Short Talk Bulletin

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For almost a hundred years the Masonic Service Association of North America has published the Short Talk Bulletins every month, discussing various symbols, lore, and Masonic historical figures and events, being the de facto "public face" of Masonry in North America. If Masonry in North America was a…

Short Talk Bulletin


    • Jun 23, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 15m AVG DURATION
    • 705 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Short Talk Bulletin podcast is a thought-provoking and informative show that sheds light on various topics related to Freemasonry. As a listener who had little knowledge about this ancient fraternity, I found the podcast to be a valuable resource in understanding its history, principles, and impact on communities around the world.

    One of the best aspects of The Short Talk Bulletin podcast is its ability to present complex Freemasonry concepts in an accessible manner. The hosts do an excellent job of breaking down intricate ideas into understandable bites, making it easier for listeners like myself to grasp the material. Additionally, they have a talent for engaging storytelling that brings historical events and Masonic traditions to life. This makes every episode not only educational but also entertaining.

    Moreover, the range of topics covered in this podcast is impressive. From delving into the symbolism within Masonic rituals and exploring the influence of Freemasonry in different cultures, to discussing current issues facing lodges today, there is always something new and interesting to learn from each episode. It provides valuable insights not only for active Freemasons but also for those who are curious about this secretive organization.

    While The Short Talk Bulletin podcast has numerous positive qualities, it does have a minor drawback worth mentioning. Some episodes can feel slightly repetitive or dragged out when discussing certain concepts or historical events. However, this can be subjective as it depends on personal interest and prior knowledge. Nonetheless, it does not significantly detract from the overall quality of the podcast.

    In conclusion, The Short Talk Bulletin podcast is a gem for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of Freemasonry. With its engaging storytelling style and ability to simplify complex ideas, it effectively bridges the gap between seasoned Masons and curious outsiders like myself. While some episodes may occasionally feel repetitive or lengthy, they are outweighed by the wealth of information and diverse range of topics covered throughout the series. Overall, I highly recommend checking out this enlightening podcast to gain a deeper understanding of global Freemasonry and its impact on communities worldwide.



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    Latest episodes from Short Talk Bulletin

    Language Of The Heart V7N3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 9:49


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and first published in March 1929. Here, we find an excellent discussion of the language we find used in our gentle Craft; why we use it and not other, different language. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these […]

    At Midnight V18N3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 21:36


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy and first published in March 1940. As the US was barreling towards WWII, we have this peculiar story of a man who had forgotten his wallet at Lodge, and what happened when he went to retrieve it. Enjoy, and do […]

    Peaks And Valleys V57N10

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 11:09


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Stewart M. Pollard, and first published in October 1979. At a conference of Grand Masters, a request was fielded by the MSA to provide real and timely information about membership retention. Here, we find just such a discussion. Enjoy, and do share this and […]

    Point Within A Circle V9N8

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 17:55


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and is brought to us by RW Bro Dex Rowe, PDDGM 9th – VT. In every regular and well governed Lodge there is represented a certain point within a circle, embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines, on the top of […]

    What Is Masonry? V2N9

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 34:51


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Francis E. Lester, and is brought to us by RW Beo Peter Cutler, PDDGM 14th – ME. You have joined the oldest and largest fraternity is the world. What should you expect? Here, we find an excellent discussion, one that every Master Mason should […]

    The Ultimate Lessons Of The First Degree V36N12

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 20:42


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Thomas Cherard Roy, PGM – MA, and was first published in December 1958. I was recently privileged to participate as SD and 2nd Lecturer in an EA degree in my Lodge. Here we find an excellent discussion concerning what it really means. Enjoy, […]

    100 Lost Words V25N2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 21:14


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy and first published in February 1947. Freemasonry uses many common English words in a sense other than that of their usual definitions. For the new Mason, and perhaps for the older brothers who have been less attentive, here are 100 […]

    A Masonic Dream V24N7

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 17:54


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode is from the golden pen of MW Bro Carl H. Claudy and first published in July 1946. Sometimes when we go to Lodge there is a guest speaker. Sometime dinner is so good and the speaker so boring that one falls asleep. Sometimes that sleep is occasioned by […]

