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