On the Level: Recent Episodes
Bo Buchanan
On the Level is a set of interviews done by Bo Buchanan, Arizona Lodge No. 2 in Phoenix, Arizona. Everyone interviewed is a mason or a member of the masonic family. While most of the interviews are of masons within various lodges in the Grand Lodge of Arizona, the interviewees include members of the extended masonic family such as Eastern Star, DeMolay, Jobs Daughters, Amaranth, etc.
Past Grand Master Rex Hutchens is well known for his books "Bridge to Light" and "Pillars of Wisdom". In this interview, MW Rex tells the story of his travels to the Grand East and through Scottish Rite.
Brother Cal Magness, Past Grand Lecturer, talks about what it means to be a mason and tells the story of when he got the call.
Brother David Sahady talks about his relationship with his Father and his GrandFather and explores is quest to find a common thread with the men in his life in order to gain a better understanding of them.
Brother Gerry Badinger, President of the Arizona Masonic Foundation for Children, talks about the importance of protecting children in our society today and how Freemasons have stepped up to the challenge.
Brother John Huth tells the story of his Father talking with Harry Truman about a young man whos father was killed in a tractor accident.
On this day, representatives from Arizona No. 2 presented Ralph with his 70 year Apron - celebrating 70 years as a Freemason. A 3 man team visited Norman to present his apron: Worshipful Master Jason Holbrook, Secretary & Past Master Andrew Warianka and Junior Warden Bo Buchanan. Upon presentation of his Apron, Brother Ralph began to cry and said "This is the best thing that has ever happened to me".
On this day, representatives from Arizona No. 2 presented Norman with his 50 year Apron - celebrating 50 years as a Freemason. A 3 man team visited Norman to present his apron: Worshipful Master Jason Holbrook, Secretary & Past Master Andrew Warianka and Junior Warden Bo Buchanan.
Antonio is a New York Transplant in Arizona who has found a home in Freemasonry - in part, thanks to his Godfather. Join brother Antonio as he shares his story of discovery and growth in Freemasonry.
Right before I went back home to visit family in Illinois, I was reading an article by Robert Johnson of Midnight Freemasons. When I discovered he was in Illinois, I made plans to visit his home lodge of Waukegan Lodge No. 78 and interview him for the On The Level Series. Robert also hosts his own Podcast "Whence Came You".
Timothy Dougherty got involved in DeMolay as a young man. So when he came of age to join Freemasonry - Tim wasted no time. Tim talked about how his mentors stayed with him from DeMolay to Freemasonry and how they helped him weather some tough times in life.
Jim Watson says he's a simple man with a simple plan. Yet he's anything but simple. From the time he was a a young man, certain people in the community had an eye on Jim. And he would prove their intuitions right.
Jim Watson says he's a simple man with a simple plan. Yet he's anything but simple. From the time he was a a young man, certain people in the community had an eye on Jim. And he would prove their intuitions right.
Knock, and a door will be opened. Okay - maybe you have to knock 3 times. Randy tells the story of his interest in Freemasonry and how his neighbor played a big role.
Jean Claude Malterre came to America from France for a job opportunity and never left. Since that time, he became a mason in Tucson Lodge No. 4. He is now Worshipful Master of the Grand Lodge of Arizona Military Degree team and talks about the importance of honoring our soldiers.
A chance encounter with Freemasons hall while visiting London in his youth led to a lifelong involvement with Freemasonry. Johnny Royal has had a passion for years about telling the story of Freemasonry and after several years he is now able to bring his passion to the big screen. 33 Degrees and beyond is a documentary telling the world about what Freemasonry is.
During the 300th year anniversary of the first Grand Lodge (England) - a group of brothers decided to travel to the worlds oldest Lodge - Mother Kilwining Lodge 0. Right Worshipful Master of Mother Lodge, Charles Hughes, talks about his 22 year progression to the East and how Masonry has affected his life.
Many people don't know that John Wayne was a Mason. But one day, when "The Duke" was filming a movie in southern Arizona near Tucson - John Wayne entered masonry at Marion McDaniel Lodge.
