Craftsmen Online Podcast

Craftsmen Online Podcast

Welcome to the Craftsmen Online Podcast! The Craftsmen Online Podcast is the only Masonic podcast endorsed by the Grand Lodge of New York. Right Worshipful Brother Michael Arce, co-founder of Craftsmen Online, is the voice you hear hosting our podcast. Every Monday morning you’ll be greeted with a fresh episode, packed with insight from our top-notch guests. And we’re not just sticking to the usual topics – we’re sneaking in discussions about Masonic leadership, Lodge culture and even going way beyond the Masonic universe to talk about everyday life, society, technology, traditions and more! Visit our website at www.CraftsmenOnline.com Email the show (yes, we read our email!) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/craftsmen-online-podcast--4822031/support.

Episodes

August 24, 2026 28 mins
Imagine walking into a Masonic Lodge to find a handful of members downstairs, casually meeting over drinks instead of doing the Work of our Ancient and Gentle Craft. Unfortunately, this is the experience for some new Brothers. WB Johnathan Wilsey shares the recovery story of Noah Lodge No. 754. He details how approaching men at the school pick up and around town to see if they wanted to get involved with community service led to th...
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RW Michael Brockbank and his son, Bro. Matthew Brockbank, discuss their unique relationship as Father, Son, and Masonic Brothers. This episode examines how Freemasonry reinforces family ties. We focus on the practical benefits of a shared ethical framework, and the value of family traditions in the modern Lodge.

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WB Cesar Rubio, host of the Masonic Muscle Podcast, joins us to discuss his new series: "Masonic Origins War." Every week, Bro. Cesar examines the 12 historical and legendary origins of Freemasonry. The discussion centers on the framework established in 1877, by Kenneth R. H. Mackenzie in The Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia.

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We are joined by Bro. Brian Mattocks, podcast host and author of the new book, “A Mason’s Work.” His book builds on his message and philosophy of self development and personal improvement. We focus on the gap between understanding the roles of Lodge leadership and how to apply this mindset into problem solving. My favorite part, we’ll jump into the difference between listening and approaching challenges Maso...
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RW Lee Justo, Deputy Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of New York, examines New York Masonic History that shaped the American Revolution. We'll cover Founding Fathers like George Washington and Robert R Livingston. Learn the significance of the 1789 Inauguration and the role of the oldest Lodges in the state. This conversation provides a clear look at the men who designed the American brand of Liberty.

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WB Cedric Jacobson examines why early American Lodge met in taverns or public houses. Using artifacts and historical findings from Hiram Lodge No. 1, New Haven, CT, we’ll discuss the role of taverns, how they were more than a bar for a drink but the center points of towns and the primary meeting point for Americans during the Revolution.

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WB Wes Latchford joins the podcast to examine the complex role Freemasons played in the American Revolution. As we approach the America 250 celebration, we explore how prominent Founding Fathers reconciled their Masonic obligations with the act of rebellion. We discuss the "Green Dragon Tavern" connection and how Masonic principles of equality and liberty influenced the Declaration of Independence. This episode highlights the delic...
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This week we travel to one of the oldest communities in Upstate New York: Johnstown. RW Michael Millias is the Past Master of St. Patrick’s Lodge No 4 in Johnstown and shares the life of Sir William Johnson. Johnson served as the first Master of the Lodge in 1766 and managed the complex relationship between the British Crown and the Native American tribes in what was colonial New York’s western frontier.

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Our favorite Masonic researcher and author, Bro. Chris Ruli, returns to the podcast to discuss his groundbreaking research on his new book, “Congress and the Freemasons.” This project represents the most extensive catalog of Masonic research on the legislative branch to date, offering an accurate list of Masonic Congressmen and deep historical insights. We explore how early Congress and Grand Lodges mirrored each other&...
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Why do some Masonic Lodges thrive with energy and purpose while others fade? Is it the members? The events? The traditions? Or is it something deeper—something you can't simply copy and paste? In this episode we are joined by WBs Bull Garlington and Scott Dayton, Past Masters of the innovative Lux Lunae Lodge No. 1181 in Chicago, a Lodge founded with the radical idea that culture must be intentional from day one.

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Join us at the intersection of Stoic philosophy and Masonic practice. Bro. Franklin Rings discusses how Marcus Aurelius’ writings on “Vices” inform the use of our Working Tools. Learn how to view vices not as unique failures, but as common distractions that challenge the independence of the mind.

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Every season, I invited a Past Master on the podcast for an open conversation on their time in the East. This year, I’m happy to have WB Edmond Freeman, Past Master of Hiram-Takoma Lodge No 10, Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, back on to share his experience. We’ll discuss how even the most ambitious, well-planned year can still have its challenges and the lessons on leadership that he will carry with him as a P...
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RWBs Joe Evans and Oren Kutnowsky join the podcast to discuss the Northstar Program. This initiative from the Grand Lodge of New York addresses the critical needs of recruitment, engagement, and retention. The program provides a structured process for bringing a man from his initial inquiry to becoming an active Brother. Learn how the best practices in the Northstar Program can provide the tools necessary to build a stronger and mo...
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Effective leadership is the backbone of any successful Masonic Lodge. In this episode, we sit down with Worshipful Brother and Major Jesse Ouellette to bridge the gap between the United States Marine Corps and the Lodge Trestleboard. We move past abstract theories to the USMC's Principles of Leadership that provide a blueprint to foster accountability, improve officer communication, and execute a long-term vision that ensures the f...
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WB Ted Cross returns to announce a free course this summer on American History! Starting June 8th, you can join Brothers from across New York State in the "What the Founders Meant by Happiness” online course from Arizona State University in collaboration with the National Constitution Center. Dr. Cross shares the course outline; our Founding Fathers intent that Americans explore happiness not as the personal pursuit of feelin...
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This July 4th, we will celebrate 250 years of American Independence. WB Gordon Moccio is the author of “By The Signs We Know Them: Masonic Bonds In The Civil War.” His book covers many of the battles in the War Between the States, and sheds light on the men and Masons during this important time in American History.

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Leadership is one of the least talked about benefits of Freemasonry. In his presentation: "Convinced: The Science of Leadership,” WB Ted Cross explains that leadership is the ability to convince others to act. He moves beyond basic management, using research in behavioral economics and psychology to show how leaders win hearts and minds. Our discussion will  provide methods on how you can change group behavior (and Lodge...
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Is your Lodge's Masonic education program truly providing Light? Or does it end with a monotonous reading from the ritual book? For many Masons, the deep, transformative promise of the Craft gets lost in the routine repetition of words without an exploration of their meaning. In this episode of Craftsmen Online, we talk with Brother Garrett Pottmeyer, Senior Warden and Lodge Education Officer of Grants Pass Lodge No. 84 in Oregon. ...
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Nothing tops when you connect with a Brother who shares the same passion for exploring a Masonic symbol. WB Cedric Jacobson walks us through Freemasonry's most profound and layered symbols: The Point Within a Circle. Bro. Cedric takes us deeper, moving beyond the surface-level explanation to reveal a deeper framework that connects the Mason to the celestial cycles of the sun, the patronage of the Holy Saints John, and the Great Arc...
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Inspired by his article, "In Search of Light," Bro. Amer Abu-Houran expands on why the Truth sought in Masonry extends beyond traditional philosophical theories. Bro. Abu-Houran, who is also an educator, brings unique perspectives from his teaching of Theory of Knowledge and Computer Science to illuminate how order, reflection, and consistency form the foundation of integrity. 

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