In the world of politics and the permanence of the Internet, many in society believe the phrase "a leopard doesn't change its spots." we often regard changing our minds as a sign of weakness, of waffling or flip-flopping. But the truth is, changing our minds is ESSENTIAL to personal growth and progress in society. Changing our minds is exactly what Freemasonry empowers us to do. Rather than a mark of weakness, it is instead a mark of wisdom, a mark of strength and a sign of beauty. In this episode, Eric and Jason are joined once again by brother of the show, Nicky Sampogna. Nicky was with us some episodes back, and had a change of heart about what he said. Rather than sweep it under the rug like we so often do in Masonry, Nicky agreed to share his perspective so that we could all benefit from his experience—and courage—in changing his mind.

In the world of politics and the permanence of the Internet, many in society believe the phrase "a leopard doesn't change its spots." we often regard changing our minds as a sign of weakness, of waffling or flip-flopping. But the truth is, changing our minds is ESSENTIAL to personal growth and progress in society. Changing our minds is exactly what Freemasonry empowers us to do. Rather than a mark of weakness, it is instead a mark of wisdom, a mark of strength and a sign of beauty. In this episode, Eric and Jason are joined once again by brother of the show, Nicky Sampogna. Nicky was with us some episodes back, and had a change of heart about what he said. Rather than sweep it under the rug like we so often do in Masonry, Nicky agreed to share his perspective so that we could all benefit from his experience—and courage—in changing his mind.

144: Changing Our Minds

Jason was watching The Vow...the documentary about the NXIVM cult, and started wondering if Freemasonry could be considered a cult. So we pulled out our instruments and did the math. What constitutes a cult anyway? 

Jason was watching The Vow...the documentary about the NXIVM cult, and started wondering if Freemasonry could be considered a cult. So we pulled out our instruments and did the math. What constitutes a cult anyway?

142: Cult or Craft?

Masonic writing and Masonic Research are different things: in this episode, Eric and Jason talk about Masonic writing, why it's important, and how to get started. October is Masonic Writing Month, so let's all get started!

Masonic writing and Masonic Research are different things: in this episode, Eric and Jason talk about Masonic writing, why it's important, and how to get started. October is Masonic Writing Month, so let's all get started!

141: The Wright Stuff

Back in July, we began (or re-began) some very uncomfortable conversations about race in America. Freemasonry's own story in the United States is woven from the threads of race relations among our people. In this episode, we talk with the Reverend Professor Quadricos Driskell, who among his many talents is a health care policy expert, a Baptist minister, a professor who teaches courses on race relations at George Washington University, and is Worshipful Master of his Lodge. It's the beginning of a series of uncomfortable conversations about race and Freemasonry, and Q helps us navigate through it with candor, compassion and courage. It's a conversation that no matter what the pigmentation of your skin happens to be, we all need to be a part of. Originally, we lost Q's audio track, but thanks to some time-consuming forensic reconstruction we were able to restore the damaged file. It's the least we could do.

Back in July, we began (or re-began) some very uncomfortable conversations about race in America. Freemasonry's own story in the United States is woven from the threads of race relations among our people. In this episode, we talk with the Reverend Professor Quadricos Driskell, who among his many talents is a health care policy expert, a Baptist minister, a professor who teaches courses on race relations at George Washington University, and is Worshipful Master of his Lodge. It's the beginning of a series of uncomfortable conversations about race and Freemasonry, and Q helps us navigate through it with candor, compassion and courage. It's a conversation that no matter what the pigmentation of your skin happens to be, we all need to be a part of. Originally, we lost Q's audio track, but thanks to some time-consuming forensic reconstruction we were able to restore the damaged file. It's the least we could do.

140: The Q-Fecta

Each year, the Grand Masters of all the Grand Lodges in North America get together to discuss issues of importance to all regular Freemasons in their jurisdictions, and build consensus. Jason, because of his day job, was privileged to attend the conference. In this episode, Eric and Jason discuss what was discussed there, and talk about why the Grand Lodge of Eric and Jason (our fictional hypothetical GLs) will never be allowed anywhere near COGMINA.

