Hashmarks & Working Tools

Mike McDermott and Joel Cade
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement

Hashmarks & Working Tools: Where football meets the craft. Two rival‑team fans break down NFL and college ball, then pivot to Freemasonry “working tools” as life/leadership lessons. Each episode: first half football, second half “from the quarry” segment applying Masonic concepts to real life.

  1. 6d ago

    Week 3 2026 - Steelers 2-1 Browns 2-1

    In this episode of the Hashmarks and Working Tools Podcast, Mike McDermott and Joel Cade discuss recent football games, focusing on the performance of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals. They analyze player performances, coaching decisions, and the implications of these games on the teams' standings. The conversation delves into the performance of the Cleveland Browns, focusing on their defensive strengths and offensive struggles, particularly the inconsistency of quarterback Deshaun Watson. The discussion highlights the importance of team dynamics, offensive line performance, and strategic decision-making in critical game situations. In this conversation, Mike McDermott and Joel Cade discuss various aspects of football strategy, focusing on the upcoming game between the Steelers and the Browns. They analyze play calling, team dynamics, and historical performance to predict the outcome of the match. Takeaways Steelers' strategy shiftsBengals' coaching decisions questioned Browns' defense shows promiseInconsistent quarterback play hampers offense Effective play calling is crucialTeam dynamics impact game outcomes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap02:57 Steelers vs. Bengals Analysis05:59 DK Metcalf's Performance Issues09:07 Zone Defense Strategies11:58 Coaching Decisions Under Pressure14:52 Player Relationships and Communication18:01 Transition to Browns Discussion19:21 Browns' Defensive Strengths22:02 Offensive Line Challenges24:04 Quarterback Inconsistency26:20 Game Management Decisions30:26 Impact of Key Plays on Outcomes35:33 Strategic Decision-Making in Critical Moments42:20 Wedge Play Strategy in Youth Football45:01 Offensive Line Challenges and Solutions48:05 Comparing Offensive Strategies: Browns vs. Ravens49:08 Historical Performance: Steelers vs. Browns51:58 Game Predictions and Team Dynamics

  2. Sep 23

    Week 2 2026 - Steelers 1-1 Browns 1-1

    ** Mike's mic is not micing again. Sorry for the echo, echo echo! I'll get it fixed. The conversation covers topics such as football triumphs, the impact of coaching, the Browns locker room, coaching and leadership, broadcasting and commentary, the Browns culture, Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers, quarterback performance, toxic players and team dynamics, leadership and communication, and Aaron Rodgers' comments. The conversation covers in-game alterations and scheme changes, offensive line communication and leadership, defensive strategy and performance, and struggles with defensive alignment and skill set. The discussion delves into the challenges faced by the Steelers and Ravens in these areas, highlighting the impact on their gameplay and outcomes. The conversation delves into the complexity of NFL offenses and defenses, the challenges with Lamar Jackson in the Ravens' offense, the predictability and sustainability of the Ravens' offense, the learning curve and complexity of the Ravens' system, struggles and challenges for the Ravens, the impact of the offensive line on the running game, the complexity of NFL defenses, the impact of college football on NFL preparedness, the shift in NFL drafting and player readiness, the adaptation of NFL offenses and defenses, and reflections on Week 2 of the NFL season. Takeaways Football triumphs are celebrated with a focus on the impact of coaching and leadership.The conversation delves into the dynamics of the Browns locker room, the culture of the team, and the impact of toxic players on team performance. In-game alterations and scheme changes are crucial for adapting to game situations.Effective communication and leadership are essential for offensive line performance.Defensive strategy and performance play a significant role in team success. NFL offenses and defenses are becoming more complex, posing challenges for players and coaches.The readiness and preparedness of college football players for the NFL is impacting the league's dynamics. Chapters 00:00 The Cold Open00:32 Football Triumphs01:15 The Impact of Coaching02:08 The Browns Locker Room02:36 Coaching and Leadership03:02 Broadcasting and Commentary03:32 The Browns Culture09:09 Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers11:20 Quarterback Performance12:10 Toxic Players and Team Dynamics16:08 Leadership and Communication23:04 Aaron Rodgers' Comments24:53 In-Game Alterations and Scheme Changes26:23 Offensive Line Communication and Leadership36:57 Defensive Strategy and Performance43:04 Struggles with Defensive Alignment and Skill Set47:35 The Complexity of NFL Offenses48:02 Challenges with Lamar Jackson in the Offense49:00 Predictability and Sustainability of the Ravens' Offense49:27 Learning Curve and Complexity of the Ravens' System50:14 Struggles and Challenges for the Ravens54:24 Impact of Offensive Line on Running Game58:19 Complexity of NFL Defenses59:22 Impact of College Football on NFL Preparedness01:00:19 Shift in NFL Drafting and Player Readiness01:03:19 Adaptation of NFL Offenses and Defenses01:07:33 Week 2 Reflections and NFL Insights01:09:20 Conclusion and Farewell

