Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries

An engraved gold pocket watch became an orphaned boy’s lifeline—and set in motion a remarkable story of Freemasonry in action. In 1878, four-year-old Walter Cary Wilcox traveled nearly 2,500 miles from New Orleans to California, cared for along the way by Masons honoring his mother’s kindness. Discover how “The Mason’s Boy” found a home, an education, and a lifelong brotherhood through a promise kept across generations. (This episode was adapted from articles written by Adam G. Kendall ...

What if we could stop cancer before it starts? In this episode, Dr. Silvia Balbo joins us to explore how environmental and lifestyle-related exposures influence cancer risk—and how her research advances the goal of prevention. From her studies in Italy and Belgium to her work at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, Dr. Balbo’s career brought her to our Masonic Cancer Center in 2014. She shares her passion for understanding cancer’s causes and the profound impact of...

Discover the stories of Czech Freemasonry, where history, legend, and the pursuit of freedom intersect. In this episode, Montie Hadraba of Sherburne Lodge No. 95 explores the Czech Templars, a newly discovered cache of preserved documents, and the mysteries surrounding Prague’s Astronomical Clock and the legend of Master Hanuš. Along the way, we examine the life and struggles of Jan Amos Komenský—better known as Comenius, the father of modern education—and Alphonse Mucha, the celebrated Art N...

In 1953, Harry S. Truman left the White House deeply unpopular, with a 32% approval rating and little financial support as a former President. Yet over time, history would view many of his most controversial decisions very differently. From the Marshall Plan and the Truman Doctrine to military desegregation and his early support for national health insurance, Truman was willing to make difficult decisions and accept the consequences. His story is a reminder that leadership isn't always about ...

Mental health doesn’t necessarily mean mental “illness.” That said, it’s crucial to remember that our overall mental health affects everything we do. “I was in the perfect profession to hide my illness. Doing nothing is an option, and I tried that option for many years, and I wouldn’t say it’s a good one.” Mark Wick is a veteran hockey coach and Mental Performance & Skills coach for various Division I hockey programs. “There’s nothing stronger than peer support. I'm able to be...