Masonic Central Podcast

Masonic Central – Engaging the most prolific thinkers, writers, leaders, entertainers, and other news makers of Freemasonry today in one-on-one interviews and round table discussions.

“We take the craft and art of Freemasonry seriously and we see the pod cast as an excellent medium for exploring the intellectual and spiritual depths of the fraternity; its ideas and experience!”

Masonic Central, with Brothers Greg Stewart and Dean Kennedy, was a weekly podcast about Freemasonry; its meaning, works, and ideas.

The podcast recorded from 2008 and 2010 reaching listeners across the globe. Past guests included author of Freemasons for Dummies, Br. Chris Hodapp; the distinguished professor of Freemasonry Margaret Jacob; author and publisher Stephen Dafoe, musician and composer Howie Damron, the esteemed speaker and Secretary of the World Conference of Grand Lodges, the Right Worshipful Tom Jackson, and the Scottish Rite Journal’s very own Brent Morris, and this only names a few.

The show was self-produced and distributed via the web site FreemasonInformation.com.

Masonic Central was about the compelling and challenging voices of wisdom on the more relevant subjects of 21st-century Masonry. Greg Stewart takes a philosophical view about the fraternity, drawing out the intersection of thought and experience of broad ideas and real life. Dean Kennedy brought a grounded and good-humored take on the realities and dynamics of what the fraternity embodied. The result was an in-depth and revealing program unavailable from traditional sources of Masonic communication. Just a few of the topics covered included Freemasonry in the cinema, Masonic Technology and the confusing world of Masonic publishing.

You can still listen to the program at the links below.

Ep 64: All things Shrine International

Imperial Sir Jeff Sowder, Imperial Outer Guard for Shrine International, talks about all things big and small as it relates to the Shrine.

Ep 63: Social Capital and the era of Gate City Lodge

Join us in this episode, recorded on April 4^th, 2009, as Greg and Dean welcomes brothers Beaux Pettys and Mike Bjelajac of Gate City Lodge No 2. from the beautiful city of Atlanta, in the state of Georgia. In the episode, we dig into the antebellum origins of the lodge and its present-day revival in a city known for its diversity of population in one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in America.

Ep 62: Michael Halleran

In this episode we talk with Michael Halleran about his new book The Better Angels of Our Nature – The Civil War and American Freemasonry. Perhaps one of the most turbulent periods of American History, Halleran, in his book, takes us on the trail of fact and fiction through the intersection of Freemasonry and the Civil War.

Ep 61: From HELL: Masonic Central by Gas Light

In this episode Greg, Dean and several special guests dig into the depths of the film adaption of the Alan Moore story, From Hell. Originally published on March 21, 2010. This show takes a number of twists and turns digging into European freemasonry and the nuances included in the film. If you haven’t seen the film, it’s well worth the time to see and then listen to the show.

Ep 60: Greg Kaminsky

In this episode, Masonic Central talks to the the iconic host extraordinaire, Greg Kaminsky from the Occult of Personality podcast.

Ep 59: The Masonic Restoration Foundation

In this episode, recorded on March 7, 2010, Dean and Greg are joined by Mark Tabbert and Cliff Porter to talk about Traditional Observance Lodges and the Masonic Restoration Foundation. T.O. (Traditional Observance) Lodges seemed at one time to be a bright spot in the future of Freemasonry. Since this program, the was recorded, it seems the Traditional Lodge movement has slowed.

EP 58: Masonic Central Japan

Brothers Michael Pearce and Bill Patterson launch their inaugural edition Masonic Central Asia with guest Br. Jim Johnston.

EP 57: Karl Grube

In this episode we talk with Karl Grube from the Bonisteel Masonic Library and Detroit Masonic Temple.

EP 56: Table Talk Post holiday catch up

With Dean & Greg on the events of 2009.

Ep 55: Rebroadcast

Paul Bessel and Jerry Samet

Ep 54: Mark Koltko-Rivera

Join us for this episode as author Mark Koltko-Rivera joined Masonic Central on Sunday, September 27, 2009, to talk about Dan Brown’s book The Lost Symbol.

