The Pillar Podcast

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comOscar cams. Consider it, bishops!Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Email our producer Kate at [email protected]

JD and Ed look ahead to the elections at the U.S. bishops’ fall meeting in Baltimore next week.Join JD and Ed next week for two live tapings of The Pillar Podcast!* Wednesday, November 12 at 8pm at Todd Connor’s in Baltimore (700 S Broadway)* Saturday, November 15 at 10 pm at Legends at the University of Notre Dame (100 Legends)This episode is sponsored by Decided Excellence Catholic Media, helping Catholic parishes start their own parish magazines for the purposes of communication and evangelization.To learn more about bringing a magazine to your parish, visit decidedexcellence.com/parishTo learn more about starting your own Catholic magazine, visit decided excellence.com/join-our-team This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comJD and Ed talk costumes and more in this Halloween bonus episode. Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Email our producer Kate at [email protected]

JD and Ed wrestle with a question about Pope Leo XIV. Then, JD asks Ed for some advice.This episode is sponsored by SEEK 2026.Go To The Heights at SEEK 2026— January 1-5 in Columbus, OH • Fort Worth, TX • Denver, CO— where prayer, fellowship, and inspiration meet.Learn more at seek.focus.org-Photo: Pope Leo XIV © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comJD and Ed talk about the gambling and sports betting scandal roiling the NBA. Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Email our producer Kate at kolivera@pillarcathol…

JD and Ed take a deep dive inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s meeting this week with King Charles III.This episode is sponsored by Decided Excellence Catholic Media.Learn more about bringing a magazine to your parish by visiting decidedexcellence.com/parishOr, learn about publishing your own Catholic magazine by visiting decidedexcellence.com/join-our-team-Photo credit: King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, during an October 2019 visit to Rome for the canonization of John Henry Newman. © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD recaps his time at SeaWorld. He and Ed talk about a couple more Leonine appointments this week— Cardinal Blase Cupich to the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City and Fr. Josef Grünwidl as the new archbishop of Vienna.They talk about the APSA audit memo that informed Pope Francis’ 2022 order transferring the Vatican’s asset management from APSA to the Vatican City bank. They speculate why Pope Leo clawed back that 2022 order last week.Then, JD plays a round of equine ‘Greater or Lesser.’This episode is sponsored by the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, where the Sacred Science is pursued with uncompromising fidelity to the Magisterium of the Church.College seniors can apply for a full scholarship to earn your MA on campus.Learn more at graduate.christendom.edu This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comEd visits an allergist.Then, he shares his frustrations with the latest lawsuit related to the Vatican financial scandal.Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Email…

JD and Ed answer a canon law question from a Pillar reader.The Diocese of Lincoln has said a vibrating relic is “not of supernatural origin.” JD and Ed talk about the relic and the acts of faith it inspired in the local community.Then, JD and Ed talk about the latest from Pope Leo XIV— including repealing one of Pope Francis’ financial regulations, publishing his first apostolic exhortation, and his comments about the definition of ‘pro-life’ in response to ‘Durbingate.’This episode is sponsored by Decided Excellence Catholic Media.Learn more about bringing a magazine to your parish by visiting decidedexcellence.com/parishOr, learn about publishing your own Catholic magazine by visiting decidedexcellence.com/join-our-team This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed answer some questions about marriage from listeners.This episode is sponsored by The Catholic Family Emergency Binder from Wallet Win.This binder is designed to give Catholic families peace of mind, ensuring you and your loved ones are prepared for the unexpected—whether that’s an illness, injury, or even death.Use code PILLAR for 20% off at walletwin.com/binder This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comEd shares a story from his Sunday.Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Email our producer at [email protected]

JD is not boycotting homework. Then, Pope Leo makes some appointments. JD and Ed talk about what the appointments may tell us about Pope Leo and his engagement with the Church in the United States.This episode is sponsored by Decided Excellence Catholic Media, helping Catholic parishes start their own parish magazines for the purposes of communication and evangelization.Learn more about bringing a magazine to your parish by visiting decidedexcellence.com/parish/Or, to learn more about becoming a publisher of your own Catholic magazine, visit decidedexcellence.com/join-our-team/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed talk about recently published excerpts of Pope Leo XIV’s first interviews— including his reflections on the papacy, Vatican finances, and the clerical sexual abuse crisis.This episode is sponsored by FaithInvestors.com. Let the experienced investment advisors at FaithInvestors.com help you align your finances and your faith without sacrificing returns.Pillar listeners get a free, personalized consultation for a faith-guided financial plan, and a free portfolio review of your current investments.To learn more, visit FaithInvestors.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comJD has a story for Ed.Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Email our producer at [email protected]

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comThis is the west.Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Email our producer at [email protected]

