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.

Episodes

  1. May 19

    Special NFL Schedule Review

    The conversation covers the analysis of the 2026 NFL schedule for the AFC North, focusing on the Browns, Steelers, and Bengals. It also delves into the creation of NFL schedules, the impact of strength of schedule, and the strategic placement of games. Mike and Joel discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the schedules, as well as the potential outcomes for each team. The conversation covers a range of topics related to the NFL schedule, team strategies, player performance, and coaching dynamics. It also delves into the impact of coaching on player development and the influence of scheduling on team performance. Takeaways Strength of schedule impacts team performanceNFL schedules are strategically designed to create prime time games and marketable matchupsThe Browns, Steelers, and Bengals face unique challenges and opportunities in the 2026 season NFL scheduling can have a significant impact on team performanceCoaching and player development play a crucial role in team success AFC North teams face a competitive scheduleThe practice facilities and schedules of NFL teams can impact team performance Chapters 00:00 Strategic Placement of Games and Prime Time Matchups30:12 Coaching and Player Development55:02 AFC North Schedule and Competitiveness01:03:10 NFL Practice Schedules and Facilities

    1h 22m

  2. Apr 29

    Post NFL Draft Discussion

    The conversation covers topics related to the NFL draft, team strategies, player evaluations, and the impact of draft picks on team performance. It also delves into the dynamics of player negotiations and the role of analytics in the draft process. The conversation covers the history and business model of NFL broadcasting, including the impact of Jerry Jones, the role of local broadcasting rights, and the legal challenges around NFL Sunday Ticket. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, the influence of major corporations, and the impact on fans. It also explores the financial strategies of sports leagues and the challenges faced by MLB in comparison to the NFL. Takeaways NFL draft strategies vary among teamsPlayer evaluations and draft picks impact team performance NFL broadcasting is a complex and lucrative business, with local broadcasting rights playing a significant role in revenue generation.The legal challenges around NFL Sunday Ticket highlight the ongoing debate about the NFL's broadcasting model and the impact of local broadcasting rights. Sports broadcasting is undergoing significant changes driven by corporate partnerships and financial strategies.The NFL and MLB have different approaches to revenue generation and local broadcasting rights. Chapters 00:00 NFL Draft Strategies05:56 Player Negotiations and Analytics23:53 The Business of NFL Broadcasting53:08 The Future of Sports Broadcasting01:05:07 Challenges Faced by MLB

    1h 15m

  3. Apr 21

    NFL Draft Week Prognostications

    The conversation delves into the NFL Draft as a high-stakes poker game, emphasizing the negotiation and strategy involved. It also explores the draft experience and fan engagement, highlighting the entertainment and interactive elements. The poker game of the NFL Draft is discussed in detail, focusing on team strategies and the dynamics of player selection and trading. The conversation delves into the variations in draft strategy among NFL teams, highlighting the differing approaches and philosophies. It also explores the concept of the loser's curse and the value of a draft pick, challenging the traditional notion of assigning value based on round and number. The conversation delves into the importance of edge players in the draft, the impact of draft picks on team building, elite players in the draft, trade scenarios and draft picks, player evaluation and draft positioning, draft strategy and team building, evaluation of draft picks and team needs, team building and draft strategy, player selection and team needs, and the deep dark secrets of how the NFL draft works. Link to the Massey Thaler "The Losers Curse". Link to the Massey Thaler "Notes for the GM" analysis Takeaways NFL Draft is a high-stakes poker gameUnderstanding the draft experience Draft strategy varies among NFL teamsThe value of a draft pick is not solely based on round and number Draft strategyPlayer evaluation Chapters 00:00 The Poker Game of the NFL Draft29:05 Draft Strategy Variations Among NFL Teams58:20 The Importance of Edge Players in the Draft01:03:21 Draft Strategy and Team Building01:08:31 Draft Strategy and Team Building01:15:50 Team Building and Draft Strategy

