KQED's Forum Forum From the Archives: Jonathan Hirsch on Losing His Father to 'A Cult and Dementia'
May 26, 2025
Jonathan Hirsch, an award-winning radio producer and founder of Neon Hum, dives deep into the complexities of his childhood in a cult environment. He shares his journey of grappling with his father's dementia while intertwined with cult legacies. Hirsch reflects on the struggles of caregiving against the backdrop of estrangement and personal aspirations. He highlights the emotional toll on the 'sandwich generation' juggling aging parents and young children, advocating for improved support for families facing these unique challenges.
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Guru's Cardboard Cutout at Home
- Jonathan Hirsch grew up in a home where his parents worshipped their guru Franklin Jones, even keeping a cardboard cutout of him on the couch.
- His spiritual practice involved meditating in front of this image, illustrating how the guru dominated their family life.
Guru's Evolution to Deity
- Charismatic 70s gurus like Franklin Jones blended Eastern mysticism with Western culture to attract followers.
- Over time, Jones shifted from teaching compassion to positioning himself as a divine figure, requiring worship from his followers.
Father's Ultimatum at Age 12
- At age 12, Jonathan's father demanded he either quit basketball to join their spiritual group or find another place to live.
- Under pressure, Jonathan adopted the group's spiritual philosophy, gaining rare emotional validation from his father.