  3. Sep 15

    Week 1 2026 - Steelers 1-0 Browns 0-17

    The conversation covers the NFL season kickoff, questionable officiating, Steelers' defensive strategy, Browns' performance, and Deshaun Watson's impact. It also delves into the Cleveland Browns' incompetence and the impact of their decisions on the team's future. The conversation delves into game strategy, clock management, and the importance of huddle timing. It then shifts to a discussion on offensive coordination, team performance, and the challenges faced by the Browns. The conversation then explores special teams, officiating, and the impact of penalties on the game. Finally, it concludes with a focus on the Pick'em League and the strategy for week one picks. The conversation covers a range of topics including NFL picks and spread strategy, coaching and team preparedness, experienced coaches and game analysis, week two strategy and playoff chances, high scoring week one and game outcomes, team performance and fan loyalty, Browns' performance and fan reactions, NFL team strategy and player performance, Masonic degrees and symbolism, Royal Arch degree and Masonic experience, and the director's cut of the Fellowcraft degree. The hosts also discuss closing remarks and week two NFL picks. Takeaways NFL season kickoff excitementImpact of questionable officiating on the gameStrategic defensive approach of the SteelersBrowns' performance and the impact of Deshajson WatsonThe incompetence of the Cleveland Browns and its impact on the team's future Game strategy and clock management are crucial for effective team performance.Special teams and officiating play a significant role in the outcome of games. Spread strategy is a key factor in NFL picksExperienced coaches play a significant role in game outcomes Chapters 00:00 NFL Season Kickoff01:30 Questionable Officiating03:22 Steelers Defensive Strategy09:48 Browns' Performance and Deshaun Watson20:30 Cleveland Browns' Incompetence21:49 Game Strategy and Clock Management22:47 Offensive Coordination and Team Performance29:44 Special Teams and Officiating37:57 Pick'em League and Week One Strategy40:21 Week One Picks and Spread Strategy41:18 Coaching and Team Preparedness42:28 Experienced Coaches and Game Analysis43:26 Week Two Strategy and Playoff Chances46:12 High Scoring Week One and Game Outcomes47:16 Team Performance and Fan Loyalty48:00 Browns' Performance and Fan Reactions50:00 NFL Team Strategy and Player Performance55:08 Masonic Degrees and Symbolism56:02 Royal Arch Degree and Masonic Experience57:24 Director's Cut of Fellowcraft Degree58:04 Closing Remarks and Week Two NFL Picks

  4. Sep 8

    Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory

    In this episode, Mike McDermott and Joel Cade analyze the controversial ending of the Michigan vs. Western Michigan game, exploring officiating errors, clock management, and strategic mistakes. They also discuss sports betting implications and share insights on coaching decisions and game theory. keywords college football, officiating controversy, clock management, sports betting, game strategy, Western Michigan, Michigan, NCAA, Big Ten, sports analysis key topics Officiating errors in college football Clock management and game strategy Impact of officiating on game outcomes Sports betting implications of controversial calls Strategic mistakes by Western Michigan Analysis of the Michigan Western Michigan game Mental models for game decision-making The role of referees and perceived bias takeaways Officials are not neutral and often have biases that influence game outcomes. Strategic mistakes, such as kicking a field goal instead of going for it, can cost teams dearly. Clock management is critical in close games and can be manipulated or misjudged. Sports betting heavily relies on perceived fairness and accurate officiating. Teams should play to win, not just to avoid losing, especially in critical moments. sound bites "There is no tenth of a second in NCAA rules." "Officials are not neutral parties in the game." "Play to win, not just to avoid losing." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:43 Background of the Michigan Western Michigan game 05:27 The final seconds and clock controversy 07:23 Analysis of officiating errors and bias 12:57 Understanding game clock and timing rules 19:36 Officials' bias and non-neutrality in games 24:38 Strategic mistakes: kicking vs. going for it 29:37 Playing to win vs. playing not to lose 40:32 Implications for sports betting and integrity

  5. Sep 2

    Team Loyalty vs. Getting that Bag

    The conversation delves into the dynamics of team loyalty versus financial gain, the relationships between players and their teams, and the financial considerations involved in player contracts. It explores the impact of culture, history, and personal connections on player decisions and team negotiations. The conversation covers player contracts and negotiations, roster cuts, player performance, Miles Garrett's injury, roster changes, wide receiver roster, and player signings. The conversation covers the impact of preseason performance on player decisions, the challenges of quarterback roster decisions, issues with media coverage and broadcasting, and the involvement of former NFL players in college football. Takeaways Team loyalty vs. financial gainPlayer-team relationshipsFinancial considerations in player contracts Player contracts and negotiationsRoster cuts and player performance Preseason Performance ImpactQuarterback Roster Decisions Chapters 00:00 Team Loyalty vs. Financial Gain08:51 Player-Team Relationships18:00 Financial Considerations in Player Contracts21:04 Player Contracts and Negotiations22:02 Roster Cuts and Player Performance34:19 Miles Garrett's Injury and Roster Changes36:26 Wide Receiver Roster and Player Signings41:13 Preseason Performance Impact42:11 Quarterback Roster Decisions53:17 Media Coverage and Broadcasting56:41 College Football and Former NFL Players

