Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast

The fan-favourite Word Explainer episode is back! In this edition, Shaun, James, and Stephen are joined by returning guest Tom Golds to break down some of the most intriguing words in Freemasonry. They discuss a myriad of Masonic terms, including Operative and Speculative Masons, the Working Tools, Processions, and the central figure of Freemasonry: King Solomon the Wise. Got a Masonic term you’d...

In this episode of Craftcast, step into the past as our hosts explore the fascinating world of Masonic history with special guest Martin Cherry, Librarian at the Museum of Freemasonry.  Shaun, Stephen, and James discover four extraordinary artefacts—ranging from a book published by Benjamin Franklin older than the USA to a hidden painting inside a book’s pages and even a Freemasons’ Minutes B...

In this special episode of Craftcast, our hosts sat down with Peter Younger, Development Executive of the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association.  The Widows Sons bring together two great passions—Freemasonry and motorcycling—forming one of the most recognisable Masonic Associations in the world.  With Chapters across the world, their mission goes beyond just riding and wearing distincti...

In our latest episode, Shaun, James, and Stephen are joined by Tom Golds, the Membership Manager for the United Grand Lodge of England and Supreme Grand Chapter. They discuss everything from mentoring and membership development to the significance of finding the right Lodge and how Freemasonry continues to evolve while maintaining its history and traditions. They also discuss the upcoming  Li...

Craftcast is back for Season 4, and our hosts are kicking things off with a deep dive into one of the most infamous murder cases in history—Jack the Ripper.  Did the Freemasons try to orchestrate a cover-up? Were Freemasons helping or hindering the investigation? And does modern forensic science finally reveal the identity of the killer? Tune in as retired Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspec...

In this festive edition of Craftcast, Shaun, Stephen and James are joined by their most important guests - you! Today's episode is dedicated to all our listeners, especially those who are alone during the holidays. Blending light-hearted jokes with meaningful reflections, our hosts navigate the often-overlooked topic of loneliness during the Christmas season.  Discover how Freemasonry and its...

In this deeply moving episode of Craftcast, our hosts sit down with Herefordshire Freemason Stuart Jones. Stuart recounts his life-changing journey, which began while listening to our Season 2 episode featuring Frank Tiller. Inspired to take action, Stuart scheduled a PSa test, which led to the early detection of his aggressive prostate cancer. Thanks to a successful operation and encouraging post...

In this thought-provoking episode, our hosts are joined by Graham Chisnell, Provincial Grand Mentor for East Kent. Together, they explore how shifting perspectives and greater awareness are paving the way for neurodiverse Freemasons to enjoy their Masonic journey fully. Discover how adapting mentoring and applying innovative approaches to learning our ritual can break down barriers, create inclusi...

In the latest episode of Craftcast, James, Shaun, and Stephen are joined by a special guest - Judge Simon Medland KC, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Cheshire and the 2025 Prestonian Lecturer.  Simon shares his journey within Freemasonry with our hosts, tracing his roots as a fourth-generation Freemason and recounting his appointment as the Lecturer for the upcoming year. Join us for an...

In this final instalment of our Remembrance Weekend series, we welcome Kemsley Whittlesea— Veteran, Freemason, tattoo artist, and mental health advocate—to share his remarkable story.  From his time serving in the Royal Signals to participating in the upcoming Invictus Games, Kemsley's story is one of resilience, dedication, and service.   Join us as we wrap up this special series,...

In this third instalment of our four-part Remembrance Special, our hosts travelled to the Province of Warwickshire to visit Fisher House, a respite care centre supporting UK military personnel and their families worldwide.  Fisher House offers an invaluable "home away from home" for the families of UK armed forces personnel receiving treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Th...

In this raw and honest episode, Mark Ormrod MBE, Freemason and Veteran, talks to our hosts about his experiences serving as a Royal Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Mark was the first British serviceman to survive a triple amputation in Afghanistan. Since then, he's won 11 medals in two Invictus Games, carried the torch at the 2012 Olympics, raised thousands of pounds for charity and been an...

