This week, an Entered Apprentice Degree – A man, divested of all metals except a court-ordered ankle monitor. In a shocking article, WB:. Darin A. Lahners lays out what happened in one particular Grand jurisdiction--the potential fallout and what it could mean for the future of Freemasonry. Then, the “Temporary Finale” to the Masonic Minute segments with Ill. Bro. Steven L. Harrison. With over 170 episodes of the Masonic Minute, Bro. Harrison is taking a hiatus. He leaves us with wise words to c...
Sep 12, 2022•39 min•Ep. 562
Join us this week for a wonderful episode featuring none other than Robert L.D. Cooper. You've seen him on television and read his books and papers. Thanks to our Legacy Partner, WB:. Christian Stebbins and the wonderful Bro. Robert (Bob) Howard. In this interview, we talk about the Scottish Origins of Freemasonry in America, the jurisdictional differences in education approaches, and a whole lot more. Stay tuned! Cracking the Freemasons Code https://amzn.to/3epHWiz Scottish Freemasons in Americ...
Sep 05, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 561
This week-- a quick review of Masonic Con Kansas, 2022. We'll hear about some of the highlights. Then I step aside and let WB:. Patrick Dey take center stage for an all-new Masonic MythBusters. Many esoteric Masons worldwide have cited Rudolph Steiner’s alternate Rosicrucian Hiramic legend. Some have taken it to heart, but where did Steiner get the ideas contained within his Rosicrucian Hiramic legend? This magical story of Hiram, who jumps into the fire, meets Tu-Ball Cain and is gifted the sec...
Aug 29, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 560
This week, we look at the MIddle Chamber Program through the eyes of Brother Randy Sanders. What is it? Where is it? And what's it all about? Then, in a short opinion piece, we ask, "What will Freemasons of the future write about the past? Are there Masonic heroes of today that they'll write about? All this and more, stay tuned! Links: Masonic Con Kansas Http://www.masonicconkansas.com Masonic Con South www.masonicconsouth.com Craftsman+ FB Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftsmanplus/ WC...
Aug 22, 2022•21 min•Ep. 559
This week, we ask the critical question, where did the magic go? That occult magick somehow permeates all Masonic ritual, and how can we get it back? Then, in all new Masonic Myth Busters, Brother Patrick Dey tackles one of the most challenging questions ever related to the fraternity. Albert Pike, racism and slavery. In this unapologetic, candid look at just the facts, Bro Dey takes a look at the numerous writings of Albert Pike. He determines precisely where the man and Masonic Titan stand. Th...
Aug 15, 2022•51 min•Ep. 558
This week we're talking about communications--in particular, how to effectively ensure that there are those who know what you want to do and what you don't. In addition, we've got a great new Masonic minute with Ill. Bro. Steve Harrison on Tim Horton--one of Hockey's greats. In this awesome segment, Steve goes through the ups and downs of a national sports hero. We'll also have a great piece by Darin Lahners on the recent York Rite education event in the state of Illinois. Don't miss it! Links: ...
Aug 08, 2022•31 min•Ep. 557
This week we’re talking about the Masonic Philosophy of George Washington. In previous episodes, we've explored George Washington's religion and specific notions of the founding fathers. The two-part series presented this week will dive even deeper. Then we'll read a 25-year-old article published in the Washington Post about Washington D.C.’s Map. From Satan to the Sphinx--the Masonic mysteries of DC. In this article, the author traces the various claims of notable and influential Americans to c...
Aug 01, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 556
This week, we examine a list of presidents who belong to various secret societies, the Freemasons, the Odd Fellows, and some others that you've likely never heard of. Then we'll explore George Washington’s various philosophies regarding religion and the United States. Was George Washington truly influenced to create a nation based on Masonic principles? The case seems overwhelmingly in the affirmative. Then we'll even have a short piece about presidential hauntings. That's right, the founders of...
Jul 25, 2022•45 min•Ep. 555
This week--can an infrared thermometer affect your pineal gland and destroy your third eye? (˵ ͠ಥ‿ ͠ಥ˵) Some conspiracy theorists say yes! We'll read a short article from Discover Magazine talking about just such a conspiracy. Then we'll explore the strange home of Aleister Crowley, Boleskine. What exactly happened there? What are the 115 demons that he unleashed? What happened after not one but two tragic fires occurred on the property formerly owned by Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page? How ca...
Jul 18, 2022•34 min•Ep. 554
This week, we tackle the first in a series of episodes and topics about little-known organizations and philosophical quirks. This week we're talking about Martinism. What is it? How many branches are there, and where did it come from? Then we'll talk about the luxury of anger, something Freemasons don't really have. In a piece by Kristine Wilson-Slack, she tells us exactly why. Then, Bro. Steve Harrison stops by for the Masonic Minute. We're all pretty familiar with the Morgan affair. We even kn...
