The Squeeze

Chad Franke: Freed (3x18)

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In this week’s episode, the Lautners are joined by Chad Franke for a conversation about growing up on YouTube as part of the massively followed family channel 8 Passengers, created by his mom, Ruby Franke. Chad opens up about the early days of vlogging, when the channel began to take off, and what it was like having his childhood shared with millions. He reflects on how personal struggles were often turned into content, and how the shift from casually being on camera to having moments staged for engagement began to affect him. Chad talks about the #FreeChad movement, sparked by concerns over his living situation, and what it was like watching the Hulu docuseries Devil in the Family for the first time. He also shares about the last time he spoke to his mom, the letters she’s sent, his relationship with religion and God, and the gradual realization that what was happening wasn’t okay. Chad discusses his close bond with his siblings and dad, his current relationship with social media.