Dear Franklin Jones

Dear Franklin Jones

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.

Episodes

July 7, 2025 6 mins

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.

Mark as Played

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

Mark as Played
April 22, 2025 8 mins
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.
Mark as Played
April 11, 2025 2 mins
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.
Mark as Played
April 11, 2018 21 mins

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...

Mark as Played
April 4, 2018 21 mins

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,...

Mark as Played
March 28, 2018 27 mins

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...

Mark as Played
March 21, 2018 23 mins

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 e...

Mark as Played

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).

Mark as Played
March 7, 2018 24 mins

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, iTune...

Mark as Played
February 28, 2018 26 mins

My mom and dad find each other. And Franklin Jones. For more info, go to dearfranklinjones.com.

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

 

This episode is brought to you by Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/jones.

To listen to all of Dear Franklin Jones now without ads, sub...

Mark as Played
February 13, 2018 3 mins

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.

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.