In Episode 12 of The Men of Tyre Podcast, Bill, Brian, and Matt welcome Brother Gary Bennett, current Grand Sword Bearer of the Grand Lodge of Maine and Past Master of St. John Lodge No. 51 in South Berwick.Gary reflects on his journey into Freemasonry, the symbolism and responsibility of carrying the Grand Sword, and the changes he has witnessed within the Craft. He also shares advice for younger Masons, ideas for creating memorable lodge experiences, and what cooking and fellowship have meant to him throughout his Masonic journey.Then, Gary faces the Men of Tyre Lightning Round—covering white gloves, long processions, lodge nicknames, lightbulbs, and the great Maine lobster-roll debate!⚔️ What does it mean to carry the sword?🥄 How can food strengthen fellowship?🦞 Hot with butter or cold with mayonnaise?Let us know your lobster-roll choice in the comments!Visit us at MenOfTyre.net, subscribe to the channel, and join us for more conversations about Freemasonry, brotherhood, leadership, and service.Disclaimer: “The views and opinions expressed in this episode are only those of the participants and do not represent any Statements or opinions of the Grand Lodge of Maine.”

Men of Tyre Ep. 11 – From Ancient Wisdom to Artificial Intelligence with Carlo DiCelico

What happens when centuries-old Masonic tradition meets the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence?

In Episode 11 of The Men of Tyre Podcast, Bill, Brian, and Matt sit down with Carlo DiCelico, Dean of the Maine Masonic College, newly appointed Grand Librarian of the Grand Lodge of Maine, member of Triangle Lodge No. 1 in Portland, published author, lecturer, and student of both traditional wisdom and emerging technology.

Carlo joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about Masonic education, leadership, writing, technology, social media, and the growing influence of AI. We discuss where Masonic education in Maine may be headed, how artificial intelligence could affect the Craft, and how Masons can embrace new tools without losing the traditions and human connections that make Freemasonry unique.

Carlo also shares his interest in the Rosicrucians, his experiences as an author and lecturer, and some of the projects he is currently working on.

Then it’s time for the Men of Tyre Lightning Round, covering everything from education and ritual to road trips, Masonic meals, social media, and advice for aspiring authors.

And finally, we hand Carlo the keys to the DeLorean and ask:

If you could travel to any period in history, where would you go—and why?

Ancient wisdom. Modern technology. And plenty of conversation in between.

Welcome to Episode 11 of The Men of Tyre Podcast.

Welcome to Episode 10 of The Men of Tyre Podcast!

In this episode, Bill Vivian and Matt Giguere sit down with Brother Brian Ellis—Senior Warden of Northern Star Lodge #28, Blue Mountain Lodge #67, and Maine Lodge of Research #9000, as well as a Past Grand Senior Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Maine.

Brian shares his journey into Freemasonry and discusses how his work, military experience, travels, and willingness to say “yes” helped shape his Masonic path.

The conversation explores lodge leadership, preparing for the East, the future of Masonic education in Maine, and Brian’s work with the Maine Masonic College. We also examine the balance between practicing Masonry and studying it, what the appendant bodies offer, and how a newly raised Master Mason can choose where to go next.

Then Brian faces The Men of Tyre Lightning Round—with questions covering ritual, symbolism, lodge meals, working tools, Masonic books, education, leadership, and what keeps him coming back.

Whether you are a new Mason searching for your next step or an experienced Brother preparing to lead, this episode offers practical advice, thoughtful reflection, and a reminder of what can happen when a Brother is willing to step forward and say yes.

Subscribe to The Men of Tyre Podcast for more conversations about Freemasonry, brotherhood, leadership, history, education, and the future of the Craft.

Visit us at MenOfTyre.net.

DISCLAIMER: “The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the participants ONLY and do not represent any statements or positions of the Grand Lodge of Maine.”

Fun, fellowship, leadership—and maybe a little Bigfoot!In Episode 9, the Men of Tyre welcome Brett “Squatch” Deaton, current Secretary and Past Monarch of Amrita Grotto in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and President of the Southwest Grotto Association.Brett shares his Masonic journey and takes us inside the Grotto—an organization known for brotherhood, humor, fellowship, and fun. We discuss what makes the Grotto unique, how it can remain relevant, the challenges facing Masonic organizations, and how Blue Lodges and Grottos can work together.We also explore the leadership lessons Brett has learned and why having fun doesn’t mean losing sight of Masonry’s deeper purpose.Stay with us for the Men of Tyre Lightning Round—and discover what Bigfoot might order for breakfast!What do you think every Mason should know about the Grotto? Let us know in the comments!Like, subscribe, and join the conversation.Visit us at https://menoftyre.netDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the participants and do not represent any statements or opinions of the Grand Lodge of Maine.

