X-Oriente
The New Voice of Brotherhood

Jason & 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!

Direct download: 092.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:52pm CDT

Jason & Eric discuss science fiction and Masonry as we review "If This Goes On" by Robert Heinlein.

Direct download: 091A.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:43pm CDT

Eric and Jason are joined by special guest Jon Ruark of the Masonic Roundtable to critique John Wm. McNaughton's (Recently retired SGC of the Scottish Rite, NMJ) recent book, Reclaiming the Soul of Freemasonry.

Direct download: 090A.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:49pm CDT

In this episode Jason and Eric discuss the dark side of social media and Facebook, and why it seems so hard to have a civil discussion on Facebook, and why social media is no substitute for lodge.

Direct download: 089A.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:19am CDT

In this episode, Jason and Eric talk about the apps and technologies they find useful in Masonry.

Eric also talks to Jeremy Barnes and Michael Radigan, founders of the firm Copiri, which has developed Amity, a new app that helps Freemasons around the world travel and connect with each other in safety.

To download Amity and sign up, visit you local app store:

If you use iOS, go here.

If you use Android, go here.

For more information, visit Copiri.

Special thanks to Michael and Jeremy.

Direct download: 088A.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 11:59pm CDT

Jason and Eric talk about Masonic identity and what Masonry feels like.

Direct download: 087A.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:14pm CDT

Jason and Eric discuss their experiences with Masonic conferences. It's not about the program, it is about the people you meet there. They also propose a new type of conference for Masonic Week.

Please visit our Patreon Page and consider becoming an Xecutive Producer. It helps keep the show going and it helps us bring new and better Masonic experiences to you.

Direct download: 086A.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:49pm CDT

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

Direct download: 085b.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:00pm CDT

The events in Charlottesville were disturbing. I thins episode, Jason and Eric talk about an op-ed in the New York times on the perils of identity politics, an editorial warning about the unintentional dangers of Google and Facebook, and a speech on Masonry that is as fresh today as the day it was originally given. Full show notes at xoriente.com

Here are the links to the editorials:

Google Doesn’t Want What’s Best for Us

I’m a White Man. Hear Me Out.

 

Direct download: 084-Masonry_and_Citizenship.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:19am CDT

In this episode we talk about some craziness in fake news (the real fake news, not the fake fake news) and an article on Elitism penned by Bro. Nick Johnson of the Millennial Freemason. Complete details and show notes at xoriente.com

Direct download: 083A.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:45pm CDT

The show so good we did it twice! Well in truth we had tech issues last week that prevented us from completing the show, but we fixed them!

In this episode, Jason and Eric count down our top 10 Masonic movies. Now unlike other Masonic movie lists, we wanted to find films that didn't necessarily contain direct Masonic references (like National Treasure), but we wanted to find films that reflected Masonic ideas, themes and values. Special thanks to the guys at Oriental for their recommendations. Special thanks to the guys at Oriental for their recommendations. Also, special thanks to my wife, Fran Diamond, for helping me find the clips.

Our choices:

10. The Matrix

9. The Grand Budapest Hotel

8. A Face In the Crowd

7. The Fountain

6. Spartacus

5. The Seven Samurai

4. Star Wars (Episode 4)

3. Master & Commander

2. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

1. Henry V

Links to all the clips can be found in the show notes at www.xoriente.com.

NOTE: The clips contained in this episode are included and intended for commentary and critique, and represent fair use under generally accepted copyright law. But we're not lawyers.

Direct download: 082.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:34am CDT

In this episode, Eric and Jason talk with Heather D. Fulton, a member of Le Droit Humain. Le Droit Humain is a coed form of Freemasonry that is recognized by the Grand Orient de France, and while much smaller than our mainstream English style Freemasonry, they are just as active as our system.

Heather was a lot of fun to talk to, and we think this was a conversation you won't want to miss.

Direct download: 081A.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:57am CDT

In this episode, Jason and Eric discuss anti-intellectualism, what it is and how it is affecting Masonry. This was recorded before our break, so ignore all the talk at the end about how we're taking off time. We took it, and we're back, baby!

Direct download: 080A.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:22pm CDT

Our first Live broadcast! In this episode, we discuss Traditional Observance and the Masonic Restoration Foundation: It's a force for good, but like any powerful idea, there are perils and pitfalls to watch out for.

For additional show notes and links, go to the blog page

Direct download: 079A.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:10pm CDT

Our very first video X-Oriente! Well not actually our first, but our first in our regular shows. This is more an experiment. Going forward we will try to record LIVE and we invite you to join. We will record at 8pm Central, 0100 (Next Day) UTC on Sundays. Join us at Facebook Live. See our Facebook Page For more details. For now you can get the video on our Youtube Channel, on Facebook, or get the Audio on your Favorite podcast software or on iTunes. Links below.

In this episode, Eric and Jason have a frank discussion about Grand Lodge Amity and Recognition, the "nuclear option," and why it seems to be used more and more these days. Is this unusual? If so, what might be the cause? Who really suffers? We take a thoughtful, yet respectful look at what is going on and why.

Also, we are switching audio format to AAC (.m4a). We are doing this because the license agreement for MP3 is expiring and software will slowly start to phase it out. (Betcha didn't know, but someone actually owns the MP3 format!) Most of you should be able to play AAC files with no problem, but if you do have an issue, please drop us a line and let us know.

Links

Article on Freemasons for Dummies

X-Oriente YouTube Channel

Facebook Video Channel

X-Oriente Facebook Page

Direct download: 078.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:47pm CDT

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.

Direct download: 077.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:13pm CDT

 

W. Bro Michael Swaney is an expert on Leadership and developing executive talent. He was the Worshipful Master of Oriental Lodge No. 33 in Chicago for the 2016 Masonic Year. In this episode, Jason and Eric discuss the qualities of Leadership in life and the Lodge and the challenges that leaders in an all-volunteer organization like Freemasonry are likely to face.

This episode was originally recorded last Fall 2016, and thanks to a technical problem wasn't usable, but thanks to some hard work, we were able to restore it for your listening enjoyment.

Direct download: 072.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:50pm CDT