Each year, the Grand Masters of all the Grand Lodges in North America get together to discuss issues of importance to all regular Freemasons in their jurisdictions, and build consensus. Jason, because of his day job, was privileged to attend the conference. In this episode, Eric and Jason discuss what was discussed there, and talk about why the Grand Lodge of Eric and Jason (our fictional hypothetical GLs) will never be allowed anywhere near COGMINA.

138: COGMINA!

Back in February, before all this pandemic nonsense, Eric and Jason sat down with Bro. Josef Wages to break some bread and talk about all things Illuminati, and the ritual that Joe helped locate, translate and edit,  The Secret School of Wisdom: The Authentic Rituals and Doctrines of the Illuminati. It was appropriate that we met at the historic Gadsby's Tavern in Alexandria, a place that, given the topic of conversation, was the perfect atmosphere. Join us, for a conspiracy in the making.

Back in February, before all this pandemic nonsense, Eric and Jason sat down with Bro. Josef Wages to break some bread and talk about all things Illuminati, and the ritual that Joe helped locate, translate and edit, <a href="amazon.com/Secret-School-Wisdom-Authentic-Illuminati/dp/0853184933" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Secret School of Wisdom: The Authentic Rituals and Doctrines of the Illuminati.</a> It was appropriate that we met at the historic Gadsby's Tavern in Alexandria, a place that, given the topic of conversation, was the perfect atmosphere. Join us, for a conspiracy in the making.

137: Dinner with the Illuminati

The Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction has been creating advertising media for free use by Grand Lodges, Lodges and individual Masons to help spread awareness of Freemasonry to a generation of men who barely know what it is. Is this a good thing? Eric and Jason explore and debate the merits of advertising Masonry in the 21st Century.

The Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction has been creating advertising media for free use by Grand Lodges, Lodges and individual Masons to help spread awareness of Freemasonry to a generation of men who barely know what it is. Is this a good thing? Eric and Jason explore and debate the merits of advertising Masonry in the 21st Century.

136: Not Just a Man

Associations with the infernal have always plagued Freemasonry, even from its earliest days. But what is exactly "The Devil" anyway? Is Lucifer, Beelzulbub, Satan, Mephistopheles and Baphomet all the same thing? Does it matter what religion you are? What is Hell anyway? And why does Freemasonry always seem to demonized by Popes and Fundamentalists throughout history? In part 2 of a multipart series, Eric and Jason open the X-Oriente Department of Infernal Affairs and tease apart the origins and meanings of Baphomet and Lucifer.

Associations with the infernal have always plagued Freemasonry, even from its earliest days. But what is exactly "The Devil" anyway? Is Lucifer, Beelzulbub, Satan, Mephistopheles and Baphomet all the same thing? Does it matter what religion you are? What is Hell anyway? And why does Freemasonry always seem to demonized by Popes and Fundamentalists throughout history? In part 2 of a multipart series, Eric and Jason open the X-Oriente Department of Infernal Affairs and tease apart the origins and meanings of Baphomet and Lucifer.

135: Sympathy for the Devil II

Associations with the infernal have always plagued Freemasonry, even from its earliest days. But what is exactly "The Devil" anyway? Is Lucifer, Beelzulbub, Satan, Mephistopheles and Baphomet all the same thing? Does it matter what religion you are? What is Hell anyway? And why does Freemasonry always seem to demonized by Popes and Fundamentalists throughout history? In part 1 of a multipart series, Eric and Jason open the X-Oriente Department of Infernal Affairs and tease apart the personification of Evil. It's a diabolically good time.

Associations with the infernal have always plagued Freemasonry, even from its earliest days. But what is exactly "The Devil" anyway? Is Lucifer, Beelzulbub, Satan, Mephistopheles and Baphomet all the same thing? Does it matter what religion you are? What is Hell anyway? And why does Freemasonry always seem to demonized by Popes and Fundamentalists throughout history? In part 1 of a multipart series, Eric and Jason open the X-Oriente Department of Infernal Affairs and tease apart the personification of Evil. It's a diabolically good time.

134a: Sympathy for the Devil I

Every once in a while we find something in our past that electrifies the present. Lessing's Ernst &amp; Falk, Dialogues for Freemasons is just such an essay. Written by Gotthold Lessing, a German Freemason in 1776-1777, the Dialogues get at the heart of the true purpose of Freemasonry—well, one interpretation of it. What makes Lessing's essay so compelling is that it addresses many of the questions we ask of the Craft today: what is the value of Freemasonry in civil society? What is holding us back as an institution? Who gets to be called a Freemason and on what basis? It is interesting to see that they were struggling with these very questions back in 1776. In this episode, Eric and Jason read the Dialogues aloud and comment on the salient parts and how a voice that is as old as the United States can shed insight and light on today. In part 2, they read the final two dialogues.