This is a free bonus episode of The Pillar Podcast. Subscribe to The Pillar today to access every bonus episode of The Pillar Podcast. What does it mean to be a Christian in America right now?Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Email our producer at [email protected] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Ed talks about reactions to Pope Leo XIV’s suppression of two dioceses and creation of a new diocese in mainland China. Then, the Traditional Latin Mass will be celebrated next month on the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica. JD and Ed talk about what the move could signify for future application of Traditionis custodes. Ed plays a round of video game “Good, better, best."This episode is sponsored by Decided Excellence Catholic Media, helping Catholics and Catholic parishes start their own magazines to communicate and evangelize.Publish your own Catholic magazine today!To learn more, visit decidedexcellence.com/join-our-team/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Ed is joined this week by Pillar columnist Stephen White to look ahead to this weekend’s canonizations of Bls. Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis. They also talk about examples of integrated masculinity and the impact of wonder. This episode is sponsored by Pillar listener Heath."Lesly, happy anniversary (and birthday), from Heath." This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This episode may not be suitable for children.JD and Ed react to the news out of Minneapolis this week, reflect on the lasting effects on the community, and ask what comes next?Then— by popular demand— JD and Ed assess the upcoming nuptials of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.This episode is sponsored by Lovecrypt.net, an experimental electronic music label— consecrated to the Sacred Heart— with over 100 albums in its catalog.Visit Lovecrypt.net and use the code PILLAR to get 90% off any purchase.-Photo: Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Courtesy photo/Facebook.Outro music: "Once a Henchmouse” by Earthen Vessel This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comJD and Ed share the rest of their draft picks for the dicasteries for Integral Human Development; Christian Unity; and the Doctrine of the Faith. They also share their picks for Secretary of State, Sostituto, and nuncio to the United States.Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage…

JD and Ed speculate how the first American pope might mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.Then, they share their picks for vacancies (or soon-to-be vacancies) in the Dicasteries for Bishops; Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments; Causes of Saints; and the Laity, the Family and Life.This episode is sponsored by The Lamp, the only magazine for Catholics seeking intelligent, witty, and clear-eyed commentary on the world.Right now it’s 40% off for Pillar listeners! Use the code PILLAR40 at thelampmagazine.comLike The Pillar, The Lamp offers free subscriptions to seminarians and those living in vows of religious poverty. Write to [email protected] to redeem that offer. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comIt’s too hot in Rome.Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Email our producer at [email protected]

Ed is on vacation— so JD is joined this week by Pillar Rome correspondent Edgar Beltrán to talk about declining Catholic identity in the United States and an overlap of evangelization and Catholic cultural practices.Then, Edgar gives his take on Pope Leo’s first 100 days and details the curial appointments that may be on the horizon.This episode is sponsored by The BIG Catholic Planner and Calendar.You shouldn’t have to pick between getting things done and living a full Catholic life.The Big Catholic Planner and Calendar’s 3-phase planning funnel helps you identify responsibilities and get tasks done, all through the lens of the life of the Church.For a limited time, get 20% off your first copy of The Big Catholic Planner and Calendar with the code PILLAR at BigCatholicCalendar.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comAre there Mormon liturgical wars? Then, baseball.Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Email our producer at [email protected]

JD is in Salt Lake City, sparking a conversation with Ed about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Then, the bishops conferences of Africa released this week a draft document about polygamy. JD and Ed talk about that document, including its critique of the Petrine privilege.Ed plays a round of “How Many Wives?"This episode is sponsored by Margin Evolution, helping businesses control costs and set the right prices for products and services.We also work with non-profits and parishes.To learn more, visit margin-evolution.com/costs-Photo: Choir Mural at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City (NateBergin via Wikimedia) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

St. John Henry Newman will soon be declared a Doctor of the Church. JD and Ed talk about their own connections to the saint— and why everyone can love him.Then, Ed breaks down his article this week about Cardinal Pell’s flagging of APSA's ‘potentially illegal’ banking system.There is no bonus episode this week.This episode is brought to you by the Leonine Forum, cultivating Catholic professionals for virtuous leadership. To learn more, visit leonineforum.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comJD and Ed do not know what is happening at the seminary in Detroit.Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Listen to these instructions, or email our pr…

JD is in the Peruvian city of Chiclayo this week to learn all about Pope Leo XIV's time as bishop.This episode is brought to you by friends of Abbey and Charlie, Pillar readers in a good way!Congratulations on your wedding this weekend! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comEd makes a Pillar proposition. Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Listen to these instructions, or email our producer at [email protected]

How can we measure the success of the Eucharistic Revival? Then, JD and Ed talk about the case of Father Carlo Alberto Capella. JD asks if more accused priests should be assigned to life of prayer and penance? But Ed has another suggestion.JD tests Ed’s knowledge of cowboy phrases.This episode is brought to you by the Leonine Forum, cultivating Catholic professionals for virtuous leadership.Now with new chapters in Dallas and Denver!To learn more, visit leonineforum.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comA bit of hat chat. Then, what will become of Traditiones custodes?Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Listen to these instructions, or email our producer at koliv…

A French archbishop has appointed a priest convicted of rape as chancellor. JD and Ed talk about the archbishop’s response to criticism of the appointment, the nature of mercy, and the office of chancellor.This episode is brought to you by the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology.Rising college seniors can apply for a full scholarship to earn your MA on campus.Learn more at graduate.christendom.edu This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

