Hashmarks & Working Tools

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.

Hashmarks & Working Tools is a education podcast hosted by Mike McDermott and Joel Cade, with 19 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Mike McDermott and Joel Cade hosts Hashmarks & Working Tools, a education show with 19 episodes published.

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  Episode #18

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

  Sep 29, 20261h 3m

  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 shifts Bengals' coaching decisions questioned Browns' defense shows promise Inconsistent quarterback play hampers offense Effective play calling is crucial Team dynamics impact game outcomes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap 02:57 Steelers vs. Bengals Analysis 05:59 DK Metcalf's Performance Issues 09:07 Zone Defense Strategies 11:58 Coaching Decisions Under Pressure 14:52 Player Relationships and Communication 18:01 Transition to Browns Discussion 19:21 Browns' Defensive Strengths 22:02 Offensive Line Challenges 24:04 Quarterback Inconsistency 26:20 Game Management Decisions 30:26 Impact of Key Plays on Outcomes 35:33 Strategic Decision-Making in Critical Moments 42:20 Wedge Play Strategy in Youth Football 45:01 Offensive Line Challenges and Solutions 48:05 Comparing Offensive Strategies: Browns vs. Ravens 49:08 Historical Performance: Steelers vs. Browns 51:58 Game Predictions and Team Dynamics

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  Episode #18

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

  Sep 23, 20261h 8m

  ** 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 Open 00:32 Football Triumphs 01:15 The Impact of Coaching 02:08 The Browns Locker Room 02:36 Coaching and Leadership 03:02 Broadcasting and Commentary 03:32 The Browns Culture 09:09 Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers 11:20 Quarterback Performance 12:10 Toxic Players and Team Dynamics 16:08 Leadership and Communication 23:04 Aaron Rodgers' Comments 24:53 In-Game Alterations and Scheme Changes 26:23 Offensive Line Communication and Leadership 36:57 Defensive Strategy and Performance 43:04 Struggles with Defensive Alignment and Skill Set 47:35 The Complexity of NFL Offenses 48:02 Challenges with Lamar Jackson in the Offense 49:00 Predictability and Sustainability of the Ravens' Offense 49:27 Learning Curve and Complexity of the Ravens' System 50:14 Struggles and Challenges for the Ravens 54:24 Impact of Offensive Line on Running Game 58:19 Complexity of NFL Defenses 59:22 Impact of College Football on NFL Preparedness 01:00:19 Shift in NFL Drafting and Player Readiness 01:03:19 Adaptation of NFL Offenses and Defenses 01:07:33 Week 2 Reflections and NFL Insights 01:09:20 Conclusion and Farewell

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  Episode #17

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

  Sep 15, 202656 min

  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 excitement Impact of questionable officiating on the game Strategic defensive approach of the Steelers Browns' performance and the impact of Deshajson Watson The 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 picks Experienced coaches play a significant role in game outcomes Chapters 00:00 NFL Season Kickoff 01:30 Questionable Officiating 03:22 Steelers Defensive Strategy 09:48 Browns' Performance and Deshaun Watson 20:30 Cleveland Browns' Incompetence 21:49 Game Strategy and Clock Management 22:47 Offensive Coordination and Team Performance 29:44 Special Teams and Officiating 37:57 Pick'em League and Week One Strategy 40:21 Week One Picks and Spread Strategy 41:18 Coaching and Team Preparedness 42:28 Experienced Coaches and Game Analysis 43:26 Week Two Strategy and Playoff Chances 46:12 High Scoring Week One and Game Outcomes 47:16 Team Performance and Fan Loyalty 48:00 Browns' Performance and Fan Reactions 50:00 NFL Team Strategy and Player Performance 55:08 Masonic Degrees and Symbolism 56:02 Royal Arch Degree and Masonic Experience 57:24 Director's Cut of Fellowcraft Degree 58:04 Closing Remarks and Week Two NFL Picks

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  Episode #16

  Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory

  Sep 8, 202644 min

  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

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  Episode #15

  Team Loyalty vs. Getting that Bag

  Sep 2, 202657 min

  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 gain Player-team relationships Financial considerations in player contracts Player contracts and negotiations Roster cuts and player performance Preseason Performance Impact Quarterback Roster Decisions Chapters 00:00 Team Loyalty vs. Financial Gain 08:51 Player-Team Relationships 18:00 Financial Considerations in Player Contracts 21:04 Player Contracts and Negotiations 22:02 Roster Cuts and Player Performance 34:19 Miles Garrett's Injury and Roster Changes 36:26 Wide Receiver Roster and Player Signings 41:13 Preseason Performance Impact 42:11 Quarterback Roster Decisions 53:17 Media Coverage and Broadcasting 56:41 College Football and Former NFL Players

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