Shows
Minnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 83. Priorities & Impact (ft. Brad Phelps)“The truly impactful people? Their peers trust them, because of who they are…not what they say they are…but WHO they are.” There’s so much depth to our ritual when we reflect beyond just “the words.” This week we sit down with our Grand Lodge Education Officer and discuss a wide range of topics, from slowing down our daily grind to inspiring others. “Is the length of your cable tow based on what you CAN do or what's convenient to you? Stop focusing on the past and focus on the future…and where you want to go in li...2025-07-2543 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 82. “So Many Goodbyes” (ft. Karla Hult)KARE 11’s Karla Hult is an Emmy, Edward R. Murrow, and Walter Cronkite award-winning journalist. Her favorite stories are those shared from the heart, including her award-winning documentary of her family’s own Alzheimer’s journey.“We are trying to walk alongside them in a way that is respectful and honors their dignity. That is ultimately what made me pause after our marathon with my dad and say, what more can I do to share and uplift others?” In 2021, Karla launched “So Many Goodbyes,” a mission to support and educate families, caregivers, and the greater community about...2025-07-1842 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 81. “Charity, Our Guiding Star” (ft. Paul Hodnefield)Minnesota Masonic Charities was formed in 2006, but how did we get here? Author Paul Hodnefield breaks down the timeline of the three distinct stages of “Charity” in Minnesota and how it has guided us since our inception in the 1850s. “The advances that Minnesota Masonry has funded over the years are known not just here locally, they’re known across the world. It's something that has benefitted mankind at large.” Learn about our rich history and the pivotal influence of A.T.C. Pierson, Gideon Ives, Marian Savage, the Order of the Eastern Star, and more. 2025-07-1141 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 80. Leadership (ft. Kathy Quick)Minnesota takes pride in civic participation, but there’s a leadership deficit in our state. Leadership, as well as volunteering and charity, is crucial for addressing community needs and opportunities. How do we confront generational changes of social affiliations and people leaving rural areas? In this episode, we focus on the challenge of collaborative leadership with Dr. Kathy Quick.“Leadership is about adaptation. It matters that everybody be a good communicator. It matters that everybody have some degree of empathy…not be so overtaken by their own ego and title that they forget about the followe...2025-07-0451 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 79. Check your Ego (ft. Ben Lacy)The pod gets electric when Ben Lacy shares perspective on respecting the 24-inch gauge, creating a bespoke Masonic experience, and the action necessary for authentic brotherhood. “Support the people that are working for the betterment of the Craft. Figure out a way that you can ask someone how you can help them. And then go follow up on that and do the thing. Figure out a way that you can make a difference.”A felony prosecutor/nonprofit attorney, busy dad/husband, and one-time collaborator with the Duke of Edinburgh ( ! ), Ben is a plural member of Golde...2025-06-2743 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 78. 18:53 Working Tools Series: The Patron SaintsFreemasonry 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, many of the symbols of Freemasonry reflect Christian iconography—including the connection to the two Saint Johns in Freemasonry. Their feast days are closely associated with the summer and winter solstice – underscoring the symbolic duality of the two figures. 2025-06-2005 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 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 us to assign somebody else's priorities without understanding what's going on in their life.”How does one balance being a VP/Risk Manager, family man, and civic leader? Fire up the commodity market ticker, it’s an all new Minnesota Masonic Histories & Mysteries.2025-06-1357 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 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 technology and retaining authentic human connection. ”Imagine like 500 years ago when Gutenberg invented the printing press, I'm sure there was some parent then who said, ‘…oh my God, books are gonna rot your mind because you spend too much time reading!’”Sujit owns a psychiatry practice and is a Past Master of Lake Ha...2025-06-0647 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 75. The Masonic ExperienceWhat 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 Mueller and Ethan Seaberg to the studio. They discuss a new model of cooperative labor, purposeful organization, and the new paradigm of Masonry in Minnesota. 2025-05-3040 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 74. 18:53 Working Tools Series – A.T.C. PiersonOur 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 innumerable challenges: a disastrous financial panic, the Civil War, and unifying our “work” throughout the state. “Brotherhood thrives upon adversity. The harder the times the stronger became the Masonic Tie. Our Brothers were determined to hold their Lodges together, and this spirit, coupled with the continuous work of Pierson among them, kept the fraternity intact.”2025-05-2317 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 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 history is so that you can learn the lessons of the past, to make decisions in the present, and plan for the future.” A native of Youngstown, OH, our esteemed Brother shares vivid memories of flying helicopters in Vietnam (a total of 712 medevac missions), a love of education and learning, and the pursuit of a well-spent life. “On a tombstone...2025-05-1639 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 72. Our Legacy of ImpactWe 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, children’s health, volunteer opportunities, and advancing