Every once in a while we find something in our past that electrifies the present. Lessing's <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/289346583/Lessing-s-Ernst-and-Falk-Dialogues-for-Freemasons?fbclid=IwAR3vecqSvr8sahCEvKynick23ntKgjVX0FTB8TqM7Z56qDLqvk0XbhhhxaQ" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ernst &amp; Falk, Dialogues for Freemasons</a> is just such an essay. Written by Gotthold Lessing, a German Freemason in 1776-1777, the Dialogues get at the heart of the true purpose of Freemasonry—well, one interpretation of it. What makes Lessing's essay so compelling is that it addresses many of the questions we ask of the Craft today: what is the value of Freemasonry in civil society? What is holding us back as an institution? Who gets to be called a Freemason and on what basis? It is interesting to see that they were struggling with these very questions back in 1776. In this episode, Eric and Jason read the Dialogues aloud and comment on the salient parts and how a voice that is as old as the United States can shed insight and light on today. In part 2, they read the final two dialogues.

133: A Masonic Dialogue (Part 2)

X-Oriente (Ex Oriente) means "From the East." X-Oriente is a podcast (MP3) dedicated to those Freemasons who are young (and young at heart). In each episode we will explore the ideas, the practice and the future of the Craft

Great information and discussion!  As an active member of Eastern Star and Amaranth, I enjoy listening and applying your conversations our Orders. We face many of the same issues and concerns.

Great for Women too!

The most consistently thoughtful and challenging Masonic podcast available.

Thoughtful Masonic Discussions

X-Oriente

Live (sort of) from Washington DC! This is an event sponsored by Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15 in Washington DC. (Returned to the feed)

017: Christian Mysticism and High Degrees

In this episode, Eric and Jason discuss the five things every new Mason should know, but they don't tell you.

In this episode, Eric and Jason discuss the five things every new Mason should know, but they don't tell you.

118: 5 Things Every New Mason Should Know

Why is it so important that a Freemason believe in a Supreme Being? In this episode, Jason and Eric take the First of the Old Charges apart using PARDES to see why this requirement is so important and so misunderstood.

Why is it so important that a Freemason believe in a Supreme Being? In this episode, Jason and Eric take the First of the Old Charges apart using PARDES to see why this requirement is so important and so misunderstood.

096: Why We Believe

"The map is not the terrain, we are told." In this episode, Jason and Eric (and our Live audience) explore the importance of symbols, how symbols work, and finally banish the word "symbology" from the lexicon.

"The map is not the terrain, we are told." In this episode, Jason and Eric (and our Live audience) explore the importance of symbols, how symbols work, and finally banish the word "symbology" from the lexicon.

102: Symbolism 101

Eric and Jason are joined by our good friend, Nicky Sampogna, who is arguably one of the best-dressed Masons around, and punchy from jet-lag. It’s a spirted discussion on Masonic dress codes you won’t want to miss. Wear a tie. Or at least some pants.

Eric and Jason are joined by our good friend, Nicky Sampogna, who is arguably one of the best-dressed Masons around, and punchy from jet-lag. It’s a spirted discussion on Masonic dress codes you won’t want to miss. Wear a tie. Or at least some pants.

130: Do Clothes Maketh the Mason?

020: How to Think Critically

Fundamentalism is very bad for free, democratic societies, and it is bad for Freemasonry. In part 1 of this multi-part series, we'll explore the nature of fundamentalism, and its definition

006: Fundamentalism and Freemasonry Part 1

Jason &amp; Eric discuss an interesting post by Bro. Greg Starr, courtesy of Chris Hodapp's excellent Freemasons for Dummies blog. They also wish their listeners a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year, and a Rockin' Kwanzaa!

Jason &amp; Eric discuss an interesting post by Bro. Greg Starr, courtesy of Chris Hodapp's excellent Freemasons for Dummies blog. They also wish their listeners a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year, and a Rockin' Kwanzaa!

