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I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for Masonic podcasts. It seems that the circumstances of my life, and my own priorities in applying the 24-inch gauge, have resulted in me not having had the kind of consistently frequent in-person fraternal experience that many Masons relish. (Some Masons even have the strong attitude that in-personal fraternal involvement is the most important factor in what makes any Mason a “good” Mason. I disagree, but that’s a topic for another time.)

So, I note how valuable Masonic podcasts have been for helping me maintain a sense of connection with the Fraternity at large, especially those parts of it that are beyond my usual circles. Additionally, I often experience podcasts with a sense of being mindfully present with their hosts and guests as various topics are being explored. In that way, enjoying a podcast approaches an experience of contemplative dialogue in which I focus on listening to and understanding what others have to say, which in turn stimulates my own thinking and sometimes leads to entirely new insights and changes in perspective.

For a while now, I have been experiencing one of those times when reading is problematic, especially with books that deserve slow, reflective, meditative reading. I do have some time for shorter articles, and so I am also thankful for the Masonic publications that I subscribe to or visit online. But it has been very nice to listen to podcasts in moments of leisure and when I am traveling. Fortunately, there are several Masonic podcasts in which the hosts and their guests routinely do deeper dives into the psychological, philosophical, and spiritual aspects of the Builder’s Art, often informed by their own extensive studies, painstaking research, and inspired contemplations. In effect, I get to sample some very fine tinctures they have distilled and are willing to share.

I also want to note that there are other podcasts I value that are relevant to Freemasonry but not limited to it. There are many options in various fields of esotericism, philosophy, history, religion, spirituality, psychology, and meditation and other contemplative practices. Many of my favorites are actually hosted by Masons, often at least referencing the Craft’s relevance to their specialized interests, and sometimes focusing on the connections.

If you haven’t yet tapped into the vast resources available to you in the world of Masonic and related podcasts, then I hope you’ll consider how it might benefit you. Lodges and other Masonic organizations might even consider providing a list of podcasts to their members, especially those who find it hard to participate in person. It’s been tempting to include a list of podcasts that I can recommend, but I am not going to do that. Instead, I invite readers to provide their own recommendations in the comments below. If you do, please say a little about why you like the one(s) you’re listing. If you host a Masonic or related podcast, please feel free to tell us about it too!