation is a cautionary tale about unchecked digital identities and a call for parents to think twice about who their content is really for.Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.Follow The Little Brain CampaignInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/