Most Worshipful Tim Seay talks about leadership, non profits and Freemasonry and how he has tried to make an impact during his time in the high office of Arizona Prince Hall Masonry.
Scott, Steve and Jim: The three pillars of Masonry - Faith, Hope and Charity. Recorded May 19th, 2016.
Albert Krueger talks about his early exposure to masonry in the Lutheran synod church, and his discovery of Masonry through the Episcopal church as an ordained minister. Recorded May 19th, 2016.
Mike talks about travelling with George Washington's gavel and how masons can count on each other no matter where they are. Recorded April 10th, 2016.
Jeremy is travelling from DC to Arizona with George Washington's gavel and shares that experience. He also talks about his connection to Dan Brown and the lost symbol. Recorded April 10th, 2016.
Jim Cole explains how a series of events have made it a very small world. Recorded April 2nd, 2016.
Ronald talks about his family in masonry, DeMolay and the Scottish Rite. Recorded April 2nd, 2016.
Jeff talks about growing up around his grandfather as a mason, being a worshipful master and Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction and the VMAP program. Recorded April 2nd, 2016.
Dave talks about his Naval service and being washed overboard as well as his Masonic journey from New Jersey to Arizona. Recorded April 1st, 2016.
After conducting nearly 80 interviews, Bo talks about what he has learned and why masonry can feed your soul. Recorded April 1st, 2016.
Eddie talks about being the lodge Marshall for 14 years, and how he owned a bar in Phoenix and met masons that led him to a lodge. Recorded March 31st, 2016.
Brian talks about his early exposure to masonry through his grandfather. Recorded March 31st, 2016.
Jack shares memories of growing up in a Masonic household, soul searching and having time for masonry. Recorded March 31st, 2016.
Mustafa talks about how he came to America through the ethnic cleansing of Bosnia and the brotherhood he found at PVST. Recorded March 31st, 2016.
Bryan and Drinda Cooper-Keeble share their story of marriage in masonry and putting together International trips to other Masonic lodges. Recorded March 30th, 2016.
Lee talks about the Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago and their old and new buildings, their years of travelling and the DeMolay. Recorded March 30th, 2016.
Trevor talks about the difficult path he walked in seeking to become a Mason and how he found a home at Chandler Thunderbird #15. Recorded March 30th, 2016.
Larry talks about his early family exposure to masonry and his favorite memories as Grand Master of Arizona. Recorded March 24th, 2016.
Bill tells the story of his Masonic investigation by the men in black. Recorded March 21st, 2016.
Rex talks about his desire to get involved in the philanthropic side of Masonry and about secret beer drinking. Recorded March 21st, 2016.
Dennis talks about moving around the United States, joining several different lodges, and visiting a Cayman Islands Lodge with Prince Charles. Recorded March 21st, 2016.
Frank talks about being a late bloomer in FreeMasonry and how his brother got him involved in West Virginia. Recorded March 21st, 2016.
Jesse talks about why he joined FreeMasonry and how he chooses to serve in the kitchen. Recorded March 20th, 2016.
Chase talks about discovering FreeMasonry in Iraq and finding new brotherhood in FreeMasonry. Recorded March 20th, 2016.
Rob talks about the value of learning to work within the system of Masonry and the importance of integrity. Recorded March 20th, 2016.
Matt talks about why he joined FreeMasonry and why a spirit of service is important to him. Recorded March 20th, 2016.
Father and son Robert and Jonathan Beffel talk about their special memories in Masonry including Star Wars, music, family connection and more. Recorded March 18th, 2016.
Terry talks about finding his way into masonry through the back door. Only to find out - everyone was waiting for him. Recorded March 18th, 2016.
Chris talks about joining FreeMasonry less than 3 years ago and his rapid movement through the officer chairs. Recorded March 16th, 2016.
Mel talks over the phone in our first phone interview. Mel talks about how he became part of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon and how that played a role in his masonic journey. Recorded March 14th, 2016.
Jaime talks about research and masonry, symbolism and the search for deeper meaning. Recorded March 14th, 2016.
Matt shares the story of his grandfather and great grandfather in masonry and then meaning of Masonic brotherhood. Recorded March 14th, 2016.