  6. Aug 26

    Roster Cuts, Browns Fans Fed-Up and a Hot Take on the NCAA

    The conversation covers the NFL preseason week two, including team performances and player evaluations. It also delves into the process of roster cuts and player eligibility, highlighting the impact of the preseason on team rosters. Additionally, the discussion explores the governance of college football and the NCAA, focusing on recent legal decisions and their implications for player eligibility and transfers. The conversation delves into the dynamics of college sports recruiting and the impact of NFL owners on player decisions. It explores the shift in college sports recruiting methods, highlighting the role of agents and program managers. Additionally, it discusses the influence of NFL owners on player contracts and the consequences of player decisions on team dynamics. Takeaways NFL preseason week twoRoster cuts and player eligibilityNCAA and college football governance Recruiting in college sportsImpact of NFL owners on player decisions Chapters 00:00 NFL Preseason Week Two02:01 Roster Cuts and Player Eligibility17:06 NCAA and College Football Governance25:54 College Sports Recruiting27:33 NFL Owners and Player Decisions

  7. Aug 17

    NFL Pre-Season Action - Part 2

    The conversation covers the NFL preseason, team preparations, player evaluations, and coaching strategies. It also delves into the performance of specific players and the dynamics of joint practices. The conversation covers topics related to quarterback evaluation, player development, and team strategy in the NFL. It also delves into the challenges faced by specific players and the impact of coaching decisions on team performance. The conversation covers a range of topics including quarterback mobility, team strategies, coaching changes, and player performance. It also delves into the dynamics of different NFL teams and their prospects for the upcoming season. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to football, team management, player contracts, and upcoming games. It also delves into the challenges faced by certain teams and the impact of coaching decisions on team performance. Additionally, it highlights the importance of building a strong team and the significance of player contracts in the current football landscape. Takeaways Preseason games provide insights into team preparations and player evaluations.Coaching strategies and game scenarios are manipulated to simulate real-game situations.The performance of specific players, including rookies, is analyzed and evaluated. Quarterback evaluation goes beyond statistics and requires consideration of preseason performance, coaching strategies, and the overall team environment.Player development is influenced by both physical skills and mental attitude, and the role of coaching in shaping a player's mindset is crucial.Team strategy in the NFL involves balancing offensive and defensive strengths, adapting to the changing nature of the game, and making decisions based on player performance and potential. Quarterback mobility and its impact on team strategyThe influence of coaching changes and player performance on team dynamics Player contracts and extensionsTeam management and decision-makingUpcoming games and team performance

  8. Aug 17

    NFL Pre-Season Action - Part 1

    The conversation covers the NFL preseason, team preparations, player performance, and coaching strategies. It also delves into the challenges faced by specific teams and their prospects for the upcoming season. The conversation covers topics related to quarterback evaluation, player development, and team strategy in the NFL. It also delves into the challenges faced by specific players and the impact of coaching decisions on team performance. The conversation covers a range of topics including quarterback mobility, team strategies, coaching changes, and player performance. It also delves into the dynamics of different NFL teams and their prospects for the upcoming season. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to football, team management, player contracts, and upcoming games. It also delves into the challenges faced by specific teams and the dynamics of the NFL. The discussion also includes insights into the upcoming season and the performance of various teams. Takeaways Preseason performance may not accurately reflect regular season outcomes.Coaching strategies and player evaluations are key aspects of preseason games. Quarterback evaluation goes beyond statistics and requires consideration of preseason performance, coaching strategies, and the overall team environment.Player development is influenced by both physical skills and mental attitude, and the role of coaching in shaping a player's mindset is crucial.Team strategy in the NFL involves balancing offensive and defensive strengths, adapting to the changing nature of the game, and making decisions based on player performance and potential. Quarterback mobility and its impact on team strategyThe influence of coaching changes and player performance on team dynamics Player contracts and extensionsTeam management and decision-makingUpcoming games and season predictions Chapters 00:00 NFL Preseason and Team Preparations02:59 Player Performance and Evaluation12:48 Coaching Strategies and Game Scenarios24:33 Quarterback Evaluation and Team Strategy25:07 Player Development and Coaching Impact41:03 Offensive Strategy and Player Health47:35 Quarterback Mobility and Team Strategy48:04 Coaching Changes and Player Performance48:50 Team Dynamics and Prospects for the Upcoming Season51:04 Assessment of Individual Players and Team Culture49:30 Team Strategy and Offensive Line Performance50:05 Assessment of Team Performance and Prospects50:25 Quarterback Performance and Team Strategy50:54 Assessment of Team Performance and Prospects01:09:43 Player Contracts and Extensions01:11:02 Team Management and Decision-Making01:23:02 Upcoming Games and Season Predictions

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About

Hashmarks & Working Tools: Where football meets the craft. Two rival‑team fans break down NFL and college ball, then pivot to Freemasonry “working tools” as life/leadership lessons. Each episode: first half football, second half “from the quarry” segment applying Masonic concepts to real life.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike McDermott and Joel Cade
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mike McDermott and Joel Cade
  • Show Website
    Hashmarks & Working Tools