Craftsmen Online Podcast

The Craftsmen Online Reading Room opened on Tuesday, July 28th to discuss "Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality Craftsman, Warrior, Magician" by Bro. Angel Millar. Our panel for the evening was RW Michael LaRocco, RW Cliff Jacobs, Bro. Jason Short and Bro. Millar. They discussed Chapter One "Crafts" an how the initiatory process provided structure to develop one’s mental, physical, and spiritual...

Bro. Chris Ruli joins us to talk about his now book, “Brother Lafayette,” which examines the Marquis’ often misunderstood connection to the ancient fraternity and provides the most detailed account, through Masonic records, newspapers, letters, and diaries, of how American Freemasons extended a heartfelt welcome to a fellow Brother of the Mystic Tie. Show Notes: Pre-order your signed copy of "Brot...

From the earliest days of our Craft, civility has been a cornerstone of Masonic philosophy. It's more than just politeness; it's a way of life that fosters respect, understanding, and harmony among brethren. In this episode, WB Wes Latchford delves into the origins of this virtue, examining how it's woven into our rituals, symbolism, and daily interactions. Show Notes: Get your copy of " The Civil...

Ever noticed those pyramids, all-seeing eyes, and cryptic geometric shapes adorning your favorite metal albums? Turns out, they might be more than just edgy aesthetics. "Your Favorite New Jersey Freemason," Metal Drew 🤘, peels back the Heavy Metal album covers to reveal a hidden world of symbols and secrets. Show Notes: Follow Metal Drew on Instagram  and TikTok . Follow the Craftsmen Online Podc...

In this episode, we're focusing on the Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and their exciting membership programs that are designed to enrich the Masonic experience and connect men with a vibrant community of Brothers. Bro. Brian McNaughton, 33° is the Director of Program Management and shares how the SRNMJ helps Brothers continue their quest for self-improvement through the Pathfinder Pro...

Our Traveling Man, RW Anthony Prizzia, returns to take us behind the scenes of his latest journey to the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London. From its origins in the heart of England to its role in modern Freemasonry, we'll uncover the stories behind the temple, the Lodges that meet in the historic building, the cool pub inside, and the legacy of the home for Freemasons in London. Show Notes: Follo...

Two years ago, I met Bro. Luis Diaz, who detailed the beginning of his journey in becoming a Regular Freemason. In this episode, Bro. Diaz shares his story of leaving an irregular Lodge, affiliating with Onion Creek Lodge 220 of the Grand Lodge of Texas, and the steps he undertook to become a Master Mason. Show Notes: Visit Onion Creek Lodge No. 220  online Listen to " My Masonic Journey - Bro. Lu...

The next installment of the Craftsmen Online Reading Room is taking place on Tuesday, July 30th at 8 pm (EST). Bro. Jason Short returns to share this summer’s reading selection, “The Three Stages of Initiation Spirituality” by Bro. Angel Millar. Bro. Jason Short's, "Short List for Summer Readers"  " The Path of Freemasonry: The Craft as a Spiritual Practice " - Mark Stavish " The Initiates of the...

Today, we embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Masonic Esoterica and its profound connection to the Masculine path of self-actualization. RW Michael LaRocco returns to guide us the path Freemasons seek for transformative personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. RW Michael LaRocco's Book List " Understanding Manhood in America " by Robert Davis, PGM if the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma "...

Today, we're delving into the heart of Freemasonry and exploring one of its most fundamental tenets: the requirement for members to profess a belief in a Supreme Being. This is a topic that often sparks curiosity and debate, both within and outside the fraternity. Bro. Jonathan Kopel, a neurologist in Washington, DC, joins us as we unpack the reasons behind this requirement, its historical context...

The Craftsmen Online Reading Room opened on Tuesday, April 30th to discuss Manly P. Hall's "Secret Teachings of All Time," specifically focusing on the “Freemasonic Symbolism” (Pages 576-588) chapter. RW Bill Edwards and Bro. Jason Short were the moderators, with RW Cliff Jacobs and WB Joe Martinez as panelists. Our group discussed Bro. Hall's reputation as the consummate "truth seeker." They also...

Who’s ready for a Masonic road trip this summer? In this episode, we’ll be visiting the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library and the Livingston Library of the Grand Lodge of New York. Our journey begins in Lexington, Mass at the Scottish Rite Museum and Library, where Hillary Stelling, Director of Collections and Exhibitions gives us a virtual tour of the popular Masonic Hall of Fame exhibitio...

