Online With Light: For Freemasons
This podcast is aimed at Freemasons, with the goal of stimulating discussion in lodges or in informal settings. Episodes are self-contained and can be enjoyed in any order. The host, Nick Ives, invites listeners to send voice messages through Anchor.fm, which may be featured in later episodes.
Episodes
A Chat with Pam Marotti
In this conversation RWB Nick chats with Pam Marotti, an active member of the Masonic Family and queen of Pyremus Temple on the activity of Masonic Ladies' groups.
WB Jerry Nero
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Brother Jerry Nero as he shares his journey through Freemasonry, leadership in multiple lodges, and the importance of brotherhood and service. Discover practical insights on lodge revitalization, mentorship, and the enduring values of Masonry.
WB Jeff Blayman of District 7
In this conversation, Nick Ives interviews Jeff Blayman, who shares his journey into Freemasonry, his leadership experiences at Warren Lodge, and his upcoming role as Grand Junior Steward. Jeff discusses the importance of community, communication, and innovative outreach strategies that have revitalized his lodge. He emphasizes the significance of degree work and the impact of long-term leadership
An Interview with RWB James Saraceni
In this engaging conversation, Nick Ives interviews Jim Saraceni, the Grand Senior Steward of the Grand Lodge, about his journey into Masonry, his experiences as a lodge officer, and the importance of brotherhood within the Masonic community. Jim shares insights into the history and spirit of Arc Lodge, the challenges faced during the COVID pandemic, and his role in the Legal Matters Committee. He
On York Rite, with RWB Daniel M. Luft
In this conversation, Nick Ives interviews Daniel M. Luft, a prominent figure in the Masonic community, focusing on his journey through Blue Lodge and York Rite Masonry. Daniel shares his personal experiences, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of leadership within the Masonic fraternity. He discusses the structure of York Rite, its charitable contributions, and the significance of commu
Thrice Potent Master Al Johnson - Valley of New Haven
In this engaging conversation, Nick Ives interviews Al Johnson, the thrice potent master of the Valley of New Haven, discussing his journey in Freemasonry, community engagement, and the various bodies within the organization. Al shares insights into the importance of charity work, the fellowship found in Scottish Rite, and the innovative programs that enhance accessibility to degrees. The discussi
Caring for the Craft with Grand Almoner/Chaplain Anderson
In this conversation, Nick Ives interviews Right Worshipful Brother Carl Anderson, the Grand Almoner, discussing the vital role of the Almoner program in supporting Masons and their families in need. They explore the evolution of the program, the importance of lodge support, personal stories of assistance, and the broader impact of Masonic values in community engagement. Additionally, Carl shares
What Does the Grand Treasurer Do?
In this conversation, Right Worshipful Brother Nick Ives interviews Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer Thomas Gondek about his journey in Freemasonry, from his initial interest to his current role as Grand Treasurer. They discuss the responsibilities and challenges of being a Grand Treasurer, including financial management, budgeting, and the importance of community within the Masonic Lodge. Gondek
Chatting with Grand Senior Warden Heinrich
In this engaging conversation, Nick Ives interviews F. Matthew Heinrich, Jr., the Grand Senior Warden, about his journey in Freemasonry, the importance of mentorship, the role of ritual, and the vibrant community life within the lodge. They discuss the evolution of membership, the significance of moral character, and the unique aspects of Connecticut Masonry. Heinrich shares insights on leadership
Deputy Grand Master Dufresne: The Journey into Freemasonry
In this conversation, Shane Dufresne shares his journey into Freemasonry, discussing how he discovered the fraternity, the values it embodies, and the impact it has had on his life. He reflects on his experiences as a police officer and how those values align with Masonic principles. Shane also talks about his leadership roles within the lodge, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons learned
A Chat with Grand Master Magliano of CT
KeywordsFreemasonry, Grand Master, Rinaldo Magliano, membership, Blue Wave, Masonic journey, leadership, lodge experiences, Connecticut Freemasons, personal growthSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Grand Master Rinaldo F. Magliano Jr. shares his personal journey into Freemasonry, reflecting on his upbringing, the influence of his father, and the pivotal moments that led him to join a lodge. He
RWB Ray Chouinard - His Story to Masonry
A conversation with RWB Ray Choinard and his journey to Masonry. Part of the CT CME series of content on what it means to be a Mason.
Project Blue Wave Updates Year 2
In this podcast I converse with RWB Mark Hawkins, the Grand Senior Deacon and the prospect manager for the entire Blue Wave Project.
We discuss best practices and how lodges can be successful with the program.
