‘Yes, it DO have to be Masonic’

    

I guess it’s podcast reviews week on The Magpie Mason (see previous two posts). Today I comment on one I don’t even watch.

The premise of the Old Fashion [sic] Masonic Podcast, in the words of host Brian Byrd, is: “…we talk all things Freemasons [sic] while drinking an Old Fashioned.” I have seen a few episodes; I don’t see anyone drinking an Old Fashioned, but I digress.

This episode was brought to my attention by two of my research lodge cronies, acting independently (they don’t know each other), to aggravate me for their own entertainment. If you remember the Niagara Falls guy from the various Three Stooges and Abbott and Costello sketches, then you can picture me getting squirrelly when the meaning of Masonic learning is abused. For example, Bro. X says we should have a chiropractor give a talk in lodge, and then I stomp on his foot, pull down his nose, and snip his necktie in half.

Byrd’s guest on the show last Sunday was MW Steve Almager, the recently installed Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Mexico. Masonic learning isn’t the subject of the discussion, but they approach it while agreeing on how to keep the brethren coming back to lodge during the fraternity’s overall efflux of members.

To Byrd, “Masonic Ed” either can be reading a “Short Talk,” I guess meaning a Short Talk Bulletin from the MSANA, or having a speaker visit to discuss things not pertaining to Freemasonry. That’s where the fraternity was when I was initiated in 1997: dying lodges hosting insurance brokers to talk to the guys about the pros and cons of term life policies while maybe gaining a few customers. Rotary Club stuff. Actually, I think Rotarians have higher standards.

The host and his guest here agree that investment products, tutorials in using social media, and pocket watches are good examples of educational topics to keep the brethren interested in the fraternity. “It don’t [sic] have to be Masonic,” says New Mexico’s grand master.

Gracie Films

I disagree. One can find random subjects anywhere, including online, which is why they’re random. There’s no need to put yourself through the rigors of Masonic initiation if you want to learn about financial products. You simply could attend a free local seminar where financial advisors buy you lunch and teach the basics of securities and the like while maybe gaining a few customers.

Masonic lodges should provide what Masonic brethren cannot find anywhere else: Freemasonry. I don’t think reading a Short Talk Bulletin is the best use of precious time either, so find a way to impart the meaning of Masonry. It’s never been easier than today. Tons of information is freely available online—maybe even on this blog. There are more speakers on the Masonic scene now than probably ever before (of course there are variances in quality), so leave the real estate tips to the service clubs’ business networkers.

If you need to watch this, here it is cued to the relevant second:

Byrd mentions a previous episode that was devoted to education, which he defines as “personal and business development,” but I won’t look for it.

     

‘Through Fire and Fellowship’

    

The guest on The Masonic Roundtable podcast last week was W. Bro. Jimmy Densmore, Secretary of Dalton Lodge 105 in Georgia, who authored a history of the lodge to mark both its dodransbicentennial year and the centenary of the Masonic temple it calls home.

That book, titled Through Fire and Fellowship, is the product of the kind of Masonic research I wish was more common these days, namely the digging through archives Masonic and otherwise, and records public and private.

Dalton Lodge, chartered in 1849, lost much of its early records to fires, necessitating the deep investigation into its past to match documented facts to oral history. The lodge’s first building was dedicated in 1855, but was a casualty of Gen. William T. Sherman’s “March to the Sea” that included the devastation of Atlanta in 1864 during the Civil War. A second fire, during peacetime in 1911, again deprived the brethren of their building. For a number of years, the lodge moved around the neighborhood until the current Dalton Masonic Temple was dedicated in 1925.

Dalton Lodge 105

So, the lodge’s story twice suffered the loss of minutes and all the ephemera and other items Masons collect, leaving not only gaps in its narrative, but knowledge lost in the mists of time. Until now.

“History is one of the big draws that brought me to become a Mason,” Densmore tells his interviewers. “It was really a labor of love to want to do this, and dive into that, and be the sleuth and be the historian.”

His starting point was a framed document hanging on a wall inside the temple that renders a post-1911 history, and Densmore sought to prove its accuracy. From there, he shares a very inspiring account of seeking newspaper stories, digging into University of Georgia archives, and even the Library of Congress. Although this was mostly online searching, and not QC2076-style Masonic archaeology, it nevertheless required time and commitment, and is worth hearing about.

