Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast

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 the day's highlights, including vibrant discussions on migration issues, Lodge dynamics, and the launch of the University Society Support Network.

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 unique exploration of Lodge vocabulary, discover more about the role of the Worshipful Master, and advance your knowledge of Freemasonry!

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 Metropolitan Grand Master; and Guy Foster, Metropolitan Grand Director of Ceremonies. 

But there's more! Fresh from the recent Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge, we bring you exciting news: the upcoming appointment of Sir Michael Snyder as the next Deputy Grand Master and Warren Duke's ascension to the position of Metropolitan Grand Master. 

Join us as we celebrate the illustrious past and promising future of MetGL, and witness this interview take on an unexpected twist!

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 shrouded in silence: mental health.

With raw honesty, Chris reveals his own struggles and how they've shaped his journey. His insights shed light on the issues many face but often keep hidden. Through his encounters with others along the way, Chris emphasises that his story isn't unique; it's a narrative shared by countless individuals.

Tune in as our hosts navigate through Chris's inspiring tale, exploring the intersections of charity, brotherhood, and the often-overlooked issue of mental health. 

If you want to support Chris on his journey, you can do so via this link.

In this informative episode, our hosts sit down with Chris Hirst nearly a year after his first appearance on the Season 1 episode 'The one about the Members' Pathway.

They revisit the importance of the Members' Pathway in the context of the UGLE 7-Year Strategy and discuss its integral role in shaping the future of Freemasonry. Chris provides insights into the four critical areas of the Members' Pathway: Plan, Attract, Engage, and Retrieve.

The conversation touches upon the significance of multiple candidate ceremonies, emphasising the sense of camaraderie and the unique bonds they create among new members. Chris also shares updates on a non-digital resource designed to guide lodges in navigating the Members' Pathway and planning for their long-term success.

You can access the Members' Pathway webpage here: https://b.ugle.org.uk/membership/members-pathway

Join the Craftcast hosts in their first virtual recording as they discuss their Masonic New Year's resolutions! 

In this exciting episode, James commits to a deeper exploration of the Royal Arch, Stephen shares his dedication to prioritising Masonic activities and creating a support network for university students interested in Freemasonry, while Shaun aims to expand his Masonic horizons by visiting more Lodges and Chapters.

Tune in as the hosts virtually reunite to chat about their holiday breaks and lay the groundwork for an exciting year ahead. They offer a sneak peek into the upcoming episodes, featuring deep dives into the Royal Arch and insightful discussions on the Universities Scheme. Despite the physical distance, their connection and enthusiasm promise a season packed with Masonic exploration and shared experiences.

Craftcast fans, assemble!

Get ready for an out-of-this-world episode as our hosts sit down with David Leask, Secretary of the Sci-Fi and Fantasy Lodge. 

Discover how this unique group combines the ancient traditions of Freemasonry with their love for all things sci-fi and fantasy. From lively discussions about favourite characters to the not-so-great jokes that will have you laughing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone with a passion for the extraordinary. 

Don't miss out on this fascinating peek into the world of Sci-Fi and Fantasy Lodge!

Join us for an emotional and heart-warming episode of Craftcast, where our hosts sit down with Frank Tiller, a London Freemason and prostate cancer survivor, on the occasion of International Men's Day. 

Frank takes us on a journey from his initial diagnosis to his recovery, and shares how he channelled his ordeal into an initiative to educate others about prostate cancer awareness. 

Working with the charity CHAPS, Frank is on a mission to spread the word about available testing and support for men, addressing a prevalent yet often overlooked issue.

Tune in to learn more about Frank's inspiring story and how you can make a difference.

Welcome back to another exciting season of Craftcast, the official podcast of the United Grand Lodge of England!

This introduction episode sees our hosts, Shaun, James, and Stephen, back in their newly-renovated studio as they discuss their plans for another series of informative and entertaining episodes. 

This season promises a deeper exploration of Freemasonry within the English Constitution, so stay tuned for upcoming episodes filled with knowledge, stories, and inspiration.

