Two Burning Taper’s

Shawn Parker

Widows Sons, Freemasonry, news happening, Comedy, a look into Skittles and Gilligans mind.

  1. 3 days ago

    Lets Talk About it Podcast! Reginald Johnson Ep:071

    Freemasonry loses its power when brothers stop talking, stop visiting, and stop leading. Brother Reggie pulls no punches on what keeps a lodge alive, why some men should never chase the East, and how the right kind of brotherhood can spark a whole new generation of Masons.What starts as a lively conversation between Shawn Skittles Parker, Gilligan (Casey) Marrillia, and Reggie quickly turns into a deep look at leadership, lodge culture, and the real reason younger men stay engaged. Reggie shares how he went from being surrounded by Masons in his family to joining after a powerful funeral service, why he ended up in the senior warden chair, and what he’s learned from decades in Prince Hall Masonry, the York Rite, and Scottish Rite.You'll discover: Why not every Master Mason should become Worshipful MasterHow Reggie uses a simple leadership analogy to explain why some lodges stall outWhy Masonic funeral services are often the first real introduction the public has to the CraftHow relationship-building outside the lodge keeps younger brothers activeWhy long-form learning, memorization, and patience matter more than rushing through degreesReggie also breaks down the difference between ritual knowledge and real lodge leadership, explains how different men learn in different ways, and makes a strong case for giving brothers more than one path to become useful, engaged Masons. Shawn and Gilligan add their own perspectives from Blue Lodge, Eastern Star, and their experience trying to keep brothers connected beyond the meeting room.The conversation widens into something bigger: a vision for a massive, public gathering of Masons from every branch, state, and body, all showing up together to change the narrative around Freemasonry. Reggie argues that the Craft is strongest when brothers stop isolating themselves and start showing up for one another in public, online, and in the community.If you care about lodge health, Masonic leadership, ritual, mentoring younger brothers, or the future of the Craft, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and honest conversation. Perfect for any Mason who wants more than titles and tradition—and wants to help build a stronger brotherhood.

  2. 7 Sept

    The Hidden Meaning of Widow Sons, Light, and a Better Man

    A 41-Generation Masonic Legacy, Light, Shadow, and BrotherhoodA 41-generation Masonic legacy, a Widows Sons rider, and a tattoo artist-author walk into one conversation and turn Freemasonry into something you can actually feel. Brother Inky reveals how family history, ritual, and personal philosophy shaped the books that are changing how brothers think about light, shadow, and what we leave behind.Shawn Skittles Parker and Gilligan Casey Marrillia sit down with Jerry “Inky” Ledford of Camp Knox Lodge 919, a past master, 32nd-degree Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner, and Widows Sons brother from Kentucky. But this isn’t a resume parade—it’s a conversation about what Freemasonry means when it’s lived in the real world, from funeral rites during COVID to the moment a father finally tells his son the truth that changes everything.You’ll discover: The story behind Inky’s 41 consecutive generations of MasonsWhy he wrote The Sacred Torch and The Silent SkullThe real meaning of “cowan” and its connection to stonemasonryWhat the Widows Sons represent to a Mason who rides and lives the brotherhoodWhy the altar and officers’ podiums at Camp Knox Lodge are unlike anything else in the worldHow Masonic philosophy connects to fatherhood, legacy, mortality, and self-reflectionInky also shares the personal stories behind his Masonic journey, including the funeral that pushed him toward the Craft, the mentor culture that keeps new brothers learning, and the philosophy behind his work as both an artist and a writer.This episode is essential listening for Masons, motorcycle brothers, tattoo collectors, and anyone drawn to deeper meaning, family history, and wisdom that can be carried into everyday life. By the end, you may never look at a torch, a skull, or a square and compass the same way again. purchase the books here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H8XYL94M?binding=hardcover&qid=1788572932&sr=8-1&ref=dbs_dp_awt_sb_pc_thcv&dplnkId=30ea5065-1e6b-464f-81bf-0425ba23f846&nodl=1

  3. 31 Aug

    What Rally Season Taught Us About Safety, Family, and Brotherhood Ep:069

    The best rallies do more than fill a campground - they build better riders, stronger brothers, and memories you talk about all year. Gilligan Marrillia and Shawn Skittles Parker break down what actually makes a Widow Sons event worth showing up for, from road blocking strategy and slinky-effect safety to family-friendly rally design, bike games, and the small details that turn a good ride into a great one.They revisit a packed rally season across Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana, comparing what each state does well and where the bar keeps getting raised. You’ll hear why Kentucky’s Widows Kiddos setup stands out, how Ohio pulled off grand-gathering-level energy at a state rally, why Illinois turned skillet toss into a crowd magnet, and how Indiana’s degree work and branding kept the momentum going.You’ll discover: Why confidence is the real key to safer road blockingHow to keep a group ride smooth by managing pace through turns and intersectionsThe rally features that bring brothers back with their families, not just their bikesWhy bike games like slow race, plank ride, tug of war, and skillet toss work best when the whole crowd gets involvedWhat Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana each did that other rallies can borrowWhy family space, Widows Kiddos, and smart rally pricing can double attendance almost overnightThe episode also takes a heartfelt turn as the brothers honor fallen Widows Sons, including Wild Bill, and reflect on the kind of legacy that lives on through obligations, fellowship, and showing up for each other. Shawn also shares what fatherhood is teaching him about holy habits and spiritual legacy, making this more than a rally recap - it’s a conversation about what the brotherhood is really for.Perfect for Widows Sons members, motorcycle rally regulars, and anyone who wants to build safer, better, more welcoming events. If you care about the ride, the brotherhood, and the future of the fraternity, this one hits home.