    Thoughts On Memorial Day V55N5

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 12:57


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by RW Bro Fordham D. Tabor and first published in May 1977. As has become tradition on this day of remembrance in cities and towns across our land, we pause to remember and give tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of […]

    Enlightening The Profane V9N9

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 17:29


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and first published in September 1931. “Pro” meaning Outside, and “Fanum” the Temple; literally the profane is one who is “outside the Temple.” In a Masonic sense, it refers to one who has not been initiated. Here we find an […]

    The Level And Plumb V2N6

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 13:31


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode is from the golden pen of MW Bro Joseph Fort Newton, and was first published in June 1924. Here we find an excellent exploration of these tools of the Fellowcraft, which teach equality and rectitude of conduct. Enjoy, and do share all of these Podcast episodes with your […]

    brethren plumb fellowcraft
    Amos, What Seeest Thou? V69N7

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 16:42


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Ray Burgess, PGM – LA, and first published in July 1991. Here we find an interesting discussion of one of the lessons from the Fellowcraft Degree, one that is worth a visit no matter how far one advances in the Craft. Enjoy, and […]

    The Broken Column V34N2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 18:17


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl Claudy, first published in February 1956. Here is an excellent discussion about how symbols contained in our degrees reach back into antiquity to draw timeless truths into the present space of our minds, and The Broken Column is a prime example. Enjoy, […]

    Ideas And Leadership V74N3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 14:34


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Alan E. Roberts, a prolific Masonic writer, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. Leadership must be the key that unlocks the door of Masonry's potential, digesting and using ideas that are the backbone of leadership. Enjoy, and […]

    Islam And Freemasonry V81N8

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 12:44


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by RW Bro Rex R. Hutchins, PGJW of AZ. Political revolution and Freemasonry is a complex subject. Here we find an interesting discussion from the days immediately following 9/11, and one that is a good listen for us all. Enjoy, and do share this and all […]

    Freemasonry Youth And You V61N11

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 13:47


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by RW Bro C. C. Faulkner Jr, PDGM – IN and PGM – DeMolay, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. Youth, those all important formative years, is one of the few things that all mankind have in common. All […]

    The Legend Of The Lost Word V6N5

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 20:06


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Howard R. Cruse, first published in May 1928. Here we find a most excellent exploration of one of the key symbols in the Master Mason degree, one that we may all give serious contemplation to in the pursuit of our profession. Enjoy, and do […]

    Future Relationship Between Freemasonry And The Church V40N9

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 12:34


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Ralph Pollard, PGM – ME, and delivered as an address to the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine. Indeed, there has been conflict between our gentle Craft and the major churches in the world; and yet, some of our wisest leaders […]

    Easter Lillies And Acacia V7N4

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 13:53


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Rev Dr Bro Joseph Fort Newton, one of the most brilliant and prolific elder statesmen of the Craft to ever put pen to paper. Spring brings us to Easter Day, the festival of memory and hope. It is as if the seasons of the soul […]

    Paul Revere V1N1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 33:28


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro J. Hugo Tatch, and is the very first STB to be sent out to every Lodge in January 1923. Since we have arrived at the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the famous ride of our brother, it seems like a good time to […]

    The Investigating Committee V66N6

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 10:08


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by WBro Zelwyn B. Eaton of Adair #366, Kirksville MO, and is brought to us by VW Bro. David Koncz, PM – United #8, Brunswick ME. Here, we are informed and instructed about the work of this committee, which is perhaps the most important work having […]

    Ego V65N12

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 8:48


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by PSGW Bro Stewart M. Pollard, Past Executive Secretary of the MSA, and is brought to us by VW Bro David Koncz, PM – United #8, Brunswick ME. Here we find an excellent discussion of the various encounters MW Bro Pollard had while travelling throughout most […]

    The Rite Of Discalceation V11N4

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 19:38


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and first published in April 1933. Here we find an excellent discussion of one of our oldest and most misunderstood ritualistic symbols. As many have wondered, and still wonder, what is it with the removal of shoes, either singly or […]