Jul 11, 2022•56 min•Ep. 553
The Holiday of July 4th, Independence Day, is upon us. A holiday that has its roots and foundations in the ideas of freedom, liberty, and more. We’ll explore what writer and philosopher Thomas Payne had to say about American independence. We’ll then explore what Freemasonry has to do during its ritual work with the idea of freedom. We'll talk about the reason for the War of Independence—and what we get wrong about the American Revolution. Was it about taxes or representation? You'll need to list...
Jul 04, 2022•40 min•Ep. 552
This week, we’re talking about the fate of the Knights Templar. What happened in 1129 CE and then in 1307? We’ll follow this up with a look at a group that came before the Knight Templar, the Cathars, and then we will follow it up with a piece on the Merovingians. In a three-part series composed by Kristine Wilson-Slack, she explores all three of these groups and the connections they may or may not have to Freemasonry and their influence in the world today. Finally, we'll wrap it up with the qua...
Jun 27, 2022•46 min•Ep. 551
This week, we look at why a Masonic “Lodge” is also referred to as a “temple” and why it's not called a temple anymore or is it? In this philosophical look at the Temple versus Lodge debate, we’ll take apart both terms and see what they mean and how they are interchangeable and maybe not interchangeable--within the greater umbrella of Freemasonry. Then Ill. Bro. Steven L. Harrison stops by—this week, a fantastic journey stemming from the Grand Lodge of the state of Missouri. The One Grand Lodge ...
Jun 20, 2022•42 min•Ep. 550
This week--for immediate release--Information on the brand new and upcoming South Pasadena Masonic Con event happening this July. Who will be there? Where can you get the tickets? And what's included? Then, we'll take a deep dive into a three-part series on ancient Egyptian Religion --from creation to administration to the variance that exists from Kingdom to Kingdom. Through this exploration, we’ll understand the ancient Egyptians fascination and need for the mysteries. And finally, we'll wrap ...
Jun 13, 2022•48 min•Ep. 549
This week, do words have the power to manifest your individual or group realities? Watch your thoughts--they become words! We’ll look at the topic in an article on the power of the spoken word in Freemasonry. Then, a quick message from the WCY Podcast on this special month. Finally, we'll wrap it up with a short interview with RWB:. Alex Powers, all about the upcoming Masonic Con Kansas! Who's going to be there? What are the topics? Why is it unique? Don't miss this episode if you're excited abo...
Jun 06, 2022•49 min•Ep. 548
This week, we have the author of a four-part series of books. In it, a fictional character, Brother Deacon, a larger-than-life Freemason, extols lessons in Masonic philosophy through stories considered by many to be the contemporary version of the old Claudy Tyler Talks. We’ll talk with Brother James “Chris” Williams and find out why he wrote the books, what they mean to him, and some personal stories that are sure to get you right in the feels. Then, we’ll have a quick contemplative session on ...
May 30, 2022•51 min•Ep. 547
This week, we talked with a Brother of the Jewish faith about his particular experience in Freemasonry. Is Freemasonry compatible with Judaism? What's it like to join a fraternity that's overwhelmingly Christian, which uses a Jewish text as the foundation for the allegory and being Jewish In the fraternity? This week, we're talking to Brother Sean Rothberg and gaining a unique perspective on the Craft. All this and more. Stay tuned! Links: The Masonic Kippah - A Place for Jewish Freemasons https...
May 23, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 546
This week, how can we adjust our lives to be more Masonic, and connect with the people around us? Is the answer truly in putting down our phones and electronics? Are they truly a plague upon modern mankind? We’ll explore this idea in a piece by Darin A. Lahners, where he lays out many of the significant issues with mental health and our dependence on electronics. Then Ill. Bro. Harrison tells us about famous last words--those words spoken by prolific and interesting people throughout history, at...
May 16, 2022•50 min•Ep. 545
This week, we get a rundown of what happened at the Midwest Conference of Masonic Education, 2022, in Kansas City, MO. What were some of the ideas passed around from state education officer to state education officer regarding best practices and discoveries within the realm of Masonic education? Then we'll hear, from Greg Knott, who tells us about a recent visit he had to a used bookstore. What treasures did he find? Finally, we'll wrap it up with reflections on being your own teacher--what that...
May 09, 2022•43 min•Ep. 544
This week, is there value in the rubbish of the temple? What do those less than perfect stones do for us for the rest of our lives? Could they be lessons preparing us for future obstacles? Then we'll hear a response from a festive board regarding the 47th problem of Euclid. At a recent festive board, one Brother brings a personal touch to his 47th problem of Euclid response in a special segment he's recorded for us. Then, a letter to the Brothers the world over about the importance of the esoter...
