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
86 episodes
Episode 86. 18:53 Working Tools Series: The Apprentice Pillar
What happens when the Master Mason fails to perform his duty of instructing the Entered Apprentice, and instead plots to discredit him and claim glory for himself? “Focused energy is a blessing. Unfocused anger and rage are destruct...
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7:00
Episode 85. Building Community (ft. Scott Glendenning & Steve Kaarbo)
Where do we begin the pursuit of authentic human connection and giving back to the greater good? “We find commonality…and connection comes out of that commonality.”Scott Glendenning and Steve Kaarbo share how their non-profit...
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29:14
Episode 84. Trust (ft. Reed Houge)
Our pal Reed Houge poses the question: how do you put yourself out there?“Every relationship, whether business or personal, starts with one thing: trust.” Born in Jamestown, ND, Reed served in the U.S. Army as an Avionics Tec...
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39:53
Episode 83. Priorities & Impact (ft. Brad Phelps)
“The truly impactful people? Their peers trust them, because of who they are…not what they say they are…but WHO they are.” There’s so much depth to our ritual when we reflect beyond just “the words.” This week we sit down with our G...
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43:29
Episode 82. “So Many Goodbyes” (ft. Karla Hult)
KARE 11’s Karla Hult is an Emmy, Edward R. Murrow, and Walter Cronkite award-winning journalist. Her favorite stories are those shared from the heart, including her award-winning documentary of her family’s own Alzheimer’s journey.“We ar...
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42:35
Episode 81. “Charity, Our Guiding Star” (ft. Paul Hodnefield)
Minnesota Masonic Charities was formed in 2006, but how did we get here? Author Paul Hodnefield breaks down the timeline of the three distinct stages of “Charity” in Minnesota and how it has guided us since our inception in the 1850s. ...
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41:09
Episode 80. Leadership (ft. Kathy Quick)
Minnesota takes pride in civic participation, but there’s a leadership deficit in our state. Leadership, as well as volunteering and charity, is crucial for addressing community needs and opportunities. How do we confront generation...
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51:59
Episode 79. Check your Ego (ft. Ben Lacy)
The pod gets electric when Ben Lacy shares perspective on respecting the 24-inch gauge, creating a bespoke Masonic experience, and the action necessary for authentic brotherhood. “Support the people that are working for the betterme...
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43:44
Episode 78. 18:53 Working Tools Series: The Patron Saints
Freemasonry isn’t and has never been a religious organization. It has always been open to members of all religions and faiths. However, the world into which it was born, in Enlightenment-era Europe, was a largely Christian one. As a result, man...
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5:35
Episode 77. The Effort Required (ft. Nate Smithson)
This week we sit down with our pal, Nate Smithson, and unpack the “Masonic experience”: proactive community engagement, the infinite mindset required for long-term success, our obligation, and more. “It’s always easy, isn't it…for u...
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57:04
Episode 76. Progress must "pro-gress"(ft. Sujit Varma)
”Does Masonry complement you, or does it define you?”This week we sit down with Dr. Sujit Varma and cover a wide variety of topics: the psychology of complaining, AI’s influences in our lives, and how to bridge the gap between embracing ...
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47:27
Episode 75. The Masonic Experience
What is the aim of our Labors? At times we are fixated on the efficient performance of what we’re already doing, and completely uninterested in what we’re missing out on. This week Reed welcomes fellow Regional Directors Markus Muel...
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40:16
Episode 74. 18:53 Working Tools Series – A.T.C. Pierson
Our Salute to Service continues with another installment of the 18:53 Working Tools Series. Did you know that Grand Master A.T.C. Pierson served in that position for nine years? Known as the “Father of Minnesota Freemasonry,” he faced innumerab...
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17:42
Episode 73. Salute to Service (ft. Gerald Rhoads)
We sit down with Gerald Rhoads – decorated Army pilot, retired businessman, and Past Grand Master – to explore the principles of compassion, selfless service, and the true value of history. “The purpose of studying and liking histor...
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39:41
Episode 72. Our Legacy of Impact
We are joined by Erin Elliott and Shawn Keenan (University of Minnesota Foundation). Hear how their day-to-day partnership with the Masons is making the lives of fellow Minnesotans better for tomorrow. Cancer research, ...
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34:31
Episode 71. 18:53 Working Tools Series – Why Blue?
“One of the mysteries of Masonry is the term we have for our lodges. They are called ‘blue’ lodges – but why?” On this episode, we revisit the incomparable writings of John L. Cooper, III.“The source of the symbolism...
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6:54
Episode 70. Masonry is a Way of Life (ft. John L. Cook, Jr.)
In this episode, Reed sits down with John L. Cook, Jr., Past Grand Master (2010). John recounts several life-changing experiences: growing up in Georgia, serving in Vietnam, graduating from Cornell University, and finding true purpose in life t...
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40:28
Episode 69. What's in a Name? (ft. David Graham)
David Graham poses a thought-provoking question in his 2025 Oration: “What’s in a name? When my name rolls off someone's tongue, what taste does it leave behind? If I am hoping to enjoy the happy reflections, consequent of a well spent life, I ...
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24:47
Episode 68. 18:53 Working Tools Series - The Beginning of Masonry in Minnesota
Minnesota’s first three Lodges and the Grand Lodge were formed by pioneers who had tremendous difficulties to overcome. They were handicapped by lack of money, buildings, equipment, transportation facilities and by both open and hidden oppositi...
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9:54
Episode 67. A Warrior's Story (ft. Mike Neeson)
Meet Mike Neeson, a busy family man, husband, and father of two. In 2008, he received a stage IV colorectal cancer diagnosis. Mike shares his journey of peaks and valleys: over sixty weeks of chemotherapy, numerous setbacks, and overcoming the ...
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43:08
Episode 66. Slow Sustainable Progress (ft. Clinton Christensen)
Every once in a while, we sit down with a true Renaissance man: our very own Clinton Christensen. The youngest of 14 kids, an accomplished French Horn player, show choir singer, and certified EMT. Can you say well-rounded? Reed and ...
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37:30
Episode 65. 18:53 Working Tools Series - The Wardens’ Columns
“There are two peculiar pieces of equipment in a Masonic lodge that have no explanation in our ritual. Masonic scholars have reached no conclusions as to the origin, function or purpose of the wardens’ columns.” This week we dive in...
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6:53
Episode 64. Social Media (ft. Ethan Seaberg)
Reed sits down with Past Grand Master and current Regional Director (South), Ethan Seaberg. They discuss the social media echo chamber, the paradox of technology, and the power of silence and circumspection. When it comes to our Mas...
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19:17