‘The Masonic Shelf debut’

    

It’s rare I can catch a Masonic podcast at its launch, but I saw the debut of The Masonic Shelf last week, and I’m glad I did. Hosts Bradley Kohanke and Chris Williams chatted for forty-nine minutes about a book on their shelf they find exceptionally meaningful.

Observing the Craft by Andrew Hammer garners their sincere praise. Kohanke says it is the first book he recommends to new Masons who ask. If you don’t know this book, watch the conversation here:

The hosts quote from the text, and then they discuss how its ideas factor into their Masonic experiences.

The Masonic Shelf, unlike every other Masonic podcast I’ve seen, has a credited producer. Jason Reichenberg, or anyone else, can’t be expected to create a perfect show from the start, so I’d like to pitch a few suggestions:

📖 If you must post a disclaimer, have someone read it. The AI voiceover sounds cheap.

📖 Ditch the “fire” graphic in the intro/outro. Flames and books do not mix in a free society.

📖 That music is too dramatic. Swap it for something lighter and uptempo, like baroque strings, or jazz, or even something significant to Texas, their home state.

📖 I don’t mean to beat up Bro. Chris, but he ought to look in the camera once in a while. He should wear a shirt with a collar because the shapeless T-shirt looks like a barber cape. And the repeated sniffles and throat-clearings annoy the viewer.

(Easy for me to say! I always politely deflect invitations to appear on Masonic podcasts because I mumble and curse too much.)

The hosts said they wanted to create a podcast where books can be discussed, saying they didn’t know any such thing existed. Magpie readers know about M.A.G.I.—Masonic Authors Guild International—hosted by Bob Cooper and Mark Tabbert. We can’t have too many talk shows that intelligently review important books, so put both of these in your rotation.

My review of Observing the Craft, from almost exactly thirteen years ago, is here.

     

‘The Masonic Shelf to debut Wednesday’

    

Another Masonic podcast is about to premiere. The Masonic Shelf will debut Wednesday. From the publicity:

Join Brad Kohanke, a Freemason affiliated with both the grand lodges of Arkansas and Texas; and fellow Texas Mason Chris Williams as they crack open the hidden pages of Masonic and esoteric literature in The Masonic Shelf, a podcast for curious brothers and seekers of deeper light.

Each episode features honest, insightful, and often humorous reviews of books that have shaped Masonic thought, from timeless classics to modern explorations of symbolism, ritual, philosophy, and the Craft’s evolving role in the world.

Whether you’re a newly raised brother or a seasoned student of the mysteries, Brad and Chris bring thoughtful analyses, historical contexts, and down-to-earth Texas perspectives to help you build your own Masonic library—one book at a time.

Bro. Kohanke is the author of Light Reflections: Philosophical Thoughts and Observations of a Texas Freemason (2001) which its back cover says:

Freemasonry in the United States was arguably at its peak during the decade following the First World War. The Masonic writings of the day were eloquent, easy to read, concise, and filled with thought-provoking opinions and observations. This was the model after which Bradley E. Kohanke patterned his writings. For nearly ten years, Brother Kohanke, a Past Master, former District Deputy Grand Master, and former Grand Orator for the Grand Lodge of Texas, wrote a monthly article for his lodge’s newsletter. The essays contained within the pages of this book are based upon those articles and harken back to a time when Freemasonry inspired a passion for philosophical thought.

Also included are his Orations from the Texas Grand Lodge Historical Observances in 2019 and his Grand Oration from the Grand Annual Communication in January of 2020. As Brother Kohanke puts it: “Masonry holds no secrets or sacred knowledge that are suddenly revealed to the initiate. Rather, it provides a framework on which to build…a guide for living. It offers a way to attain that knowledge over time through learning, patience, and truth. And it does so without harming others in their search. This practice of perfecting one’s self is ancient beyond record and is the true measure of success. The attainment of balance in one’s life…achieving happiness with yourself, without interfering with the happiness of others, and proactively helping others in their search for balance in their lives…that is success. It is a noble quest, the objective of which can only truly be obtained by those who are worthy and true…to themselves and each other.”

Bro. Williams is the author of There Is No Texas Without Freemasonry. Its publicity says:

There is No Texas Without Freemasonry is the latest book from Bro. James “Chris” Williams. Brother Williams is the author of the now world-famous John Deacon book series. Readers will not be disappointed with the wealth of Masonic education contained within the pages of this book, a collection of Masonic papers written over the last twenty-five years by Bro. Williams. Most of them have been presented at various Masonic and non-Masonic gatherings.

There is No Texas Without Freemasonry is the first and most famous paper presented to date by Williams. This book is an excellent addition to any Masonic library. Each chapter is short enough to be read as an education piece in the lodge or as the focus of family education night. Enjoy each page as you laugh, cry, and, more importantly, reflect on Freemasonry. 

Both hosts have podcast experience. This should be good! May 14 at 7 p.m. The link is here.