092: Knock Knock?

Episode 3: Working For the ManThis month's show is a Illinois Grand Lodge Special! but you don't have to live on a prairie, or even have an affinity for Lincoln to enjoy the show. We interview David W. Miller, Grandmaster of Illinois and ask him what we all want to know: what's it like to be the big Kahuna, le Grande Fromage, The Poobah? What's it like to be Grandmaster? Plus we introduce a new segment called Working Tools: cool tools on the web to make running your lodge a little easier.SHOW NOTES:00:00:00 - 00:02:00 Intro00:02:01 - 00:03:00 Getting help?00:03:01 - 00:04:48 Shout out to Arcadia Lodge No. 249 In Ames, Iowa00:04:49 - 00:13:54 Working Tools: Online tools to help manage your lodge; a review of BackPack and Ta Da00:13:55 - 00:17:18 Music: Lullaby by Gidgets GaGa, available at Podcast NYC00:17:19 - 00:48:18:00 Chapter 2: Interview with Grandmaster David W. Miller, Grand master of the M.W. Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, A.F. &amp; A.M.00:48:19 - 00:53:45 Music: There She Goes by Brother Love, available at the Podsafe Music Network00:53:46 - 01:16:37 OutroSo usually there is a method behind my naming the show. This show titled "Working for the Man" was named becasue I thought that we all work in a sense for the Grand Master--he is our boss, right? ( generally speaking of course)After talking with Grandmaster Miller I have come to realize that it is he who works for us. The job of Grandmaster is tough. It is a lot of responsibility, a lot of miles to drive in a year and a lot of cranky guys to contend with. And not a lot of perks. Somehow a big gold collar and a fancy apron doesn't seem even close to the kinds of issues a GM must face every day to help keep us alive as a brotherhood . I always liked Dave Miller, but now I have a new and deeper respect for not only the man, but the office he holds.Fiat Lux!E The opinions expressed in this show are strictly those of X-Oriente and its editorial staff, and do not reflect those of any Lodge, Grand Lodge or appendant body.10/6/05 12:00 AMSociety and Culture

Episode 3: Working For the Man This month's show is a Illinois Grand Lodge Special! but you don't have to live on a prairie, or even have an affinity for Lincoln to enjoy the show. We interview David W. Miller, Grandmaster of Illinois and ask him what we all want to know: what's it like to be the big Kahuna, le Grande Fromage, The Poobah? What's it like to be Grandmaster? Plus we introduce a new segment called Working Tools: cool tools on the web to make running your lodge a little easier. SHOW NOTES: 00:00:00 - 00:02:00 Intro 00:02:01 - 00:03:00 Getting help? 00:03:01 - 00:04:48 Shout out to Arcadia Lodge No. 249 In Ames, Iowa 00:04:49 - 00:13:54 Working Tools: Online tools to help manage your lodge; a review of BackPack and Ta Da 00:13:55 - 00:17:18 Music: Lullaby by Gidgets GaGa, available at Podcast NYC 00:17:19 - 00:48:18:00 Chapter 2: Interview with Grandmaster David W. Miller, Grand master of the M.W. Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, A.F. &amp; A.M. 00:48:19 - 00:53:45 Music: There She Goes by Brother Love, available at the Podsafe Music Network 00:53:46 - 01:16:37 Outro So usually there is a method behind my naming the show. This show titled "Working for the Man" was named becasue I thought that we all work in a sense for the Grand Master--he is our boss, right? ( generally speaking of course) After talking with Grandmaster Miller I have come to realize that it is he who works for us. The job of Grandmaster is tough. It is a lot of responsibility, a lot of miles to drive in a year and a lot of cranky guys to contend with. And not a lot of perks. Somehow a big gold collar and a fancy apron doesn't seem even close to the kinds of issues a GM must face every day to help keep us alive as a brotherhood . I always liked Dave Miller, but now I have a new and deeper respect for not only the man, but the office he holds. Fiat Lux! E The opinions expressed in this show are strictly those of X-Oriente and its editorial staff, and do not reflect those of any Lodge, Grand Lodge or appendant body. 10/6/05 12:00 AMSociety and Culture

003: Working For the Man

Join special guest host Jason Richards from the Masonic Roundtable and Eric Diamond as they discuss that we as Freemasons should expect but don't get, and what we shouldn't feel entitled to.

