On The Level Podcast

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 th...

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...

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 Ma...

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 segme...

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&apo...

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 fr...

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 sin...

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 b...

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...

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...

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...

Embark on a masonic voyage with us as we reflect on a week steeped in ritual precision and the anticipation of future fraternity events. Picture yourself in the Sarasota area, cigars in hand, engaging in thought-provoking, esoteric discussions; this episode is an invitation to that unique camaraderie. Through a tapestry of stories and insights, we examine the weighty role of a Worshipful Master, t...

Have you ever tossed a beanbag with the aim of not just scoring points but also building a stronger community? Chris and I sure have, and we're thrilled to bring you the stories from our latest cornhole tournament, where the echoes of laughter mingled with the clinking of Masonic camaraderie. We didn't just play a game; we wove the threads of community engagement, as non-Masons stepped u...

Embark on a profound exploration of the Masonic journey with us, where the Fellow Craft degree unveils a world woven with allegory and symbol. As we recount the iconic winding stair lecture, feel the palpable reverence for tradition and education echoed in the hallowed halls of Hillsborough Lodge. From the intricate role of the Senior Deacon to the embracing of diverse faiths within our ranks, our...

Join Fred, myself, and the illustrious Most Worshipful Foster as we venture into the heart of Masonry, where personal growth meets age-old wisdom. Our conversation acts as a lantern, illuminating the path of the seven liberal arts, the profound influence of geometry on our civilization, and the role of music in harmonizing the human experience. It's a rare opportunity to overhear tales from o...

Embark on an intimate expedition into the heart of Freemasonry as Chris and I open the doors to a realm of brotherhood, leadership, and personal growth. Our recent misstep—misplacing a crucial interview with Most Worshipful Jeffrey Esfoster—serves as a humble reminder of our own humanity and the ever-present opportunity to learn. But fret not, for this episode is brimming with the relatable storie...

When the final gavel sounded, marking the end of my term as president at the Master Mason Association, it wasn't just an office I was leaving—it was a chapter full of growth, challenges, and the occasional lodge drama that acted as our collective "training wheels for life." This fittingly sets the stage for our latest episode, where we peel back the curtains on the world of Freemaso...

Ever wondered what binds a Mason's heart to their craft, or how the pillars of Masonry support personal and societal fortitude? Join Fred and me as we traverse the multifaceted world of Masonry, offering an intimate glimpse into the personal commitments and national history shaped by this storied fraternity. Our conversation takes you through the trials of technological adaptation, my heartfe...

When Hurricane Ian swept through Sarasota, it left more than just physical devastation in its wake—it stirred deep emotional currents within us. As Fred and I sift through the remnants of our routines, we uncover the unexpected ways in which resilience and community knit us together in the face of adversity. Our conversation mirrors the path of the Entered Apprentice in Freemasonry, where obedienc...

Ever felt that indescribable pull towards a community that promises more than just casual friendships, but a brotherhood steeped in tradition and shared values? That's the journey Fred and I embarked on as we delved into the world of Freemasonry on "On the Level with Fred and Chris." Our latest episode is a narrative-rich exploration of the challenges and triumphs in growing our Mas...

Ever found yourself in the midst of a disagreement, feeling like there's no way out? Join us, Fred Packwood and Christopher Burks, as we navigate the tricky waters of conflict resolution among Masonic brethren. Our latest discussion delves into how clashes can occur even in the most noble of organizations, and we offer up our own brushes with discord to illustrate the rich lessons and persona...

Ever felt the stirring pull of camaraderie and the call to be a part of something bigger than yourself? Our fifth installment is a celebration of these sentiments, guiding new Masons through the exhilarating journey of becoming integral components of the Masonic brotherhood. With John Schaper joining us to share his wisdom, we unravel the tapestry of opportunities awaiting the Masonic initiate. Fr...

Discover the deeper meanings behind Freemasonry's cherished symbols and traditions as we navigate through stories that transcend mere masonry and carpentry. This episode unravels the symbolic significance of the Level, taking us beyond its practical applications to a world where equality and humility are the cornerstones of a fraternal society. We find ourselves in awe of how even a president...

Navigating the murky waters of racism within the seemingly inclusive realms of Freemasonry, Chris and I, Fred, find ourselves compelled to address an issue that has long lurked in the shadows of our venerable institution. We're joined by voices from within the fraternity, bringing forth a candid discourse on how the private balloting system, meant to safeguard the integrity of our lodges, can...

Embark on a profound exploration of life's spiritual journey with the Master Mason degree, where the lodge transforms into the sanctum sanctorum of Solomon's Temple, a beacon of eternity. Unveil how this pinnacle of Masonic tradition differs in its ceremonies and symbols, offering continuous enlightenment and fresh perspectives upon each encounter. Our narrative weaves through the lesson...