The Pillar Podcast

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comJD and Ed debate the effectiveness and merit of Pope Francis’ letter this week to the American episcopate about the Trump administration’s immigration policy.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 T…

JD and Ed give their takes on why some priests are disinterested in becoming bishops. Then, something strange is happening with the Dean of the College of Cardinals.This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Source and Summit, the next generation of liturgy and music publishing. Elevate the liturgies of Easter and Holy Week at your parish this year.Get a demo— or sign up for a free 30-day trial— by visiting sourceandsummit.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 and Ed play a round of ‘Bishop Karaoke.'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? Check out this general step-by-step guide from Substack, or email our producer Kate…

JD and Ed talk about the situation of the retired cardinal archbishop of Lima— and discuss how they might approach the situation if they were bishops.This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the University of Mary. Become a True Leader with an MBA from the University of Mary. Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.Learn more 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.comJD has a bone to pick. Then, Ed details the complicated story that hijacked his Friday night.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? Check out this general step-by-st…

As the Filipino bishops’ conference prepares to vote on instituting the permanent diaconate, JD and Ed talk about what the deaconate is and why we have deacons.Ed plays a round of ‘Name that deacon!’This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the University of Mary. Become a True Leader with an MBA from the University of Mary. Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.Learn more 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.comWhat did you think about Ed’s tips for dating? 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? Check out this general step-by-step guide from Substack, or email our producer …

JD and Ed talk about the situation of the Institute of the Incarnate Word and how the Institute may have shaped Pope Francis’ perspective on new religious movements.This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the University of Mary. Become a True Leader with an MBA from the University of Mary. Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.Learn more 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.comJD shares some Flynn family lore.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? Check out this general step-by-step guide from Substack, or email our producer Kate Olivera a…

JD asks a favor. He and Ed talk about Cardinal Robert McElroy’s appointment this week to the Archdiocese of Washington.Then, they rank state flags. Wikimedia Map of the State FlagsThis episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the University of Mary. Become a True Leader with an MBA from the University of Mary. Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.Learn more 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

JD and Ed are live from the Leonine Forum’s annual conference in Orlando to talk about the role of institutions in our lives.Then, the Leonine Forum’s Director of Operations Emma Boyle plays a round of Pittsburgh ‘Greater or Lesser’ and 'True or False.'This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the University of Mary. Become a True Leader with an MBA from the University of Mary. Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.Learn more 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

JD and Ed share the persons or stories they think will dominate the 2025 news cycle.JD’s picks* Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk* Diocesan bankruptcy* American cardinalatial seesEd’s picks* The Church in Syria* Cardinal Domenico Battaglia* EuthanasiaThis episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Norman’s Nursery in Southern California.Norman’s Nursery is California’s premier grower of trees and shrubs, serving homeowners, landscapers, and developers.Call (805) 398-0011 to plan your dream landscape today, or visit NormansNursery.comTell them JD and Ed sent you for 30% off! 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 and JD map out their dream orchards.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? Check out this general step-by-step guide from Substack, or email our producer Kate Oli…

JD and Ed talk about effective parish evangelization. Then, Nancy Pelosi made a recourse to the Apostolic See and JD and Ed have a few questions.This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Norman’s Nursery in Southern California.Norman’s Nursery is California’s premier grower of trees and shrubs, serving homeowners, landscapers, and developers.Call (805) 398-0011 to plan your dream landscape today, or visit NormansNursery.comTell them JD and Ed sent you for 30% off! 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 has questions. Then, JD and Ed talk about the Archdiocese of St. Louis’ confusing approach to a day of precept.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? Check out th…

JD and Ed talk about a new policy in the Diocese of Salt Lake City regulating sacraments of initiation for children baptized at or after the age of 7. Ed explains to JD the situation of the Australian Catholic University.JD plays a round of “People I should trust” Greater or Lesser.This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Norman’s Nursery in Southern California.Norman’s Nursery is California’s premier grower of trees and shrubs, serving homeowners, landscapers, and developers.Call (805) 398-0011 to plan your dream landscape today, or visit NormansNursery.comTell them JD and Ed sent you for 30% off! 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.comPillar reader Mel Gibson has made a boatload of films. JD and Ed each rank the best five and worst five of those films.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? Check o…

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Pillar reader (in a good way) Fr. Dennis Conway.-Ed expands on his suggestion the Apostolic See hire a chief financial officer. He and JD debate the tenability of a papal tax on U.S. Catholics.Then, JD talks about a big change at the USCCB. This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the Secular Institute of the Priests of the Heart of Jesus.We are diocesan priests seeking to support one another in ministry through the profession of the evangelical counsels and ongoing priestly fraternity.Learn more at www.uspcj.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.comSomeone please invite us to polo.