critical research and care through your philanthropic support. “The impact of your support is not only changing people's lives in Minnesota, but also throughout the region and the world, thanks to the support of the Masons.” For more information, please contact: reed.endersbe@mnmasonic.org 2025-05-1034 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 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 has been forgotten, but not the continuing meaning behind it. Our blue lodges are still places where we learn the importance of constraining our passions, and practicing a respect for the religious and political opinions of others.” Suggested reading: "The Questing Mind is a Salient Characteristic of a Freemason," a collection of writings by John L. Cooper...2025-05-0706 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 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 through the power of brotherhood. Together, they explore John’s many talents: competitive bass fishing, the MLK Tennis Club, passion for gun & coin collecting, and more. ”The one thing I see in young Masons today is the fact that they love it. They want to be Masons. But their shortcoming is coming into the lodge, doing the work, and when t...2025-04-2640 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 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 should pay very close attention to my name.” Get ready for an adventure with the pride of Wayzata No. 205. Topics include: growing up in the small town of Black Duck, a cruise ship gig through the choppy straits of Magellan, and a mugging in Rio. There's no time for sea legs, it’s an all-new M...2025-04-2124 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 68. 18:53 Working Tools Series - The Beginning of Masonry in MinnesotaMinnesota’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 opposition. “Members of the Masonic Fraternity, in and near St. Paul, intend to meet together in a room over the Pioneer Office.” This was the first Masonic notice to appear in the Territory and it marked the beginning of Masonry in Minnesota.Calling all history buffs: check out the book “Centennium 1853-1953” for the full story. 2025-04-1709 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 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 odds. He is a consummate thriver and patient at our M Health Fairview Masonic Cancer Center, one of the nation’s leading comprehensive cancer centers. “I can’t say enough good things about the Masonic Cancer Center. The left hand always knows what the right hand is doing, it’s so seamless. I enjoy sharing my story and...2025-04-0543 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 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 Clint discuss the “rumination trap,” paralysis of analysis, and establishing authentic friendships as the bedrock of the lodge experience. Cue up the John Philip Sousa, it’s an all-new Minnesota Masonic Histories & Mysteries.2025-03-2737 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 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 into the writings of John L. Cooper III, author of “The Questing Mind is a Salient Characteristic of a Freemason.” Before being elected the 10th Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California in 1991, John was a leader in public education. In 2013, he became the first Past Grand Secretary to be elected as Grand Master in California. “John know...2025-03-2106 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 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 Masonic core values, there’s a big difference between simply talking about them at lodge versus living them: “… how can you use those as a touchstone and ignore them the minute you log on to a social media account?”Let’s road trip to Red Wing…on an all-new Minnesota Masonic Histories & Mysteries.2025-03-1419 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 63. Futurity (ft. 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 Masters coming to Minneapolis/St. Paul in 2028. When he’s not revolutionizing healthcare technology at Mayo Clinic or serving the Craft, he goes on 175-mile walks from Portugal to Spain. Put on your walking shoes…it’s an all new Minnesota Masonic Histories & Mysteries.2025-03-0543 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 62. KSTP's Joe SchmitThis 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 received, but to the impact we have on others. Joe covers a variety of topics, from the long sports drought for championships in Minnesota, his experience as a lymphoma survivor at the Masonic Cancer Center, and how all of us can reconnect in a meaningful way. “If you become more aware and intentiona...2025-02-2539 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 61. 18:53 Working Tools Series - Fulfilling our Masonic ObligationsThis 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 words) in our daily lives? “The hardest lesson I’ve had to learn as an adult is the relentless need to keep going, no matter how broken I feel inside. Life doesn’t stop when we are exhausted or when our spirits feel threadbare. It keeps moving – unyielding, indifferent – demanding that we keep pace.” -EH2025-02-1405 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 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 your flight suit and join us, it’s an all-new Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries. “We're all on the same level. It doesn't matter who you are, where you worship, how you voted, how you dress, we're all the same. Tolerance is a key aspect of the Masonic experience. We'll continue to succeed in our charities, in our philanthropic endeavo...2025-02-0633 minMinnesota Masonic Histories and MysteriesEpisode 59. Seeking Balance in a Changing WorldThis 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 oversaturated with technology? Brad also shares sage perspective on reengaging your lodge in 2025. "As Masons, we are taught the importance of dividing our time effectively. Continued growth, flexibility, and adaptation to a rapidly changing landscape is so important.”2025-01-2722 min