In this Shop Talk, Bill and Alex dive into the odd history of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows - one of the largest organizations most Americans have never heard of. At their peak, they had over a million members and thousands of lodges across the country. They cared for widows and orphans, built hospitals, and more than 800 cemeteries. And then, slowly, they disappeared.

If you've ever wondered why community feels harder to find than it used to - or why civic life seems to be quietly fading - this episode might be the most important conversation you hear this week. It's a history lesson that hits surprisingly close to home.

ARMY ACTIONS

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Signup to join the Army, visit NormalFolks.org

Follow us on social media @ArmyofNormalFolks

Join or start an ANF local service club at https://normalfolks.org/service-clubs/

Take The 10 Level Challenge, "the hero's journey for service" at 10LevelChallenge.org

 

In this Shop Talk, Bill and Alex dive into the odd history of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows - one of the largest organizations most Americans have never heard of. At their peak, they had over a million members and thousands of lodges across the country. They cared for widows and orphans, built hospitals, and more than 800 cemeteries. And then, slowly, they disappeared.
If you've ever wondered why community feels harder to find than it used to - or why civic life seems to be quietly fading - this episode might be the most important conversation you hear this week. It's a history lesson that hits surprisingly close to home.
ARMY ACTIONS
Subscribe to the podcast and rate &amp; review us!
Signup to join the Army, visit <a href="https://normalfolks.org/#newsletter-cta">NormalFolks.org</a>
Follow us on social media @ArmyofNormalFolks
Join or start an ANF local service club at <a href="https://normalfolks.org/service-clubs/">https://normalfolks.org/service-clubs/</a>
Take The 10 Level Challenge, "the hero's journey for service" at <a href="https://normalfolks.org/10-level-challenge/">10LevelChallenge.org</a>
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Our country’s problems will never be solved by a bunch of fancy people in nice suits talking big words on CNN and Fox, but by An Army of Normal Folks just deciding “hey, I can help.” Hosted by Coach Bill Courtney from the Oscar-winning Undefeated, this podcast is building the Army and celebrating its extraordinary members. New episodes are released every Tuesday and Friday.  

Our country&rsquo;s&nbsp;problems will never be solved by a bunch of fancy people in nice suits talking big words on CNN and Fox, but by&nbsp;An Army of Normal Folks just deciding &ldquo;hey, I can help.&rdquo; Hosted by Coach Bill Courtney from the Oscar-winning Undefeated, this podcast is building the Army and celebrating its extraordinary members. New episodes are released every Tuesday and Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Army of Normal Folks

The Forgotten Club That Once Had 1 Million Members

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/12ec4f4d-e56a-404a-a770-b4ac013ab855/transcript