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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 the similarities and differences between English and Scottish Freemasonry, discover how the Grand Lodge of Scotland operates, and take a closer look at the traditions and structures that make the Scottish Constitution unique. We also discuss Scotland’s recent decision to join the Council for Freemasonry in Great Britain, bringing together the United Grand Lodge of England, the Grand Lodge of Scotland, the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons. What does this mean for men and women Freemasons across Great Britain? And what could future collaboration look like? To learn more about Scottish Freemasonry: https://www.grandlodgescotland.com/ To learn more about the Council for Freemasonry in Great Britain: https://www.ugle.org.uk/about-us/council-freemasonry-great-britain

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're also joined by Tom Golds, the driving force behind the Light Blues Communication, to discuss how the event has grown into one of the largest gatherings of newer Freemasons anywhere in the world, why these opportunities matter, and what's next for the movement. If you enjoy conversations about Freemasonry, leadership, history and the future of Freemasonry, don't forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Craftcast!

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. If you enjoy discovering the ways Freemasonry and its members make a difference in their communities, don't forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Craftcast! Learn more about the Masonic Fishing Charity: https://mtsfc.org.uk/

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 remain just as relevant today. Whether you're a newly Initiated member, a seasoned Freemason, or simply interested in the history and philosophy behind one of the world's oldest fraternal organisations, this conversation offers fresh insights into the origins and enduring significance of Masonic symbolism. Don't forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of Craftcast! Learn more about Lewis Masonic: https://www.lewismasonic.co.uk/

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 Words Explainer is not one to miss! If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of Craftcast!

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 different perspective, one that explores the town beyond the headlines, celebrating its people and enduring sense of community. If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of Craftcast!

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 mind. Along the way, we also explore how modern membership enquiries lead to lifelong friendships, why people are joining Freemasonry today, and what a welcoming Lodge experience looks like for a brand-new member. Whether you are simply curious about Freemasonry, thinking about joining yourself, or already a member, this episode offers a genuine insight into one of life’s memorable milestones. If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of Craftcast!

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... From beautifully crafted regalia to personal possessions, our museum experts reveal the remarkable stories behind these extraordinary objects! Whether you're a Freemason, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the relationship between royalty and Freemasonry, this episode offers a rare opportunity to explore items that are seldom on public display. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of Craftcast!

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 friendships as adults is harder than ever, could this be the reason that Freemasonry matters so much today? Whether you're a lifelong Freemason or simply curious about what goes on behind the doors of a Lodge, this discussion offers a genuine insight into Freemasonry and why so many are joining an ancient brotherhood in the modern age.

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 grew into a powerful community lifeline.  From providing meals and clothing to essential support for vulnerable people across the region, the Three Pillars Charity demonstrates Freemasonry's ongoing commitment to compassion, action, and service. The episode concludes at a real support event, where volunteers gather in a local car park to distribute food, and you can experience first-hand what goes into these vital operations and the impact they have on those who rely on them.

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 Masonic words and phrases you’ll hear in Lodges across the world. 🔍 Want to Learn More About Freemasonry? Visit Solomon, UGLE’s official learning platform: 👉 https://solomon.ugle.org.uk (Free to sign up — non-masons welcome!) 👇 Join the Conversation Have a Masonic term you'd like us to explain in the next Word Explainer episode? Drop it in the comments!  📧 Email us: [email protected] 📲 Follow UGLE on Social Media Facebook & Instagram: United Grand Lodge of England  X (Twitter): @UGLE_GrandLodge 👍 If You Enjoyed the Episode Please like, subscribe, and share — it really helps the channel grow and supports future episodes.

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 service and brotherhood, Gaz’s story perfectly captures the spirit of Freemasonry in the digital age. 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] 📸 Follow the United Grand Lodge of England on Instagram & Facebook 🐦 X: @UGLE_GrandLodge 💬 If you’re watching on YouTube, drop your thoughts below — we’d love to hear from you!

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. Trigger Warning: This episode features discussions around depression, suicide, and mental health. Listener discretion is advised. Mental Health Resources:  Masonic Charitable Foundation  Masonic Charitable Foundation website Telephone: 03000351690  Email: [email protected]  Mind  Mind website Telephone: 03001233393  Samaritans  Telephone: 116123  Text 'shout' to 85258

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 Freemasonry can offer each of us. Whether you’re new to Freemasonry or already well on your journey, this conversation shines a light on how Freemasonry continues to inspire growth, reflection, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

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 royal connections along the way!