    1h 17m

  4. Mar 31

    Not a Secret Cult: Freemasonry Myths the Movies Got Wrong

    The podcast episode discusses the potential impact of projecting NFL drafts five years into the future, the implications for team strategy, and the challenges associated with long-term planning. It also explores the role of analytics in draft decision-making and the influence of team ownership on draft strategy. The conversation covers topics related to the NFL draft, quarterback prospects, team strategies, and the nature of Freemasonry. It delves into the potential of quarterback Shadeur Sanders, the impact of draft picks on team success, and the role of Freemasonry as a society with secrets. The conversation covers various misconceptions and myths about Freemasonry, debunking the ideas of secrecy, world domination, devil worship, and cult-like behavior. It also explores the process of joining Freemasonry and the principles of self-improvement and brotherhood. Takeaways Long-term draft projection can provide teams with strategic advantages and roster flexibility.The Browns' history of impulsive decision-making and ownership influence has led to skepticism about their ability to execute long-term draft planning effectively. Quarterback prospects and team strategies are crucial for NFL teams.The nature of Freemasonry is explored, highlighting its focus on personal development and community impact. Misconceptions about FreemasonryThe process of joining Freemasonry Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Sponsorship05:23 Analytic-Based Teams and Draft Manipulation10:44 Team Roster Management16:01 Draft Projection and Player Development22:17 Team Strategy and Roster Management28:16 NFL Draft and Quarterback Prospects37:35 Freemasonry: Secret Society or Society with Secrets?47:31 Debunking Myths and Misconceptions52:48 Devil Worship, Goats, and Other Misconceptions

    1h 5m

  5. Mar 13

    Deals on the Square - Free Agency Edition

    The conversation covers the excitement of Friday free agency frenzy, the significance of the Pittsburgh connection, the impact of fan expectations on team performance, and the transition challenges faced by the Steelers in the upcoming season. The conversation delves into the controversial actions of the Baltimore Ravens, highlighting their history of manipulating rules and engaging in potential collusion within the NFL. The discussion explores the Ravens' ethos and their strategic bending, breaking, and borrowing of rules for their advantage. It also touches on the issue of collusion in the NFL and the impact of these actions on the league and other teams. The conversation delves into strategic cap management, player decisions, and the impact of dead cap money on team building. It also explores the approach of building the team first before acquiring a quarterback, the Bengals' offseason strategy, and the outlook for the AFC North. Additionally, it discusses draft pick management and team strategy for success in the NFL. Takeaways Local talent recruitmentTransition challenges for the SteelersFan expectations and team performance Manipulation of rulesCollusion in the NFL Team building strategyDraft pick management Chapters 00:00 Friday Free Agency Frenzy09:15 Fan Expectations and Team Performance18:46 Transition Challenges for the Steelers43:06 Strategic Cap Management and Player Decisions51:43 Bengals' Offseason Strategy and AFC North Outlook

    1h 1m

  6. Feb 26

    The Level Field - Lessons from the Gridiron and the Lodge

    The conversation covers updates on football, including defensive changes and Aaron Rodgers' status. It delves into the concept of the level in Freemasonry and its philosophical implications. The impact of officiating on the fairness of the game is also explored, with a focus on proposed rule changes and their potential effects. The conversation delves into the influence of money on NFL officiating and the impact it has on the fairness of the game. It also explores the concept of a level playing field in Freemasonry and the principles that guide the interactions within the organization. Takeaways Level Field in FootballFreemasonry and the LevelOfficiating and Fair Play NFL officiating and the impact of moneyThe level playing field in Freemasonry Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Football Updates29:59 NFL Officiating and Money Influence53:31 The Level Playing Field in Freemasonry

