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
78 episodes
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
Episode 63. Chuck Brust
Now there’s a Mason’s Mason; it’s Chuck Brust. We talk technology and beyond: what it means to be an Enterprise IT Architect at Mayo Clinic, the all-new Lodge Historical Digitization Project (aka “scanning project”), and the Conference of Grand...
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43:12
Episode 62. KSTP's Joe Schmit
This week we sit down with Channel 5’s Joe Schmit who shares that through “silent impact,” we make our biggest impressions when we are not trying to be impressive. Success and happiness are not related to titles or how many awards one has recei...
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39:42
Episode 61. 18:53 Working Tools Series - Fulfilling our Masonic Obligations
This week we revisit the 18:53 Working Tools Series, and confront the challenge of how to truly “be there” for each other in the crucible of life. Is it possible to make the tenets of our profession verbs (actions) as opposed to nouns (abstract...
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5:43
Episode 60. On the Level (ft. Greg Vokovan)
Sisters and Brothers across the Masonic family, it’s our pal Greg Vokovan. Genealogy connections to the Split Rock Lighthouse, Navy adventures landing on an aircraft carrier, and the statewide outreach of the Fire Suppression program. Pop on yo...
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33:01
Episode 59. Seeking Balance in a Changing World
This week we welcome Brad Phelps back to the studio, who shares highlights from his recent article “Seeking Balance in a Changing World.” Collaboration, engagement, and connection: how do we maintain balance in a world that’s oversatur...
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22:16
Episode 58. 18:53 Working Tools Series - Ritual: why do we memorize?
With the One Day to Masonry approaching (1/18/25), we sit down with Al Golder and Arun Natarajan. Learn about the evolution of our work, from the early pioneer days in Minnesota to the 21st century. Consistency, uniformity, and accuracy: why is...
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17:34
Episode 57. Face It Foundation
Reed sits down with Mark Meier and Bill Dehkes from the Face It Foundation. Leveraging the power of peer support, Face It works with men to normalize life’s challenges and recover from anxiety, depression, and prevent suicide. “How ...
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38:54
Episode 56. 18:53 Working Tools Series - 10k Families Study
In this episode, Dr. Jen Poynter and Dr. Heather Nelson, leading experts in medical research at the Masonic Cancer Center, join us to discuss the "10,000 Families Study." We cover why it’s so important for you and your family to participate in ...
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15:56
Episode 55. Prince Hall Freemasonry (ft. Kymphus Muhammad & Tibyus Hill)
No strangers to authentic brotherhood: Kymphus Muhammad and Tibyus Hill from Anchor Hilyard Lodge No. 2 join us for a discussion of history, social capital, and collaboration in both lodge & community. “As people’s appetit...
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34:48
Episode 54. 18:53 Working Tools Series - Robert E. Denfeld
This week, our friend and Brother Kevin Hendrickson shares some of his insightful research into Robert Denfeld, Past Grand Master of Masons in Minnesota (1914). Well-known for his tireless commitment to public education, civic engag...
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11:16