Through Fire and Fellowship is available for sale at $25 shipped or $20 picked up in person (the lodge will meet next Monday at 7:30). Click here.

Dalton 105 has a great plan on the trestleboard for its June 23 meeting, when three generations of the Laster family will open and close the lodge. W. Bro. Speedy Laster (second generation) will preside in the East; Bro. Josh Laster (third generation) will sit in the West; and W. Jack Laster (first generation) will serve as Junior Warden. Densmore will give a talk on generational Masonry.

The Masonic Roundtable Episode 512.

This episode of TMR runs fifty-six minutes, but feel free to skip to 6:00 to get into the conversation directly. Click here. My thanks to the show, for bringing this news to light, and congratulations to Bro. Densmore.

     

‘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.

     

‘Hermitix on Freemasonry’

    

It’s not possible to keep track of all the podcasts out there. Hermitix is not devoted to covering Freemasonry specifically, but inevitably it comes up. Its host—I guess the Hermit-in-Chief—James de Llis says it is “focusing on one-on-one interviews relating to fringe philosophy, obscure theory, weird lit, underappreciated thinkers and movements, and that which historically finds itself ‘outside’ the academic canon. The aim of the podcast is to allow autodidactic thinkers, amateur philosophers and the generally curious an insight into the work of thinkers who are often impenetrable to those outside of the academy.”

Cue Bro. John Michael Greer.

Author of multiple books on subjects from druidry and wicca to tarot and Golden Dawn, Greer is a repeat guest on the show, and was back last Thursday for more than an hour of fun chat about the Craft and Greer’s experiences. Enjoy.

     

‘Roundtable discussion on research & writing’

    

Last week’s episode of The Masonic Roundtable podcast is of special interest to researchers and writers in the fraternity—We Happy Few—and stars Chris Ruli, who shares several important points on how to research and write. Feel free to skip the first six minutes and get right to the conversation.

(Be sure to get to The American Lodge of Research on Monday, March 31 to hear Chris discuss Lafayette. That’s seven o’clock in the Renaissance Room of Masonic Hall.)

     

‘Best Practices in College Station’

    

To whet your appetites before the Masonic Restoration Foundation Symposium this weekend, budget about an hour and a half to watch this new episode of the Masonic Improvement podcast. Pete Normand, a past president of the MRF, converses with co-hosts Justin Jones and Dennis Yates on the topic of the best practices set to labor in St. Alban’s Lodge 1455 in College Station, Texas.

Normand helped establish this lodge in 1992 with the specific goal of curating a certain Masonic experience, one far away from what was typical in that area at that time. An antidote to the deleterious mix of tedious meetings, non-Masonic activities, uninspired food, and lackadaisical attire that are the hallmarks of lodges that have given up.

Pete does about 99 percent of the talking in this interview, but it’s all instructive to the attentive ear. Listen to him recount how he explored Freemasonry for years before even learning how to petition for the degrees. How he recognized the lodge experience he inherited was not optimal. How he discovered the components of what some today call an “Observant lodge,” and the smart way to incorporate them into lodge culture.

Some of these ideas later became Grand Lodge law.

To Pete, it’s just common sense “best practices,” and he communicates it in recollections of how St. Alban’s accomplished it. The best kind of lesson.

Find Masonic Improvement on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Feel free to skip the first sixty seconds to spare yourself the grating theme song, and enjoy the conversation.

     

‘Fête Lafayette’

    

Chuck Schwam, Executive Director of The American Friends of Lafayette.

YouTube was abuzz last night with talk of Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. Bro. Lafayette, as you and I might know him.

First, on the American Revolution Institute’s channel, Mr. Chuck Schwam, Executive Director of The American Friends of Lafayette, discusses Lafayette’s farewell tour of America of 1824-25, and of the American Friends’ plans to celebrate the bicentenary nationwide with multiple events, including a banquet at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. The partying will begin in August here in New York City. Click here.