JD and Ed debate the merits of revised papal funeral rites. They also react to sweeping changes to the Vatican’s pension fund.This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the Secular Institute of the Priests of the Heart of Jesus. We are diocesan priests seeking to support one another in ministry through the profession of the evangelical counsels and ongoing priestly fraternity. Learn more at www.uspcj.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 and JD host a fight song contest for the sponsor of this week’s episode of The Pillar Podcast, the University of Mary.The University of Mary’s online MBA program is now offering a scholarship for Pillar readers. Learn more 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

JD and Ed break down the U.S. bishops’ fall plenary assembly in this live taping of The Pillar Podcast— including Ed’s interview with Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the bishops’ interest in artificial intelligence, and Bishop Daniel Flores’ speech about synodality. Then, the audience joins in for a few rounds of ‘CLP or GPT’, ‘Episcopal motto— True or False?’ and Washington, D.C. ‘Yes or No?’This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the University of Mary’s online MBA program and its new scholarship for Pillar readers.Learn more 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 hijacks JD’s midlife crisis plan. Please come to our live show at the Royal Sands Social Club in Washington D.C. on Thursday, November 14th. We’ll start at 7 and go late. See you there! 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 accoun…

JD and Ed talk about the impact of election on the U.S. bishops’ Eucharistic coherence debate. Then, they look ahead to the bishops' fall plenary assembly in Baltimore next week— including an update on the new translation of the New Testament.Don’t miss our next live taping of The Pillar Podcast! Join JD and Ed at the Royal Sands Social Club in Washington D.C. on Thursday, November 14th. We’ll start at 7 and go late. -This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the editors of "Gender Ideology and Pastoral Practice: A Handbook for Catholic Clergy, Counselors, and Ministerial Leaders," available now for $29.95 from EnRoute Books and Media or Amazon. 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 their anxiety over Election Day next week— and debate how the election may bleed into the U.S. bishops’ assembly in Baltimore. 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 Pill…

JD unpacks the cultural myth of poisoned candy. JD and Ed debate if the new archbishop of Boston will get a red hat. Ed details a development in the Vatican financial trial and what it means for Pillar reader Cardinal Angelo Becciu. Ed plays a round of “Diocese and Diocese” Don’t miss our next live taping of The Pillar Podcast! Join JD and Ed at the Royal Sands Social Club in Washington D.C. on Thursday, November 14th. We’ll start at 7 pm and go late. -This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the Evangelical Catholic, equipping ordinary Catholics to become disciple-makers in their communities. Learn more at evangelicalcatholic.org/thepillar - 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’s in Rome, waiting on the final document from the synod on synodality. He and JD talk about a rumored female appointment to a position of leadership in the Roman Curia. Then, they talk about the new papal encyclical Dilexit nos.Ed plays a round of “Longer or shorter than the synod on synodality?” Mark your calendars! The next live recording of The Pillar Podcast will be in Washington D.C. on November 14. We’ll have more details for you soon.This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by an anonymous group of listeners. Glory to Jesus Christ! 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 joins JD in Rome to talk about the draft of the synod’s final document and some lingering questions synod participants may have after the close of the synod. This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, which is launching a new Institute for Liturgical Studies.Learn more at Christendom.edu/liturgy 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 disagree. 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? Check out this general step-by-step guide from Substack, or email our producer Kate Olivera at kolivera…

JD and Ed detail the biggest ecclesiastical governance story of the year— the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith blocks the Vatican Secretariat of State’s “extraordinary procedure” to reinstate a laicized priest, who was convicted of child sexual abuse. Ed plays a round of para ‘Yes or No.’ This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Seton Home Study School. If you are a priest and you don’t have a Catholic school attached to your parish, consider Seton your Catholic school. Seton offers a way for your parishioners to access thoroughly Catholic education anywhere, at a fraction of the cost of many Catholic schools. Learn more at setonhome.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 shares his birthday plans. 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? Check out this general step-by-step guide from Substack, or email our producer Kate Olivera a…