099: Masonic Entitlement

Freemasonry has a rich and storied past. But is living in the glories of the past holding us back from the future? Eric and Jason discuss.

Freemasonry has a rich and storied past. But is living in the glories of the past holding us back from the future? Eric and Jason discuss.

131: The Curse of Nostalgia

Kendall Jenner

Jason has a lot on his mind in this episode. He's thinking about advertising and Masonry. Is it necessary? Is it a good idea? What role does marketing and advertising play in attracting men to Freemasonry? We have a discussion. Visit www.xoriente.com for links and references! By the way, you will notice a break in the numbering. Don't worry, you haven't missed anything. We've got some episodes that we decided not to publish for various reasons. We'll try and bring them back.

Jason has a lot on his mind in this episode. He's thinking about advertising and Masonry. Is it necessary? Is it a good idea? What role does marketing and advertising play in attracting men to Freemasonry? We have a discussion. Visit <a href="http://www.xoriente.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.xoriente.com</a> for links and references! By the way, you will notice a break in the numbering. Don't worry, you haven't missed anything. We've got some episodes that we decided not to publish for various reasons. We'll try and bring them back.

077: Kendall Jenner is NOT a Shriner!

Jason and Eric are joined by special guest, M.: W.: Joe Crociata, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C. and Masonic scholar to talk about Table Proceedings, aka The Festive Board. They talk about the background of these proceedings, The Seven Toasts, why they are important and some tips to insure that your Festive board is a memorable Masonic event.

Jason and Eric are joined by special guest, M.: W.: Joe Crociata, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C. and Masonic scholar to talk about Table Proceedings, aka The Festive Board. They talk about the background of these proceedings, The Seven Toasts, why they are important and some tips to insure that your Festive board is a memorable Masonic event.

107: The Table Proceeding

Jason and Eric discuss the idea that there are winners and losers in Freemasonry and how that might help and hurt the Craft as a whole.

Jason and Eric discuss the idea that there are winners and losers in Freemasonry and how that might help and hurt the Craft as a whole.

106: Winners and Losers

Are we ready for the onslaught of movies and books about Freemasonry? Between National Treasure, National Treasure 2 and Dan Brown's next book, we're gonna see publicity for Masonry the likes we have not seen in a hundred years. It could be the best thing that ever happened to us, or a disaster. Are we ready for it?Show notes are at http://www.xoriente.comThe opinions expressed in this show are strictly those of X-Oriente and its editorial staff, and do not reflect those of any Lodge, Grand Lodge or appendant body.

005: The Perfect Storm

I spent an evening with M.W. Bro. Jerry Butler. I went to learn more about Prince Hall Masonry, about the differences between Prince Hall Masonry and the "European Brethren". I left learning more about what makes us the same, and the truly Universal nature of the Craft. Thanks to Bro Butler, Bro. Priester for granting me the time, Thanks to Arc Music Group for permission to play Bro. Butler's music in the show.

I spent an evening with M.W. Bro. Jerry Butler. I went to learn more about Prince Hall Masonry, about the differences between Prince Hall Masonry and the "European Brethren". I left learning more about what makes us the same, and the truly Universal nature of the Craft. Thanks to Bro Butler, Bro. Priester for granting me the time, Thanks to Arc Music Group for permission to play Bro. Butler's music in the show.

026: An Evening With Brother "Iceman"

Belief in God is a foundation of the Craft. but what exactly is belief and why is it so important? In this episode we talk to some experts on the nature of belief.

028: Believing In

Honor

In this episode, Jason and Eric discuss a foundational aspect of Freemasonry: trust. What it is, why it is important and how it relates to honor. Eric referenced items from Honor: a History, by James Bowman

In this episode, Jason and Eric discuss a foundational aspect of Freemasonry: trust. What it is, why it is important and how it relates to honor. Eric referenced items from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Honor-History-James-Bowman/dp/1594031983/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1504996295&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Honor: a History, by James Bowman</a>

085: Trust and Honor

In Part 2, We take a look at a Masonic Fundamentalist group that has split off from the mainstream of Freemasonry. Also, a recap of Masonic Week and the Mortar &amp; Pestle Degree!

007: Fundamentalism and Freemasonry Part 2

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