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Jun 11, 2025 1 hr 7 min

The Mind Is Burning with Jonathan Hirsch

from IndoctriNation Hosted by Rachel Bernstein

In this thought-provoking episode, Rachel welcomes back Jonathan Hirsch, an award-winning podcast producer and founder of Neon Hum Media, to discuss his powerful journey growing up in a cult led by Franklin Jones. Jonathan shares his experiences of navigating the complexities of being raised in a high-control environment, and the emotional turmoil that comes with caring for a parent who was both a figure of authority and a source of conflict. As Jonathan reflects on his childhood, he delves into the challenges of reconciling his upbringing with his current role as a father. He candidly discusses the lack of emotional connection he experienced with his parents and how that influenced his understanding of parenting. Jonathan's insights reveal the struggle many children of cults face when trying to find their own identity and parenting style in the absence of healthy role models. Throughout the conversation, Rachel and Jonathan explore themes of moral injury, the quest for healing, and the importance of recognizing the impact of trauma on familial relationships. Jonathan's new memoir, The Mind is Burning: Losing My Father to a Cult and Dementia, provides a deeper look into his journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the complexities of cult dynamics and the lasting effects on those who grow up within them. Find out more about Jonathan and his work here: https://www.neonhum.com/ Purchase Jonathan's new book here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Mind-Is-Burning/Jonathan-Hirsch/9781797190464 Connect with us on social media: https://linktr.ee/indoctrination Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about

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The Life After Podcast The Life After Podcast, Brady Hardin Conversations with Courageous People Deconstructing Christian Beliefs | Brady Hardin interviews guests about their faith deconstruction, unraveling religious indoctrination, spiritual abuse experiences, religious trauma, the rebuilding of a personal community after leaving Christian Fundamentalism, and much more. Explicit Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism Andrew Pledger Join Andrew Pledger in exposing Bob Jones University, a school known for its culture of indoctrination and control. BJU is a fundamentalist Christian college with roots in white supremacy and authoritarianism. The monthly podcast features survivors' stories from the university, and its affiliated churches, camps, and day schools. The show also explores BJU's influence beyond the university and its impact on American society. This show is a continuation of the limited series "Surviving BJU: A Christian Cult.” Join my Patreon for bonus episodes and other exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger My Linktree: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links/ See <a sty Explicit Adventures in Ideology Adventures in Ideology Exploring the personal impacts of evangelical childhood indoctrination Explicit The Life Breed Network David Jeremiah (Pneuma) Do you desire growth in the knowledge of God and His Word? God has blessed you and brought you into His comfort. This is purely based on the teaching of the scripture and indoctrination of the truth of God's Word, alive in the hearts and minds of believers causing growth and tremendous transformation in their lives. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-life-breed-network--5884549/support. Explicit

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This episode is 1 hour and 7 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 11, 2025.

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