“The Masons and the Society of the Cincinnati were important because they came out in droves when Lafayette came around,” he says. “In fact, I don’t know if Lafayette would have come to America if he wasn’t a Mason, so the Masons are very much involved with our bicentennial events.”

Eye-popping history from Bro. Ruli.

Also, Bro. Chris Ruli, author of the upcoming Brother Lafayette, due out in August, appeared on the Masonic Roundtable podcast to reveal some of the research that comprises his book, some of which will surprise you, such as Lafayette not being welcome to participate in Paris’ official mourning of George Washington’s death—plain political snubbing of the hero.

Budget a couple of hours to enjoy both videos.

     

‘Daily Masonic Progress starts now’

    

This morning begins the collaboration of Craftsmen Online and RW Bro. Darren Allatt of Australia, blogger and podcaster extraordinaire. He has been guiding his own audience through his production, “Daily Masonic Progress,” and now he joins Craftsmen Online’s podcast team. His segments will appear on Thursdays.

Craftsmen Online, while based in New York, is not an official voice of the Grand Lodge of New York, although that august authority endorses the independent platform. It was launched about four years ago, during the pandemic, by RW Steve Rubin, now our Deputy Grand Master, and W. Bro. Michael Arce, a veteran broadcaster of many years experience.

Darren Allatt is a Past Master of The Leichhardt Lodge 133, and is a Past Junior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory. He has been writing brilliantly on Substack for almost a year. I recommend his blog without any hesitation, mental reservation, etc.

With all that out of the way, you should listen to two episodes of the Craftsmen Online podcast unveiled this morning. Click here to enjoy a 27-minute Arce-Allatt interview. Click here to make your Daily Masonic Progress with the 10-minute debut.

    

‘MAGI is here!’

    

They’d been teasing it for an interminable three weeks but, several hours ago, Bob Cooper and Mark Tabbert finally gave us the gift of M.A.G.I.

A podcast, Masonic Authors’ Guild International is “for educational purposes and perhaps entertainment.” I’ll just share the publicity:

Welcome to the Masonic Authors’ Guild International (MAGI), where each week two historians review and critique books and other productions focused on Freemasonry, as well as discuss broader issues in historical research. Our mission is to promote the highest professional and academic standards in Masonic research, education, and publications. These podcasts begin the Guild’s mission by reviewing those that do, or do not, uphold high academic standards, and explain why they do, or do not.

The Guild members are Robert Cooper, Curator Emeritus of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, who lives in Edinburgh; and Mark Tabbert, former Curator at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Alexandria, Virginia, who lives in Iowa. Both have published significant academic historical research, and have contributed to Masonic journals and magazines. Together they have more than 65 years as Freemasons, and are members of numerous Masonic research societies and Masonic lodges in Europe and North America.

For this launch, they very wisely uploaded five episodes of the podcast for our enlightenment, including examinations of David Stevenson of Scotland and Joseph Fort Newton of Iowa.

Click here and share the link with your brethren.

(Jesus wept. I hope they don’t critique this blog.)

     

‘Five Great Sources for Masonic Research’

    

Chris Ruli and Maynard Edwards.

The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ-USA YouTube channel posted a new podcast episode Tuesday in which host Maynard Edwards welcomes Chris Ruli to discuss research techniques.

This ain’t the whole thing! Watch the video.

The video runs less than twelve minutes, and it concludes with a most useful pointer.

     

‘A lovely evening with Jim Dillman’

    

Yes, they need to work on their logo.

While it’s hard to stay current with all the Masonic podcasts, I had to budget some time to listen to the November 26 episode of That Other Masonic Podcast for the simple reason that the guest is…Bro. Jim Dillman!

Jim is an old friend; I think we go back twenty or so years, starting with the Masonic Light group, then the Knights of the North, and on to the Masonic Society, where he served as president a decade ago. He was made a Mason in 2000 at Royal Center Lodge 585 in Indiana, but might be better known through Lodge Vitruvian 767, the European Concept lodge in Indianapolis founded by Jeff Naylor, with Roger VanGorden, Chris Hodapp, Jim, and other conspirators endeavoring to introduce a high style of lodge experience to the Masonic scene there. That’s how I found these gifted Masons. I had the idea of organizing a similar lodge in my area, and their know-how was invaluable (although I ultimately failed to get such a lodge launched).