  4. 18 Aug

    DeMolay The Future of the Craft Bro. Fly Boy & Bro. Kevin Ep. 68

    Two Burning Tapers — Supporting the Future of DeMolayOn this episode of Two Burning Tapers, Skittles and Gilligan sit down with two outstanding brothers who are passionate about DeMolay, Masonry, leadership, and building the next generation. Brother Buddy “Fly Boy” Herring is the current Vice President of the Boaz Chapter of the Arkansas WSMRA and serves as Arkansas State Road Captain. He is the sitting Secretary of Alma Masonic Lodge #735, a Past Master of Alma #735 and Clear Creek #332, and currently serves the M∴W∴ Grand Lodge of Arkansas as an At-Large District Deputy Grand Master.Fly Boy’s Masonic journey began in 2001, when he joined the Albert Pike Chapter of DeMolay International at just 13 years old. His DeMolay honors include DeMolay of the Year, Advisor of the Year, Chevalier, Legion of Honor, and the DeMolay Medal for Saving a Human Life.His years of service have also included serving as Arkansas State Master Councilor, International Congress Secretary, Deputy Director of the Great Plains DeMolay Leadership Conference, International Congress Advisor, and an Active Member of the International Supreme Council. Kevin Durden is the 60th International Congress Secretary of DeMolay International, making him one of the organization’s two elected international youth leaders. Kevin has been a member of DeMolay since 2018 and previously served as State Master Councilor of Arkansas DeMolay.DeMolay is a youth service and leadership organization for young men ages 12–21, focused on developing leadership, character, brotherhood, and service.This episode is about more than Masonry today — it’s about investing in the young men who will carry these values into tomorrow.Learn more about DeMolay at beademolay.org. SAVE THE DATE — 2027 ARKANSAS RALLY Fort Smith, Arkansas June 3–7, 2027More information coming soon! Arkansas Widows Sons 2027 State Rally | Fort Smith ARArkansas Widows Sons 2027 State Rally, Fort Smith. 263 likes · 54 talking about this. Nonprofit organization

  5. 10 Aug

    Inside Montreal’s Widows Sons: Food, Charity, and Year-Round Brotherhood

    The Widow Sons are supposed to be about brotherhood, but what happens when that bond stretches from Quebec to Maine to Illinois and still feels like family? Brother Chef, president of Montreal's chapter, shares how Freemasonry, motorcycles, food, and philanthropy turn strangers into lifelong brothers. If you care about what makes this organization real beyond the patch, this conversation will hit home fast.Shawn Parker, Gilligan Marrillia, and Stefan Jacob open up a rare cross-border conversation about what the Widow Sons actually do in the world. Stefan, known as Brother Chef, brings a uniquely Canadian perspective shaped by French Quebec, years on bikes, and a life built around service. He talks about finding Masonry in his forties, becoming a Widow Son almost immediately after, and building a chapter culture that lives out the values instead of just talking about them.You'll discover how Stefan blends three worlds - Masonic brotherhood, motorcycle culture, and a full-time career as a chef and entrepreneur. He breaks down the chapter rules in Quebec, why he prefers blue-collar lodges, how his family rides too, and why his Road King still feels like "his" bike no matter what else is in the garage. He also shares the role food plays in bringing people together, from smash burgers at Grand Gathering to charity cigar events and massive rallies built around giving back.We also get into the deeper side of the brotherhood. Stefan explains why the Widow Sons help bring Freemasonry to the masses, how they change public perception, and why the organization gives men a place to be vulnerable, supportive, and real. The conversation goes from the meaning of Masonry to the power of adopting brothers, the value of showing your light in public, and what it looks like when men actually live the principles they claim.If you've ever wondered why some brothers seem connected across states and countries as if they grew up together, this episode has the answer. It's equal parts warm, funny, and inspiring, with plenty of motorcycle talk, Masonic insight, and real-world examples of service. Perfect for Masons, Widow Sons, riders, and anyone who wants to see what true brotherhood looks like in action

  6. 15 Jul

    Bro. OneEyeRick AKA Arizona! Updates on Bro. Wild Bill Ep:64

    Unlock the wild stories behind one of the most legendary motorcycle riders and Freemasons you've never heard of—Rick "One-Eyed Rick."In this episode, we dive into mile-high adventures from the Alaskan Highway to the streets of Brazil, all told by a true road warrior who’s logged over a million miles on two wheels. Discover how motorcycle brotherhood and Freemasonry intersect in tales of brotherhood, loyalty, and legendary road trips that span decades and continents.You'll learn about Rick’s incredible journey from Alabama motorcycle clubs to the international widow sons community, with stories that include biking through snow-capped mountains, Canadian branded adventures, and riding in the heart of southern America. We break down Rick’s favorite bikes—Panheads, Shovelheads, and the secrets to dependability that keep him riding strong at 71—and his insights into Harley Davidson’s timeless legacy versus the hype of modern bikes.Get curious about the brotherhood that extends beyond borders, the bonds formed in Harley dealerships, and the connections that keep Masonry and motorcycle clubs intertwined—stories of friendship that transcend miles and time. We also explore the power of brotherhood when life gets tough, and how wild characters like Wild Bill and the Widow Sons become family for a lifetime.Why does Rick ride? What makes long-distance riding so vital for his soul? And how does Masonry support that relentless pursuit of freedom and camaraderie? Whether you’re a seasoned rider, Mason, or someone craving legendary tales of brotherhood and adventure—this episode is packed with insights, humor, and inspiration.Join us in celebrating a true motorcycle and Masonic legend whose stories remind us that the open road is where brotherhood lives and breathes. Perfect for riders, Freemasons, and adventure seekers craving tales that inspire and entertain—hit play and get ready for a ride of a lifetime.

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Widows Sons, Freemasonry, news happening, Comedy, a look into Skittles and Gilligans mind.

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