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.
…
continue reading
To some he was an enlightened master, and to others a dangerous cult leader. One thing’s for sure, the spiritual leader Rama was a product of the 80s: designer clothes, a rock band, sports cars and a modern message were only some of the things that made Rama a fascinating and complex teacher. Host Jonathan Hirsch explores his life and untimely death. Smoke Screen is an investigative documentary series on people with complex motives and morals. Follow characters on the fringes of society - co ...
…
continue reading
“The History of the World’s Greatest Nightclubs.” From London Audio, iHeartRadio, and executive producer Paris Hilton. Hosted by Ultra Naté, this is a 12-part podcast exploring how different clubs around the world revolutionized the way we party. How they ushered in the birth of new genres and became hotspots for political activism. But above all how they created space for people to escape the world around them, to lose themselves in the music and leave it all on the dance floor. Nightclubs ...
…
continue reading
A tragic double suicide. A teenager suspiciously drowned. A mother and her childhood nanny drive off a cliff. Between 1979 and 1989, a dozen people died under mysterious circumstances, with one thing in common: a connection to a spiritual leader in Dallas, Texas named Terri Hoffman. In Scary Terri, investigative reporter Jonathan Hirsch unravels the web of lies, manipulation, and dubious deeds that surround Hoffman. A dark Texas Gothic about the Charlie Manson you’ve never heard of. Scary Te ...
…
continue reading
Every other week, Rabbi Ammi Hirsch hosts intellectually honest conversations unpacking current events through the lens of Jewish wisdom and values. Unbound by politics and untethered by party lines, Ammi and his distinguished guests discuss everything from foreign affairs and antisemitism to politics and pop culture. This show is recorded from New York’s Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, a historic Reform congregation deeply rooted in liberalism, support for Israel and social justice.
…
continue reading

1
Film & TV, The Creative Process: Acting, Directing, Writing, Cinematography, Producers, Composers, Costume Design, Talk Art & Creativity
Acting, Directing, Writing, Cinematography Producing Conversations: Creative Process Original Series
Film & TV episodes of the popular The Creative Process podcast. We speak to actors, directors, writers, cinematographers & variety of behind the scenes creatives about their work and how they forged their creative careers. To listen to ALL arts & creativity episodes of “The Creative Process · Arts, Culture & Society”, you’ll find our main podcast on Apple: tinyurl.com/thecreativepod, Spotify: tinyurl.com/thecreativespotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! Exploring the fascinating minds o ...
…
continue reading
The student body president of UC Santa Barbara and a proud Zionist, Tessa Veksler faced a barrage of hate and narrowly survived an attempt to oust her from office. Her experience is both a warning for young Jews heading to campus and an example of what real leadership looks like. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-r…
…
continue reading
At the trial, the prosecution scores a win from a surprising witness: the defendant’s mother. She’s been asked to help convict her son, but it’s unclear whether it will be enough to put Daisy’s killer behind bars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
…
continue reading

1
Exploring Trauma, Healing & the Creative Process with Author LIZ MOORE - Highlights
12:13
12:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:13“I think income inequality really greatly contributes to the rage that people might feel, even as some Americans won't. What don't recognize that a more communal society might benefit them. What they see instead is, why don't I have what that person has? Something's getting in my way. And it's not a lack of, of community, it's: somebody else is kee…
…
continue reading

1
Family, Addiction & Overcoming Trauma - LIZ MOORE on Long Bright River starring AMANDA SEYFRIED
49:08
49:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:08“ I've lived in Philadelphia for about 16 years. The book itself was inspired by my time spent in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia interviewing a lot of the people that I met there, both longtime residents of the neighborhood and also people who were transient, a lot of people struggling with addiction and a lot of women doing sex work…
…
continue reading
Daisy’s friends and family receive a shocking tip in an Instagram DM about the suspect’s whereabouts. It completely upends their understanding about where he’s been hiding all these months. They send the tip to detectives, and a day later, they finally see their dogged efforts pay off: The suspect is caught. But his long-awaited arrest marks the st…
…
continue reading

1
PAUL LYNCH discusses Prophet Song, Beyond the Sea & his Creative Process - Highlights
18:19
18:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:19"The country spoke Irish largely before it spoke English. Grammatically, the structure of Irish is different from English. As Ireland adopted the English language, this sort of hybridization started to occur, where the English language was placed on top of Irish grammatical constructions. You get this slipperiness, this ability to move sentences, t…
…
continue reading
Israeli politics have become increasingly complicated and divisive. The Times of Israel's founding editor and returning guest David Horovitz helps us understand Israel’s internal and external struggles — the unifying fabric of Israeli society and the major debates pulling at the seams. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-…
…
continue reading