Ep 53: Br. Michael Poll

Publisher and author Br. Michael Poll of Cornerstone publishing.

Ep 52: Lon Milo DuQuette

Join us for this episode as author Lon Milo DuQuette joined Masonic Central on Sunday, November 29th, 2009, to talk about magick, esoteric Freemasonry and the his masonic journey.

Ep 52: Masonic Central Japan

Surprise mystery guests on Masonic Central – Masonic Central Japan!

Ep 51: Sanctum Sanctorum

The Sanctum Sanctorum on Masonic Central.

Ep 50: John Nagy

Building Boaz – Author John Nagy on Masonic Central.

Ep 49: Crown of Serpent

Crown of Serpents on Masonic Central.

Ep 48: Chris Hodapp and Cliff Porter

“The Lost Symbol” found with Chris Hodapp and Cliff Porter

Ep 47: Tim Bryce and Tom Accuosti.

What is Freemasonry? A discussion with Tim Bryce and Tom Accuosti.

Ep 46: Table Talk

Masonic Central Table Talk – Back to School!

Ep 45: Social Media for the Nonprofit

Social Media and the Non-Profit – How Social Media is vital to fraternal organizations.

Ep 44: Cliff Porter

The return of Masonic Central and the “Masonic Baptism” with Cliff Porter!

Ep 43: Br. Mark Allen Tabbert

Br. Mark Allen Tabbert on the George Washington Memorial.

Ep 42: Karen Kidd

Author Karen Kidd on her new book “Haunted Chambers, the lives of early women Freemasons.”

Ep 41: Stephen Dafoe

Br Stephen Dafoe, on Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry

Ep 40: Timothy Hogan

Freemasonry and Kabbalah – The 32 Secret Paths of Solomon with Timothy Hogan

Ep 39: Br. Timothy Bonney, PM

Br. Timothy Bonney, PM. on the European Concept Lodge vs. The Traditional Observance Lodge concept. Br. Tim is the author of the owner and editor of the website Freemasonry Resource

Ep 38: Chris Hodapp

The “truth” on Conspiracies with Chris Hodapp. The “truth” on Conspiracies with Chris Hodapp, author of Freemasons for Dummies, and Conspiracy Theories And Secret Societies For Dummies.

Ep 37: Br. Christopher Allan Knowles

Br. Christopher Allan Knowles – author & publisher Brother Knowles is the author of three books of Masonic fiction in the vein of police procedural murder mysteries.

Ep 36:Ordo Templi Orientis-Frater Hrumachis

Join Greg and Dean in this episode, recorded on April 26, 2009, as they delve into the distant cousin of Freemasonry—the OTO. For the show, they’re joined by Frater Hrumachis who was the Former Public Information Officer for the U.S. Grand Lodge of the Ordo Templi Orientis.

Ep 35: Br. John Nagy

Author of the new book Building Hiram – Uncommon Catechism for Uncommon Masonic Education

Ep 34: Br. Martin Faulks

Lewis Masonic Publishing on the Masonic literary world and being a Masonic Ninja!

EP 33: Br. Peter Millheiser

Editor of the Hibiscus Masonic Review on journal of the same name and education in Freemasonry.

EP 32: Harm Timmerman

Composer and Producer Harm Timmerman from Free Stone Music, the creator of the Masonicly inspired CD “The Temple of Humanity“.

EP 31: Table Talk

Table Talk with the editors and authors of FreemasonInformation.com

EP 30: Professor Margaret C. Jacob

In this episode of Masonic Central, recorded on March 15, 2009, UCLA Professor Margaret C. Jacob explores with us how she became the eminent scholar of Freemasonry that she is today. In that conversation, we look behind the veil of time to learn from her about the early origins of the craft, its present, and future of Freemasonry. This was a unique opportunity to hear from the top American scholar on the subject, and a program I strongly recommend that you listen to. Give a listen to this 2009 interview with Dr. Jacob and decide for yourself how far Freemasonry has stretched from the armchair historian into scholarly academia.

