Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast

Craftcast goes to Scotland! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 In this episode, we undertake a historic journey to Edinburgh to visit the Grand Lodge of Scotland, one of the oldest and most respected Masonic jurisdictions in the world! For the first time, Craftcast had the privilege of sitting down with both the Grand Master Mason and Grand Secretary of the Scottish Constitution at Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh. We explore t...

Following the Second Light Blues Communication, we sat down before a live audience of new Freemasons for a special episode exploring the future of Freemasonry! Joining us is the Pro Grand Master for his third appearance on Craftcast, sharing his thoughts on communication, collaboration across the Council for Freemasonry in Great Britain, and why he's optimistic about the future of Freemasonry. We'...

Today we explore the work of the Masonic Fishing Charity, a volunteer-led organisation using fishing and the countryside to create meaningful experiences for people with special needs and those facing challenging circumstances. The charity provides opportunities to build confidence, develop independence, form new friendships and experience the sense of achievement that comes from getting involved....

We are joined by renowned Masonic historian, author and publisher Martin Faulks to explore how Freemasonry has evolved over the past three centuries - and what has remained remarkably unchanged. Together, we journey back to the 1720s and 1730s to discover what early Lodge meetings were really like, how our predecessor’s understood symbolism, and why the philosophical foundations of Freemasonry rem...

The much-loved Words Explainer series returns — and this time with a special Archcast twist! Shaun, James, and Stephen are once more joined by Tom Golds for a wide-ranging conversation exploring the language and symbolism found within the Royal Arch, the Fourth Ceremony in English Freemasonry. Whether you are simply curious about Freemasonry or Master Mason thinking about the next steps, this Word...

What makes Wrexham more than just a football club? James and Tom travel to Wrexham to uncover the remarkable story behind one of the world's most talked-about football clubs, exploring a little-known chapter of its history: the fascinating links between Freemasonry and Wrexham AFC, and the exciting possibility of a Wrexham Football Lodge. If you've enjoyed Welcome to Wrexham, this episode offers a...

The Craftcast team is on the road once again, traveling to Blackpool to meet a man who first discovered Freemasonry through social media! In a unique first, we sat down with a Candidate twice: In the moments before his Initiation, as he shared his expectations and reasons for joining, and again immediately afterwards to hear his honest first impressions while the experience was still fresh in his...

One of Craftcast’s most popular recurring episodes is back, and this time we're going Royal! Join us as the Museum of Freemasonry opens its vaults to showcase a fascinating selection of rarely seen treasures. This season's theme explores artefacts that once belonged to members of the Royal Family with connections to Freemasonry, including King William IV & Edward VIII, as well as a few others....

Welcome to the Series 5 Finale of Craftcast! We are ending with something truly special. Shaun, Stephen, and James are joined by Nando Caicedo, Master-Elect of Lodge No.10,000, for a rare conversation about what Freemasonry really feels like from the inside. What really happens inside a Freemason's Lodge? What do Freemasons actually gain from these meetings? And in a world where making genuine fri...

For the first time ever, Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast goes on the road!  This episode takes you from Freemasons' Hall to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire, where we explore the remarkable work of the  Three Pillars Charity . Our hosts sit down with  Ged Dempsey , the Freemason who launched the Three Pillars, to uncover how a grassroots idea gr...

This week we return to one of your absolute favourites — the  Word Explainer Episode .  Whether you're a Freemason, thinking about joining, or simply curious about what we do, this episode is packed with clear breakdowns of some of the most frequently used Masonic terms. We are joined once again by  Tom Golds , who helps us unravel the meaning, history, and symbolism behind five key...

In this episode, Shaun, Stephen, and James welcome Gaz Taylor, a brand-new Freemason who joined the Craft in a very modern way - through an online application. Gaz shares how a visit to Rosslyn Chapel sparked his curiosity, how he went down the Freemasonry rabbit hole online, and why he decided to take the plunge and join Ashlar Lodge in Lincoln. From his military background to his passion for ser...

