This week, we’re stepping into the virtual world to explore VR Masonry—where digital spaces meet ancient traditions. Can brotherhood, ritual, and fellowship truly thrive in a virtual lodge? We'll discuss the possibility of Masonic meetings in the metaverse, the pros and cons, and what it could mean for the future of the Craft.…

Now is the perfect time for jewelers to explore e-commerce as an additional revenue stream, especially during economic uncertainty. Having your products available for online purchase creates "another line in the water" that can catch unexpected sales with minimal effort. Download our free e-commerce strategy checklist at punchmark.com/checklist to …

This week, we’re getting personal. We're talking about how exposure to Masonic teachings, symbolism, and diverse spiritual perspectives challenged—and ultimately transformed—our personal faiths. From moments of doubt to deeper understanding, we explore how Freemasonry doesn’t aim to replace religion, but can profoundly reshape how we relate to it. …

Send us a text Wendy LaGrange, VP and Managing Director at Wallcur (now part of 3B Scientific), reveals the vital role of the Corporate Roundtable within the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. This behind-the-scenes organization bridges the gap between industry partners and educators to advance healthcare simulation and improve patient outcomes.…

Pearls are one of the oldest, most influential gems the world has ever known with a rich history dating back well over 5,000 years. Matt Harris shares his passion for this unique gemstone and explains how fashion trends surrounding the gem have shifted in the last 100 years, where he predicts they will head in future years, and how jewelers can ens…

Just in time for Maundy Thursday, we’re delving into the lesser-known side of Freemasonry—its religious and spiritually inspired rituals. Where do these traditions come from, and how do they fit within the broader Masonic framework? We’ll explore their symbolism, significance, and the delicate ways they honor both faith and fraternity. Tune in for …

Jordan Wentz, or Jewels of the Trade, shares her expertise on jade, one of the most misunderstood gemstones in the jewelry world, explaining its historical significance and how to identify authentic pieces. She illuminates the differences between Jadeite and Nephrite jade while providing guidance for retailers and consumers on recognizing quality j…

Send us a text Ashley Franklin takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolution of healthcare simulation, drawing from her 16 years of experience as a nurse educator who has never taught without simulation technology. As the current president of INACSL (International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning), Ashley offers a …

David Siminski, a refiner with 32 years of experience at United Precious Metals in Buffalo, shares his expertise on gold's dramatic price surge, how it might impact custom jewelry projects, and speculates on if the price will continue to climb. Send us a text Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's…

This week, we're diving into the many "flavors" of Freemasonry—from traditional observance and esoteric lodges to social, academic, and military-style lodges. What makes each type unique, and how do they all fit under the umbrella of Masonic Brotherhood? Whether you're exploring your options or just curious about the diversity within the Craft, thi…

Send us a text Dr. Christine Park invites us to reimagine our relationship with achievement, rest, and purpose in this soul-stirring conversation that transcends typical discussions about simulation in healthcare education. The former president of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare shares her remarkable journey from surgery to anesthesiology …

Mike is joined by a panel of retail jewelers to talk about how they navigate the Jewelry Year. From when they schedule in their annual vacations, which jewelry shows they attend, and what jewelry styles are doing well at their respective stores. Matt & Kim from R. Gregory Jewelers in Statesville, NC https://www.rgregoryjewelers.com/ Cole from Ware'…

In this lighthearted yet honest episode, we tackle Past Master’s Syndrome—the all-too-familiar phenomenon of former Masters who just can’t let go. From grumpy sideline commentary to unsolicited “back in my year” advice, we explore the good, the bad, and the hilarious of having Past Masters linger in lodge life. Is it mentorship or micromanagement? …

Prize indemnity insurance might sound like a dry financial topic, but Robin Lang from Tokio Marine HCC reveals it's actually one of the most exciting marketing tools available to jewelers today. We discuss how retailers can offer customers full refunds on purchases if certain events occur – like six inches of snow on New Year's Day, or a Safety dur…

This week, Jon shares updates to membership forecasts. Are we getting better or worse? What does that mean for the future of Freemasonry? Are we still on track for 2040?By Jon Ruark, Jason Richards, Robert H. Johnson, Joe Martinez

For an exclusive first interview, Michael interviews Stephen Barnes, newly announced Owner and President of IJO about what the changes mean for him, IJO, and the retailers & vendors included in the group. Stephen Barnes shares his journey from longtime IJO member to President and now Owner, discusses his vision for the future of the Independent Jew…

Michael speaks with Bri Black from Buzz Advertising Agency and Hope Bellair, Digital Marketing Manager at Punchmark, for a discussion on the art of creating effective marketing campaigns. Learn how to conceptualize a campaign, set goals and metrics, and execute on marketing for your next effort! Learn more about Buzz Advertisement Agency: https://b…

Send us a text What happens when lifeguard training, soccer refereeing, and healthcare education collide? Dr. Jared Kutzin, current President of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), reveals how his unconventional journey through hands-on learning environments shaped his understanding of simulation long before he knew the field existed. D…

