The Pillar Podcast

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 need...

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 tod...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Immigration 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 po...

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...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com JD 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 Podcast Having issues? Listen t...

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 sub...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com PETA 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 Podcast Having issues? Listen to these instruction...

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...

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 a...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Ed 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 pillarcatholi...

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...

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 spons...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Ed 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. *...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com JD 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....

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...

JD and Ed are joined by Rome Correspondent Edgar Beltrán to share what they have heard cardinals are looking for in the next pope. Then, they reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis. This episode is sponsored by the family of Dominic, a toddler with a rare genetic disease called pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN). Please pray for Dominic, through the intercession of Venerable Ro...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com JD and Ed talk about backlash against the decision to hold the first general congregation of the College of Cardinals so soon after the death of Pope Francis. They also talk about Francis’ last will and testament. Are you a paying subscriber? * Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone * Check the top right co...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. JD and Ed react to the news and give some initial reflections on the pope’s legacy. 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 pod...

JD and Ed will record several bonus episodes of The Pillar Podcast as they travel to Rome to cover the funeral of Pope Francis and a conclave. These bonus episodes are available only to our paid subscribers. If you are a paying subscriber and you want to access these bonus episodes, here is what you need to do. For Apple Podcasts— or any podcast app that is not Spotify * Open a browser on your pho...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Senior or freshman? Then, JD and Ed swap conspiracy theories - 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 Podcast Having issues? Check out thi...

JD wrestles with his approach to Triduum. Then, Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill sues Grindr. 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. Not a paying subscriber, but love The Pillar? You are...

Colorado’s bishops issue an open letter asking their governor to veto an a bill that would put taxpayer money toward elective abortions. JD asks if it is time for bishops to lose the script and start directly instructing and guiding Catholics. This episode is sponsored by St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry. Join St. Bernard’s this summer in auditing one course— entirely free — thanks to...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com JD’s son gets the Sunday scaries. Then, JD and Ed reflect on The Pillar’s new columns section. Join JD and Ed in Rome this December for The Pillar Pilgrimage! Learn more at Verso Ministries - Are you a paying subscriber? * Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone * Check the top right corner of the webpage to...

JD and Ed talk about the status of the case against Fr. Marko Rupnik. Then, Ed plays a round of ‘Which superannuated See am I?' This episode is sponsored by Christendom College Graduate School of Theology. This summer, Christendom is offering both in-person and online intensive courses to take your academic and spiritual life to the next level. Learn more at graduate.christendom.edu/summer/ This i...