    For The Newly Raised V25N7

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 15:39


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and is brought to us by VW Bro David Koncz, PM – United #8, Brunswick ME. Recently, I had the honor of participating in the raising of a new Master Mason, and it is to him that this episode is […]

    Change V95N5

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 10:56


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro S. J. Daniels, PGM – Ontario, and first published in May 2017. Here is made a compelling case that education and Freemasonry are really the same thing. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your […]

    Sublime V3N8

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 15:05


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, first published in August 1925. Here we find an excellent discussion of our third, or Sublime degree, and what makes it such. Like the 47th Problem, which contains the germ of every scientific and mathematical truth, so too does the […]

    Wise And Serious Truths V49N11

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 14:24


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Conrad Hahn, first published in November 1971. Here we find an excellent discussion of what the Fellowcraft brother will find when talking with older, more experienced Masons, and what we should all strive to contain in our daily lives. Enjoy, and do share […]

    The Tyler’s Place Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 28:32


    Brethren, this is a special and unusual Podcast episode that I hope you enjoy. Recently I was contacted by the host of the Tyler's Place Podcast, a production of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, about being interviewed for their next episode. It seems they wanted to know about me, and the Short Talk […]

    The Cable Tow V4N3

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 13:36


    this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by the Rev Dr Bro Joseph Fort Newton, and is brought to us by RW Bro Peter Cutler, PDDGM 14th ME. The Cable Tow is wholly Masonic in usage and definition according to the dictionary. This illustrates that Masonry has some of it's own vocabulary, not or […]

    Seven Great Masons V20N8

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 20:45


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl Claudy, and is brought to us by WBro Donald Cyr, PM – Freeport #23, ME. Here we find an excellent discussion if seven Masons, one from each of the original Grand Lodges in the US, and all of whom should be striking […]

    Who Are You V44N1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 8:13


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Conrad Hahn, Past Secretary of the MSANA, and is brought to us by WBro David Koncz, PM – United #8, Brunswick ME. In the Acts of the Apostles there is recorded a thought-provoking story about Paul, on the occasion of his visit to […]

    House Reunited V74N7

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 11:23


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by WBro Allen E. Roberts, PM – Babcock #322, Highland Springs VA, and is brought to us by Bro Rich Gravelin, United #8, Brunswick ME. The merciful role Freemasonry was to play during the bitter years of reconstruction started on the day Confederate General Robert E. […]

    Freedom Of Faith V4N8

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 12:16


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by the Rev Dr Bro Joseph Fort Newton, one of the Craft's greatest writers. Here we find his wisdom clearly expressed: timeless, timely, and poignant in ways few modern writers achieve, exploring that religion in which all men agree. Enjoy, and do share this and all […]

    The Future Of Masonry V47N11

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 20:39


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro H. Dwight McCalister, PGM – SC, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. The first annual meeting of The Masonic Service Association was held on November 11–13, 1919, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the fiftieth annual meeting […]

    iowa brethren cedar rapids masonry masonic service association
    Freemasonry And Public Education V68N11

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 15:21


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Sidney Kase, PGM – WA, and first published in November 1990. Why should our gentle Craft concern itself with students attending public schools? Here, we find an interesting and compelling argument for why we should. Enjoy, and do share this and all of […]

    Our Public Schools V1N4

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 15:24


    Brethren, this was one of the very first STBs that were sent to every member Lodge in April 1923, and was prepared by Clara Richards. As the future of public education is now a hot topic among the leadership of the United States, it seems like a good time to revisit how our forbears though, […]

    The Attentive Ear V42N3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 16:53


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Conrad Hahn, Past Secretary of the MSANA, and first published in March 1964. The Attentive Ear is one of the Jewels of a Fellowcraft, and especially poignant in these days of division. Listening to understand is so much more important than listening to […]

