Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast

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.iRQdPzCuoSB8mec7V7iu

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] - 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 #CraftcastEmail us at [email protected]