Dave talks about his early exposure to the helping hand of a brother and being a Mason in both Illinois and Arizona. Recorded March 13th, 2016.
John talks about being ready to give back in life and why masonry is the vehicle he chose. Recorded March 12th, 2016.
Tony talks about his dual goals in Masonry: having fun & doing charity work. Recorded June 6th, 2016.
Bill Krueger is the librarian of the Iowa Masonic Library & Museum - one of the largest Masonic Libraries in the world. Bill talks about becoming a librarian first and a Mason second and what the library has to offer.
George Rusk talks about how he got involved in Freemasonry through his wife in Amaranth. Recorded December 10th, 2016.
Mark talks about how being in a barbershop quartet prepared him for masonry and gave him some of his greatest memories.
Recorded March 12th, 2016.
Cory talks about growing up around masonry and how his Masonic family has influenced him.
Recorded March 10th, 2016.
Mike talks about taking the best parts of the people he meets and incorporating it into his life. Recorded March 10th, 2016.
Past Grandmaster of Arizona Jim May talks about his path to high office and how he discovered Masonry through Jobs Daughters. Recorded March 9th, 2016.
Brad shares his thoughts on why we need to celebrate at the end of our labors. Recorded March 9th, 2016.
Ray talks about being an apprenticed jeweler to his grandfather and how he learned of his grandfathers Masonic history. Recorded March 9th, 2016
Tim tells the story about discovering masonry through his girlfriends father.
Recorded March 2nd, 2016.
Matthew Harris talks about finding brotherhood and acceptance in FreeMasonry and how he hopes to bridge the gap between blue lodge masonry and Prince Hall Masonry. Recorded February 10th, 2016.
Jason Holbrook talks about his father as A freemason and how He and his sons became involved.
Recorded February 7th, 2016.
James talks about being a 4th generation Mason, his family artifacts and his analysis of freemsonry symbolism in the Walking Dead TV series. Recorded February 4th, 2016.
Kirk talks about his experiences in both Pennsylvania and Arizona Masonry.
Recorded February 4th, 2016.
NOTE: This interview series began without dedicated microphones so some of the early interviews can be a little hard to hear. Turn up the volume on this one but be assured that the quality improves in later interviews.
Tom Thompson talks about his role as the official educator of new masons coming into #2 and his interest in all things history. Recorded February 3rd, 2016.
Janice Jones shares her memories of over 60 years in Jobs Daughters. Recorded February 1st, 2016.
John is an international representative for Jobs Daughters International and today he is visiting Mesa, Arizona. Recorded February 1st, 2016
Jobs daughters is an appendant body of Freemasonry, and the mother - daughter duo Donna & Sarah share their experiences. Recorded February 1st, 2016
John shares about the discovery of masonry in his family history, joining at a young age and what the craft means to him. Recorded January 30th, 2016
Jack and John are travelling from the state of Washington and stopped into Prometheus Lodge in Gilbert. Recorded January 28th, 2016.
Joel Birch talks about discovering FreeMasonry through the Social Order Of the Beauceant and the good men he met. Recorded January 27th, 2016
Forrest talks about being connected to Freemasons through Prince Hall Masonry but not even knowing about it - and his 5 year search to understand FreeMasonry before joining. Recorded January 26th, 2016
Patrick Penn discovers Masonry while learning about past Presidents, finds freemasonry on Facebook and talks about being a man you can count on. Recorded January 23rd, 2016
Ron Heck discusses the path that led him to masonry and how it changed him as a man. Recorded January 23rd, 2016
Chandler Gordon talks on the eve of being raised as a Master Mason along with his father Bill Gordon. They discuss Masonry, Demolay, and being a multi generational mason. Recorded January 22nd, 2016
Jerry talks about his father, grandfather and grandson all being in Masonry. Recorded January 22nd, 2016
Andrew Warianka talks about his family roots in freemasonry, his youth in DeMolay, and his continued commitment to masonry as an adult. Recorded January 20th, 2016
Ron talks about starting his Masonic career in the East and moving west, his military experience and jobs daughters.
