Masonic Muscle

Did Freemasonry come from the Patriarchs? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , we continue Part 3 of the Patriarch Theory in the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry . I also begin exploring the history of physical fitness by reading from “The History of Physical Fitness” by Erwan Le Corre , published through The Art of Manliness . Where did physical fitness come from? How did our ancient ancestors st...

Did Freemasonry come from the Patriarchs and Antediluvians ? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , we continue exploring Theory #1 from the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry listed in the Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia of 1877: the theory that Masonry came down from the Patriarchs of the Old Testament. We also look at Anderson’s Constitutions , including the legendary account of the ancient world before...

Did Freemasonry come from the Patriarchs of the Old Testament? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , I begin working through the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry found in the Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia , starting with Theory #1: the Patriarch Theory — the idea that Freemasonry was handed down from the Patriarchs of the Old Testament. But first, we hit the iron. I introduce Super Squats by Randall J....

Why don’t more Masons know the 12 theories of the origins of Freemasonry ? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , I dig into the origin problem again and ask why so many Masons do not know — or do not seem to care — where the Craft came from. I also read from Bill Hinbern’s material at Super Strength Training on “The Exercise You Love to Hate.” Because every Mason knows this truth: The thing you avoi...

Is the most widely accepted theory about the origins of Freemasonry actually proven? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , I challenge the common explanation that modern Freemasonry simply evolved from medieval guilds of cathedral builders and stonemasons. That theory is often repeated like settled history. But is it? I read from Marina Manoukian’s article “The History of the Freemasons Finally Expl...

What does real Masonic leadership require? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , Darkness and I get our first workout of 2023, and it felt great. We are in good health, in great spirits, and ready to take on the year and everything it throws at us. I introduce you to Matt Furey , Gama Fitness , and some of his exercise philosophy, including Hindu Squats , Hindu Pushups , and bridging — what Furey ca...

Is Freemasonry really refining? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , I give my final thoughts on Brother Robert H. Johnson’s article: “Freemasonry Isn’t Dying, It’s Refining.” Brother Johnson, creator of the Whence Came You? podcast, gives us a strong launching point for one of the most important conversations in the Craft: What is actually happening to Freemasonry, and what are Masons going to do...

What is your lodge’s purpose? In EP 85 of Masonic Muscle , I talk about focus, purpose, exercise, Jack LaLanne, lodge strategy, and why both men and lodges fail when they obsess over tools instead of results. A lot of men say they want to get in shape, but they never start because they think they need the perfect equipment. That is an excuse. Jack LaLanne built powerful bodyweight exercise systems...

Many men join Freemasonry hoping the Craft will give them inner strength. But strength does not arrive by membership card. It is built through work, concentration, discipline, and repeated action. In this episode, I connect Freemasonry, physical training, mental discipline, the body-mind connection, Reg Park, Tai Chi, strongman culture, and the real meaning of building strength from the inside out...

What happens when a man hits the wall physically — and Masonically? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , I read an article from Super Strength Training called “K.I.S.S.” and connect it to weightlifting, Freemasonry, lodge life, overthinking, overtraining, and the temptation to make things more complicated than they need to be. In the gym, a man starts making progress and then thinks: If this much t...

Can concentration save a lodge? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , I read an article from Bill Hinbern’s Super Strength Training website called “Concentration” and connect it directly to Freemasonry, lodge leadership, officer development, and the work every aspiring officer must learn to do. Concentration matters in the gym. It also matters in the lodge. A man who cannot focus under the bar will...

What is the Masonic Path , and how can the Trivium help Masons understand the words they use every day? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , Brother John S. Nagy joins the show to bring more light to the Craft. Brother Nagy is a Masonic author, researcher, creator of the Building Better Builders series, and a regular contributor to The Craftsmen Online Podcast . We discuss his work on the Trivium ,...

Should alcohol be prohibited in Masonic lodges? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , I return after being away for about a month, and we have a lot to catch up on over the next few episodes. First, we get into the origins of the burpee . Where did burpees come from? Who invented them? Why are they still used as a brutal test of conditioning, discipline, and effort? Then Brother Garrett talks about...