4Q8: A Masonic Leadership Seminar
The Committee on Masonic Education hosted an online seminar that covered a variety of topics, from membership to lodge management to mission effectiveness. The core was four questions for eight very worthy brothers. It is easy to share a part of this with your lodge as a module of lodge instruction, like a lodge talk.
What is the Masonic Medical Research Institute?
I speak here with Bro. Tony Gilbert, who is with the Masonic Medical Research Institute. I learn more about the organization, its roots and what it is working on right now.
You can learn more at https://www.mmri.edu/ or email Tony at tgilbert@mmri.edu to help support their great mission.
WB Kyle Podpulucha on the Child ID program through the Grand Lodge of CT
Kyle Podpolucha is a rising leader in the fraternity who has been tasked with reinvigorating the Child ID charitable program, which provides resources to families free of charge to be able to locate their child if something terrible happened and they disappeared. There are hundreds of thousands of cases inthe United States each year and this program aims to help recover children when the worst hap
On the Path with FC Ken Brooks
On this episode we talk about Brother Ken's experience joining Masonry. Ken is the head Chef of Krust Pizza in Middletown and owner of Ritual Pizza, where you can find his pop up happen at breweries and parties around CT.
CME Leadership Conference 2022
This is the audio track from our Committee for Masonic Education of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut. I hope you get some value out of these presentations on membership attraction and retention, using the legal side of Masonry properly and creating great events. It was recorded on Zoom, so the audio quality is so-so, but we are happy to be able to share this with all of you.
Updating Our Instructional Materials - How to Collaborate Effectively
RWB Steven Allinson and WB Chris Ozog worked very hard to bring the language up to date in the instructional booklets we have distributed for years. You will find the newest versions on Grand View for members. There are five of them: 1-Accepted (once petition is approved) 2-EA, 3-FC, 4-MM and 5-Historical Information about the degrees. All of these are a great way to structure your lodge of instru
The New Master Mason's Perspective, Speaking with MM Benjamin J. Valinsky
Brother Benjamin Valinsky was recently raised to the sublime degree last April and now shares his thoughts as he transitions to the full wages of a Master Mason.
A Fellowcraft Perspective - Talking with FC Benjamin Valinsky
Sometimes we forget about what it was like to be a Fellowcraft. We see a number of degrees and they often run together. There is nothing like your first degree. I chat with Bro. Ben Valinsky, a member of Ouroboros No. 151 on his progress and what it is like to pass through the degree process at an especially strange time (COVID-19).
Getting Your Trustee Account on Track with Bro. Andrew Boone
It is not easy to get your lodge trustee account on track. We have lodges that have ancient accounts and there are often changes in leadership that can lead to confusion. Bro. Andrew Boone of Hiram Lodge No. 1 and UBS talks to us about how we can approach setting our lodges into a more advantageous place financially.
Rethinking the Marshall's Chair - With RWB Thomas J. Gondek
The role of the Marshall can be difficult to pin down. Sometimes, we find it as the beginning of the line, or it can be a place for a revered past master. However that role is defined, it is important to have the Marshall of your lodge contributing in a meaningful way to the life of your brothers. We discuss many of the options and the history of the position.
Feed the Craft - What to Expect in the Junior Warden's Chair with RWB Jason Morse
Many Junior Wardens worry about what they are going to produce for meals when they are feeding the lodge. As intimidating as this can be, RWB Jason Morse talks to us about how he did that job for two years at his mother lodge. We also explore the concept of a Festive Board and how that can be a fun alternative to traditional lodge dinners.
Keep it Simple - Simplify Your Planning for Your Year as Master with RWB Jim Anderson
There are lots of ways that we can be nervous as we approach out time in the East. RWB James M. Anderson, the Deputy Grand Secretary, talks us through his process for coaching incoming masters so that they can be effective and relaxed at the same time. Jim is a valuable asset to the Fraternity and his wisdom continues to help many Worshipful Masters as they prepare to lead their lodges.
Power Memorization with Bro. Chris Bolster
Bro. Chris Bolster, SW of Village Lodge No. 29 talks with us about how his experience in theater arts informs his memorization and performance of masonic ritual. Learn more about how you can calm your nerves and perform some great ritual in your lodge!
Mentoring the 2-5 Year Mason with MWB Melvin E Johnson
The author of www.masonicmentor.com MWB Mel is a past Grand Master of the state of CT. He invested a great deal of his time and effort into creating excellent experiences for Masons, particularly as they matriculate into the lodge environment.
Building Your Lodge Of Instruction Plan with WB Rob Kovi
WB Rob is the Associate Grand Tiler for the State of CT and is also the lodge education officer for Meridian Lodge No. 77 in Meriden, CT. For work, Rob is the Career and Technical Curriculum Coordinator for Wallingford Public Schools.
