Brian Mattocks
Host and Founder of A Mason's Work - a podcast designed to help you use symbolism to grow. He's been working in the craft for over a decade and served as WM, trustee, and sat in every appointed chair in a lodge - at least once :D
Appears in 141 Episodes
The Trowel and the Limits of Patience
In this episode, we reflect on what it means to apply the Trowel—the Masonic tool of compassion and connection—when our patience is tested by behavior we don’t yet und...
The Silence Around the Center: Freemasonry and the Question of God
In this episode, we explore the symbolic and cultural hesitation around discussing God inside the Masonic lodge. While Freemasonry references the Grand Architect of th...
The Pavement and the Void
In this episode, we conclude our series on The Book of Five Rings with the final chapter: The Book of Emptiness. Paired symbolically with the Pavement—the Masonic embl...
Why Technique Fails: What Freemasonry and Musashi Agree On
In this episode, we continue our symbolic reflection on The Book of Five Rings by exploring the Wind Scroll—Musashi’s fierce critique of illusion, distraction, and rel...
Operating in the Fire: Musashi, Masons, and the Lodge Mindset
In this episode, we explore the Fire Book of The Book of Five Rings and its symbolic alignment with the Masonic lodge as a mental and tactical space. Drawing from Wilm...
Flow and Form: The Water Scroll and the Fellow Craft
In this episode, we continue our symbolic alignment between The Book of Five Rings and Masonic working tools—turning now to the Water Scroll, paired with the Fellow Cr...
The Square and the Sword: Lessons from The Book of Five Rings
In this episode, we begin a new reflection series pairing Masonic symbols with chapters from The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi. The Square takes the lead—serv...
What astronomy reveals about motion and becoming
In this episode, we conclude our exploration of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences with a reflection on Astronomy—not as mere stargazing, but as a profound symbolic s...
The emotional intelligence of music in Freemasonry
In this episode, we explore Music as more than melody or ritual ornament—understood instead as a nonverbal system of emotional communication. Continuing our series on ...
Geometry as truth between things
In this episode, we examine Geometry not simply as a spatial discipline, but as a symbolic science of relationships, continuity, and structure. Continuing our series o...
The symbolic nature of arithmetic
In this episode, we explore Arithmetic not merely as a tool for quantification, but as a symbolic practice of precision, clarity, and pattern recognition. This reflect...
Logic as the groundwork for discernment
In this episode, we continue our exploration of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences with a focus on Logic—not as a cold academic tool, but as a lens that reveals assum...
Rhetoric as a lens for bias discovery
In this episode, we continue exploring the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences by turning our attention to Rhetoric—not merely as persuasive speech, but as a subtle force ...
The Grammar of the Lodge: Structure, Symbol, and the Spoken Word
In this episode, we begin a new series focused on the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences, starting with Grammar—not just as rules for writing or speaking, but as a founda...
Crushing Self-Doubt with Lessons from the Craft
Interestingly, Ancient freemasonry has a fresh perspective on impostor syndrome. This episode delves into the ancient fraternal order's insights on overcoming self-dou...
Ditching Vices & Superfluities: A Life Edit with the Gavel
Let's wield the common gavel of life to shatter vices and superfluities. Discover how your guilty pleasures and the trivial pursuits can be edited for a life that trul...
Qualifications of Masonry: Beyond Money & Wealth
Discover the qualifications for entry not purchasable by riches, and reflect on what truly allows one to ascend to Masonic ideals. Join us, share your thoughts, and un...
From Stuck to Unstoppable: Tips to Beat Avoidance
Ever find yourself upgrading light bulbs to dodge a work task? This episode digs into the psychology of avoidance, offering hands-on strategies to conquer procrastinat...
Crafting Success with Masonic Tools
The tools of the craft aren't just symbolic, but practical for planning, cognitive transformation, and action. Discover insights on utilitarian columns, duality concep...
Balancing Time with Masonry's Tools: A Level-Headed Approach
Dive into Masonry's novel take on time management as we discuss the profound life lessons behind the level and 24-inch gauge. Learn to balance daily activities, assess...