1
On Storytelling, Film & The Human Condition w/ Booker Prize Winner, Fmr. Film Journalist PAUL LYNCH
48:39
48:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:39 “We narrate the story of our lives to ourselves. We narrate it in linear fashion. And I know many writers have played with time in all sorts of amazing ways, but we're storytellers. This is what we do. And if you give the brain a story, a prepackaged story, you're giving a cheesecake. That's what it wants. That's why it loves stories. That's why o…
…
continue reading
Once the social media posts go viral, the detectives on the case start feeling the pressure to solve it. They get calls from TikTok tipsters at all hours of the day and night reporting sightings of the suspect all over California and the Western United States. After continuously striking out, the detectives decide to take a cue from Daisy’s communi…
…
continue reading

1
The Dark Trail of Sandra Bridewell - Dead Husbands & Stolen Identities
4:50
4:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:50She had a million-dollar smile and a trail of dead men behind her— who was Sandra Bridewell? Host and investigative report Cooper Moll exposes the secrets of the 'black widow' on Fatal Beauty - the latest true crime series to drop on The Binge. Search for Fatal Beauty wherever you get your podcasts to start listening today. Subscribers to The Binge…
…
continue reading
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.By Witness Docs
…
continue reading
After Daisy’s friends and family make TikToks and Instagram posts revealing the name and photos of her suspected killer, their community bands together to start looking for him — and becomes terrified by potential sightings. Some see the manhunt as a personal mission: a crucial opportunity to avenge Daisy’s killing and bring her murderer to justice…
…
continue reading

1
ADAM MOSS - Fmr. Editor of New York Magazine, Author, Artist on Creativity as a Process - Highlights
14:23
14:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:23“When I was working at the Times and the Times Magazine, on one Tuesday morning, the towers fell. September 11, 2001. The magazine had a 10-day lead time, so it was a weekly that was essentially 10 days old by the time it came out. We came to work and realized the world had changed, and the entire process, the magazine had been made for over a hund…
…
continue reading
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.…
…
continue reading
Daisy’s friends, relatives, and neighbors are stunned by her senseless murder. Detectives look for answers, but their investigation stalls when they realize there are no witnesses and no reliable surveillance footage. As the months go by, Daisy’s community grows impatient and decides to take matters into their own hands. If the police won’t identif…
…
continue reading
Rabbi Ammi Hirsch is the guest on this special episode hosted by David Harris, past CEO of the American Jewish Committee and Jewish Broadcasting Service TV's strategic analyst. Ammi discusses the state of American Reform Judaism and the new reality liberal Jews face in the wake of October 7th. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-thes…
…
continue reading
Daisy’s friends remember her as a tough but caring, big-hearted teenager who overcame significant obstacles from a young age. She always put on a smile no matter what, was quick to lend a hand to those in need, and often prioritized her friends and loved ones’ problems before her own. But her life began to change in high school, and before anyone r…
…
continue reading
In February 2021, 19-year-old Daisy De La O had a lot to be excited about: She’d recently started a new job, she’d saved up enough money to buy a car, and was on the verge of earning her associate’s degree. She dreamed of opening a makeup and tattoo business someday. But those dreams were shattered when she got a text message while watching T.V. wi…
…
continue reading
After getting an early morning call about a body at an apartment complex, police officers canvass the area and interview the neighbors for clues. Detectives suspect it’s a so-called “body dump,” especially since nobody at the apartment complex seems to have heard anything the night before, and nobody recognizes the victim. That is, until a 13-year-…
…
continue reading
There's something so Jewish about using laughter to cope. British comedian, public thinker and author David Baddiel finds the humor in the world, discussing everything from comedy to antisemitism to politics. And he makes plenty of jokes. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…
…
continue reading
How has feminism changed in light of the way we live now? DEAN SPADE (Author of Love in a F*cked Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up & Raise Hell Together) on recognizing political conditions in personal relationships. MARILYN MINTER (Artist, Feminist) on sexual agency, beauty & her creative process. TEY MEADOW (Author of Trans Kids: Bein…
…
continue reading
The chair of urban warfare studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, retired U.S. Army Major John Spencer discusses the uniquely and unprecedentedly evil tactics that Hamas has employed in Gaza to maximize civilian casualties and collateral damage in pursuit of its political and military goals. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.c…
…
continue reading

1
Inside the Mind of PETER WELLER, Actor, Art Historian, Director, Musician, Author - Highlights
13:57
13:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:57Peter Weller is a renowned theater and Hollywood actor. His performances in films such as RoboCop and Naked Lunch garnered him much critical and commercial success over the years. His television acting and directing credits include Sons of Anarchy, Dexter, and 24. Unbeknownst to most, Weller has spent decades honing his appreciation for the visual …
…
continue reading

