Brothers Aiden Brink and Will Sparks both joined their respective lodges in the past couple of years. Each have become very active and spurred growth in their areas. They were both kind enough to join us to discuss their perspective on Odd Fellowship: what we get right, what we get wrong, and what we can do to build a solid future for our Order. Some of the answers may be surprising, especially to long-time members, but they are incredibly insightful and provide a very appealing pathway to future growth. Hint: newer members see a lot of value in our history and traditions! The Shoutout goes to *another* new Encampment, Faro Fraternal #70 in Miami, Florida. In the Odd Podge, Ainslie reflects on watching a new streaming drama through Odd Fellow eyes, Will cherishes some of his most recent Odd Fellow gifts, Mike announces his newest side project, Odd Fellows Today, Toby recounts the story of meeting listener Michael Crile of Four Creeks Lodge #94 of Visalia, CA during his recent vacation, and Aiden gives thanks to those who listened to him and Ray Jackson of Illinois in particular.

Although it's tempting to think that Odd Fellowship has been handed down from the past completely unchanged from some visionaries at an ancient building site, that's not the case. Odd Fellowship has adapted and changed through its history to meet the needs of members and the Order as those needs have changed. In this episode, Kris Gratz of Virginia shares his research into the developments in Odd Fellows' regalia through the ages and how that has coincided with changes in our ritual and also various cultural cross-currents. For example, gold fringe on a collar used to indicate that a member had taken the Encampment Degrees. The number of stars on a collar had a meaning as well. Joining Kris is his friend and previous podcast guest Nick Curry to talk about some legislation he's working on regarding the future of regalia and suppliers. The Shoutout goes to the newly-revived River Raisin Encampment #154 of Michigan (our first Shoutout from Michigan!). In the Odd Podge, Toby previews his upcoming trip to the Northwest IOOF Meeting in Canada, Nick talks about the importance of mentorship in lodges, Mike announces his latest book (available at www.duminiak.com), Kris clues us in to his deep dive on the Odd Fellows' Tartan, and Ainslie updates us on the project to get a stairlift in his lodge hall, as well as reminding us of the upcoming Tattoo Event at Sovereign Grand Lodge.

For those interested in seeing some of the regalia examples discussed in this episode, head over to The Odd Fellows' Guide to see Kris' article and pictures.

In 2016, an exhibit opened at the American Folk Art Museum showcasing various artifacts from American fraternal orders, most notably the Odd Fellows and Freemasons. The collection shared the best of fraternal folk art with the wider world. One of the curators of that exhibition, Dr. Aimee Newell, joined us to talk about the collection and give us some background and history on where the items came from, their significance, and their influence into culture at large. Once again, the Shoutout goes to a new Encampment, this time the re-chartered Santa Paula #118 of California. In the Odd Podge, Toby announces the new recording he's working on, Ainslie shares his story of helping save a lodge with an Initiation and meeting a listener, Dr. Newell contemplates returning to her former employer, the Scottish Rite Museum in Lexington, MA, and Mike talks about his most recent publication, an epic poem.