Whence Came You? - 0720 - From Preacher's Son to Apophatic Mystic: Josh Kelley's Wild Ride

Whence Came You? - 0720 - From Preacher's Son to Apophatic Mystic: Josh Kelley's Wild Ride

Author: Robert Johnson July 29, 2026 Duration: 1:14:30


This week, we sit down with a brother who grew up in the rigid, structured world of a missionary home, only to have his entire spiritual landscape shatter. We explore what happens when we let dry analytical logic strip away our childhood sense of awe, and how a profound near-death crisis of faith became the very catalyst for reclaiming a mystical connection to the divine. We are diving deep into the shadow work of the craft, the dangerous trap of becoming a mason in name only, and why true mentorship is about far more than memorizing words on a page.

Links:

The New SUBSTACK!
http://www.wcypodcast.substack.com

The Secretary Box Teaser:
wcypodcast.com/secretary-box

Skull and Crown Ltd.:
www.skullandcrownltd.com

Craftsman+ FB Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftsmanplus/

WCY Podcast YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/WhenceCameYou

Our Patreon:
www.patreon.com/wcypodcast

Support the show!:
https://wcypodcast.com/support-the-show

Get some swag!
https://wcypodcast.com/the-shop

Get the book!
http://a.co/5rtYr2r

A New Kind of Christian
Audible - https://amzn.to/4yNknF6

Paperback - https://amzn.to/4yMG9ZM

Adventures in Missing the Point

Audible - https://amzn.to/4pIlBgS

Paperback - https://amzn.to/4pNuyWi

The Masonic Journey

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567257263513

Practical Masonry

https://amzn.to/45spUDD

A Path to Light

https://amzn.to/4vSVCEU

Lobster Uncomfortable Vid

https://youtu.be/VEXIF2hNmv8?si=H_dVRJz778wYxvXk

Zen of Motorcycle Maintenance

https://amzn.to/4bO4lky

The Strangest Secret in the World

Paperback - https://amzn.to/4wysnZe

Audible - https://amzn.to/4wucyCI

 

 


Hosted by Robert Johnson, Whence Came You? explores the rich tapestry of Freemasonry, connecting its historical foundations to the experience of the modern member. This isn't a series of dry lectures; instead, it uses research papers, both historical and contemporary, as a starting point for genuine conversation. You'll hear thoughtful discussions that examine the Fraternity's symbols, traditions, and evolving role in today's world. The aim is to make Masonic scholarship and dialogue accessible, using the very technology that defines our current age to bridge the past and present. Whether you are a longtime Freemason seeking deeper understanding or simply a curious individual intrigued by one of history's most enduring institutions, this podcast offers a unique window into its philosophies and practices. Each episode invites you to consider the principles and questions that have shaped the craft, fostering a space where learning is a continuous journey. Tune in for a nuanced look at how ancient wisdom finds its place in a contemporary context, all through the intimate and convenient format of a podcast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Whence Came You? - Freemasonry discussed and Masonic research for today's Freemason
Podcast Episodes
Whence Came You? - 0681 - Cosmic Breathing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Join us this week as we dive into parts of the Kabbalah that have never been discussed on the podcast before! Additionally, we've got a piece from the New Age Magazine that dives into the idea of Cosmic Breath, Prana, an…
Whence Came You? - 0680 - Enlightened Pondering [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:02
Join us this week as we read a piece from the New Age Magazine--that's quite "New Age" in thought! Then we'll dive into the secrets of music! Uncover the four secrets and how they relate to the Masonic Lodge and how it f…
Whence Came You? - 0679 - The GAOTU's Working Tools [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:00
Join us this week as we dive into an exclusive reading of this month's Featured Article from the Grand Lodge of Illinois Edu. Committee, The Lyceum. In it, we explore one Freemason's lessons learned in his extensive time…
Whence Came You? - 0678 - Can Freemasonry Stop Wars? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:44
Join us this week for a meaningful introspection: Can Freemasonry Prevent War? We're diving into a piece written right after WWII and thinking about the ideas one Brother has to offer on the idea. Serious questions are a…
Whence Came You? - 0677 - The Conduit of God [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:33
Join us this week for a stimulating article on the purpose of man--as a conduit for the Creator! Also--in this engaging episode, we explore the traditional notion of "death" as nothing more than a change of clothes. Don'…
Whence Came You? - 0676 - Ritual Music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:51
Join us this week for a rundown of what happened at the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education as well as a piece exploring music in ritual--it's more than meets the ear. Thanks for listening and have an amazing week! L…
Whence Came You? - 0675 - Steve Harrison's The Imperfect Storm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:31
In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the depths of Freemasonry with esteemed author Steven L. Harrison, who unveils his latest work, The Imperfect Storm. Harrison takes us on a captivating journey as he sheds light…
Whence Came You? - 0674 - Awakening the Masonic Eye [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:09
Join us this week for an exploration of the future of Freemasonry—no, not the rosy-colored one we dream of, the reality—or is it? Then, we'll unlock the secrets of awakening the all-seeing eye within the Freemason! Secre…
Whence Came You? - 0673 - The Trouble with Librarians [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:50
This week, we're looking at the role of Masonic Libraries—the good, the bad, and the ugly! We've also got a great piece on the proposed benefit of joining the independent bodies sooner rather than later. All this and mor…