The Masonic Heartbeat Podcast

More Than a Fez: Reigniting the Heartbeat at Al Azhar Shriners

Getting someone to join is only the beginning. What makes them feel they belong?

Trevor Eliott and Keven Kidder welcome Illustrious Sir James, Potentate of Al Azhar Shriners in Calgary, for a lively conversation about turning new members into active participants—and building a fraternity people want to keep coming back to.

At the centre of the discussion is Al Azhar’s September 26 ceremonial: fourteen participating Nobles, new members stepping into the ceremonial cast, a hilarious Stonecutters degree, Stampede Chapter DeMolay’s moving Flower Talk, a Filipino feast, and a Gordie Howe jersey raffle that raised $3,200. Behind the fun are practical lessons in leadership, inclusion, and creating meaningful connections.

James shares how his “Top Forty” communications help newer Shriners arrive informed and confident, why personal invitations matter, and how welcoming families and celebrating different cultures can strengthen the entire organization. The conversation also tackles a familiar challenge: how do we move beyond the same small group doing most of the work?

From sharing successful fundraising ideas to giving new members meaningful roles, this episode offers inspiration for Shrine temples, Masonic lodges, and volunteer organizations alike.

Honouring our history means giving the next generation something worth carrying forward. Because the future of the fraternity depends on more than who joins—it depends on who feels they belong.

If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a Brother who needs to hear it.

And if you haven’t already, be sure to follow The Masonic Heartbeat so you don’t miss future episodes.

You can also learn more and connect with us at www.mrfancyfez.ca.

Email Trevor at [email protected].

Email Keven at [email protected]

Because the future of Freemasonry isn’t something we inherit.
 It’s something we build—together.

What does it really mean to promise that no Brother will be left behind?

Trevor Eliott and Keven Kidder welcome psychologist and Freemason Colin Auschrat for an honest conversation about loneliness, disconnection, and the difference between simply attending Lodge and genuinely belonging there.

Colin explores why men often struggle to build and maintain meaningful relationships, why a Brother may quietly withdraw, and how shame, financial pressure, unmet needs, personal hardship—or hurt caused within the Lodge itself—can push someone to the margins. Together, they challenge the fraternity to consider whether the word “Brother” has become a title we use too easily without learning the names, lives, strengths, and struggles of the men beside us.

The conversation also moves from awareness to action, examining stronger roles for almoners, mental-health first-aid training, purposeful check-ins, better questions, and outreach rooted in compassion rather than guilt.

This episode leaves every Mason with a personal challenge: stop accepting “I’m fine” as the end of the conversation. Notice who is missing. Reach out before a Brother disappears—and make the title of Brother mean something through what you do.

If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a Brother who needs to hear it.

And if you haven’t already, be sure to follow The Masonic Heartbeat so you don’t miss future episodes.

You can also learn more and connect with us at www.mrfancyfez.ca.

Email Trevor at [email protected].

Email Keven at [email protected]

Because the future of Freemasonry isn’t something we inherit.
 It’s something we build—together.

In this episode of The Masonic Heartbeat, Trevor Eliott and Keven Kidder sit down with newly initiated Shriner and Master Mason Ed Kobialko to explore a journey defined by resilience, Brotherhood, and purpose.

After surviving a devastating head-on highway collision that left him unable to walk for nearly two years, Ed found hope, direction, and community through Freemasonry. During some of his darkest days, the prospect of one day becoming a Mason helped keep him focused on the future. Now, just weeks into his Shrine journey, he has already immersed himself in parades, the Director’s Staff, and Lodge leadership, bringing a contagious enthusiasm to everything he does.

Ed shares how a simple “To Be One, Ask One” bumper sticker sparked his curiosity about Freemasonry, the support he received from Brothers along the way, and why becoming a Shriner felt like the natural next step in his Masonic journey. He also reflects on what surprised him most about the Shrine, the excitement of participating in his first parades, and the sense of purpose he has found through service and Brotherhood.

Along the way, Trevor, Keven, and Ed explore the four pillars of the EMVP Framework: Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, and Purpose. From the encouragement of fellow Masons during recovery to the energy of Shrine events and the impact of helping children, Ed offers a powerful perspective on what it means to embrace life, Brotherhood, and service after adversity.

