Episode Summary: Chad Franke – Freed

In the compelling episode of The Squeeze titled "Chad Franke: Freed," released on May 7, 2025, hosts Taylor Lautner and her husband delve deep into the tumultuous journey of Chad Franke. Chad, the son of Ruby Franke—the once-celebrated parenting YouTuber behind the family channel "8Passengers"—shares his intimate experiences growing up under the relentless spotlight of social media fame and the subsequent fallout that reshaped his life.

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Chad's introduction to the public eye began at a tender age. He recounts, “I think I was around 8 years old when we started the YouTube channel, 2013 or so” (03:06), highlighting how the channel initially struggled until a viral video showcasing Ruby's challenge of having a child catapulted them into prominence. Ruby’s adeptness at creating engaging content quickly turned "8Passengers" into a lucrative venture within two years, providing substantial income for the family.

Controversy and Public Backlash

The episode takes a pivotal turn as Chad describes the moment that ignited widespread backlash against his family. A video emerged showing him sleeping on a beanbag, a direct result of Ruby’s controlling parenting. Chad recalls, “People started catching on very quickly... 'Free Chad' was a big thing” (14:07). This sparked the "Free Chad" movement on TikTok, leading to a massive unfollowing and heightened scrutiny of his mother’s parenting methods. Chad details the intense reactions, including his mother's outburst: “She was like, 'you bitch, you did that on purpose...'" (14:22), revealing the deep-seated tensions within the household.

Impact on Chad’s Mental Health

As the controversy unfolded, Chad shares the profound impact it had on his mental health and familial relationships. He expresses concern over his family's financial stability, stating, “My main focus was, oh no, we're gonna lose money” (18:36). The relentless online harassment and the dismantling of their YouTube empire forced Chad to confront the fragility of his family's public persona and his own sense of self-worth.

Transition to Adulthood and Healing

Moving into adulthood, Chad discusses his journey towards healing and self-discovery. He credits therapy facilitated by family services, saying, “Therapists never should tell you what to do. They should just give you good questions” (49:17). This therapeutic experience was instrumental in helping him process past traumas and establish healthier boundaries. Chad emphasizes the importance of questioning rather than accepting imposed narratives, a lesson that has been pivotal in his growth.

Relationship with Parents and Forgiveness

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Chad's evolving relationship with his mother. He narrates a heartfelt phone call post his mother's arrest, where she displayed genuine remorse: “I love you back” (28:52). Despite the emotional breakthrough, Chad maintains that forgiveness does not equate to immediate reconciliation. He articulates a delicate balance: “I want to eventually grow up to have relationships again... but I can't just forget about that and then forgive her” (34:24). This nuanced stance underscores his commitment to healing while preserving his mental well-being.

Current Endeavors and Future Plans

Chad has embarked on new ventures to symbolize his liberation from his past. He introduces his upcoming clothing brand, "Freed," which aims to empower others who have experienced similar struggles: “We're saying we're freed. Oh, I am freed now” (42:45). Additionally, Chad discusses his redefined relationship with social media, now leveraging platforms like TikTok for personal expression without the pressures of commercial content creation. He shares, “Social media is fun for me now. It's not really like a job” (44:20).

Mental Health Advocacy and Personal Growth

Throughout the episode, Chad emphasizes the significance of mental health and personal growth. He speaks candidly about his experiences with therapy, highlighting the importance of self-reflection and resilience: “I feel like I'm in a very good mental spot” (50:05). His journey reflects a broader narrative of overcoming adversity through self-awareness and therapeutic support.

Conclusion

Chad Franke’s appearance on The Squeeze offers a profound exploration of resilience, forgiveness, and the quest for personal freedom amidst public scrutiny. His story serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the transformative power of self-healing.

Notable Quotes

• Chad on realizing the impact of the "Free Chad" movement:
  “People started catching on very quickly... 'Free Chad' was a big thing” (14:07).

• Chad discussing the importance of therapy:
  “Therapists never should tell you what to do. They should just give you good questions” (49:17).

• Chad on forgiveness and boundaries:
  “I want to eventually grow up to have relationships again... but I can't just forget about that and then forgive her” (34:24).

• Chad on his current relationship with social media:
  “Social media is fun for me now. It's not really like a job” (44:20).

• Chad reflecting on personal growth:
  “I feel like I'm in a very good mental spot” (50:05).

The Squeeze continues to offer insightful conversations that shed light on personal struggles and triumphs, providing listeners with both comfort and understanding that they are not alone in their journeys.