Dear Franklin Jones

Stitcher & Jonathan Hirsch•www.stitcher.com

Producer Jonathan Hirsch had a childhood much like yours -- except his family had a secret. They were followers of a controversial spiritual leader named Franklin Jones. To Jonathan’s parents, Franklin Jones was a god, but to people outside the group, Jones was a cult leader. Now, Jonathan is going back, trying to find out what happened -- and whether the group really did become a cult.

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Episodes

The Mind Is Burning: Epilogue

A preview of my memoir for Dear Franklin Jones listeners. THE MIND IS BURNING: Losing my Father to a Cult and Dementia is available as an audiobook. You can order your copy now from TheMindisBurning.com or wherever audiobooks are sold.

Jul 07, 2025•6 min•Ep. 11

The Mind Is Burning: Chapter 1

Purchase The Mind is Burning at themindisburning.com or wherever audiobooks are sold.

May 13, 2025•19 min•Ep. 10

The Mind Is Burning: Prologue

A preview of my memoir for Dear Franklin Jones listeners. THE MIND IS BURNING: Losing my Father to a Cult and Dementia is on sale May 13th and will only be available as an audiobook. You can pre-order your copy now from TheMindisBurning.com or wherever audiobooks are sold.

Apr 22, 2025•8 min•Ep. 9

Introducing: The Mind Is Burning

A very special announcement for fans of Dear Franklin Jones. Introducing my memoir and audiobook. THE MIND IS BURNING: Losing my Father to a Cult and Dementia is on sale May 13th and will only be available as an audiobook. You can pre-order your copy now from TheMindisBurning.com or wherever audiobooks are sold.

Apr 11, 2025•2 min•Ep. 8

Chapter 7: Maybe

An epilogue: what happened to my parents, Jones, and me. Music by Ray Lynch: “Falling in the Garden” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “The Oh of Pleasure” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “Clouds Below Your Knees ” from the album “No Blue Thing” -- Amazon, iTunes “Celestial Soda Pop” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes This episode is brought to you by Madison Reed (www.madison-reed.com [madison-reed.com]) and Acer (www.acer.com [acer.com]). For mo...

Apr 11, 2018•21 min•Ep. 7

Chapter 6: Gone

Everything falls apart. For more info, go to dearfranklinjones.com. Music by Ray Lynch: “Clouds Below Your Knees ” from the album “No Blue Thing” -- Amazon, iTunes “Green Is Here” from the album “Sky of Mind” -- Amazon, iTunes “Falling in the Garden” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “The Oh of Pleasure” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “Celestial Soda Pop” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “Here & Never Found” from the album “No Blue Thing” -...

Apr 04, 2018•22 min•Ep. 6

Chapter 5: Initiation

I choose to join the group and finally meet Jones. For more info, go to dearfranklinjones.com. Music by Ray Lynch: “Here & Never Found” from the album “No Blue Thing” -- Amazon, iTunes “What to Remember to Be Happy” from the album “Truth is the Only Profound” -- iTunes “Pastorale” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “Falling in the Garden” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “Celestial Soda Pop” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes This episode is bro...

Mar 28, 2018•28 min•Ep. 5

Chapter 4: The Fire

My parents get closer and closer to Jones. Music by Ray Lynch: “Here & Never Found” from the album “No Blue Thing” -- Amazon, iTunes “What to Remember to Be Happy” from the album “Truth is the Only Profound” -- iTunes “Pastorale” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “Falling in the Garden” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “Celestial Soda Pop” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes This episode is brought to you by Madison Reed (www.madison-reed.com) a...

Mar 21, 2018•23 min•Ep. 4

Chapter 3: The Accusations and The Radiant Presence

The group becomes infamous. Music by Ray Lynch: “Falling in the Garden” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “Celestial Soda Pop” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “Rhythm in the Pews” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes This episode is brought to you by Madison Reed (www.madison-reed.com).

Mar 14, 2018•29 min•Ep. 3

Chapter 2: Origin Myths

How a guy from Long Island became ‘the original giver king.' Music by Ray Lynch: “Falling in the Garden” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “The Oh of Pleasure” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “Rhythm in the Pews” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “Your Feeling Shoulders” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes “No Blue Thing” from the album “No Blue Thing” -- Amazon, iTunes “Falling in the Garden” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amaz...

Mar 07, 2018•25 min•Ep. 2

Chapter 1: Waking Up

This episode begins a deeply personal investigation into Franklin Jones, a spiritual leader accused of being a cult leader. The narrator uncovers old journals and family history to understand how their parents, Kathleen and Thomas, came to follow Jones. It traces their individual quests for truth and meaning amidst the social upheavals of the 1960s and 70s, leading them to meet each other and ultimately embrace Jones's radical philosophy.

Feb 28, 2018•26 min•Ep. 1

Coming Soon: Dear Franklin Jones

Jonathan Hirsch's family had a secret. They followed a controversial spiritual leader named Franklin Jones. Join Hirsch as he embarks on a journey to figure out his past. Subscribe to Dear Franklin Jones now and hear the first episode on February 28th. More info at dearfranklinjones.com.

Feb 13, 2018•4 min

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