Whether you’re a Mason considering the Shrine, a new member looking for your place in the fraternity, or simply someone who enjoys stories of perseverance and personal growth, this episode is a reminder that the heartbeat of Freemasonry and the Shrine is found in the people who live its values every day.

In this episode:

• Recovering from a life-changing head-on highway collision
 • How Freemasonry helped provide hope during recovery
 • Discovering Freemasonry and becoming a Master Mason
 • Why Ed chose to become a Shriner
 • Finding a home in the Director’s Staff
 • Mentorship, visitation, and Lodge culture
 • Family support and balancing Masonic commitments
 • The excitement and visibility of Shrine parades
 • The importance of Brotherhood and community
 • How helping even one child defines success

The journey has only just begun, but Ed’s story is already a powerful example of how Freemasonry and the Shrine can help people find connection, purpose, and a renewed appreciation for life. His enthusiasm reminds us that the future of our fraternity is bright when new members are welcomed, mentored, and inspired to get involved.

If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a Brother who needs to hear it.

And if you haven’t already, be sure to follow The Masonic Heartbeat so you don’t miss future episodes.

You can also learn more and connect with us at www.mrfancyfez.ca.

Email Trevor at [email protected].

Email Keven at [email protected]

Because the future of Freemasonry isn’t something we inherit.
 It’s something we build—together.

Visibility is one of the most misunderstood concepts in Freemasonry and the Shrine.

In Episode 4 of The Masonic Heartbeat Podcast, Trevor Eliott and Keven Kidder are joined by Sean Martin, High Priest & Prophet of Gizeh Shriners and Marketing Director for Region One, for a powerful discussion about why visibility matters now more than ever.

This episode explores how storytelling, community presence, mentorship, and authentic connection help ensure that Freemasonry and the Shrine remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The conversation dives into:

•  why visibility is about belonging, not ego 
•  how lodges can create stronger member experiences 
•  generational communication challenges 
•  family involvement in the fraternity 
•  the importance of fun, fellowship, and culture 
•  practical ways lodges and temples can improve visibility immediately 
•  why “if we’re not being seen, do we even exist?” 

Sean also shares insights into:

•  modern Shrine marketing 
•  experiential Masonry 
•  membership culture 
•  community engagement 
•  and how small lodges can grow through intentional brotherhood and storytelling. 

This episode is both philosophical and practical, offering real-world ideas for leaders, mentors, and members who care deeply about the future of the Craft.

Because when people can clearly see the good we do…
 they begin to understand the value of becoming part of it.

🎙️ The Masonic Heartbeat Podcast
Exploring how Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, and Purpose keep the heartbeat of the Craft strong.

If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a Brother who needs to hear it.

And if you haven’t already, be sure to follow The Masonic Heartbeat so you don’t miss future episodes.

You can also learn more and connect with us at www.mrfancyfez.ca.

Email Trevor at [email protected].

Email Keven at [email protected]

Because the future of Freemasonry isn’t something we inherit.
 It’s something we build—together.

🎙️ Episode 3 – Mentorship: How the Craft Builds Its Future

Mentorship is often discussed in Freemasonry, but rarely examined as the living system that sustains the Craft across generations.

In this episode of The Masonic Heartbeat, Trevor Eliott and Keven Kidder explore how mentorship shapes the Masonic journey. From the first questions a new Mason asks to the responsibilities of leadership in the East.

Joining the conversation is Eric Einarson of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: Senior Warden of Patricia Lodge No. 91 and former DeMolay, who brings a unique dual perspective on mentorship as both a mentee and mentor. Eric shares how structured leadership development in DeMolay helped form the foundation of his Masonic experience, and how mentorship continues to guide him as he prepares for future leadership.

The discussion explores how mentorship operates not only as a formal process, but as a culture of presence, encouragement, and continuity. Through personal stories and practical insights, the conversation highlights how mentorship strengthens lodges, supports members during times of transition, and ensures that knowledge, values, and purpose are passed forward.

Mentorship is not simply about instruction. It is about connection, responsibility, and the intentional development of future leaders.

The future of the Craft depends on what we invest in each other today.

