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.

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

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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.
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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.
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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...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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).

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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...

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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...

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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.

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