The Masonic Mic

The Masonic Mic is a New Zealand podcast exploring Freemasonry through honest conversation, thoughtful education and the stories of the people who keep its traditions alive.

Hosted by Bros Dan Painter, Reuben Fisher and Worshipful Brother Tony Fallon, the show brings together three complementary perspectives: curiosity and reflection, practical lodge experience, and informed Masonic education. Together, they examine the history, symbolism, philosophy and everyday reality of Freemasonry, without pretending that every question has a tidy answer or that every meeting goes entirely according to plan.

Each episode features conversations with Freemasons and other interesting voices whose lives intersect with service, leadership, history, creativity, personal development and the wider community. Guests range from experienced Masonic leaders and educators to newer members finding their place, each offering a different view of what the Craft means in practice.

The Masonic Mic is not simply about offices, regalia or ritual. It is about the people beneath the aprons: what brought them to Freemasonry, what they have learned, where the organisation succeeds, where it can improve, and how its principles can remain useful in a changing world.

The tone is informed but informal, respectful but never overly solemn. Serious subjects sit comfortably beside candid stories, friendly disagreement and enough humour to remind everyone that Freemasons are still ordinary human beings, even when dressed in unusually elaborate formalwear.

Whether you are an experienced Mason, considering joining, interested in symbolism and history, or simply curious about what actually happens behind the lodge-room door, The Masonic Mic offers an open and distinctly Kiwi perspective on brotherhood, tradition and the continuing search for light.

The Masonic Mic — Masonic Frequency on Frequency.

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The Masonic Mic

The Fabric Of Society

September 03, 2026 • Masonic Frequency on Frequency.

0:00 | 37:54

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The Fabric Of Society

For nearly 150 years, Ashley Lodge No. 28 has been part of the life of Rangiora and North Canterbury.

Then the earthquakes came.

Its home in Percival Street was eventually condemned and demolished, leaving the Lodge without a permanent home for more than a decade. In that time, other New Zealand Constitution lodges across North Canterbury closed their doors for good.

Ashley kept going.

In this special episode of The Masonic Mic, we sit down with Bro. Bernard Fears and Bro. Roger Smith to hear the story of a Lodge that refused to disappear.

We talk about the loss of the old building, thirteen years of displacement, the brethren and widows Ashley has continued to care for, and the long search for somewhere to call home again.

Then came 15 Coronation Street.

An old community hall. A building with character. “The Fabric of Society” painted across it. Checkered floors. Bees. And, as it turned out, a builder who had himself been a member of Ashley Lodge and later served as its Worshipful Master.

Now Ashley has the opportunity to return home to Rangiora.

But there is still work to do.

This episode is about more than renovating a building. It is about identity, continuity, fellowship and what happens when a community loses the place where it gathers.

It is also the story of a group of Freemasons determined to make sure Ashley Lodge is not the next name added to the list of those that disappeared.

The Fabric Of Society
A story of loss, persistence, community — and the long road home.

Masonic Frequency on Frequency.

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