Civic life in America has been in decline for decades. A prescient few, including noted author Robert Putnam, have chronicled that decline. In his book "Bowling Alone," Putnam explored the link between civic engagement and the function of government and described the nature of the decline in participation in clubs, churches, and other groups. Pete and Rebecca Davis, a brother and sister team, made a film based on Putnam's book: "Join Or Die!" Their film opens with a visit to one of our superstar lodges, Waxahachie #80 in Texas. Throughout the course of the film we get to learn the story of how Putnam did his research, how he's shared his findings, and how he's put those findings into action. The film ends up as a kind of "love letter" to Odd Fellowship as it opens and closes with brilliant scenes of fellowship at Waxa #80. Brother Tom Wright from that lodge joined us along with Pete and Rebecca to talk about the film and their experiences. Our Shoutout this episode goes to a new lodge of the Grand United Order—New Northwest #2554 in Portland, Oregon. In the Odd Podge, Toby talks about his "souvenir" from Sovereign Grand Lodge, Mike shares his joy at Charleston being awarded the 2025 SGL Session, and Ainslie recounts his random meeting with members from his jurisdiction on his way home from the Session.
Civic life in America has been in decline for decades. A prescient few, including noted author Robert Putnam, have chronicled that decline. In his book "Bowling Alone," Putnam explored the link between civic engagement and the function of government and described the nature of the decline in participation in clubs, churches, and other groups. Pete and Rebecca Davis, a brother and sister team, made a film based on Putnam's book: "Join Or Die!" Their film opens with a visit to one of our superstar lodges, Waxahachie #80 in Texas. Throughout the course of the film we get to learn the story of how Putnam did his research, how he's shared his findings, and how he's put those findings into action. The film ends up as a kind of "love letter" to Odd Fellowship as it opens and closes with brilliant scenes of fellowship at Waxa #80. Brother Tom Wright from that lodge joined us along with Pete and Rebecca to talk about the film and their experiences. Our Shoutout this episode goes to a new lodge of the Grand United Order—New Northwest #2554 in Portland, Oregon. In the Odd Podge, Toby talks about his "souvenir" from Sovereign Grand Lodge, Mike shares his joy at Charleston being awarded the 2025 SGL Session, and Ainslie recounts his random meeting with members from his jurisdiction on his way home from the Session.