May 02, 2022•35 min•Ep. 543
This week, how critical is the idea of an individual degree and an individual catechism to the future of Freemasonry? We’ll explore a piece by William H. Boyd in which he outlines the several reasons why the future of the Craft depends on the practice of individual degrees and catechisms. Then, we'll talk about the investigation committee and the concerns of a Grand Lodge in the 1950s. As the Grand Lodge put it, is there a “serious lack of discretion?” We’ll explore some of the questions that we...
Apr 25, 2022•38 min•Ep. 542
This week, we wrap up the contemporary look at Whither Are We Traveling with part 11 of Darin A. Lahner's series. Are there not too many well-meaning Brethren working overtime to make Freemasonry something other than Freemasonry? Should we abandon free will and accord? Should we take positions on public issues of the day? Go all out for materialism? Subsidize? Then we hear a tale from Illustrious Brother Steven L. Harrison in this week's Masonic Minute about Winston Churchill--The most difficult...
Apr 18, 2022•52 min•Ep. 541
This week, Whither Are We Traveling? (Pt 10) and Worshipful Brother Darin A. Lahners' contemporary examination of the text. Hasn't the so-called 'century of the common man' contributed to making our fraternity a little too common? Is it so easy for anybody to join Freemasonry? And what happens when common men become part of our uncommon fraternity? Ritual cheapened? The public image of the fraternity sullied? Then, we'll take a look at a recent article from the Knight Templar Magazine--all about...
Apr 11, 2022•37 min•Ep. 540
This week, "What has become of that course of moral instruction, veiled and illustrated by symbols that Freemasonry is supposed to be?" Has Freemasonry lost its Masonic education edge? Are we too hung up on crafted programs created by our membership committees that change every year? What could be a simple way of ensuring Masonic education finds its way to every member? Then, we've got an all-new Masonic Minute with Ill. Bro. Steven L. Harrison in which he discusses the topic of heaven and earth...
Apr 04, 2022•35 min•Ep. 539
This week we welcome Illustrious Brother Austin Shifrin from the Valley of Pittsburgh, PA. He's the author of the upcoming book More Light, Collected Masonic Writings from 2017 to 2021. What's the difference between ethics and etiquette? What makes a gentleman? We'll get to these questions and a whole lot more. Stay tuned! Links: Get the book More Light, Collected Writings! https://amzn.to/3MSJ628 The Soustheastern Masonic Symposia https://www.h25smes.org Craftsman+ FB Group https://www.facebook...
Mar 28, 2022•42 min•Ep. 538
This week, Darin A. Lahners dives into the seventh question of "Whither Are We Traveling?" Do we pay enough attention to the festive board? Does your lodge know the difference between a festive board and a table lodge? If the answer is, "… It's the same thing.", I'm sorry to tell you that's just not true. We'll break apart the differences. We'll talk about the necessity for the festive board--one of Freemasonry's fundamental tools for making this world better by making good men better. Then we'l...
Mar 21, 2022•57 min•Ep. 537
This week, we're back with part seven of Whither Are We Traveling? Darin Lahners gives his generational outlook on the question of whether America's passion for bigness and efficiency has ruined Masonic charity. Why do we, as Americans, need to be acknowledged for our charitable efforts? Doesn't looking for acknowledgment stray from the path of altruism? Then, a staple of romanticized Freemasonry, the Lodge Over Simpkin's Store, an original poem written by Most Worship Lawrence N. Greenleaf for ...
Mar 14, 2022•51 min•Ep. 536
This week, Darin Lahners tackles the question, what happens when we allow Freemasonry to be broken up into several smaller organizations that demand our time and market themselves as something more or greater than symbolic lodge? Is that even appropriate? Then, we'll have an all-new Masonic Minute with Illustrious Brother Steven L Harrison. Do you remember that time you were asked to deposit something and were unable to? Steve talks about the Rite of Destitution, its importance, and the lesson i...
Mar 07, 2022•49 min•Ep. 535
This week, are Grand Lodges too obsessed with growing the numbers of their individual lodges? Darin Lahners takes another look at Dwight L. Smith's work and gives his contemporary response. Can Freemasonry become so big that it becomes impersonal? This would be antithetical to the entire Craft. Then, we'll turn toward the philosophic realm of a concept called Toleration. The practice of tolerating something, in particular, differences of opinion or behavior--what does tolerance really mean philo...
Feb 28, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 534
This week, is Freemasonry too easy to join? We'll read part 4 of Darin Lahners expose on Whither Are We Traveling-- a new generational look at the original 1963 paper. Is everything geared for speed? Is proficiency something we still need? Then we'll take a trip into the future with Illustrious Brother Steven L. Harrison as he attends a Lodge meeting. This time, something's a little different. Then we'll take a look at that old saying, "Know Thyself." How does it apply in a world that continuall...
Feb 21, 2022•57 min•Ep. 533