Freemasonry has long been a path of self-improvement, guiding men to refine their character, wisdom, and actions. In this episode, we explore if and how Masonic teachings and principles can help shape a better, more enlightened version of yourself. Why do we focus on personal growth in the first place?…

In the Loupe, is an award winning podcast for jewelers, produced by Punchmark, the Jewelry Industry’s FAVORITE website platform. In the Loupe is made for Retail Jewelers to keep them up to date with the latest and greatest taking place in the world of jewelry, both online and in-store. Join me as I attend jewelry trade shows, educational workshops,…

Send us a text Step into the vibrant world of clinical education through simulation with this immersive episode of our podcast! As we engage with Erin, a passionate nurse educator from New Zealand, we delve into the powerful impact that simulation training has on healthcare professionals and patient outcomes. Discover how organizations like the Int…

DOGE has created waves (good and bad) looking for improvements in the U.S. Government. Similarly, even large organizations such as Freemasonry could stand to optimize and find efficiencies based on how their per capita assessments are being used. What would that look like? Can we do parts of that today?…

Virtual Reality (VR) is growing in popularity, and as the technology improves, so do the opportunities for use in real life. Michael has explored VR with his friends the past year and reports back on his experiences, the good, the bad, the... vertigo-inducing. Michael later speaks with three of his best friends who are avid VR users on how they've …

Send us a text What if you could transform patient care with the power of simulation? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lisa Paganotti from George Washington University, an expert in simulation education, as she shares her inspiring journey from the emergency department to becoming a leader in the field. Lisa unpacks the concept of tran…

What is the object of our affection? Let's discuss the physical, quantum, spiritual, philosophical, and symbolic aspect of the one thing we are all striving for. Light.By Jon Ruark, Jason Richards, Robert H. Johnson, Joe Martinez

Brevani, an offshoot jewelry brand of Color Merchants, owners Jordan & Allison Peck share their innovative journey in the jewelry industry, focusing on modern trends while maintaining a legacy of responsible sourcing. They discuss their dynamic collaboration as brother and sister, successful marketing strategies, what they stand to learn and gain a…

Send us a text Discover the innovative journey of Dawn Schocken, the dynamic Director of Experiential Learning and Simulation at the University of South Florida's Morsani College of Medicine, as she shares the evolution of medical simulation. You'll be inspired by her relentless pursuit of transforming medical education and her influential leadersh…

Join us as we explore the Masonic connections of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the legendary leaders of the Corps of Discovery. We'll discuss how their Masonic values of brotherhood, leadership, and perseverance influenced their historic journey across the uncharted American frontier. Discover the hidden fraternal ties that shaped one of the …

Join us in person, or with a virtual slice of pizza while we celebrate 500 episodes of The Masonic Roundtable. Many shenanigans will be had. Special guests will make an appearance, and who knows what else will happen!By Jon Ruark, Jason Richards, Robert H. Johnson, Joe Martinez

Send us a text Reflecting on the planning journey of IMSH 2025, the dedicated team shares their experiences, triumphs, and challenges while emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community within the simulation world. Listeners gain insights into theme selection, speaker curation, and the emotional bonds formed throughout the process. • Ha…

Today we are taking a deep dive into the Google Workspace Suite of tools. These free tools are cloud based and able to be accessed in minutes after the creation of a Gmail account. These tools are widely considered to be industry standard tools, as they make collaboration and asynchronous editing possible. Learn how the Punchmark team has been usin…

Learn about the third dimension of geometry and how these ancient shapes hold mystical meanings and symbolism that we can use to improve ourselves. This is an episode you won't want to miss!By Jon Ruark, Jason Richards, Robert H. Johnson, Joe Martinez

Michael sits down with Justin VanMatre of National Rarities to discuss what the last year of estate buying events looked like, what the most commonly bought items were, and announces the new Punchmark x National Rarities event page templates they recently collaborated on. If you have hosted a NR event, or plan to soon, you'll want to tune in for th…

Building on Jason's Masonic Research 101, this week, we bring in special guest Chris Ruli to discuss further considerations for good, reliable Masonic research. You won't want to miss this one!By Jon Ruark, Jason Richards, Robert H. Johnson, Joe Martinez

Meet the unsung heroes of the jewelry world as Mike speaks with Stefanie Wesdorp from Jewel-Craft, a fourth-generation family business that handles service requests for hundreds of retail jewelers around the US. Stefanie shares how Jewel-Craft has carved out a role as the hidden powerhouse behind so many jewelry stores. Tackling everything from int…

Send us a text Prepare to be enlightened as we transition to the dynamic world of simulation education with Lou and Kathy from the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE). Uncover how ASPE is transforming the field by evolving the concept of "standardized patients" to "simulated participants," promoting inclusivity and personalization.…

By now, you should know that you should "shop around" to find a good lodge fit and one that has the "Lodge Culture" you're looking for. But what do we mean by "culture?" And can it be deliberate? Can it be changed? Let's find out!By Jon Ruark, Jason Richards, Robert H. Johnson, Joe Martinez