    The Lambskin Apron V5N11

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 14:55


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Howard R. Cruse, and is brought to us by RW Bro Pete Cutler, PDDGM 14th, Maine. In Masonic symbolism the lambskin apron holds precedence. It is the initial gift of Freemasonry to a candidate, and at the end of life's pilgrimage, it is reverently […]

    The Legend Of The Lost Word V6N5

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 20:09


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Howard L. Cruse, first published in May 1928. Ancient Craft Masonry attains its climax in the symbolism of a lost word and a quest for its recovery, but in our ritualistic work there is little attempt at explanation. Here, we find remedy for this […]

    brethren lost word
    9 More Questions V16N5

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 19:13


    Brethren, when the Short Talk Bulletin “9 Questions” was released in 1938, the response was robust and enthusiastic, and the author and MSANA Secretary, Carl Claudy, was encouraged to write more like it. We have had the same result with the Podcast, so, here we find the follow-up to “9 Questions”, specifically “9 More Questions”, […]

    brethren more questions short talk bulletin
    9 Questions V16N3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 18:32


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and is brought to us by Bro Colin Briton, Freeport #23, Maine. There are certain questions that most Masons, and many non-Masons, have about our gentle Craft, that aren't clarified by ritual. For example: why must we never cross between […]

    Circumambulation Meditations V77N8

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 14:39


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by WBro Bates Lagrande, PM – Richardson Lodge #1218, Richardson TX and member of the Texas Lodge of Research. Just last night I was privileged to participate in a new brother's EA degree, which, of course, included the reading from Scripture while the candidate was being […]

    Diligent Inquiry V61N5

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 12:17


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Conrad Hahn, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. Oftentimes, the duties of members of an investigating committee are taken lightly. Here, we find instructions given to a particular Lodge, that reinforce the seriousness of the business […]

    Alas, My Brother V70N1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 8:36


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Ray Burgess, PGM – LA, and is presented here to honor MW Bro Darrell Fremont, Executive Secretary of the MSANA, and also President Jimmy Carter, who might not have been a Mason, but who exemplified every lesson in the Craft. The Worshipful Master, […]

    Why Ethiopia V56N12

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 11:11


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by WBro Stewart M. L. Pollard, son of MW Bro Ralph J. Pollard, PGM – Maine. This past week, I had the honor and privilege of participating, as the Wayfaring Man, in the raising of three new Master Masons. Something not explained in the ritual is […]

    To Sympathize V3N1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 14:05


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin was written by MW Bro Carl Claudy, and is brought to us by Bro Erick Weiss, Freeport #23 and Bristol #74, Maine. To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all, but particularly on Masons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe the […]

    Ill Bro Alphonse Cerza, 33rd V83N12

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 13:10


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Dr WBro Steven Greenberg, PM and Fellow – Illinois Lodge of Research, and is brought to us by WBro John Rock, PM – Solar Star #14, Bath ME. Bro Cerza is one of the towering figures of Masonic literature, and the MSANA maintains several digests […]

    Rights And Privileges Of A Master Mason V32N10

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 19:33


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Carl Claudy, and is brought to us by Bro Colin Britton, Secretary, Freeport @23, Maine. The distinction between a right and a privilege is often misunderstood by those trying to define either, but they are the same sort of word-pair as, for example, free […]

    The Great Kanto Earthquake V62N11

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 11:28


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro James R. Johnston, PGM – Japan, and is brought to us by WBro John Rock, PM – Solar Star #14, Maine. The Great Kanto Earthquake occurred at two minutes before noon on September 1st, 1923, and has been described as the worst natural […]

    Paul Revere V1N1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 33:31


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro J. Hugo Tatsch, and is the very first STB sent to every Lodge of every member jurisdiction in January 1923. The intent was to provide a common stock of vetted Masonic material to give unity to our common purpose. “Listen my children, and you […]

    Omar Bradley, The Best Of Leaders V102N11

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 12:54


    Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written and is brought to us by Bro Chuck Clampett, Mt Etna Lodge #333, Huntington IN. Judging military leadership from a military perspective becomes a daunting task. What makes a General great often depends on if he was on the winning side, commanded in famous battles, or […]

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