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
131 episodes
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...