Rob talks to us about how he structured his program and what key elements you should consider when constructing yours. you can get in touch with him by emailin
CME Book Talk - Wilmshurst's Meaning of Masonry
As part of the Committe for Masonic Education RWB Nick Ives chats with WB Nick Valinsky and Bro. Chris Bolster about "The Meaning of Masonry" by Wilmshurst. Was/Is the craft misled from the spiritual path? We discuss.
A Conversation with RW Grand Historian Andrew Melillo on The Spanish Flu and CT Freemasonry
RWB Andrew Melillo, the Grand Historian of CT, shares with us his historical findings on how our brothers were handling the Spanish Flu and how that relates to today's Covid-19 pandemic. He also talked about the importance of capturing the records of our past and present so we can better share our stories in the future.
The West Gate - A Conversation with DGM RWB William Bohman
The Deputy Grand Master RWB Bill Bohman talks with us about how important it is to have a process where we really get to know all potential candidates. We also chatted about what comes next when we return to labor and how excited we are to get back to it.
The New Normal After Covid-19 - A Conversation with WB Nicholas Valinsky
Have you ever wondered what comes after our time off? WB Nick and I discuss what it is like during these unprecedented times in #freemasonry and how he plans to rebound his lodge. WB Nick is Master of Meridian Lodge No. 77 and a millenial who is changing the paradigm of what a good meeting should be all about. WB Nick is also a member of the CME and SW of Ouroboros Lodge. We explored handshaking a
Masonic Self-Development in the Era of Covid-19: Reflections with RWB Jason Morse
We often say that we don't have time to do the things we hoped to. Now we Masons have plenty of that on our hands. In the time of the lockdown, are we maximizing our potential? RWB Jason and I explore what can be done in the quiet of your home to make you an even stronger Mason when labor resumes.
Fulfilling our Mission During Covid-19 - A Conversation with RWB George Frascarelli
RWB George Frascarelli reminds us all of ways that we can still be doing our duty as Masons even during Social Distancing times. Bro. George is a Past DD and a past Master of two lodges, Village and St. Andrews Lodge. George is a straight shooter and I will remember to heed his words!
Distilling the Masonic Meeting - A Conversation with Brother Cyril Embil
Bro. Cyril is a member of Quinta Essentia Lodge No. 500 in New Haven, CT. His lodge utilizes technology to make their meetings short and to the point, which has translated to a wonderful experience online. Bro. Cyril talks about his work in technology and how QE makes their meetings short and effective whether in person or online with a focus of fellowship and discussion.
6 Sigma and Continuous Improvement of Lodges - A conversation with RWB Scott Bumps
As a 6 Sigma Black Belt and an expert on Lean Continuous Improvement, RWB Scott Bumps has a lot to say about how lodges can work to improve themselves. Reach out to RWB Scott if you feel like you could use a facilitation to look critically at lodge processes and how you can reinvent your lodge.
I learned a lot with Bro. Scott and will use him as a resource going forward!
Managing a Masonic Building - A Conversation With RWB Steve Allinson
The president of the Masonic Temple Foundation of New Haven, CT RWB Steve manages the building for five lodges, three York Rite bodies and a Scottish Rite Valley. Thousands of Masons come to his temple each year, which is truly a spectacle to see.
We talked about the many challenges Masons face when it comes to keeping an aging building up to date and financially solvent. It was an eye-opener for
From a Friend to Brother - Ben's Journey Continues
Now entered apprentice Ben Valinsky talks about his feelings about crossing over into becoming the first Entered Apprentice of Ouroboros Lodge No 151 U.D. I asked him about his impressions and learn a lot about what the new EA thinks and feels.
Please send voice notes through Anchor if you would like to be included on this show!
Small Lodges - How are they different?
RWB Nick Ives and RWB Jason Morse chat about their experiences in smaller lodges. Bro. Nick is WM of Ouroboros 151 U.D. in Wallingford, CT and Bro. Jason is WM of Quinta Essentia 500 in New Haven, CT. Each have memberships in many lodges, yet their view as leaders of smaller lodges may inspire others to consider including the small lodge experience as part of their own.
Before Light - Interview with a Petitioner
Prior to being initiated into the fraternity, Bro. Ben Valinsky sat down with RWB Nick Ives for a chat about his perceptions of the craft. He has since been initiated, so we release this podcast to share what he thought coming into the craft, a view we don't often get to hear. This will be an ongoing feature as he progresses, so we can learn more about what the incoming Freemasons think and feel o
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