🔹 Why mentorship is essential to member retention
 🔹 How early experiences shape long-term engagement
 🔹 The connection between mentorship and leadership development
 🔹 Lessons from DeMolay’s leadership model
 🔹 How lodges can build stronger mentorship cultures

Because when mentorship is strong, the heartbeat continues. 🔥

If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a Brother who needs to hear it.

And if you haven’t already, be sure to follow The Masonic Heartbeat so you don’t miss future episodes.

You can also learn more and connect with us at www.mrfancyfez.ca.

Email Trevor at [email protected].

Email Keven at [email protected]

Because the future of Freemasonry isn’t something we inherit.
 It’s something we build—together.

Episode 2 – The First 90 Days: Where Brotherhood Begins

What happens in a Mason’s first 90 days often determines whether he becomes a lifelong Brother… or quietly drifts away.

In this episode of The Masonic Heartbeat, Trevor Eliott and Keven Kidder explore one of the most critical — and often overlooked — phases of the Masonic journey: the first three months after a man petitions, is initiated, and begins finding his place in the Lodge or Shrine.

Drawing on real experiences from Lodges, Shrine events, and the Weekend Without Titles educational gathering, this conversation examines how early interactions shape long-term engagement. Through the lens of the Heartbeat Framework — Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, and Purpose (EMVP) — Trevor and Keven discuss what helps new Brothers feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to continue their journey.

The episode follows the story of a new Mason named Daniel, whose experience illustrates how small moments can either strengthen connection or create distance. From the uncertainty of the first meeting, to the search for belonging, to the moment a Brother begins to ask how he can contribute, the first 90 days represent a powerful window of opportunity for Lodges and Temples to build lasting engagement.

Key topics include:

• Why first impressions matter more than we often realize
 • How Lodge culture influences whether a new Brother feels he belongs
 • The role of mentorship before and after initiation
 • How small interactions shape a new member’s perception of the fraternity
 • Early warning signs that a Brother may be starting to drift
 • Practical ways Lodges and Temples can create meaningful opportunities for involvement
 • Why belonging is communicated through relationships, not ritual alone

Trevor and Keven also introduce the Strengthening the Heartbeat speed round, where they share simple, practical actions every Mason can take to improve the experience for new Brothers right away.

Whether you are a Lodge officer, mentor, membership chairman, or simply a Brother who cares about the future of the Craft, this episode provides practical insight into how intentional culture-building can improve retention, engagement, and long-term vitality.

Freemasonry does not grow stronger by accident. It grows stronger when Brothers choose to notice, include, and walk beside the men who come after them.

Because when we strengthen one journey… we strengthen the future of the fraternity.

🎙️ The Masonic Heartbeat focuses on the state of Freemasonry today and how we strengthen it for tomorrow through the principles of Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, and Purpose.

Until next time… keep the heartbeat strong.

If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a Brother who needs to hear it.

And if you haven’t already, be sure to follow The Masonic Heartbeat so you don’t miss future episodes.

You can also learn more and connect with us at www.mrfancyfez.ca.

Email Trevor at [email protected].

Email Keven at [email protected]

Because the future of Freemasonry isn’t something we inherit.
 It’s something we build—together.

Most Masons don’t leave because they’re angry.
 They leave because no one noticed they were gone.

In this first episode of The Masonic Heartbeat, Trevor Eliott and Keven Kidder explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—challenges facing Freemasonry today: retention.

Through the story of a new Noble who was unintentionally left off the communication list, they unpack a deeper issue that exists in lodges and temples everywhere. Why do good men join with excitement… only to quietly drift away?

This episode introduces the Heartbeat Framework—Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, and Purpose—and how these four pillars shape the health of any Masonic body.

You’ll hear:

• Why most members don’t leave with conflict, but in silence
• How small breakdowns in communication create big consequences
• The role mentorship plays in the first days of a Mason’s journey
• Simple, practical ways every Brother can make a difference

If you care about the future of Freemasonry, this conversation is for you.

If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a Brother who needs to hear it.

And if you haven’t already, be sure to follow The Masonic Heartbeat so you don’t miss future episodes.

You can also learn more and connect with us at www.mrfancyfez.ca.

Email Trevor at [email protected].

Email Keven at [email protected]

Because the future of Freemasonry isn’t something we inherit.
 It’s something we build—together.