We encourage you to join the conversation, share your stories, and tell us about your everyday Freemasonry. Craftcast is all about you, so get in touch with the team by emailing podcasts@ugle.org.uk to share your stories and insight!

In this special finale episode, our hosts take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reliving their most cherished moments, heartwarming memories, and side-splitting laughs that made this season truly one for the books! 

As they bid farewell to this chapter, they turn towards the future, sharing exciting plans, ambitious ideas, and fresh inspiration for what lies ahead for Craftcast. The journey has just begun, and we can't wait to explore even more fascinating stories with you. 

Whether you've been with us from the start or just joined us now, this episode promises to be an exhilarating celebration of creativity, community, and endless possibilities. So join us for a Season Finale that will leave you brimming with excitement for what's to come!

In this fascinating episode, our hosts are joined by Brian Deutsch, the curator of the ‘Brothers in Alms’ exhibition at Freemasons’ Hall. 

This innovative exhibition features a diverse range of photographs from the period spanning the Second Boer War to the end of the Second World War. 

Brian sheds light on the profound impact of war on the psychology of those who served and survived. Together with our hosts, he discusses why many veterans found solace and purpose within Freemasonry after their wartime experiences. 

This episode is an absolute must-listen for history enthusiasts, veterans, and anyone fascinated by the intertwined stories of Freemasonry and the armed forces!

In this episode of Craftcast, our hosts interview Anthony Howlett-Bolton and Omaid Hiwaizi, members of the Learning and Development group at UGLE. 

 The episode focuses on Solomon, a virtual learning platform for Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike. Anthony and Omaid discuss the origins of Solomon, its purpose as a central repository for credible information about Freemasonry, and its place within the 300+ year old organisation. 

 Together, they explore the importance of learning and development within Freemasonry and discuss the merits of various learning methods. They emphasise how Solomon fosters understanding, curiosity, and engagement through its interactive and gamified content and provides members with a wealth of information.

Find out more about Solomon at https://solomon.ugle.org.uk/

In this captivating episode of Craftcast, our hosts delve into the significance of the Members' Pathway and its pivotal role in accomplishing UGLE's Seven-Year Strategy.

Join us for this enlightening conversation with Steven Varley, Ian Copestake, and Chris Hirst, members of the Members' Pathway team, revealing its profound impact on Lodge and Membership Development.  

Discover how this comprehensive framework empowers Lodges to attract and embrace new members, fostering a sense of belonging and satisfaction. Our guests share valuable insights on engaging fresh faces and existing members, ensuring active participation and reducing losses caused by resignations, cessations, and exclusions. 

Tune in to this informative episode of Craftcast and unlock the potential of the Members' Pathway as we navigate the transformative journey of Freemasonry together!

In this light-hearted episode of Craftcast, our usual hosts are joined by guest host Mitch Bryan to discuss one of the cornerstones of a Freemason’s experience: visiting another Lodge. 

Visiting is an integral part of Freemasonry. It provides an opportunity for Freemasons to connect and exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences. Our hosts dive into their experiences as visitors and discuss their exposure to diverse perspectives, rituals, and customs practiced by different Lodges, both at home and abroad. 

Together, they reflect on the camaraderie and friendships forged through their visits, and explain why they encourage all Freemasons to embrace the opportunity to visit other Lodges and expand their horizons.

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In this episode, co-hosts Shaun, Stephen, and James sit down to discuss the very important but often overlooked topic of mental health. They share their experiences and discuss the societal expectations that often prevent men from seeking help.

Our hosts explore the concerns that often accompany discussions about mental health and emphasise the importance of seeking professional help and provide resources for listeners interested in learning more about mental health support services.

This touching episode of Craftcast is a powerful and honest exploration of mental health and the stigma surrounding it. It offers a valuable perspective on an issue that affects men of all ages and serves as a reminder of the importance of openness, vulnerability, and compassion when it comes to mental health.

Join us as we discuss the role of Special Interest Lodges in this special episode of Craftcast!

Our hosts and guests delve into the world of Special Interest Lodges and their importance to Freemasonry. Together, they discuss how lodges focused on specific interests such as Football can be a hook for new members to consider joining the fraternity.

