Podcast
Asphalt and Aprons
Hosted by Trog and Donkey · EN
Asphalt & Aprons brings together motorcycles, brotherhood, community and life.
Hosted by Scottish bikers Donkey and Trog, we share relaxed, honest conversations with riders, Freemasons, charity and community figures, and fascinating people from all walks of life.
From road trips and motorcycle adventures to friendship, mental wellbeing and modern Freemasonry, expect real stories and plenty of laughs.
Whether you’re a biker, a Freemason or simply curious, join us for the ride.
In collaboration with the Provincial Grand Lodge of Midlothian.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 13 - Its Okay To Talk
6d ago00:33:42Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of Asphalt & Aprons, Trog & Donkey sit down with Ian Hounsome from Andy's Man Club, the UK charity dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding men's mental health through the simple message: "It's Okay To Talk."Together, they explore the importance of friendship, community and having the courage to speak openly when life becomes challenging. Ian shares the story behind Andy's Man Club, how the charity has grown into a nationwide movement, and why creating safe spaces for men to talk can genuinely save lives.The conversation also touches on motorcycles, Freemasonry, brotherhood and the role they can all play in supporting mental wellbeing. Honest, uplifting and at times deeply moving, this episode is a reminder that no one has to face life's struggles alone.Whether you're a rider, a Freemason, someone who has experienced difficult times, or simply want to hear an inspiring conversation, this is an episode that will stay with you long after the ride is over.In this episode we discuss:The story behind Andy's Man ClubBreaking the stigma around men's mental healthThe importance of friendship and communityWhy "It's Okay To Talk" mattersBrotherhood on and off the roadHow small conversations can make a big differenceIf this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. One conversation really can change a life.Asphalt & Aprons – Real Roads. Real People. Real Conversations.
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Motorcycling the Picos de Europa: Routes, Planning & Lessons Learned | Ep. 12
3w ago00:23:27Tap to summarizeIn Episode 12, we're trying something a little different – it's our first ever video podcast!Join Trog and Donkey as they sit down with two experienced motorcyclists who have recently returned from an unforgettable adventure through the Picos de Europa in northern Spain.They share how they planned the trip, the roads that left the biggest impression, the highs and challenges of touring abroad, and plenty of practical tips for anyone thinking about taking their own motorcycle adventure across Europe.As always, the conversation takes a few unexpected turns, with stories, laughs, and a few nuggets of wisdom picked up along the way.Hopefully you're not just listening to this one – if all has gone to plan, you'll be able to watch our very first video episode too!
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NC500 vs the ABR Festival: Two Very Different Motorcycle Adventures | Ep. 11
Jul 500:39:28Tap to summarize🎙️ Episode 11 – Our Adventures, Our Stories 🏍️Two very different rides. One shared passion.In Episode 11, Trog and Donkey catch up after heading in completely different directions. Trog recounts an unforgettable tour of Scotland's legendary NC500 with Karen, continuing on to Orkney to visit family before travelling back down the stunning east coast. Expect stories of breathtaking scenery, unforgettable roads, wild camping, coffee stops, and everything that makes motorcycle touring so addictive.Meanwhile, Donkey shares his first-ever experience at the Adventure Bike Rider Festival at Ragley Hall. From test rides and the latest adventure bikes to camping, live entertainment, gear, gadgets, and meeting fellow riders from across the UK, he talks about why the festival exceeded all expectations.Join the lads as they compare two completely different motorcycle adventures, swap a few laughs, share the highs (and a few challenges), and discuss why it's not about where you ride—it's about the people you meet and the memories you make.Same podcast. Different rides. Same mission.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.#AsphaltAndAprons #Episode11 #AdventureBikeRider #ABRFestival #ABRFestival2026 #NC500 #NorthCoast500 #Scotland #ScottishTourism #VisitScotland #AdventureMotorcycling #MotorcycleTouring #AdventureBikes #TriumphTiger900 #BMWGS #CharleyBoorman #Cardo #CardoSystems #ZeroFit #WildCamping #RoadTrip #MotorcycleLife #BikerCommunity #RideMore #Podcast #MotorbikeAdventures #TrogAndDonkey #FreemasonsOnTheRoad
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The Journey So Far: Trog & Donkey Look Back | Ep. 10
Jun 2200:20:13Tap to summarizeWell, the boys made it to Episode 10 – and it's all thanks to our listeners, supporters, and fantastic guests who have joined us on the journey so far.In this milestone episode, Trog and Donkey take a look back at the first nine episodes of Asphalt & Aprons, sharing their thoughts on the conversations, the laughs, the lessons learned, and some of their favourite moments along the way.From Freemasonry and motorcycles to community, charity, friendship, and everything in between, the lads reflect on what's worked, what surprised them, and where they hope to take the podcast next.Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or you're just joining the ride, this is a chance to look back on the journey so far and get a glimpse of what's coming down the road.So grab a brew, pull up a chair, and join Trog and Donkey for Episode 10 of Asphalt & Aprons – a Masonic podcast for the road.