EP 29: Br. W. Kirk MacNulty

Join us for this episode from March 8, 2009, as Greg and Dean are joined W. Kirk MacNulty, who is an exceptional Freemason and author of several books on the fraternity. A longtime Freemason, MacNulty brings a special understanding of Freemasonry delving into the esoteric and deeper “mystical” underpinnings of the craft. In this conversation we go deep about finding the divine presence through Freemasonry.

EP 28: James Wasserman

Compiler of The Mystery Traditions

EP 27: Maja D’Aoust

Former librarian of the Philosophical Research Society

EP 26: Br. Mark Menard

Br. Mark Menard on technology and Freemasonry

EP 25: Br. Howie Damron

Join Dean and Greg in this Episode from Sunday, January 25, 2009, as we host singer/song writer and musician Howie Damron to talk about his moving musical contribution to the spirit of Freemasonry, his work with the Masonic Pride Team, and the Masonic anthem “Hiram’s Call” and “The Masonic Ring!”

EP 24: J.J. Miller

Compilers and editors of Morals and Dogma for the 21st Century, Stone Guild Publishing.

EP 23: Masonic Central Back to Basics

Masonic Central goes back to basics in a round table discussion.

EP 22: Digital Table Lodge

1st Annual Digital Table Lodge – the first annual Masonic Table Lodge

EP 21: RW Michael T. Anderson

RW Michael T. Anderson on Prince Hall Freemasonry.

EP 20: Philippa Faulks

In this episode, recorded on November 30, 2008, Dean and Greg are joined by Philippa Faulks nee Lee. Philippa, or Pip as we came to know her, talked about her research and work on the book on the Masonic Magician Count Cagliostro. Pip along with Robert L. D.  Cooper, is the the authors of “The Masonic Magician: The Life and Death of Count Cagliostro and His Egyptian Rite”

Ep 19: Chris Hodapp

In this episode, originally recorded on November 23, 2008, Greg and Dean are joined by the esteemed Masonic author, Chris Hodapp. The author of many books on Freemasonry, most notably  Freemasons For Dummies and Solomon’s Builders, Chris Hodapp is one the strongest voices for American Freemasonry today.

Ep 18: Timothy Hogan

Join Greg and Dean in this episode, originally recorded on November 16, 2008, as the talk with to Brother Timothy Hogan about his book The Alchemical Keys To Masonic Ritual. It was an enlightening conversation on alchemy, ritual, and the “secrets” of Freemasonry.

Ep 17: W. Bro. S. Brent Morris

Join us in this episode from Sunday, November 9, 2008 as we meet and chat with W. Bro. S. Brent Morris 33° – Brent was the editor of “The Scottish Rite Journal” and the author of the book The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Freemasonry.In this episode we dig deep into the issues facing Freemasonry (member retention), masonic publishing and masonic literacy. This was a fascinating conversation to get to know Brent and his amazing work in furthering the fraternity.

Ep 16: W. Bro Robert Davis

Join us for this episode, originally recorded Sunday, November 2, 2008, as we meet and talk with Robert Davis 33°. Together in this episode, Greg and Dean go deep with Br. Davis on his intimate family connections with Freemasonry, the Guthrie Scottish Rite, and the future of Freemasonry in Oklahoma and the rest of the nation.

Ep 15: Ill. Thomas W. Jackson

In this episode, originally recorded on Sunday, October 26, 2008, Greg and Dean the engage with Right Worshipful Tom Jackson, the past xx and the Honorary President of the World Conference of Freemasons. In this episode, we dig deep into the quality and quantity of fraternal membership, masonic charity, and male freemasonry working with female Freemasonry.

Ep 14: Jessica Harland-Jacobs

Author and professor Jessica Harland-Jacobs – Author of Builders of Empire: Freemasons and British Imperialism, 1717-1927

Ep 13: Br. Stephen Dafoe

Br. Stephen Dafoe – author of several Masonic and Templar books, who is now crossing into the world of Graphic In this episode of Masonic Central, originally recorded on October 12, 2008, Greg and Dean are joined by the esteemed author and historian Stephen Dafoe. We dig into all things Templar delving into their historic past and their meaningful significance to Freemasonry today.