In this episode of Men of Tyre, Bill, Brian, and Matt sit down with R.W. Junior Grand Warden Brother David Bucknam for a powerful conversation about leadership, service, Freemasonry, and the values that shape a man both inside and outside the Lodge.

Brother Bucknam shares what his election as Junior Grand Warden means to him personally, how his background in law enforcement has influenced his journey, and how the lessons of Freemasonry continue to guide his approach to leadership, charity, and brotherly love.

The conversation also explores the role of the Junior Grand Warden, the importance of local Lodges serving their communities, and how Freemasonry can continue to be a positive force in Maine.

And of course, we close things out with a lightning round and a Father’s Day reflection from the Men of Tyre crew.

Today’s chat question:
If you were on Jeopardy, what category would you absolutely CRUSH?

Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and join the conversation!

In this episode of Men of Tyre, we sit down with R.W. Lenny Goodine, Senior Grand Warden for the Grand Lodge of Maine, for a conversation about leadership, brotherhood, and service.Episode 7, “Brotherhood Beyond the Lodge Room,” explores what it means to carry the lessons of Freemasonry into everyday life. From building stronger relationships within the Craft to supporting our communities outside the Lodge, Brother Goodine shares his perspective on where Maine Masonry stands today and where it can go tomorrow.Join us for an honest and meaningful conversation about the responsibilities of leadership, the importance of fellowship, and how the bonds of brotherhood reach far beyond the walls of the Lodge room.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Men of Tyre for more conversations on Freemasonry, leadership, history, and the future of the Craft.Visit us at: MenOfTyre.net#MenOfTyre #MenOfTyrePodcast #Freemasonry #MaineMasons #MasonicEducation #Brotherhood #Leadership #GrandLodgeOfMaine #MasonicPodcast

In this episode of the **Men of Tyre Podcast**, the tables turn as Bill moves from host to guest — and shares the story behind his own Masonic journey.From his first steps into the **Craft** to his current service as **Senior Deacon of Euclid Lodge** and **Grand Pursuivant for the Grand Lodge of Maine**, Bill opens up about what Freemasonry has meant to him as a younger Mason finding his place, his purpose, and his voice within the fraternity.This **conversation** dives into the real experience of being an active Mason today — the excitement, the challenges, the responsibility, and the moments that make the work worth it. Bill reflects on what keeps him showing up, what serving at the Grand Lodge level has taught him, and why traveling, meeting Brothers, and experiencing Masonry beyond your own Lodge can completely change the way you see the Craft.We also talk about the traditions of Maine Masonry worth preserving, the future of the fraternity, and the message Bill would give to young Masons who are ready to step out, get involved, and discover what Masonry truly has to offer.And of course, it wouldn’t be Men of Tyre without a lightning round — covering favorite degrees, officer chairs, sports teams, frozen yogurt, restaurants, and the question that could divide the Craft forever: **green beans or carrots?**This is an honest, personal, and thought-provoking episode about Brotherhood, service, growth, and discovering that the real “secret” of Freemasonry may not be what you thought at all.**Watch now, join the conversation, and let us know in the comments: what surprised you most about Freemasonry?**

Standing in Command: A Conversation with Sir Knight Eric Pooler | Men of Tyre Podcast Ep. 6Welcome back to The Men of Tyre Podcast! In Episode Six, Bill, Brian, and Matt sit down with Sir Knight Eric S. Pooler, Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Maine, for a conversation about leadership, service, Commandery, and the deeper meaning behind Knight Templar Masonry.In this episode, Sir Knight Pooler shares his Masonic journey, how he became a Knight Templar, and what Commandery means to him personally. The conversation explores what the Knight Templar is, how a Mason becomes one, the Masonic ties to Templary, and the vision for growing and promoting Commandery throughout Maine.The Brothers also discuss how Commandery can better connect with Blue Lodges, what message should be shared with Masons who may not know much about the York Rite or Templary, and the moment when Sir Knight Pooler’s own Templar journey became something truly meaningful.And, of course, no Men of Tyre episode would be complete without the Lightning Round, where we ask quick questions about Commandery traditions, uniforms, leadership, ritual, virtue, and the heart of Templary.We wrap things up with one final chat question:If animals could talk, which one would be the most annoying?Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are expressly the opinions of the participants and do not represent any statements or positions of the Grand Lodge of Maine.Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode with a Brother who may want to learn more about Knight Templar Masonry.#MenOfTyre #Freemasonry #MasonicPodcast #KnightTemplar #YorkRite #Commandery #GrandCommanderyOfMaine #MaineMasonry #MasonicEducation #TemplarMasonry #Brotherhood #MasonicLeadership #Podcast #Freemasons