There’s no Pillar Podcast this week. Check out the latest episode of The Pillar’s weekly readings podcast Sunday School here: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year CYou won’t regret it! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD wants to start a softball team at his parish. No video podcast this week! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are throwing a three-day wedding extravaganza this weekend— including a ceremony at a Venetian basilica. JD and Ed discuss the validity of the marriage.This episode is brought to you by the Saint Meinrad Graduate Theology Program.With flexible course offerings, the Graduate Theology Program equips lay students from across the country to evangelize and serve the needs of the Church.To learn more, visit saintmeinrad.edu and click on “Graduate Theology." This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Ed is joined this week by Pillar columnist Stephen White to talk about U.S. bishops’ efforts to regulate liturgy in their dioceses, and the viability of territorial parishes. Then, they talk about the shifting demographics of the U.S. Church. This episode is brought to you by the MBA program at the University of Mary.Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.Learn more today at pillar.umary.edu-Show notes: First Things: Putting an End to the Liturgy WarsColumn: What the bishop never sees This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comImmigration protests are catching steam across the United States. Ed wonders why Cardinal Robert McElroy has not weighed in?Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Li…

Ed explains the significance of this week’s appointment of a new auxiliary bishop to an archdiocese in mainland China. JD responds to some feedback to last week’s episode by victim-survivors of clerical sex abuse. Then, JD and Ed talk about protests along the route of the National Eucharistic Congress’ walking pilgrimage.This episode is brought to you by St. Vincent Fellows, a faith formation and employment program for young adults.To learn more, visit saintvincentfellows.org This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comJD and Ed talk about the value of liturgical diversity— and summer!Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Listen to these instructions, or email our producer at koli…

A custody battle. Then, the bishops of Washington are suing the state over a new reporting law that requires clerics to violate the seal of confession. JD and Ed talk about what the seal of confession, and why Washington bishops are taking legal action to protect it.Ed plays a round of Washington state trivia.This episode is sponsored by the MBA program at the University of Mary. Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship!Apply today at pillar.umary.edu This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comPETA wants Pope Leo XIV to condemn bullfighting. Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Listen to these instructions, or email our producer at kolivera@pillarcatholi…

JD and Ed detail the complicated situation unfolding in the Diocese of Charlotte. They talk about the relationship between law and liturgy. Then, JD brings back the popular game “Bishop or No Bishop?”This episode is sponsored by Saint Vincent Fellows, a faith formation and employment program for young adults aged 18 to 26.To learn more, visit saintvincentfellows.org This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Ed is joined by Rome correspondent Edgar Beltran to talk about the first weeks of the Leonine pontificate. They talk about anticipated curial appointments and what those appointments could tell us about Pope Leo.Then, Edgar details his analysis on the Vatican’s diplomatic priorities in Latin America.This episode is sponsored by the MBA program at the University of Mary.Gain the confidence of an executive, the insight of a specialist, and the integrity to be a champion for the common good.Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.Apply today at pillar.umary.edu This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comEd is an anxious traveler. But there are three places he would like to go in his lifetime.Will Pope Leo XIV wear a papal crown at his inauguration this Sunday?-Join JD and Ed in Rome this December for The Pillar Pilgrimage! Sign up here: The Pillar Pilgrimage-Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right co…

Pope Leo XIV is being widely celebrated in the Church. JD asks if this is still the honeymoon phase, or the new normal?Then, the Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad denies giving an interview in Arabic about a conclave mishap.This episode is sponsored by St. Vincent Fellows, a faith formation and employment program for young adults aged 18 to 26.Join them for a 2-4 year fellowship in ministry to the poor and homeless in the United States.Learn more by visiting stvincentfellows.org This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

The Pillar team goes live shortly after the announcement of Pope Leo XIV. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

The Pillar team will go live on Substack soon after the papal election. Don’t miss it! JD and Ed talk about the Mass for the Election of a Pontiff, which took place right before the conclave. They talk about the shifting papacy and what they think could characterize the next conclave.Then, they both give their head check, heart check and gut check on who will emerge as pope.This episode is sponsored by the MBA program at the University of Mary.Gain the confidence of an executive, the insight of a specialist, and the integrity to be a champion for the common good.Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.Apply today at pillar.umary.edu This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comEd is joined by The Pillar’s Rome Correspondent Edgar Beltrán to give the lay of the land, with 24 hours until the start of the conclave.Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHavi…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comJD is joined by The Pillar’s Senior Correspondent Luke Coppen to talk about Luke’s experience covering the past two conclaves as a journalist, and the fluctuating situation before the conclave begins on Wednesday.Then, they share their personal cardinal picks.Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right co…

Ed fills JD in on the leading candidates ahead of next week’s conclave— including Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Then, they discuss questions surrounding the candidacy of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost.This episode is sponsored by the Friends of Fr. Eric Seitz, a private association of the Christian faithful dedicated to establishing and maintaining friendship with the Vice Chancellor, Secretary to the Bishop and Master of Ceremonies, and CUA Canon Law Student for the Diocese of Fargo, ND. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe