Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries
Relatable discussions about Freemasonry and taking agency over your life. Unafraid of vulnerability in the pursuit of authentic friendship and personal growth.
Episodes
138 episodes
Episode 138: Charity Isn’t Loud (ft. Todd Mayer)
Why is charitable giving so important to us? Giving back and serving those in need is an essential part of putting the principles of Freemasonry into action.This week, we sit down with Todd Mayer to explore the pursuit of something great...
Episode 137: 18:53 Working Tools Series - Empty Seats
Each empty seat in a lodge room tells a story, if we are willing to see it. “Freemasonry has always been about caring for each other, and an absent Brother still can be living our Masonic values at home, at work, and in his communit...
Episode 136: Dig Deeper (ft. Drew Evenson)
"Nothing's ever as hard as you think, it's just what you're willing to do to get there."This week, we're joined by cancer warrior Drew Evenson for an inspiring conversation about resilience, gratitude, and the power of community.D...
Episode 135: Distilling Wisdom (ft. Dr. Jim Rice)
Artificial intelligence is reshaping nearly every aspect of our lives—but what if it could help detect dementia before symptoms appear?This week, we're honored to welcome Dr. Jim Rice to the Masonic Lounge for a fascinating conversation ...
Episode 134: “The Change” (ft. Dr. Laura Mayer)
This week, we’re taking on a challenging topic—one that many men haven’t been given much guidance on how to navigate.As we pursue the Masonic goal of becoming better versions of ourselves, how can we better support our wives, partners, a...
Episode 133: 18:53 Working Tools Series – Order of DeMolay
Who was Frank S. Land and how exactly did DeMolay International come to be? This week we welcome DGM Chuck Brust and Bro. Kaidyn Troy to the Masonic Lounge. This is an informative discussion that highlights how DeMolay has helped boys become me...
Episode 132: What Happens Next? (ft. Mike Sanford)
Michael Sanford is a product development specialist, next-generation data center expert, Freemason, and family man. Today we get to go through some of his professional background, life & lodge perspective, and the opportunity ah...
Episode 131: Health = Wealth (ft. Aaron Brendel & Paul Smith)
Entering middle age isn’t just another milestone — it’s an opportunity to take a closer look at your health and make intentional choices that shape the years ahead.For many men, the 40s bring significant changes as the risk of silent, ch...
Episode 130: 18:53 Working Tools Series - American Civic Life
Throughout history, Masonic publications and early newspaper accounts have reflected a lasting public curiosity about the relationship between Freemasonry and government.In this episode, we explore the research of Masonic historian Chris...
Episode 129: Time Well Spent (ft. Justin Ortega)
In this episode, we welcome Justin Ortega, a proud Marine Corps veteran and Director of Programs and Events for Grand Lodge and Minnesota Masonic Charities. Known for his discipline, dedication, and commitment to service, he brings unique insig...
Episode 128: “Because of the Masons” (ft. Dr. Zohar Sachs)
“I feel I owe it all to the Masons, and I'm not overstating it. If I didn't have the startup or pilot funds, I wouldn't have been able to do anything.”Our Masonic Cancer Center’s very own, Dr. Zohar Sachs, joins us this week to discuss h...
Episode 127: Connection & Direction (ft. David Graham)
“Are you ready? The work’s about to start.”This week in the Masonic Lounge, we welcome David Graham back for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, service, and the enduring role of Masonic poetry in shaping who we are and what we aspi...
Episode 126: 18:53 Working Tools Series - Masonic Visionaries
How did Minneapolis secure its crown as one of America’s greatest park cities? It started with two men. This week, we profile Charles M. Loring—the "Father of Minneapolis Parks"—and Theodore Wirth, the legendary superintendent who d...
Episode 125: The Road Ahead (ft. Shawn Carrick)
This week we’re honored to welcome MWGM Shawn Carrick to the studio for a meaningful conversation on the heart of Masonry. Together, we explore everything from the importance of Masonic travel and the lasting relationships it builds, to strengt...
Episode 124: One Step at a Time (ft. Emma and Andrew Dimery)
“The folks at the Masonic Cancer Center were so incredible. I knew I had the best team, the best care, and the best treatment at my disposal.” Emma Dimery shares her remarkable story of a colon cancer diagnosis at age 23 and how a d...
Episode 123: 18:53 Working Tools Series - More Members!
After World War II, Freemasonry in the U.S. exploded in size—membership climbed to over four million by the late 1950s. But that wasn’t unique. Similar booms had happened before, and each time, the same issue followed.The organization wa...
Episode 122: The Company of Friends
Open mic: unscheduled guests. We took the show on the road to Waite Park for our Annual Communication April 17-18. Give this a listen, and thanks to all the brothers, guests, and members of the Masonic family who stopped by to chat....
Episode 121: Your Story (ft. Joan Steffend)
From the KARE 11 news desk to HGTV, Joan Steffend has spent her career sitting down with thousands of people and hearing their stories. That curiosity runs deep—she’s not just interested in understanding others, but in helping people better und...
Episode 120: Opportunity (ft. Mark Campbell)
We’re on the road this week at our Annual Communication in Waite Park, and who better to chat with than the esteemed Mark Campbell? We discuss the importance of staying curious, embracing new opportunities, and keeping your perspective fresh in...
Episode 119: 18:53 Working Tools Series: Restraint
The real power move in life is restraint. Just because you’re provoked or have the chance to react doesn’t mean you should. Real discipline is choosing not to act on impulse.Jackie Robinson is the ultimate example—someone who faced const...
Episode 118: Masonic Children’s Hospital (ft. Dr. Gwenyth Fischer)
This week, we’re joined by Dr. Gwen Fischer, a leading expert in Pediatric Critical Care at Masonic Children’s Hospital. She shares how she and her team are navigating the intersection of compassionate, human-centered care and the growing role ...
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...
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...