Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries
Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons are a bit of a mystery. Countless books and movies only fuel the mystery behind this "ancient craft." But to many people in need, the Masons are no mystery. Whether it's cancer research, children's healthcare, elder services, scholarships, or numerous other philanthropic ventures, Minnesota Freemasons have become synonymous with building community and giving back to the greater good.
Join Reed Endersbe (Grand Lodge of Minnesota) and John Schwietz (CEO, Minnesota Masonic Charities) as they explore the many unique things about Freemasonry in Minnesota.
Episodes
117 episodes
Episode 117: The “If” Philosophy (ft. Tyler Ecklund-Kouba)
Initiated in 1886 at Hope and Perseverance Lodge No. 782, Bro. Rudyard Kipling never formally called “If” a Masonic poem—yet it endures as a powerful guide for any young man seeking who he ought to become.In this episode, Tyler Ecklund-K...
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36:41
Episode 116: 18:53 Working Tools Series: Career-Life Equilibrium
How does one maintain work/life balance in an age of Smartphones and digital communication? Even when you’re “off the clock,” bosses and colleagues message you at any time. General George Marshall found a way to adhere to the 24-inc...
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11:33
Episode 115: Fulfillment (ft. Jamie Langenbrunner)
“We all make up expectations of what things are supposed to be like and what they’re supposed to look like when you accomplish it.” This week we’re off to the playoffs with Minnesota-born Jamie Langenbrunner. Wooden hockey sticks, t...
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46:31
Episode 114: Presence (ft. Maynard Edwards)
This week we’re on the road at the “Rite Works” Conference in Las Vegas, and what a treat to sit down with the one-and-only Maynard Edwards. “Just because the fraternity has contracted in size doesn't mean that its influence needs t...
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50:22
Episode 113. 18:53 Working Tools Series: Thurgood Marshall
Thurgood Marshall embodied the highest ideals of justice, equality, and brotherhood. Best known as the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice, his impact reached far beyond the bench. After graduating first in his class f...
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10:03
Episode 112. Move Your Feet (ft. Paul Martin)
A supporter of the Masonic Children’s Hospital and founder of the Shine a Ligh7 Foundation, Gopher alum, Olympian, and NHL veteran Paul Martin shares his life journey. We discuss the transition from player to coach, the joy of learn...
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51:53
Episode 111. Leadership: A Lifelong Journey (ft. Jeff Wiser)
Ahead of this weekend’s Leadership Academy, we welcome Jeff Wiser and discuss a wide range of topics: the power of saying “yes,” navigating advanced cancer, and seizing opportunities in life. From the early stages of development to ...
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32:07
Episode 110. Am I a Burden? (ft. Sol Ryan)
How do you "get" by giving something up?Everyone has something in life with which they struggle or need help. Why do we insist on going it alone? This week we sit down with our pal, Sol Ryan, and dig deep into the healing power of sharin...
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48:27
Episode 109. The Nudge (ft. Douglas J. Campbell)
Join us for a legend’s journey with the great Doug Campbell. We chat sequential decades of Annual Communications, proficiency of the MN Masonic Code, and the positive power of encouragement to fellow Brothers. “The monitor exam…that...
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35:08
Episode 108. 18:53 Working Tools Series: A Lifelong Commitment
The initiatory process within Freemasonry is a journey of self-discovery. Each degree dispenses a new teaching that can help create a worthy Brother who will positively impact his family, lodge, and community. However, this doesn’t happen in a ...
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9:15
Episode 107. Are You A Traveling Man? (ft. Lewis Bradley)
There are no strangers in Freemasonry, only friends you’ve yet to meet. This week we have an impromptu chat with Bro. Lewis Bradley about Masonic travel and the lasting impact of a warm welcome. Lewis became a Master Mason in 2024 and shares hi...
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21:21
Episode 106. The Details (ft. Bill Schoonover and Ben Lacy)
The Masonic Lodge is a sacred space where you can feel at home: safe, accepted, and able to talk about anything. Confronting “real life” topics in a Lodge setting requires us to be students of brotherhood. Are you feeding your stre...
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45:45
Episode 105. 18:53 Working Tools Series: Eureka!
Pythagoras, the man and myth, was a pioneer. He was the first to call himself a philosopher. He spiritualized mathematics and believed that numbers are the basis of all science and philosophy. He applied mathematics to his studies of geometry, ...
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14:30
Episode 104. The Value Of An Ordinary Life
Grab the bread, salt, and wine – we’re delving deeper into some of the more subtle lessons contained within “It’s A Wonderful Life,” an enduringly complex piece of cinema. To truly appreciate the meaning of Christmastime, our friend...
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7:38
Episode 103. Mixed Feelings Season (ft. Peter Hubbard)
This is a challenging time of year: family drama, loneliness/grief, financial strain, increased anxiety/depression, and overwhelming schedules. It’s okay to have others help you along the way. This week we sit down with our pal Pete...
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44:28
Episode 102: Shared Purpose (ft. Derrick Fountain)
Grab your fedora – here comes a true sartorialist. Derrick Fountain outlines the power of personalized connection, managing change, and accountability of lodge officers. Creating a lodge calendar requires some strategy, but what does that look ...
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48:41
Episode 101. 18:53 Working Tools Series: Time
What time is it? When you check your phone to see what time it is in another country, when airlines synchronize international flight schedules, when financial markets trade across continents—all of this traces back to a long night s...
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10:58
Episode 100. Building Connection & Trust: It Starts with You
To celebrate 100 episodes, we break down one of the biggest insights we’ve learned so far: the foundation of Blue Lodge is built on authentic relationships, everything else sits on top. Lodges today are facing the same challenges se...
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40:40
Episode 99. Trajectory (ft. Marc Lovin)
How do we set up the Masonic journey to be a success?“We say it, but do we actually do it?” Former Army Intelligence Analyst and Minnesota transplant via Texas and Tennessee: it’s Marc Lovin. Newport No. 118's Senior Warden w...
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47:16
Episode 98. 18:53 Working Tools Series “Carriers of the Flame”
Our incredibly insightful Grand Lodge Education Officer Brad Phelps asks the tough questions and shares several thoughts worth pondering. Transformation takes time, along with a willingness to do the important work. “Ho...
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6:08
Episode 97. Veterans Day (ft. Lloyd Cheney)
“What am I going to do today to make myself a better Mason?” Retired U.S. Army combat Veteran, recipient of the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and dedicated servant leader Lloyd Cheney joins us in studio. From a lengthy deployment to a...
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48:23
Episode 96. Charity = Love (ft. Brian Beermann)
“The heart of charity is the love we extend to each other.” Get your Cipher out: it’s Brian Beermann. Applying the lessons, collaboration, training your successor, and knowing that consistency is essential to lodge success.
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56:50
Episode 95. 18:53 Working Tools Series: The Badge of a Mason
As important as the square and compass are to us as Masons, they are not our primary symbols. This week we take a closer look at what is an outward and visible symbol of an inward and spiritual grace.Back by popular demand, we delve into...
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8:10
Episode 94. What Care Looks Like (Minnesota Masonic Home)
This week it’s some of the greats: Jonathan Ruiz, Anna McCleary, Stacey Brown, and Alex Lee from our Masonic Home. Compassionate, quality care is our mission, but what does it take to maintain such a highly rated care facility? Hear...
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38:59