Dear Franklin Jones

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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.

  • 6 minutes 22 seconds
    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.

    7 July 2025, 5:37 pm
  • 19 minutes 2 seconds
    The Mind Is Burning: Chapter 1

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

    13 May 2025, 4:12 pm
  • 8 minutes 13 seconds
    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.
    22 April 2025, 7:00 am
  • 2 minutes 10 seconds
    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.
    11 April 2025, 5:15 pm
  • 21 minutes 6 seconds
    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 more info, go to dearfranklinjones.com.

    11 April 2018, 7:01 am
  • 21 minutes 37 seconds
    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” -- Amazon, iTunes

     

    This episode is brought to you by Madison Reed (www.madison-reed.com), Acer (www.acer.com), and Casper (www.casper.com)

    4 April 2018, 7:01 am
  • 27 minutes 59 seconds
    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 brought to you by Madison Reed (www.madison-reed.com) and Acer (www.acer.com).

    28 March 2018, 7:01 am
  • 23 minutes 22 seconds
    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) and Acer (www.acer.com).

    21 March 2018, 7:01 am
  • 28 minutes 31 seconds
    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).

    14 March 2018, 7:01 am
  • 24 minutes 32 seconds
    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” -- Amazon, iTunes

    “Celestial Soda Pop” from the album “Deep Breakfast” -- Amazon, iTunes

     

    This episode is brought to you by Madison Reed (madison-reed.com).

    To listen to all of Dear Franklin Jones now without ads, subscribe to Stitcher Premium.

    7 March 2018, 8:01 am
  • 26 minutes 4 seconds
    Chapter 1: Waking Up

    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, subscribe to Stitcher Premium.

    28 February 2018, 8:01 am
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