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Modern Freemasonry: Leadership, Tradition & Progress with Mark McCluskey | Ep. 9
Jun 700:36:12Tap to summarizeEpisode 9 of Asphalt & Aprons sees Trog & Donkey sit down with RWM Mark McCluskey of Lodge St Leonard Loanhead & Lasswade No. 580 for a fascinating conversation about leadership, tradition, and modern Freemasonry.Known across Midlothian and well respected throughout the west, Mark has earned a reputation as one of the most active and progressive Masters around. Passionate about promoting Freemasonry both inside and outside the lodge room, he shares his thoughts on bringing fresh ideas into the Craft while still maintaining the traditions and values that Freemasonry is built upon.The episode explores lodge culture, brotherhood, attracting new members, supporting existing brethren, and the importance of keeping Freemasonry visible and relevant in today’s world.This is an honest and engaging discussion about balancing tradition with progression, and the role a modern Master can play in shaping the future of his lodge and the wider Craft.
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Street Bob Brown: Motorcycles, Friendship & Biker Culture | Ep. 8
May 2400:48:36Tap to summarizeThis episode sees the lads sit down with well-known local biker Street Bob Brown for a relaxed and honest chat about motorcycle life, biker culture, friendships, and the sense of community that comes from life on two wheels.From stories on the road to the characters you meet along the way, Bob shares his passion for biking and why the lifestyle means so much to so many people. The conversation covers everything from camaraderie and loyalty within the biking scene to the freedom, escapism, and connections that motorcycles can bring.As always, Trog and Donkey keep things informal, humorous, and real, with another episode full of laughs, stories, and genuine conversation. Whether you’re a lifelong biker, new to the scene, or simply enjoy hearing authentic people share their experiences, this is an episode not to miss.So stick the kettle on, grab a brew, and join the lads for another ride through the worlds of bikes, brotherhood, and beyond on Asphalt & Aprons.
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Fighting for a Better Community with Pawel Zakrzewski | Ep. 7
May 1100:32:51Tap to summarizeAlright, alright—settle in, grab a brew… or don’t, we’re not your dad.Welcome back to the podcast—where the roads are long, the conversations are questionable, and somehow we still end up learning something.Today’s episode? Bit of a mad one, to be honest.We’ve got Pawel Zakrzewski in the hot seat—co-founder of the Edinburgh Combat Project, steward at Lodge Colinton and Currie No. 1092, and riding with the Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard Masonic crew. So yeah… not exactly a man who’s got “free time” pencilled into the diary.This is a guy who’s out here building fighters, building people, building a charity—and still somehow finding time to throw a leg over a motorbike and disappear down the road like he’s got nowhere to be… even though he’s got about twelve places to be.And the thing is—he’s not just busy for the sake of it. There’s purpose behind it. Proper drive. The kind that makes you feel like maybe you should’ve done more with your morning than scroll your phone for an hour.We get into all of it—the graft behind growing something that actually helps people, the brotherhood side of things, the bikes, the mindset… and how on earth he manages to stitch it all together without completely losing the plot.So yeah—if you’ve ever wondered how someone balances fighting, charity, personal growth, and a love of two wheels… stick around.This one’s a belter.Let’s get into it.
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Dougie Munro: Freemasonry, Friendship & Community – Part 2 | Ep. 6
Apr 2500:24:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode we continue our chat with Dougie Munro PM, a well known freemason in the Province of Midlothian and beyond.
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Inside Masonic Riding Associations: Who Can Join? | Ep. 5
Apr 1200:36:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode we dive into the the world of Masonic Riding Associations / Masonic Bikers Associations.Joining Trog and Donkey in this episode is the President of WSSG Jim "Strawbs" Wilson and the Vice President Jim "Subway" Gibson.We find out more about the connections between MRA's and Lodges, the general public and who can be a member
Transcribe →Dougie Munro: Freemasonry, Family & Life Beyond the Lodge | Ep. 4
Mar 2900:25:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode we chat with Dougie Munro PM about, life as a mason, its impact on him, his family and does he have an interest in motorbikes.
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