This week, we explore the challenging subject of men's mental health. The episode explores how simple actions, such as actively listening to one another, can create an environment where people feel comfortable talking and may seek help before reaching a breaking point. It also reflects on how remembrance can serve as a catalyst for change, transforming grief into something constructive and hopeful...

Craftcast welcomes special guest Dan O’Connell for a thought-provoking exploration of the symbolism and allegory at the heart of Freemasonry.  From the famous phrase “a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols” to the layers of meaning within our Ceremonies and furniture, Dan takes us on a journey beyond the surface to discover the personal insights that Free...

The Craftcast team welcomes back Mark Dennis to explore newly acquired treasures from the Museum of Freemasonry. From Consecration Vessels to a striking Aztec warrior in Masonic regalia and so much more, Mark reveals how each artefact tells its own story about history and symbolism. This captivating conversation offers a rare look at some of Freemasonry’s treasures, including a few surprising roya...

Shaun, James, and Stephen return for a brand-new season of Craftcast, bringing you more insight into the intriguing world of modern Freemasonry! In this episode, James takes to the streets to ask the public what they really think about Freemasonry. From curious questions to long-held misconceptions, the responses might surprise you! Back in the studio, the hosts discuss what they’ve heard and expl...

In this landmark special episode of Craftcast, we take you inside the Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall for the very first-ever live recording of the podcast - held before an audience following the inaugural Light Blues Communication. This unique episode features insightful interviews with key figures in Freemasonry, including John Thompson, Tom Milner, and Tom Golds.   Together, they exp...

In the Series 4 finale of Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast, our hosts sit down with Stanley Liu and Adam Camp from Horus Lodge - a Special Interest Lodge passionate about craft beer and community.  Hear how a social media group formed during the COVID lockdown evolved into a thriving Lodge that welcomes members from around the world.  We explore their decision to repurpose an old Lodge...

In the second episode of  Archcast , our journey into the Royal Arch continues as our hosts sit down with members of the Cambridgeshire Clarets – a vibrant and growing Club designed to support new Royal Arch Masons in Cambridgeshire.  Together, they explore the rich symbolism that defines the Royal Arch, its profound and unique connection to Craft Freemasonry, and the pivotal role the Cl...

On this VE Day, we remember not just victory but valour. In this special episode of Craftcast, our hosts delve into the incredible stories of Freemasons who endured, resisted, and rebuilt in the darkest days of the Second World War. From the makeshift lodges of a Changi POW camp to the quiet heroism of those who met in secret and served in silence, Mark Dennis of the Museum of Freemasonry joins us...

In this fascinating instalment of Craftcast, Shaun, James, and Stephen are joined by John Boyington, the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council for England and Wales.  Together, they delve into the rich history and evolving landscape of the Rose Croix – one of Freemasonry's most distinctive Companion Orders. From profound ritual and inclusive reform, this episode offers insight into...

In this episode of Craftcast, Shaun, James, and Stephen dive deep into the experience of becoming a Worshipful Master, or Ruler, of a Lodge.  From the anticipation and preparation leading up to the Chair to the challenges and responsibilities of the role, and finally the momentous "what now?" that follows, this episode offers personal insights, anecdotes, and reflections on one of Freemasonry...

In this inspiring episode of Craftcast, our hosts sit down with David Barton, Press Officer for the Province of Essex, to explore the Third Pillar of UGLE’s Strategy: Community Engagement. From organising Easter egg donations and VE Day flag distributions to spearheading Essex’s award-winning initiatives and founding the impactful ‘Get Started Art’ charity, David shares the powerful impact of serv...

In this episode, our hosts meet with Patrick and Alan to shine a light on Bristol Freemasonry and their inspiring community-driven response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.  Far from working behind closed doors, these local Freemasons have come together to raise funds, deliver aid, and rally support - demonstrating how grassroots action can make a meaningful global impact. They delve in...

In this episode of Craftcast, our hosts sit down with Clive Jones – a dedicated Freemason, Chairman of Blind Veterans UK Archery Club, and the world’s No. 4 ranked blind archer.  Clive shares his remarkable journey, from military service to life-changing challenges and his path into Freemasonry. They discuss the values that guide him, the support of his Masonic Brethren, and how he mastered a...