"Everyday Leaders" is a radio talk show hosted by RW Jim MacDuff on Rochester Free Radio. Bro. Jim talks to people who are leading from wherever they are – from the board room to the janitor’s closet; he finds and talks to these everyday leaders. On this episode, WB Michael Arce was the guest on a conversation that focused on leadership principles from John Maxwell, to the 15 Laws of Growth, to Br...

Freemasonry, an ancient brotherhood steeped in symbolism and tradition, has a fundamental requirement for membership: a belief in the immortality of the soul. This concept lies at the heart of Masonic philosophy, but why? Bro. Angel Millar, author and editor of the Fraternal Review from the California Lodge of Research, joins me as we ask what does it mean for a Freemason to affirm the immortality...

WB Hank Griffin, host of the "You've Been Hanked Podcast," and Grand Chaplain for the Grand Lodge of Maryland, is our guest this week. We’ll be diving into a world where faith and fraternity collide: the intriguing intersection of Mormons and Freemasonry. We'll challenge assumptions, confront controversies, and strive to present a balanced and thought-provoking exploration on the Church of Jesus C...

While Freemasonry still maintains a dedicated following, membership numbers are significantly lower than their peak in the mid-20th century. Is it changing values, the allure of a digital world or something else? Bro. Matthew Brockbank returns to answer these questions as we assess what's next for Freemasonry. We'll delve into the world of Freemasonry, uncover its past and explore why this once-po...

One of the benefits of being a Master Mason is the ability to travel to other Lodges and interact with Brethren around the world. However, in many places, presenting a physical dues card is still the standard practice of Masonic identification. WBs Jeremy Barnes and Michael Radigan are the technology executives who are the driving force behind the Amity App . Hear their insight into the future of...

Imagine finding a dusty box in your attic, full of old letters and faded family photos. Now, picture that attic is your Masonic Lodge, and those treasures are pieces of Masonic history. That's basically what happened to Bro. Lee Justo, Historian of Huguenot Lodge No. 46 White Plains, New York. But instead of just marveling at the history, he did something incredible – he turned it into a YouTube s...

The Path Forward: Empowering the Future of Freemasonry offers new, modern, and data-driven findings that examine the state and perception of Freemasonry among American men today. The book is designed to support Masonic institutions across the country in carrying forward Freemasonry’s esteemed traditions while meeting the needs of the modern man. The book's authors, Linda Patch and Leonard Cercone...

The Gettysburg National Battlefield "Friend to Friend" Memorial was dedicated in 1993 by the GL of Pennsylvania. It commemorates the famous encounter between General L.A. Armistead (CSA) and Captain Henry Bingham (USA) during Pickett's Charge on the last day of the battle. Bro. David de Hosson takes us inside his visit and the story of how, even during the darkest hours, the Light of Masonry preva...

California may be known for sunshine, surfing, and celebrities but the Golden State has a very dark history. Bro. Adam Kendall, a California-based historian and Freemason, guides us through the rise of Freemasonry during the Gold Rush; the powerful figures that followed, and the whispers of violence that haunt its legacy. Show Notes: Learn more about Freemasonry in California by visiting the Grand...

Bro. Jason Short returns to discuss his recent lecture, "The Art of Memory: Mastering Masonic Mnemonics." Join us as we travel back to the Middle Ages to learn when memory and Freemasonry made a connection that has continued throughout time. Show Notes: Follow the Craftsmen Online Podcast on Spotify Subscribe to the  Craftsmen Online Podcast on Apple Podcasts Visit the  Craftsmen Online website to...

Call them artisans, do-ers, a master, skilled and talented; we call them Brother. On this episode, we spotlight WB Spencer Hamann, the maker behind The Uncommon Gavel. Bro. Hamann creates bespoke instruments and unique, collector Masonic gavels from beautiful natural timbers. He is an operative craftsman, whose labor and work embody our Masonic principles and teachings. Show Links: Visit " The Unc...

Craftsmen Online was established to serve as a source of additional Light in Freemasonry for Brothers around the world. Co-founded by RW Steven Adam Rubin and WB Michael Arce during the early days of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, our goal is to produce Masonic content that focus on Education, History, Leadership, and the Membership Experience. In this episode, we celebrate the 4th anniversary of Cra...

On this episode... hear the Craftsmen Online Reading Room panel (RW Bill Edwards and VW Michael LaRocco featuring RW Cliff Jacobs and Bro. Jason Short) discuss Mackey's "Symbolism Of Freemasonry." Our conversation centers on chapter 31, "The Lost Word." This program orginally took place on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 on Zoom Meetings. Show Notes : Email the host , RW Michael Arce! Yes, we will read...