
The Pillar Podcast
Great Catholic Conversation, each week. www.pillarcatholic.com
Latest episodes

Mar 9, 2025 • 2min
Bonus: The stuff of nightmares and Lists, Pt. 2
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comEd’s stressed, Pope Francis is still in the hospital, and kids’ movies from the 80s still haunt JD and 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? Check out this gener…

Mar 8, 2025 • 52min
Ep. 202: The next Benevacantism
JD and Ed dive into the complexities of the College of Cardinals, especially regarding how many electors can participate in a conclave. They reflect on Pope Francis's health and its emotional impact on the Church community. Discussions also touch on papal resignations and the controversial idea of Benevacantism. The importance of transparency in Church affairs is explored, alongside the potential challenges of having too many cardinal electors. Finally, they detail the election process for a new pope and the crucial rights of cardinal electors.

Mar 2, 2025 • 2min
Bonus: Bad breakfast
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comEd gives JD the rundown on the National Catholic Breakfast.Then, JD plays a game about bad breakfast foods around the world.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? Ch…

Mar 1, 2025 • 1h 21min
Ep. 201: The Church's list problem
JD and Ed continue to pray for Pope Francis. The federal government terminates its refugee resettlement contract with U.S. bishops.Then, the Dicastery for Legislative Texts issues a guidance on publishing lists of “credibly accused” clergy.This episode is sponsored by the Augustine Institute. Offering master’s degrees in Theology, Pastoral Theology, and Catholic Education, the Augustine Institute prepares students to serve Christ and His Church in schools, parishes, dioceses, and beyond.To learn more, visit augustine.edu.And if you’re interested in The Pillar Pilgrimage to Rome, check it out here! 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

Feb 23, 2025 • 2min
Bonus: "I'm a perfectly normal guy..."
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comJD and Ed want to see some Roman soccer. But can Ed hang?-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…

Feb 23, 2025 • 1h 8min
Ep. 200: It's a good old Vatican finance deep dive!
Dive into the world of Vatican finances with a twist! The team navigates legal battles involving Raffaele Mincioni, revealing intriguing court rulings and allegations of embezzlement. They also tackle the moral implications of funding freezes on refugee aid. A playful discussion on historical names lightens the mood, while serious concerns about the Pope's health spark predictions. With a blend of humor and depth, this conversation uncovers the complexities of church finance and the pressing issues of today.

Feb 17, 2025 • 2min
Bonus: The death of kindness?!
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comWhat’s best practice for valentines exchanges?-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 …

Feb 17, 2025 • 59min
Ep. 199: Praying for Francis and trouble in Newark
Join JD and Ed in praying for Pope Francis.Then, JD and Ed talk about the latest trouble in the Archdiocese of Newark, where recently leaked documents have thrown into question the suitability of the president of Seton Hall University.This episode is sponsored by the Augustine Institute. Offering master’s degrees in Theology, Pastoral Theology, and Catholic Education, the Augustine Institute prepares students to serve Christ and His Church in schools, parishes, dioceses, and beyond.To learn more, visit augustine.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

Feb 13, 2025 • 2min
Bonus: Pope Francis joins U.S. immigration debate
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…

Feb 8, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep. 198: Do our clergy lack healthy ambition?
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
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