1
From RoboCop to the Renaissance w/ Actor, Art Historian, Director, Musician, Author PETER WELLER
1:11:27
1:11:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:27“I met Miles backstage at the Hollywood Bowl—the last gig he ever played. Miles asked, “Who’s that white boy?” I introduced him to Bob Thiele Jr., whose father produced Coltrane. When Miles discovered this, he said, “Well, you can hang,” following this friendly gesture with me walking Miles to his car. I did not know he was dying. I kissed him on b…
…
continue reading
After 19-year-old Daisy De La O was murdered outside her Compton apartment, her friends and family looked to authorities to make an arrest. When that didn’t happen, they took matters into their own hands. Their secret weapon? TikTok. The online videos spawned an international manhunt, rallying amateur detectives to do something radical: Help catch …
…
continue reading
Martin Luther King Jr.'s biographer felt like people were yearning to strip away the mythology surrounding the civil rights leader and reconnect with his humanity. Jonathan Eig brings King back into focus — as a religious leader and a social justice activist — and discusses the evolution of the Black-Jewish partnership in the years after King's ass…
…
continue reading

1
The Creative Process w/ JULIE ANDREWS, PAUL SCHRADER, JOHN PATRICK SHANLEY, ETGAR KERET, JOY GORMAN WETTELS, CHAYSE IRVIN, MANUEL BILLETER
14:03
14:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:03JULIE ANDREWS (Oscar, Tony & Pulitzer Prize-winning Actress & Singer · The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins) Andrews shares her experience working on Mary Poppins, revealing behind-the-scenes secrets about the character. She reminisces about her collaboration with Walt Disney and Tony Walton. ETGAR KERET (Cannes Film Festival Award-winning Director & A…
…
continue reading
Two more women, under Terri’s influence, die. But, how can you hold her accountable, if they die by suicide, not homicide? Binge all episodes of Scary Terri, ad-free today by subscribing to The Binge. Visit The Binge Cases show page on Apple Podcasts and hit ‘subscribe’ or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access. The Binge – feed your true crime obsess…
…
continue reading

1
1. The Mysterious Death of Devereaux Cleaver
38:03
38:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:03In 1979, 14-year-old Devereaux Cleaver vanished at sea. Was it an accident? Or part of a sick and deadly conspiracy? After her death, something suspicious happens that points the finger at Terri Hoffman. Binge all episodes of Scary Terri, ad-free today by subscribing to The Binge. Visit The Binge Cases show page on Apple Podcasts and hit ‘subscribe…
…
continue reading
Coming soon to The Binge, it's Scary Terri. A tragic double suicide. A teenager suspiciously drowned. A mother and her childhood nanny drove off a cliff. Between 1979 and 1989, a dozen people died under mysterious circumstances, with one thing in common: a connection to a spiritual leader in Dallas, Texas named Terri Hoffman. In Scary Terri, invest…
…
continue reading
An expert on foreign affairs, Prof. Walter Russel Mead thinks we're heading into uniquely unstable times. He offers a historical analysis of America's relationship with the Jews, the Jewish state, and how the U.S. approaches the rest of the world. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…
…
continue reading

1
Relationships, Writing, Dyselxia & The Creative Process w/ Director SOPHIE BROOKS
10:20
10:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:20“In reality, we're all complex people with feelings and our own sets of baggage. I do think we are very good at self-sabotage, all of us. It's a very easy road to go down. It's safe because it's comfortable, and we know it. When you can find the ways you self-sabotage and try to stop that, it will hopefully lead to a happier life and things that ar…
…
continue reading

1
Modern Love - Writer, Director SOPHIE BROOKS on her new film OH, HI!
49:12
49:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:12 What is love? How do the relationships we have early in our lives affect us for years to come? How can we break free from cycles of damage to form relationships of mutual understanding, respect, and love? Sophie Brooks is a London-born, Brooklyn-based writer and director. Her sophomore feature Oh, Hi! premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.…
…
continue reading

1
From Spy Thrillers to Police Dramas w/ Writer, Creator, Showrunner ALEXI HAWLEY
13:08
13:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:08“There used to be a time when leading men were okay with falling down as a character. Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones is a prime example of that. Even going back to the fifties, they understood that failure and falling down, but getting back up, is an endearing quality. It's a universal human quality. We have gotten to a point in the last 10 or 15 y…
…
continue reading

1
Behind the Scenes of The Rookie & The Recruit w/ Showrunner ALEXI HAWLEY
40:43
40:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:43How can we improve the way we train and recruit police officers? Can TV dramas serve as positive models for policing and help foster community? Alexi Hawley is the creator of ABC’s The Rookie, starring Nathan Fillion, and Netflix's The Recruit, an espionage drama starring Noah Centineo that, in season two, explores the legal defense tactic 'graymai…
…
continue reading