All I can say about Jim is already said by the co-hosts of the show; quoting VanGorden, they describe him as “the definition of what a Mason should be.” (Not even an old man in dotage or a madman would say that about me, so it impresses.) Jim has a colorful Masonic past to share, although talking about himself does not come naturally. The co-hosts mention bringing Jim back another time, and with some show prep, they could pose the questions that would elicit his story better.

This podcast is carried on the usual platforms. The show runs almost ninety minutes, so choose a double corona from your humidor, keep the decanter and ice near, and enjoy a pleasant chat on the Level.

     

‘Maybe Freemasons aren’t devil worshipping lesbians’

   

Richard Brookhiser is an author and historian I have followed since his days long ago at National Review. And literally following today—on Twitter. Saturday, Freemasonry came up in conversation among some of his acquaintances, and you can appreciate how that word stands out, so I couldn’t help but notice. And then I saw strange comments.

Anyway, the tweeting about Freemasonry mentioned the appearance last Thursday of author John Dickie on The Rest Is History, a podcast I’m very pleased to have found. Dickie wrote the popular The Craft: How the Freemasons Made the Modern World. (I haven’t read it yet.)

It’s a fun interview. If you’ve been around a long time, you might not find it particularly informative, but I think it’s a fair discussion—with some humor too. (Ergo the title of this edition of The Magpie Mason. And catch the mentions of cricket.) Actually, I learned something about the Cathars.

     

‘Craftsmen Online Super Fans unite!’

    

Starting today, Craftsmen Online, the clearinghouse of Masonic education and news launched during the pandemic to keep Light shining, offers content reserved for those who wisely pay the inordinately modest subscription fee. I signed up yesterday (I’m a sucker for exclusivity).

You know the podcast, with its 3,000 episode downloads per month; and you’ve read the blog; and you receive the newsletter; and maybe you’ve attended the Reading Room; and perhaps you’ve benefitted from the ritual education and the historical research (I think that’s everything!), so now we happy few who pony up five bucks a month can partake of:

• subscriber-exclusive podcast episodes with select guest stars
• access to exclusive Zoom meetings with special guests
• podcast episodes without ads
• early access to the episodes

Excerpted from the publicity:

From the beginning of Craftsmen Online, RW Steven Adam Rubin and I have been dedicated to producing quality products. We see this as more than a project to provide a place for Brothers to connect during the pandemic, but as a long-term resource to unite Masons across the internet who seek more Light in Freemasonry.

After three seasons, with our early episodes being broadcast to an audience, thanks to your generous support, we have grown our reach to all jurisdictions in the United States and beyond! Now it is time to offer you, our listener, an opportunity to take your experience to the next level.

Today, we proudly announce the Craftsmen Online Podcast Super Fan subscription. Podcast enthusiasts will be able to listen to our episodes early and ad-free, with special subscriber-only episodes with select guests who go deeper and continue their discussions—and we will offer you the opportunity to interact with these select guests virtually during VIP Zoom webinars.

Bro. Michael Arce

Co-Founder and Podcast Host

The inaugural podcast with paid subscription features Ohio’s Bro. Jason Short, who speaks on “An Exploration of Words and Widows,” in which he delves into Biblical content borrowed for the EA°. There also is a PDF we may download for further tutelage.

The Craftsmen Online Podcast Super Fan subscription comes via Patreon, which marks its tenth anniversary this month. It really is that simple. While Craftsmen Online is created by New York Masons, its content befits all the brethren wheresoever dispersed about the face of the earth. That’s you! Click here to sign up. If you are yet unfamiliar with this top rated podcast and the other attractions of Craftsmen Online, click here to inspect the warrant, as it were.

     

‘UGLE debuts Craftcast’

    

Magpie coverage of the weekend’s “Scottish Freemasons in America” conference in Virginia is coming soon, but in the meantime, here’s news from the English.

The United Grand Lodge of England announced the debut today of Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast. Hosts Shaun Butler, James Dalton, and Stephen Whatley discuss “all things Freemasonry” and will welcome guests from throughout the UGLE.

Click here.