Through personal anecdotes and insights, they discuss the unique benefits that such lodges offer, from deepening members' connections to their passions to fostering a sense of community within the fraternity.

This episode provides a fascinating look at the diverse and dynamic world of Freemasonry and the vital role that Special Interest Lodges play within it!

300 years ago, the 1723 Constitutions were penned. Revolutionary and ground breaking, they have provided the philosophical foundations of modern Freemasonry.

 In this episode, our hosts sit down with UGLE Head of Special Projects Dr Tim Myatt, and delve into the rich history of this Enlightenment Era document. Join us as they explore how the 1723 Constitutions have shaped Freemasonry into what it is today and how they have impacted the world around us.

For the first time in the history of UGLE, our hosts sit with the two Grand Masters of Women's Freemasonry in the UK in a joint interview.

Together, our guests dive deeper into the values and principles that guide Women Freemasonry, and they explain how they work to support and empower the members of their organisations.

Join us as our hosts ask them the big question: Do the Women Freemasons want to merge with the Men?

Tune in to hear the answer and learn so much more about how the female Grand Lodges are similar, yet so different, from each other and their male counterparts!

This touching episode sees our hosts share their experiences as younger Freemasons. Together, they recall moments of unexpected levels of support and satisfaction they felt as members and touch on the impact that deep bonds of friendship can have on a young person.

Listen in as they explain Freemasonry's unique dignity and brotherhood and its ability to transcend the usual divisions in society.

Across the United Grand Lodge of England are dozens of Provinces and Districts. Each of these is led by a Provincial or District Grand Master. In this episode James, Stephen and Shaun sit down with RW Bro Ian Chandler, the Provincial Grand Master for Surrey. We explore his journey in Freemasonry and ask “how do you become a PGM?”. 

Ian talks to us about the responsibility of leading a Province and gives us a behind the scenes look at some of the inner workings involved as the head of Freemasonry in Surrey. We also take the time to unpack his vision for the future of Freemasonry.

In this episode - Stephen, James and Shaun discuss some of the different terminology used by Freemasons. What is a Lodge? Who is the Worshipful Master? Is a Festive Board something related to Christmas? We explore some of Freemasonry's most commonly used words and phrases to unpack the meaning behind the language we use.

Get in touch with us by emailing podcasts@ugle.org.uk or on Twitter @UGLE_GrandLodge using 

#Craftcast. We're also on Facebook and Instagram so send us your views and questions.

Welcome back to Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast. In this episode Shaun, James and Stephen sit down with Bro Shay Aziz, UGLE’s Social Media Executive. We explore the ways that social media has changed the public perception of Freemasonry and how it helps bring together people from across the world: Freemasons or otherwise. The team learn about the best guidelines for interacting online with all things Freemasonry and the work that goes in to keeping UGLE front and centre in the ever-changing world of social media.

Get in touch with us by emailing podcasts@ugle.org.uk or on Twitter @UGLE_GrandLodge using #Craftcast. We’re also on Facebook and Instagram so send us your views and questions.

Welcome back to Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast.

In this extra special episode, James, Shaun and Stephen sit down with the new Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence to delve into his Masonic journey and explore his vision for the future of Freemasonry. 

How did he become a Freemason?

How do you even become a ruler?

How does Freemasonry need to evolve and where does his seven year plan come in?

Plus we ask him about his favourite drinks and more.

Join in the conversation on Twitter @UGLE_GrandLodge or by using #Craftcast. You can also email us at podcasts@ugle.org.uk - please get in touch!

Welcome to the official podcast of the United Grand Lodge of England. In this introductory episode we’re sifting through the mountain of amazing name suggestions sent in by Freemasons across UGLE.

What name will we choose? Did your suggestion get an honourable mention?

Hosts Shaun, Stephen and James sit down to reflect on the good, the bad and the UGLE suggestions sent in from members and finally land on the name for our new show.

We also take some time to ask the question - who are we?

Follow us on Twitter @UGLE_GrandLodge and comment using #Craftcast

Email us at podcasts@ugle.org.uk