EP 12: Table “Tech” Talk

Table “Tech” Talk – A look at the various types of tools available on line for for use in the administration and communication in the lodge environment.

Ep 11: Br. Nelson King

In this episode we are joined by Brother Nelson King who is the past President and Editor of The Philalethes Society Journal of Masonic Research and Letters, and the first non-United States Citizen to hold those positions. King was the second Mason to ever hold the position of President and Editor of The Philalethes at the same time. 

Ep 10: Freemasonry in the Movies

Join Greg and Dean in this episode recorded on September 14, 2008, as the show wanders into the film cinema sphere to talk about three of the most iconic masonic films: The Man Who Would be King, Rosewood and National Treasure. This episode has a few “surprise” guests that jump on the air and build on the conversation. Plus we go deep on Sean Connery and his possible connection to Freemasonry (and his hairy chest).

EP 9: Br. Adam Kendall

Br. Adam Kendall – the Curator of Collections for the Henry Wilson Coil Library & Museum of Freemasonry for the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of California.

Ep 8: Brothers Paul Bessel and Jerry Samet

In this episode, originally recorded on August 31, 2008, we are joined by Paul Bessel and Jerry Samet who are both prominent Masons in their own right, with Br. Paul having served in 7 Grand lodge offices under the Grand Lodge of Washington D.C. and Br. Jerry as the Past Grand Master of Washington D.C. In this episode we go deep into overcoming racism and discrimination hiding in the history and recesses of Freemasonry.

EP 7: Jennifer Emick

Jennifer Emick – The former about.com alternative religion guide Jennifer Emick

Ep 6: Table Talk: All Things Freemasonry

This episode was recorded on August 10th, 2008. In it, Greg and Dean host an open forum for a round table discussion on all things Freemasonry. Our usual cadre of hosts will be on as well as our special callers but in this episode, we invite the Masonic community to participate by calling in and asking the hosts of the show questions about the fraternity and letting us know what they think about Freemasonry. Tim Bryce joins us on the show to talk about summer lodge closing, degrees from around the world, lodges doing specialized labors and the “hidden nooks in lodges” where the relics of the temple are stored.

Ep 4: Brother Tom Accuosti

Join Greg and Dean in this episode, originally recorded on July 6th, 2008, as we interview Tom Accuosti author of the Masonic blog the Masonic Tao. Tom takes us back to a Golden Age when blogging about Freemasonry was new, or at least new-ish. This was a fun conversation and a nice glimpse of Freemasonry from “back in the day.” Tom was always good for a laugh, a jab at the orthodoxy and his fresh insight of Connecticut Freemasonry.

Ep 3: Brother John Ratcliff

In this episode, Dean and Greg spent some time with John Ratcliff, a Freemason under the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Recorded June 22, 2008, this episode covered several topics relevant to Freemasons including his own personal story into Freemasonry, blogging, books on Freemasonry, esoteric Freemasonry vs. ritual magic, symbolism, the Boy Scouts, and traveling to visit other lodges.

Ep 2: Brother Tim Bryce

In this episode, recorded on June 15, 2008, Greg and Dean are joined by a long-time contributor to Freemason Information, Tim Bryce. Tim has been a shining light in Freemasonry publishing several Masonic magazines and websites with the goal of spreading the light of Freemasonry. Listening to this episode from more than 10 years ago, it’s interesting to hear it in schema and framework of the current era. One thing that shines through is the passion all involved have for the fraternity.

Ep 1: Brother Fred Miliken

The podcast that started it all. Masonic Central’s first episode featuring a conversation with Fred Milliken. For those who are fans of the show, you can see how things began. In this episode, we dig into defining “Modern Freemasonry.” This show was originally recorded on June 1, 2008. Fred has a deep history with Freemasonry serving as the director of Phoenix Masonry for several years.