Odd Fellows Today

What happens when people want to do something that isn't permitted by the rules? Too often, the answer can become, “They’re going to do it anyway, so we might as well give them permission.”

In this episode, we explore why that philosophy can be dangerous for Odd Fellowship. We look at the proper purpose of dispensations, liberal construction, ritual, bylaws, and organizational standards, and examine the important distinction between making a reasonable accommodation because circumstances require it and simply waiving a requirement because following it is inconvenient. 

This isn't an argument for rigid, inflexible leadership. It's an argument for responsible stewardship: knowing when compassion and flexibility are appropriate, but also having the courage to say no when protecting the integrity and common identity of Odd Fellowship requires it. Because if every lodge can simply decide which rules it wants to follow, we eventually risk becoming a collection of independent clubs rather than one fraternity. 

Leadership isn't about finding a way to permit everything. It's about preserving something worth passing on.

Featuring a mix of commentary and music, Odd Fellows Today makes learning about the Order a quick and fun expereince. For more information, to comment or ask to be a guest contact [email protected]  This podcast is written, performed and produced by Michael Duminiak, all rights reserved.

What happens when an election doesn't go the way we hoped, a bylaw change fails, a program falls flat, or an event doesn't turn out as planned? Disappointment is a natural part of Odd Fellowship and it's okay to feel it. But disappointment doesn't have to become bitterness, withdrawal, or giving up. In this episode, we explore how the principles of Friendship, Love, and Truth can help us put disappointment into perspective, maintain hope, learn from setbacks, and keep serving even when we don't get the outcome we wanted. Because ultimately, Odd Fellowship isn't about getting our way; it's about doing good, helping others, and leaving the fraternity stronger than we found it. 

Featuring a mix of commentary and music, Odd Fellows Today makes learning about the Order a quick and fun expereince. For more information, to comment or ask to be a guest contact [email protected]  This podcast is written, performed and produced by Michael Duminiak, all rights reserved.

Odd Fellowship is about more than attending lodge meetings. In this episode, we explore ten less common experiences that can deepen your appreciation of the fraternity, broaden your perspective, and help you become a more engaged Odd Fellow. These aren't requirements; they're opportunities. Consider this your Odd Fellows bucket list. How many have you already done and which one will you try next? 

Featuring a mix of commentary and music, Odd Fellows Today makes learning about the Order a quick and fun expereince. For more information, to comment or ask to be a guest contact [email protected]  This podcast is written, performed and produced by Michael Duminiak, all rights reserved.

 Before a lodge can grow, it must first understand itself. In this episode, we explore how to conduct a complete assessment of your Odd Fellows lodge: from membership, meetings, and ritual to building conditions, lodge culture, community presence, and strategic planning. Learn how to involve every member in an honest, constructive evaluation that identifies strengths, uncovers opportunities for improvement, and lays the foundation for lasting revitalization. Whether your lodge is thriving or struggling, this episode provides a practical roadmap for ensuring your lodge is healthy, purposeful, and prepared for the future. 

Featuring a mix of commentary and music, Odd Fellows Today makes learning about the Order a quick and fun expereince. For more information, to comment or ask to be a guest contact [email protected]  This podcast is written, performed and produced by Michael Duminiak, all rights reserved.

A lot of people think the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows was founded similarly to the Prince Hall Freemasons, but that isn't actually true. Britain had multiple competing versions of Odd Fellowship. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows received its charter from one line (the Manchester Unity) and the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows in America recieved its chapter from the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows in Britain. Two different versions of Odd Fellowship in Britain became two segregated versions of Odd Fellowship in America. This is the story that so often goes untold.

Featuring a mix of commentary and music, Odd Fellows Today makes learning about the Order a quick and fun expereince. For more information, to comment or ask to be a guest contact [email protected]  This podcast is written, performed and produced by Michael Duminiak, all rights reserved.

At least five men have carried the principles of Odd Fellowship into the White House. How did that influence them? What can we learn about the Order through those examples? What lessons illuminate our path into the future? Find out on this episode.

Featuring a mix of commentary and music, Odd Fellows Today makes learning about the Order a quick and fun expereince. For more information, to comment or ask to be a guest contact [email protected]  This podcast is written, performed and produced by Michael Duminiak, all rights reserved.

The topic of governance can seem dry and uninteresting, but governance in Odd Fellowship is a surprisingly interesting and unique structure that most outsiders and even many members don't fully understand.

Featuring a mix of commentary and music, Odd Fellows Today makes learning about the Order a quick and fun expereince. For more information, to comment or ask to be a guest contact [email protected]  This podcast is written, performed and produced by Michael Duminiak, all rights reserved.

On the second Tuesday of June, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows marks Odd Fellows Memorial day across all its lodges around the world. But what is this event and what happens during its ritual ceremony? More importantly, what does it mean and why does it matter?

Featuring a mix of commentary and music, Odd Fellows Today makes learning about the Order a quick and fun expereince. For more information, to comment or ask to be a guest contact [email protected]  This podcast is written, performed and produced by Michael Duminiak, all rights reserved.

We often become fixated on numbers. How many members do we have? What was our meeting attendance? How many applications are we getting? How many members are dropped from non-payment? Fixating on numbers is missing what drives them. They are driven by engagement and engagement is driven by emotional connection. Lodge has to mean something to the member for the member to stay a member and want to bring in outside friends.

Featuring a mix of commentary and music, Odd Fellows Today makes learning about the Order a quick and fun expereince. For more information, to comment or ask to be a guest contact [email protected]  This podcast is written, performed and produced by Michael Duminiak, all rights reserved.

From what people see on the outside to how your lodge feels on the inside, success and growth takes intention. Revitalization is not something you knock out in one term as a program; it is a program and a culture.

Featuring a mix of commentary and music, Odd Fellows Today makes learning about the Order a quick and fun expereince. For more information, to comment or ask to be a guest contact [email protected]  This podcast is written, performed and produced by Michael Duminiak, all rights reserved.