In the first of our four-part series, John Thompson, Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent of Durham, joins our hosts to discuss the significance of the United Grand Lodge of England’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.   He sheds light on the next steps we can take to enhance our support for the Armed Forces and their families. By reinforcing our commitment to the Covenant...

In this special episode, hosts Shaun, Stephen, and James return to demystify even more Masonic terminology, exploring the unique language and traditions that define Freemasonry.   Building on previous seasons’ explainer episodes, they dig into regularly used terms, including their historical and ritual significance within the Lodge. They also touch on the importance of ceremonial practic...

In this episode of Craftcast, our hosts sit down with Barry and PJ from the Essex Cornerstone Club, a dynamic group dedicated to bringing young Freemasons in Essex together.  Together, they dive into how Light Blues Clubs such as theirs foster a sense of community, support new members, and enhance our member's experience through creative events!  Whether you're curious about young Freema...

In this exciting episode, our hosts sat down with British actor and Freemason Vas Blackwood, best known for his iconic roles in  Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels  and  Only Fools and Horses .  Vas shares fascinating insights into his 25-year journey in Freemasonry, discussing its impact on his personal life. He also delves deep into his 40-year acting career, including his i...

Welcome back to Craftcast Season 3!  Shaun, Stephen, and James bring their unique perspectives to this season, starting with a deep dive into the biggest and oldest misconceptions about Freemasonry, from inclusivity to women in the fraternity.  Learn more about the persecution faced by Freemasons during WWII, and discover how today's Freemasonry champions openness and inclusion!  Wh...

In this special edition episode, our hosts meet with Benjamin Pritchard, Paralympian and Freemason.  A former cyclist and triathlete, Ben became paralysed from the waist down after a cycling crash in September 2016. He first took up indoor rowing during rehab and was soon noticed by British Rowing staff, joining the para development squad in 2017. He came fifth at the Tokyo Paralympic Games a...

In this very special season finale of Craftcast, recorded just after the March Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge, our hosts are joined once more by the Pro Grand Master, Jonathan Spence.  Jonathan shares an update on the Strategy for Freemasonry: 2022 and Beyond, from initial reception to implementation across the organisation. Discover how the pillars of this Strategy—Thriving Membershi...

Get ready for a fascinating journey into the exciting world of the Royal Arch featuring our special guest, Elliot Chevin. From personal anecdotes to the deeper meanings behind Masonic traditions, Elliot discusses the significance of the Royal Arch, its deep connection to the Craft, and the importance of companionship! Discover more about Archway, an invaluable resource for Chapters to grow and thr...

What do you really know about the role of the Grand Secretary? In this special episode of Craftcast, our hosts meet with Adrian Marsh, the current Grand Secretary of the United Grand Lodge of England and Grand Scribe E of Supreme Grand Chapter. This discussion offers a unique glimpse into the structure of Grand Lodge and how UGLE is paving the way for its members' vibrant and thriving future. Adri...

Join us on the road as the hosts of Craftcast travel to the Province of Berkshire for the 2024 Universities Scheme Conference!  Recorded on location at Sindlesham Masonic Hall during the conference, Shaun, Stephen, and James explain what makes a University Lodge unique while still remaining a traditional Freemasons Lodge.  Join them as they chat with some of the attendees and reflect on...

In our latest episode, Shaun, James, and Stephen discuss various terminology common in Freemasonry. Building on the foundation established in the season one episode ‘The one where they explain’, our hosts delve into the colloquialisms of Freemasonry, starting with Masonic abbreviations, and discussing terms like Volume of Sacred Law, Light Blue, Ashlar, The Chair, to name but a few. Join us for a...

In this episode of Craftcast, we're thrilled to mark a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London.  Join us as we delve into the rich history of MetGL, exploring its unique characteristics and unravelling the complexities of its administration with our distinguished guests: Sir Michael Snyder, Metropolitan Grand Master; Warren Duke, Deputy Metr...

In this poignant episode, our hosts delve into a heartfelt conversation with Chris Jones, a Lincolnshire Freemason on a mission.  Embarking on a remarkable journey around the coast of Britain, Chris shares his motivations and experiences as he walks to raise funds for the Masonic Charitable Foundation. But beyond the miles travelled and funds raised, Chris opens up about a topic often shroude...