JD and Ed talk about the final session of the synod on synodality, which kicked off in Rome this month. Ed plays a round of North Carolina ‘Yes or No.'This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Assumption Catholic School in Bellingham, WA. Assumption is looking for a new principal to take their preK – 8 parish school from great to exceptional. Visit assumption.school to learn more or apply. 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 did record a podcast today, on Friday. But I’m not able to edit it until Monday because I’m on vacation. I’m sorry for the delay! 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.comHow many tents is too many tents? 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? Check out this general step-by-step guide from Substack, or email our producer Kate Olive…

JD and Ed explore possible explanations for a new controversial homeschooling policy in the Diocese of San Diego.This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by Seton Home Study School. Seton is dedicated to supporting parents who make the sacrifices to homeschool. Learn more at setonhome.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 bonus episode of The Pillar Podcast. To get these bonus episodes each week, subscribe to The Pillar today. JD talks about the powerful public expression of faith he experienced in Quito. Ed gives the rundown on his weekend visit to the county fair. Are you already a paying subscriber? These bonus episodes are for you! * 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? Check out this general step-by-step guide from Substack, or email our producer Kate Olivera 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

JD and Ed recap comments by Pope Francis over the past week about other religions and the Vatican-China deal. This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by Seton Home Study School. Seton's curriculum is heavily immersed in not just Catholic doctrine, but in Catholic history, Catholic art, and Catholic culture. The result? Students with deep rational and emotional connections to the Church. Learn more at setonhome.orgShow notes: 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 looks for fun in Quito. Ed shares his weekend plans.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? Check out this general step-by-step guide from Substack, or email ou…

JD gives his assessment thus far of the International Eucharistic Congress in Ecuador.This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Camp, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma. This Catholic camp is hiring 16-25 year olds for summer staff positions. For more information, visit Campguadalupe.org/summerteam 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 sad his softball season is over.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? Check out this general step-by-step guide from Substack, or emai…

JD and Ed discuss the breaking news about an alleged foiled assassination attempt on Pope Francis in Indonesia. Ed asks JD about his upcoming trip to the International Eucharistic Congress in Ecuador. Then, Ed details fallout over a new law in Ukraine that bans the Russian Orthodox Church from operating in the country. Was Pope John Paul I murdered?This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by Lesly who would like to wish Heath a happy anniversary! 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 British pop bands, and JD tries to explain praise and worship.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? Check out this general step-by-step guide

Do we think Pope Francis ever takes a day off? JD details heightening conflict in the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq. JD and Ed share their top picks for a rumored consistory. Then, Ed plays a round of Weird English Food ‘Yes or No.’This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by Seton Home Study School. Seton Home Study School has a great collection of courses— including one about the Early Church and the Church Fathers. This particular course was designed for the high school level, but it’s great for adults too. Tests are optional, you can take the course at your own pace. It’s only $125, including supplies.Learn more at setonhome.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 their Friday plans and JD shares a story from his week.-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? Check out this general step-by-step guide from…

JD briefs Ed on a potential story that caught his eye. Then, JD and Ed debate the application of moral personality. Are you going to the International Eucharistic Congress in Ecuador next month? Let us know in the comments! This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by “Firebreaker," an exciting new audio drama from Coronation Media. Bring the legendary story of St. George to life for your family! Learn more at firebreakerseries.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 shares about his vacation and gives Ed some insights into Protestantism. 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 TL;DRHaving issues? Check out this general step-by-step guide from Su…

JD and Ed are back this week to talk about the latest Catholic news— 'Around The Horn’ style! This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by “Firebreaker," an exciting new audio drama from Coronation Media. Bring the legendary story of St. George to life for your family! Learn more at firebreakerseries.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

There is no episode of The Pillar Podcast this week, because JD had a family emergency. Please keep his family in your prayers. 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 Managing Editor Michelle La Rosa and Producer Kate Olivera to talk about Cardinal Gerhard Müller, and the Olympics. This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by the Ancient Language Institute, teaching with a living language approach, helping future teachers learn the languages and the methods so they can bring the approach to their classrooms, and developing the curricular tools to further the mission. Registration for the Fall term closes August 10.To learn more, visit ancientlanguage.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

JD is joined by The Pillar’s Managing Editor Michelle La Rosa to reflect on the National Eucharistic Congress and the impact of World Youth Day in Denver. Michelle talks about a recent, conditional donation to Catholic schools in the Diocese of Gary, Indiana. Michelle plays a round of “Which Michelle?"-This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by Seton Home Study School.To find out if Seton is right for your family, visit setonhome.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