Now there’s a Mason’s Mason; it’s Chuck Brust. We talk technology and beyond: what it means to be an Enterprise IT Architect at Mayo Clinic, the all-new Lodge Historical Digitization Project (aka “scanning project”), and the Conference of Grand Masters coming to Minneapolis/St. Paul in 2028. When he’s not revolutionizing healthcare technology at Mayo Clinic or serving the Craft, he goes on 175-mile walks from Portugal to Spain. 

Put on your walking shoes…it’s an all new Minnesota Masonic Histories & Mysteries.

This week we sit down with Channel 5’s Joe Schmit who shares that through “silent impact,” we make our biggest impressions when we are not trying to be impressive. Success and happiness are not related to titles or how many awards one has received, but to the impact we have on others. 

Joe covers a variety of topics, from the long sports drought for championships in Minnesota, his experience as a lymphoma survivor at the Masonic Cancer Center, and how all of us can reconnect in a meaningful way. 

“If you become more aware and intentional, that’s when you have that impact on others. How consistent are you aligning your actions with your values when nobody’s looking?” 

This week we revisit the 18:53 Working Tools Series, and confront the challenge of how to truly “be there” for each other in the crucible of life. Is it possible to make the tenets of our profession verbs (actions) as opposed to nouns (abstract words) in our daily lives? 

“The hardest lesson I’ve had to learn as an adult is the relentless need to keep going, no matter how broken I feel inside. Life doesn’t stop when we are exhausted or when our spirits feel threadbare. It keeps moving – unyielding, indifferent – demanding that we keep pace.” -EH

Sisters and Brothers across the Masonic family, it’s our pal Greg Vokovan. Genealogy connections to the Split Rock Lighthouse, Navy adventures landing on an aircraft carrier, and the statewide outreach of the Fire Suppression program. Pop on your flight suit and join us, it’s an all-new Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries.  

“We're all on the same level. It doesn't matter who you are, where you worship, how you voted, how you dress, we're all the same. Tolerance is a key aspect of the Masonic experience. We'll continue to succeed in our charities, in our philanthropic endeavors, and we'll continue to attract those to our fraternity that we want now.”

This week we welcome Brad Phelps back to the studio, who shares highlights from his recent article “Seeking Balance in a Changing World.” 
Collaboration, engagement, and connection: how do we maintain balance in a world that’s oversaturated with technology? Brad also shares sage perspective on reengaging your lodge in 2025. 

 "As Masons, we are taught the importance of dividing our time effectively. Continued growth, flexibility, and adaptation to a rapidly changing landscape is so important.”

18:53 Working Tools Series – Ritual 

With the One Day to Masonry approaching (1/18/25), we sit down with Al Golder and Arun Natarajan. Learn about the evolution of our work, from the early pioneer days in Minnesota to the 21st century. Consistency, uniformity, and accuracy: why is it so crucial that we communicate our ritual correctly in every lodge?

”It is through our ritual that Freemasonry has a deeper purpose, which we often overlook in the rush of the modern world.”

Reed sits down with Mark Meier and Bill Dehkes from the Face It Foundation. Leveraging the power of peer support, Face It works with men to normalize life’s challenges and recover from anxiety, depression, and prevent suicide. 

“How do I deal with this stuff in my life?” It’s okay if you struggle because so many people do. The first step can be the most difficult, but after that you will see that you are not alone, and life can be dramatically better. 

“We have to be creating atmospheres and leaders and people who will speak openly and say, ‘I really do care.’ Regardless of what your issue is, please share with me.”

For more information, please visit www.FaceItFoundation.org or email [email protected] 

(this episode was recorded on 12/30/24) 

In this episode, Dr. Jen Poynter and Dr. Heather Nelson, leading experts in medical research at the Masonic Cancer Center, join us to discuss the "10,000 Families Study." We cover why it’s so important for you and your family to participate in this study, and how members of the Masonic family (and outside friends) from across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin can help shape medical research and health, now and into the future. 

“It was really with the generosity of the Masons and the gift to the Masonic Cancer Center that helped jumpstart us and put us in a great position.” -Dr. Nelson 

Check out www.10kfs.umn.edu for more information and how to sign up.  

No strangers to authentic brotherhood: Kymphus Muhammad and Tibyus Hill from Anchor Hilyard Lodge No. 2 join us for a discussion of history, social capital, and collaboration in both lodge & community. 

 “As people’s appetite for goodness grows, then they will begin to see and notice what we do as Freemasons.” 

This week, our friend and Brother Kevin Hendrickson shares some of his insightful research into Robert Denfeld, Past Grand Master of Masons in Minnesota (1914). 

Well-known for his tireless commitment to public education, civic engagement, and Freemasonry, Denfeld’s legacy is a true inspiration. Kevin recaps the foundation of Denfeld’s pioneering efforts: from establishing the state’s first free textbook system, to the academic training programs which eventually became the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and more. 

Robert E. Denfeld, servant leader, educator, and devoted Freemason, said in his final days “…I only wish I could do more.”