On The Level Podcast

Embark with me, W:. Chris Burns, on a captivating journey into the heart of Freemasonry, where the venerable Worshipful David Finkelstein, Worshipful Master of Liberty Lodge number 412, unveils the transformative power of this esteemed fraternity. Witness as we unravel the mysteries of Masonic rituals, revealing their secret influences on personal growth and global democracy. Our exchange not only honors the discreet contributions ...

Joining me today is Worshipful Master Mark Tishman, hailing from the sun-soaked 23rd Masonic District of Florida, to shed light on the profound transitions in Masonic leadership. With Mark, we unravel the intricate dance of stepping into the role of Worshipful Master, embracing the mantle of responsibility while etching a meaningful legacy. We navigate the nuances of leadership that transcends the pursuit of titles, delving into ho...

Join the camaraderie as Worshipful Timothy Ferdon, a distinguished Freemason, returns to our airwaves, sharing pearls of wisdom from his new position within DeMolay's District 5. As we reminisce about the enduring legacy of Hillsboro Lodge number 25 in Florida, our conversation unravels the profound influence of Masonic principles on the young minds of DeMolay and the timeless virtues of leadership that bind the brotherhood to...

Embark on a journey to a galaxy far, far away and the final frontier with our latest episode, where we ignite the debate between Star Wars and Star Trek. Feel the rush of nostalgia and inspiration as we reminisce over the heroic fantasies of Star Wars and the societal insights of Star Trek, tying them back to the meticulous craft of masonry. We also savor the art of cigar appreciation, unwrapping the layers of a quality smoke, and ...

Ever wondered about the labyrinthine paths of Freemasonry? Well, buckle up! Our latest On The Level podcast episode, with the spirited newly raised Master Mason, Matt Stone, dissects the fraternal tapestry with a sly wink and a firm handshake. We're tossing the keys to the inner sanctum your way as Matt recounts his electrifying leap into Masonic life, juggling the Junior Deacon's truncheon with the nurturing demands of f...

Have you ever pondered the intricate tapestry of beliefs that unite men in the quest for enlightenment? Right Worshipful Dwayne Marshall, the sage behind "A Past Master's Thoughts" on Facebook, graces us with his wisdom and experience, weaving through his diverse Masonic journey. From being a lodge master to engaging with the Eastern Star and Kansas DeMolay, Dwayne embodies the spirit of Freemasonry. His insights are...

When Worshipful Andrew Gluchov stopped by, we didn't anticipate just how much his Masonic insights would intertwine with the hilarity of everyday life. What do lodge repairs and the Wilhelm scream have in common? You might be surprised to find out in our candid chat that dives into how Freemasonry isn't just about solemn rituals but also about the unexpected surprises and life lessons that come with leadership roles. As w...

Have you ever held an object that carried a story so rich, it could fill an entire room with history and intrigue? Worshipful Steven Garcia Morales joins us wielding a tale about his Darth Vader gavel, a symbol of his unique journey as Worshipful Master and the broader enigma of Freemasonry. Our heartfelt discussion spans from his familial Masonic roots to the hidden symbols sprinkled throughout popular films, offering a rare glimp...

Discover the enigmatic world of Freemasonry with our special guest Jeremy Barnes, the mastermind behind the revolutionary Amity app. We embark on a journey filled with stories that weave through the historical and modern landscapes of this secretive brotherhood. From the initiation of Hollywood's own Richard Dreyfuss to the quirky lodge happenings that will have you chuckling, we pull back the curtain on a society that continu...

Step inside the shadowy corridors of Freemasonry as we sit down with Brother Roberto M. Sanchez, a past Grand Master and seasoned Mason, whose tales from within the Texas jurisdiction lift the veil on a fraternity rife with conflict and controversy. Join us for a conversation that exposes the internal struggles for power, the political machinery, and the sometimes harsh reality of what it takes to introduce new Masonic bodies amids...

Embark on a journey through the heart of Freemasonry as we unlock the enigmatic beauty of the Fellow Craft degree, a step in the Masonic path often shrouded in misconception. Our latest episode offers a deep dive into the intricate symbolism and profound teachings that make this degree a linchpin of Masonic tradition. With carefully chosen anecdotes and insights, we illuminate why this stage of Masonry is far from mundane, revealin...

Embark on a thought-provoking journey with us as we explore the foundations and ethical quandaries of Freemasonry, navigating through its global brotherhood to the very essence of what it means to be a Mason. Our conversation begins by shedding light on the significance of the term "Mason" itself and the Fellow Craft tools, a foundational part of the Masonic experience. Our mailbag segment brings warmth and camaraderie to...

Embark on a fascinating voyage with us as we unravel the tapestry of Freemasonry's teachings, symbols, and degrees. Our latest episode takes you deep into the transformative passage of the Fellow Craft degree, from its operative origins to the speculative journey we embrace today. We lay bare the significance of completing the Master Mason degree – a commencement, not a conclusion, of one's Masonic exploration. As we navi...

Have you ever found unexpected wisdom in the intergalactic narratives of Star Trek? I did, and it's woven seamlessly into the fabric of my Masonic journey. Our latest episode offers a heartfelt blend of personal anecdotes, from my reflections on mentorship and manhood found in science fiction to the camaraderie and chuckles behind our podcast curtain with Fred. Joining us is Campbell Tuhee from the Great White North, who embod...

Unlock the mysteries of a revered tradition with our special guest, Right Worshipful Stephen Silver's from Hillsborough Lodge, as we share an enlightening conversation on 'On the Level.' Stephen takes us back to the inception of Hudson's Heroes in 2016, under the leadership of Grandmaster Stan Hudson, and walks us through the cherished rituals and touching moments that have since defined the group. From the sole...

When life's relentless hustle sent our Masonic musings to the back burner, Fred and I couldn't help but chuckle. Tune in to hear us swap stories of the mayhem that is post-holiday life, drop references to comedic icons like Weird Al, and wax nostalgic over Dr. Demento's radio shenanigans. But that's not all - I've got a whopper of a life update to share as I navigate the bittersweet task of packing up my Fl...

Prepare to beam up on a voyage that melds the final frontier with the ancient principles of Freemasonry. As we reminisce on the timeless commentary of Star Trek: The Next Generation, we also unveil the raw nerves and anticipation that accompany our preparation for a prestigious Masonic degree competition. You're invited to explore with Fred and me not only the meticulous execution of rituals but also the profound understanding...

Life's unexpected turns have a way of teaching us the most valuable lessons. Fred and I sit down to discuss the twists and turns that have shaped our lives, sharing insights on maintaining integrity and embracing humility through it all. We draw inspiration from the wisdom of great minds like Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin, while I open up about a personal story of loss and the deep lessons learned from it. Our conversation ...

Ever wondered what it's like to swap stories with fellow Masons and discover the lighter side of our venerable craft? That's exactly what Chris and I did when we kicked things off with a humorous anecdote of brotherly impersonations before transitioning to a poignant reflection on the stark contrasts of our daily lives with the harsh realities faced by individuals in conflict zones. Our conversation then takes a turn towa...