UPDATE:

     

‘Lodge culture discussion’

     

I have been remiss in keeping pace with the Meet, Act and Part podcast, having missed the previous eight or so episodes (When did they get the English guy to voice the intro and outro?), but I couldn’t skip yesterday’s episode.

Titled “Lodge Culture,” Episode 30 brought to the microphone Bro. Michael Arce, a warden in Mount Vernon Lodge 3 in Albany. Okay, I admit that’s why I listened. I’m a bit of a chauvinist regarding New York Freemasonry, and am interested in hearing from the brethren here.

As an aside, Mount Vernon 3 dates to February 21, 1765, so happy anniversary, brethren! It is the eldest lodge outside New York City.

Anyway, co-hosts Bill Hosler, Greg Knott, and Darin Lahners welcomed Arce for the nearly hour-long chat on the numerous and varied dynamics that comprise lodge culture. Of course we’re all familiar with the common tales of faltering lodges, but there can be remedies in certain—not all—situations. Maybe there’s an individual with Tom Brady-like star power who can inspire and lead, or perhaps a committed core group could execute a deliberate, longterm reform. The point is whatever it takes will depend on people and the relationships among them.

Listen to the four knowledgeable and experienced Freemasons here.

     

‘The post-COVID Masonic fraternity?’

     
Here is your due and timely notice:

The next episode of The Masonic Roundtable podcast will be a special one. Don’t look for it on the usual Thursday night, because instead it will air on Monday. This will be the brethren’s 300th episode, and I advertise it here because they will discuss “What Does a Post-COVID Fraternity Look Like?”

That’s Monday—Memorial Day—at 9:30 p.m.

I’m finally doing a better job of keeping current with the many podcasts that serve Masonic audiences, and I find few that remain consistently excellent in the long term. This is one of them. Discussion topics often are surprising; the thoughtful opinions are on the level; and there is great chemistry among the hosts.
     

‘Meet Act and Part podcast is on’

     

Masonic Education is the topic of the first podcast of Meet Act and Part. I do a terrible job of keeping current with the podcasts concerning Freemasonry, but this looks like another great one. Our hosts are Bill Hosler, Greg Knott, and Darin Lahners. They divulge their Masonic credentials on air, so I won’t transcribe them here. The discussion concerns their respective efforts in education.

This was published on Podomatic Thursday. It runs 30 minutes, so check it out. Click here.
     

‘Live from Masonic Week?’

     

This week’s X-Oriente podcast just concluded (will be posted soon), and the brethren were thinking out loud about possibly going live from Masonic Week in 2019, or maybe even giving it a go next February. It’s not even an embryonic idea yet, but Eric and Jason are interested in exploring the feasibility of hosting their show from the hotel.

The questions they ask now are: Would you attend in person and perhaps take part or observe; or would you watch on line from afar?

Or “if you think this is a horrible idea,” they want to hear from you also. Topic suggestions are welcome too.

Eric launched X-Oriente more than a decade ago to continue the magic of Masonic Week (then called AMD Weekend) conversations year round. Masonic Week consists of the annual meetings of a bevy of obscure Masonic fraternities, which can be pretty dull but, outside and between these meetings, Masons from all over meet in hospitality suites and other nooks to discuss the meaning of Masonry. Friendships are cemented, and it is not unusual for the brother you’ve just met to wind up guest lecturing at your lodge later in the year. (Some of these guys have been dining out on the same lectures for ten years! Hmmph.)

But check in with X-Oriente to make your opinions heard. Click here.
     

‘The buzz about The Beehive Club’

     
There is a Freemason named Burx, who recently relocated to Idaho from Virginia, bringing with him an idea for Craft Lodge education he calls The Beehive Club. On May 16, he discussed this practice on The Masonic Roundtable.

He describes it as a study group he had introduced at Herndon Lodge 264 in Virginia where the brethren would devote two hours per month to various topics. No membership dues, no meeting minutes, no fuss, no muss—just discussion to profit everyone in attendance. But no sideliners either. Eventually, all who attend participate in the talks to contribute to the common stock of knowledge. On occasion there even is room for Apprentices and Fellows to keep them engaged and on the path.

Click here to listen. The chat gets moving at the 15-minute mark.