Recorded January 18th, 2016
Vic Olson shares his motivations for joining Freemasonry, talks about the Phoenix MasonicTemple and shares a bit of unique family history.
Recorded January 17th, 2016
Jim Rowan talks about his journey from Demolay to Grand Lodge and the influence of his father, grandfather and uncles.
Recorded January 17th, 2016
Worshipful Master Walt Howard reflects on 3 years of service in a row. Recorded January 17th, 2016
Sr. Deacon Anthony Crosson talks about what drives his interest in FreeMasonry.
Recorded January 16th, 2016
Salem talks about the brotherhood of FreeMasonry and why it's important.
Recorded January 15th, 2016
A Mason for less than an hour, brother Rob Oldham discusses his motivation for joining. Rob has been attending Masonic dinners for years, and talks about how he feels on the night of his initiation into FreeMasonry.
Recorded January 15th, 2016
Jerry is part of so many Masonic Organizations I can't keep count - but he can! Recorded January 15th, 2016
Matt Morales shares an amazing story about how and why he first joined FreeMasonry. Recorded January 14th, 2016
George and Dorothy Larger discuss what it's like to be married and involved in the Masonic family.
Recorded January 13th, 2016
Glen talks about his move from Utah FreeMasonry to Arizona FreeMasonry and how Masonry has strengthened his family.
Recorded January 18th, 2016
Harold Dean Bulkley, Payson Lodge No. 70. Harold has been a mason for over 63 years. When he retired and moved to Arizona, he became a member of El Zaribah Shrine.
Recorded January 13th, 2016
Vernda Monette, Grand Conductress - Order of the Amaranth. Vernda talks about her 40 some years history in the masonic family including Rainbow Girls, Order of the Amaranth and Eastern Star. She also grew up in a masonic family.
Recorded January 13th, 2016
Ron Brooker talks about the men he has known in masonry, his twin brother who was also a Mason and the Scottish Rite.
Recorded January 12th, 2016
Sam Graziano serves as the Grand Secretary for the Scottish Rite Valley of Phoenix in the Orient of Arizona. Sam remembers first learning about Freemasonry as a young man - and recites the story of his own childhood "The Legend of the Ruby Ring".
John Amidon, Paradise Valley Silver Trowel No. 29, is the eyes and ears of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General (SGIG) of Arizona. His official title is Illustrious John R. Amidon 33′, Personal Rep. To the S.G.I.G, Phoenix AZ. He fulfills an important role in Scottish Rite Masonry by working with the Valley of Phoenix Scottish Rite Masons as a representative for the SGIG.
Recorded January 11th, 2016
Chad Gappa, Arizona No. 2, talks about his role as the Senior Warden, how his mentor shaped his life as a Mason, and how he got involved in Freemasonry.
NOTE: This interview series began without dedicated microphones so some of the early interviews can be a little hard to hear. Turn up the volume on this one but be assured that the quality improves in later interviews.
Recorded January 11th, 2016
Leilani talks about the connection of SOOB (Social Order of Beauceant) to the Knights Templar of the York Rite.
Bill Garrard, Arizona No. 2, reflects on his time in Fremasonry since he joined almost 20 years ago. During that time, he has held nearly every office in every organization.
Recorded January 10th, 2016
Cameron Treadwell is from Peoria Lodge No. 31 in Peoria, Arizona. He talks about discovering a familial history in Freemasonry only AFTER he became a mason. He also talks about those men who have made a difference in his Masonic life.
Recorded June 28th, 2016.
Chad talks about how a dream of his grandfather led him to seek out freemasonry. An idea that sounded both crazy -and perfect at the same time.
Recorded June 16, 2016.
Suresh Muthumani discusses his journey as an immigrant in the United States to become a student and finding his way into Freemasonry. He also talks about how each lodge has a unique character and his involvement in the beginnings of a new new lodge.
Jack Richey, Arizona Lodge No. 2, has been a Mason for over 50 years. He talks about his memories as Worshipful Master of Harmony Lodge No. 57 in 1969. He recounts his memory of attending a degree with Barry Goldwater and the beginnings of holding outdoor degrees in Arizona.