    58 min

  7. Feb 18

    Living on the Square: Spring Cleaning for Character

    The conversation delves into the challenges of NFL cap management, the significance of rationality in Freemasonry, and the impact of rumors and media scrutiny on individuals and teams. It explores the complexities of managing NFL player contracts and cap space, the role of reason and rationality in Freemasonry, and the need to maintain composure and rationality in the face of rumors and media attention. The conversation delves into the themes of brotherhood and camaraderie in sports, as well as the emotional responses to sports news. It explores the motivations and opinions of individuals, the longevity and legacy of coaches, the podcast environment and its consequences, handling personal issues and emotions, open-mindedness and rethinking ideas, comfortable conversations and misunderstandings, mentoring and openness to new ideas, understanding emotions and reasoning, personal growth and imperfection, recognition and change in relationships, brotherhood and fan culture, rallying around players and team identity, tailgate experience and fan interaction, fan culture and fandom expressions, rivalry and team cultures, and emotional responses and off-season changes. Takeaways NFL cap management challengesDealing with rumors and media scrutinyMaintaining rationality and reason in the face of drama Brotherhood and camaraderie in sportsEmotional responses to sports news Chapters 00:00 NFL Cap Management Challenges12:48 The Square and Rationality in Freemasonry24:01 Dealing with Rumors and Media Scrutiny49:46 Emotional Responses and Off-Season Changes

    50 min

  8. Feb 11

    The Super Bowl Experience - Everything Has an Allusion

    The conversation covers a range of topics including NFL fandom, Super Bowl experience, game analysis, the Browns game analogy, Seattle's defense, offense vs. defense in football, the Super Bowl halftime show, NFL politics, and NFL halftime show production and controversies. The impact of Jay-Z on the halftime show and the controversies surrounding it are also discussed. The conversation delves into the themes of upholding standards and quality, embracing change and new ideas, the significance of lodge inspections, leadership and coaching in Freemasonry, the training ground for leadership, and the Junior Warden's role in the MUM Festival. It highlights the importance of leadership and coaching in Freemasonry, as well as the concept of the Super Bowl in Freemasonry. Takeaways Super Bowl halftime show controversiesImpact of Jay-Z on halftime showNFL halftime show production and coordination Leadership and coaching in FreemasonryThe concept of the Super Bowl in Freemasonry Chapters 00:00 Introduction and NFL Fandom07:07 Offense vs. Defense in Football18:35 NFL Halftime Show Production and Controversies25:36 Embracing Change and New Ideas32:05 Leadership and Coaching in Freemasonry37:32 Training Ground for Leadership49:01 Junior Warden's Role in the MUM Festival Podcast sponsored by Bash Foo

    51 min

  9. Feb 6

    The Common Gavel & Cleaning Up the Sloppy Stuff

    The podcast covers a range of topics including football analysis, controversial referee calls, the common gavel in masonry, highlights and disappointments of Week 18, TJ Watt's sack and fumble, an exciting Steelers vs. Ravens game, youth and adaptability in masonry and football, embracing change in masonry and football, and leadership and change in the Browns organization. The conversation delves into coaching changes in the AFC North, highlighting Stefanski's leadership, Tomlin's success, and the dysfunction of the Cincinnati Bengals. It then explores the application of the Internet Apprentice Tools in football, emphasizing adaptation, preparation, and dedication to improvement. The discussion shifts to addressing team problems and ethos, focusing on ownership and general manager responsibility, as well as player attitude and team performance. Finally, the conversation covers the Wild Card Weekend matchups, including the Bills vs. Jaguars game, playoff offenses and defenses, and the 49ers vs. Eagles matchup. Takeaways Controversial referee calls can impact the outcome of a game.The common gavel in masonry serves as a metaphor for handling life's challenges and removing vices. The importance of leadership and culture in football teamsThe application of the Internet Apprentice Tools in sports Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties06:24 The Common Gavel and Masonry13:41 Exciting Steelers vs. Ravens Game19:02 Leadership and Change in the Browns Organization29:19 The Internet Apprentice Tools and Football35:22 Addressing Team Problems and Ethos42:25 Wild Card Weekend Matchups

    42 min

  10. 12/30/2025

    The 24-Inch Gauge Game Plan

    Hashmarks & Working Tools is where football meets the craft. Two rival‑team fanatics break down the NFL and college slate, then grab the classic working tools of Freemasonry—like the 24‑inch gauge—to talk time, character, and how not to let the game wreck the rest of your life. Each week you get sharp analysis, lodge‑night level banter, and one practical “play” to run off the field before the next kickoff.

    44 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Mike McDermott and Joel Cade
  • Show Website
    Hashmarks & Working Tools