The Masonic Journey

Josh Kelley

The Masonic Journey Podcast explores Freemasonry as more than a set of traditions or ceremonies. It is a lifelong journey of growth, reflection, brotherhood, leadership, and becoming. Hosted by Josh Kelley, the podcast features conversations with Masonic authors, educators, leaders, thinkers, and everyday Brothers who are working to live the Craft both inside and outside the Lodge. Episodes explore Masonic education, symbolism, esotericism, lodge leadership, personal development, history, philosophy, and the challenges and opportunities facing modern Freemasonry. Some episodes are interviews. Others are conversations, reflections, and deep dives into the ideas hidden beneath the surface of the Craft. Through series such as Voices of Modern Masonry and Down the Rabbit Hole, the goal is not simply to talk about Freemasonry, but to explore what it means to actually practice it. Freemasonry is a journey, and every Brother is somewhere along the path. Live the Craft. Give the Craft.

Episodes

  1. Sep 26

    Down the Rabbit Hole with Josh and David Hidden in Plain Sight: The Language of Masonic Symbols

    Freemasonry surrounds us with symbols, but how often do we stop to ask what those symbols are actually doing? In this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole with Josh and David, Josh Kelley and VWB David Guarente explore the language of symbolism in Freemasonry and beyond. Why does Freemasonry teach through symbols instead of simply giving us definitions? How is a symbol different from a sign, metaphor, or allegory? Why can the same symbol mean something different to us as we grow, study, and gain experience? The conversation moves from everyday symbols and language into religion, ancient cultures, astronomy, sacred geometry, archetypes, and Masonic ritual. Along the way, Josh and David examine symbols such as the Square and Compasses, the circumpunct, the All Seeing Eye, the 47th Problem of Euclid, and the many symbols that appear throughout the degrees of Freemasonry. They also discuss an important question for anyone studying symbolism: how do we go deeper without simply making things up? The answer begins with context, tradition, ritual, comparison, contemplation, and personal application. Because a symbol isn't simply something to memorize. It's something to live with. And sometimes, the meaning hidden within the symbol reveals something hidden within us. Join Josh and David as they go Down the Rabbit Hole and explore what may truly be Hidden in Plain Sight. The Masonic Journey Podcast Live the Craft. Give the Craft.

  2. Sep 8

    Episode 1: Hiding in Plain Sight — What Is Esoteric Freemasonry?

    🐇 We’re going Down the Rabbit Hole. David Guarente and I have had countless conversations after Lodge where we start talking about one symbol, one book, or one idea and somehow end up somewhere completely different. We finally decided to turn the microphones on. In the first episode of Down the Rabbit Hole with Josh & David, we ask a deceptively simple question: What is esoteric Freemasonry? What does “esoteric” actually mean? Is Freemasonry inherently esoteric? What’s the difference between studying a symbol and experiencing it? Where do Hermeticism, alchemy, Kabbalah, and mysticism fit into the conversation? And at what point does interpretation become speculation? Of course, we couldn't talk about esoteric Masonry without actually going down a rabbit hole, so we take the point within a circle and see where it leads us. The episode became less about finding hidden knowledge and more about something I think is much more important: What are these symbols and teachings supposed to do to us? Knowledge without application doesn't change anyone. 🎙️ Episode 1: Hiding in Plain Sight — What Is Esoteric Freemasonry? Pull up a chair. This is basically two Brothers talking Masonry after Lodge, except this time we remembered to turn the microphones on. Welcome to Down the Rabbit Hole. 🐇 #Freemasonry #EsotericFreemasonry #MasonicEducation #MasonicSymbolism #DownTheRabbitHole #TheMasonicJourney

  3. Aug 30

    The Lantern on the Mountain with RJ Johnson

    Freemasonry cannot simply be something we attend. It must be something we practice. In this episode of The Masonic Journey Podcast, Josh Kelley sits down with Robert H. Johnson, host of the Whence Came You? Podcast, for an honest conversation about Masonic education, lodge culture, meaningful engagement, and the future of the Craft. Together, Josh and RJ explore some important questions: What does it mean to practice Freemasonry beyond the Lodge room? Are we building extraordinary men or merely maintaining membership rolls? How can lodges replace administrative routine with meaningful education and genuine brotherhood? What can today’s Masonic leaders do to create an experience worth preserving? The conversation also examines declining participation, the danger of sacrificing standards to protect membership numbers, the importance of listening to inactive Brothers, and why younger Masons provide real hope for the future. RJ shares his vision of Freemasonry as a lantern on the mountain, calling each generation to climb higher and then hold the light for those who follow. Josh also shares the moving story of Brother John Meyer, a longtime Mason whose life demonstrates that a Brother’s contribution to the Craft cannot always be measured by how often he attends Lodge. Robert H. Johnson wrote the foreword to Josh Kelley’s new book, The Extraordinary Lodge: A Practical Guide to Building Healthy Lodges and Extraordinary Men. During the conversation, RJ describes the book as a practical blueprint for changing lodge culture, strengthening Masonic education, and building a more meaningful future for the Craft. Get your copy of The Extraordinary Lodge: https://a.co/d/0csVWU6T Learn more about Whence Came You?: https://www.wcypodcast.com Learn more about Camp Masonry: https://www.masoniccamp.com

About

The Masonic Journey Podcast explores Freemasonry as more than a set of traditions or ceremonies. It is a lifelong journey of growth, reflection, brotherhood, leadership, and becoming. Hosted by Josh Kelley, the podcast features conversations with Masonic authors, educators, leaders, thinkers, and everyday Brothers who are working to live the Craft both inside and outside the Lodge. Episodes explore Masonic education, symbolism, esotericism, lodge leadership, personal development, history, philosophy, and the challenges and opportunities facing modern Freemasonry. Some episodes are interviews. Others are conversations, reflections, and deep dives into the ideas hidden beneath the surface of the Craft. Through series such as Voices of Modern Masonry and Down the Rabbit Hole, the goal is not simply to talk about Freemasonry, but to explore what it means to actually practice it. Freemasonry is a journey, and every Brother is somewhere along the path. Live the Craft. Give the Craft.