Home Podcasts The Masonic Roundtable - Freemasonry Today for Today's Freemasons
The Masonic Roundtable - Freemasonry Today for Today's Freemasons

The Masonic Roundtable - Freemasonry Today for Today's Freemasons

Jon Ruark, Jason Richards, Nick Johnson, Juan Sepulveda & Robert Johnson 100 episodes Latest Jun 5, 2026

The Masonic Roundtable is a weekly panel of Masons from around the United States who discuss the latest and greatest in Masonic news, events, scholarship, and happenings. Join the conversation!

Episodes

The Masonic Roundtable - 0558 - Short Attention Spans Jun 5, 2026 01:02:43 In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we tackle a defining challenge of our modern era: Masonry and the Cultural Decline of Attention Spans. We live in a world dominated by rapid-fire algorithms, endless scrolling, and instant gratification, which are fundamentally altering our ability to focus. Our panel explores the traditional, long-form practices of the Craft, such as memorizing dense ri
The Masonic Roundtable - 0557 - What's Next for a Past Master? May 22, 2026 57:04 In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we explore the profound transition that comes when a leader steps down from the East: Adjusting to Life as a New Past Master. We delve into the sudden change of responsibilities, moving from the intense daily demands of running a lodge to the sudden quiet of the back benches. Our panel discusses the psychological shift of handing over the gavel, the impo
The Masonic Roundtable - 0556 - Prompt Engineering Your Lodge Experience May 15, 2026 01:08:50 In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we explore the cutting edge of the digital age with Prompt Engineering Your Lodge Experience. We discuss how real-time generative AI can be utilized as a modern "working tool" to enhance various aspects of our fraternal life, from streamlining administrative tasks to deepening our educational research. Our panel examines the practical applications of AI
The Masonic Roundtable - 0555 - Architecting Meaning May 8, 2026 01:06:47 In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we explore the complex landscape of the male experience, focusing on the dual themes of Happiness and Loneliness. We examine the crucial differences between fleeting pleasure and true enjoyment, and how satisfaction is often forged through struggle rather than just ease. The Knights discusses the search for meaning through the lenses of coherence, purpos
The Masonic Roundtable - 0554 - Hacking the Craft May 1, 2026 57:52 In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we apply the principles of Behavioral Economics to the modern lodge room, exploring how small shifts in communication can lead to significant changes in brotherly engagement. We examine the psychology behind decision-making and how "nudges" can be ethically used to encourage timely dues payments and increase volunteer participation. From understanding th
The Masonic Roundtable - 0553 - Where Have All the Esoterics Gone? Apr 24, 2026 55:11 In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we tackle a pressing question echoing through the halls of modern lodges: "Where are the esoterics?" We examine the apparent decline in the deep, philosophical study of the Craft and discuss the shift from inner work and symbolism to the administrative and social demands of the modern institution. Our panel explores the barriers that prevent brothers fro
The Masonic Roundtable - 0552 - Congressional Freemasons Apr 17, 2026 58:32 In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we dive into the halls of power with special guest and Masonic researcher Brother Chris Ruli. Drawing from his extensive new research and latest book, we explore the deep-seated history of Congressional Freemasons and their influence on the development of the United States. We examine the legislative impact of prominent Masons throughout history, the for
The Masonic Roundtable - 0551 - The High Cost of Heritage Apr 10, 2026 01:07:58 In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we address the significant challenges facing our historic infrastructure as the fraternal landscape shifts in the modern era. We explore the complex realities of maintaining large, aging Masonic buildings and the difficult decisions many lodges face when the costs of upkeep outpace their resources. Our discussion touches on the strategic options availabl
The Masonic Roundtable - 0550 - The Empty Chair: Presence vs. Pennies Apr 3, 2026 54:17 In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we tackle a fundamental tension within our modern lodges: the distinction between the active, engaged brother and the absent, dues-paying member. We examine the different ways men contribute to the Craft, whether through physical presence and ritual labor or through the essential financial support that keeps our historic doors open. Our discussion explor
The Masonic Roundtable - 0549 - Name That Rite Mar 27, 2026 55:48 In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we're shaking things up with a lively, interactive panel titled "Name That Rite." Instead of our usual historical deep dives, the brothers are taking the "Masonic family tree" and putting it to the test with a series of superlatives. From debating which rite offers the most "fun" and social fellowship to identifying the most deeply "esoteric" and philoso
The Masonic Roundtable - 0548 - The Martinist Order Mar 20, 2026 01:09:23 In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we explore the profound and contemplative world of Martinism, a tradition of Christian Hermeticism and Western esotericism that traces its roots to the 18th century. We discuss the foundational influences of Martinez de Pasqually, Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin, and others, examining how their distinct approaches to "reintegration" have shaped the various
The Masonic Roundtable - 0547 - Splendor 2 Solis Mar 13, 2026 56:25 Part 2! In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we journey back to the 16th century to explore the Splendor Solis, one of the most visually stunning and philosophically profound alchemical manuscripts ever created. We delve into the vibrant sequence of its twenty-two elaborate illustrations, tracing the symbolic narrative of the alchemical process from its initial stages through to completion.

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