Modern Goat Rider: an Odd Fellows podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

For the second show in a row, Chaplain Eric Bramble join Tara and Billy to continue the lively conversation, this time it's about Grand Lodge Sessions in BC for 2024 and how well the messages of progress and change travels from Grand Lodge to the local lodges. There is more to it than relying on Representatives’ Reports being read by the members.  

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Intro: Drew Eriksen

Tara and Billy are joined by Chaplain Eric Bramble for a frank conversation of the burdensome situations they have seen when the professionals could be called in, but volunteers full of FLT take on the tasks. Sometimes with amazing outcomes, and sometimes when those volunteers are under the pump to perform perfectly even though they lack the experience to do so. Volunteering is not easy in every case. And since it has been a while since the last episode there are some events from the past few months to reminisce about. Do enjoy.

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Intro - Anthony Shackell 

Tara and Billy get California fever again with a call down the coast to Oceanside Lodge #346 where PG and current DDGM Brother Ed Burns has help build back a Lodge from 10 members in 2016 to close to 80 members in 2022. Ed gives the hosts and you listeners an idea packed episode for revitalizing a Lodge even when the Hall needs repairs as well as the current member’s attitudes. At the end of the chat Billy makes reference to “Morey” who is Morey Holzman of Ep. 39 when his book “The Odd Fellows Heart” is featured.

Check out MGR online at moderngoatrider.com

Reach the hosts at info@moderngoatrider.com 

Intro & Outro – Drew Ericksen 

Tara and Billy welcome in representatives of the three Victoria lodges who are Grand Lodge of British Columbia officers and participants. Together the hosts tug at the curtain that conceals the function of jurisdictional Grand Lodges, and they are successful getting Aaron Hall (Grand Warden and District Deputy Grand Master), Becky Auld (Grand Secretary) and Scott Shaw (P.D.D.G.M.) to enlighten our listeners. The rumor around many subordinate lodges is that Grand Lodge doesn’t work, but there are very hidden ways in which Grand Lodge does work, all the time. In the latter half of the show, the group exchange what could make Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge Sessions better.  Even if you’re not a Past Grand, then still consider going to your jurisdiction’s Sessions.

Check out MGR online at moderngoatrider.com

Reach the hosts at info@moderngoatrider.com 

Intro – Drew Ericksen

NOTE: The episode includes occasional strong language.

When joined by the divine Bro. Eric Bramble, hosts Billy and Tara strap themselves in for a flowing discussion about the role of Chaplain when it’s tuned into the mighty station: WFLT. Although there are PG-rated words used, they come from Eric’s enthusiasm and it should not detract from the message that the Chaplain role can be so much more than just reading from the Red Book. Eric explains how his personality pours through his words during the Columbia #2 meetings to demonstrate his contribution to the Lodge’s vitality and in order to match the contributions of his fellow members.

Find Bramble Rambles at the Heart In Hand - HERE

Check out MGR online at moderngoatrider.com

Reach the hosts at info@moderngoatrider.com 

Intro – Anthony Shackell

Intro – Anthony Shackell 

*** After Listening to part 1, download part 2 on the Three Links Odd Cast ***

Spurred on by a listener email, the forces of the Three Links Odd Cast join Tara and Billy to take on the question of importance and relevance of Odd Fellowship these days. Having the show full of all of us we move through the hot-takes, musings of possibilities of better times and seeking how our Lodges make Important differences to the members and community. Once again, many Thanks to Toby Hanson, Ainslie Heilich and new podcaster Scott Moye. Finally, Thanks to BC Grand Warden Jim Stiven for inspiring so much of Billy’s thoughts during the show. Enjoy.

Check out MGR online at moderngoatrider.com

Reach the hosts at info@moderngoatrider.com 

Intro – Toby Hanson

WARNING: This is another feel good podcast! Episode 42 does not address the Order’s problems, nor does it investigate the frustrating politics that might be at a Lodge level. Instead, this show is about Tara and Billy taking a few minutes to ask four members with varying years in the Odd Fellows what it is in it for them, how they ended up in their Lodge and what they are looking forward to in 2022. Thanks to Sister Jean Medland, Brothers Stuart Brown, Alistair Green, and Kelly Ketcheson for sharing your stories.

Please everyone, sit down with an old friend, or a new one, and talk about them; you might be surprised what they can teach you about yourself.

 Check MGR out online at moderngoatrider.com

Reach the hosts at info@moderngoatrider.com 

Intro – Jon Norgaard

On a National Day of Remembrance in Canada, the UK and USA, Tara and Billy welcomed Sister Sandra Martin of Rebekah Lodge Unity #145 in Victoria, BC to take them down memory lane over her 47 years as a member of Rebekahs. Sandra reveals that the road for Rebekahs has been difficult since the SGL motioned for all Odd Fellows Lodges be open to women, which saw members leave her lodge to join one of the local Odd Fellows lodges. And from around that time, the relations between the lodges became strained to where communication about and participation in activities barely existed. The interview is not all about the rough times, as Sandra gives a glimpse into “them good old days” and also the working of a Rebekah Lodge. 

Check MGR out online at moderngoatrider.com

Reach the hosts at info@moderngoatrider.com 

Intro - Drew Ericksen

Tara and Billy call upon all three Odd Fellows Lodges in Victoria to get a full representative samples of organizational challenges and solutions from their lodges. Sure, they are all well experienced British Columbia provincial government employees, but they also have great advice for lodges of any size. Enjoying their first rides on MGR are Sister Samantha Sherman from Bastion Lodge #4, Brother Ed May from Victoria Lodge #1, and Brother Jeff Dorion from Columbia Lodge #2. Each brings great ideas for your Lodge.

 Check us out online at moderngoatrider.com

Reach us at info@moderngoatrider.com 

Intro – Drew Ericksen