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cover of episode Forum From the Archives: Jonathan Hirsch on Losing His Father to 'A Cult and Dementia'

Forum From the Archives: Jonathan Hirsch on Losing His Father to 'A Cult and Dementia'

2025/5/26
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KQED's Forum
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Jonathan Hirsch discusses his childhood growing up in a cult in San Francisco and Marin. His parents' devotion to their guru, Franklin Jones, significantly impacted his upbringing, leading to a unique and challenging experience.
  • Childhood in idyllic setting contrasted with cult life at home
  • Cardboard cutout of guru as a central element of worship
  • Parents' involvement in the cult and its impact on family life

Shownotes Transcript

In his popular podcast “Dear Franklin Jones,” radio producer Jonathan Hirsch  tried to make sense of a childhood dominated by his parents’ spiritual guru.  In a new memoir he more deeply explores his relationship with his father and the complexity  of providing care for a parent who didn’t take care of him.  We talk to him about his audio memoir, “The Mind is Burning: Losing My Father to a Cult and Dementia.”

Guests:

**Jonathan Hirsch, **podcast producer; author of the audiobook memoir, "The Mind Is Burning: Losing my Father to a Cult and Dementia"

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