Is Freemasonry dying — or is it refining? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , I continue breaking down Brother Robert H. Johnson’s article: “Freemasonry Isn’t Dying, It’s Refining.” Brother Johnson, creator of the Whence Came You? podcast, makes strong observations about the state of the Craft, Masonic decline, lodge health, and what must be done if Freemasonry is going to remain meaningful. This...

What are the secrets of exercise? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , I read part of an article on the Secrets of Exercise and discuss what real training looks like when a man is trying to strengthen his body, mind, and discipline. Then I talk about my interview with Keepers of the Word and Mike Quintal . We had a great conversation, learned more about each other, and I even turned the tables for...

Is Freemasonry dying — or is it refining? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , I continue breaking down Brother Robert H. Johnson’s article: “Freemasonry Isn’t Dying, It’s Refining” from The Midnight Freemasons . This is Part 2 of the discussion, and the question gets sharper: Are Masons being negative when they talk honestly about membership decline, weak participation, and the state of the Craft?...

Is Freemasonry dying — or is it refining? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , I read and discuss an article by Robert H. Johnson , Past Master, creator of the Whence Came You? Podcast , and Managing Editor of The Midnight Freemasons blog. The article is titled: “Freemasonry Isn’t Dying, It’s Refining.” Brother Johnson looks at statistics, articles, and observations about the decline of Freemasonry...

What happens when Masons stop treating Freemasonry like a social club and start asking deeper questions? In this episode of Masonic Muscle, we discuss North Carolina Masonic Con, esoteric Freemasonry, Masonic education, and the need for Brothers to go deeper into the symbols, history, ritual, and philosophy of the Craft. This episode solves one Masonic problem: how can modern Masons move beyond su...

Could Benedictine monks have played a role in the early development of Masonry in Britain? In this episode, I read and discuss Brother Jack Nichols Mogas’ article from The Philalethes Masonic Journal, originally presented to A. Douglas Smith Jr. Lodge of Research. The article raises a serious question: did Benedict Biscop and early monastic building programs help bring skilled stone masons, archit...

What should Masons expect at Masonic Con ? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , I preview Masonic Con , taking place July 22–24, and talk about what Brothers can expect from one of the most interesting Masonic education events of the year. Masonic Con brings together Masonic authors, researchers, speakers, podcasters, and Brothers from across the country to discuss Freemasonry, history, symbolism,...

Why does the Trivium Discussion Group work? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , we examine why the Trivium Discussion Group has become such a valuable, effective, and profound tool for Masonic education, lodge culture, and serious conversation. The Trivium — grammar, logic, and rhetoric — is not just an old educational model. Properly practiced, it teaches men how to define terms, organize thought...

What does the Fourth of July really mean? In MM EP 70 of Masonic Muscle , we go deeper into July 4th, sovereignty, self-reliance, founding documents, Freemasonry, money, war, and the possibility that George Washington may have used the Masonic lodge system as a network to pass information. We also talk about the oldest whiskey distillery in the United States, because apparently this episode needed...

What does independence really mean to a Mason? In this episode of Masonic Muscle , I talk about Masonic Con at South Pasadena Lodge No. 290 , where Masonic authors, writers, scholars, researchers, and film producers gather to present their work on Freemasonry. I was chosen to sit on one of the Sunday panels, and I talk about why events like this matter for Brothers who want more light, better educ...

What can Masons learn from the Fraternal Review 2021 Annual ? In MM EP 69 of Masonic Muscle , I open a package in the mail and review the Southern California Research Lodge Fraternal Review 2021 Annual . This publication has been a serious light in Masonry for years. The Fraternal Review continues to bring in strong Masonic authors, researchers, writers, and thinkers from around the world, giving...

Is Freemasonry connected to the Summer Solstice and Holy Saint John the Baptist ? In EP 68 of Masonic Muscle , I review our Summer Solstice observance held on June 21st from 6–11 pm , where we gathered to discuss the Summer Solstice, Holy Saint John the Baptist Day, and their possible connections to Freemasonry. The gathering was high energy, intense, and deeply engaging. The original plan was to...