The Pillar Podcast

Join a light-hearted discussion about Olympic breakdancing, where the terminology gets a humorous twist. Discover why 'performativity' is preferred over 'performance' in judging, and how academic jargon could disconnect true enthusiasts from the art. Additionally, insights into Protestantism add depth to the conversation, blending personal anecdotes with cultural observations. Expect laughter and thoughtful reflections in this engaging exploration of contemporary topics!

JD and Ed tackle hot topics in Catholic news, discussing Cardinal O'Malley's resignation and Bishop Henning's unexpected appointment. They dive into financial controversies within the Church, emphasizing transparency and accountability. The hosts reflect on time and science, injecting humor into serious discussions, and introduce a children's podcast that brings the tale of St. George to life. Listeners are treated to critiques of Catholic media and the Pontifical Academy's direction, all while appreciating audience support.

This week, there’s a heartfelt announcement about a family emergency affecting one of the hosts. Listeners are encouraged to keep the host's family in their thoughts and prayers. It's a reminder of the importance of community support during challenging times.

Join Managing Editor Michelle La Rosa and Producer Kate Olivera as they chat with Cardinal Gerhard Müller about the intersection of sports and faith. They discuss the quirky world of Olympic sports, debating the charm of events like rhythmic gymnastics and the thrill of the Winter Olympics. The conversation shifts to the Vatican's financial tumult, revealing lighter moments around past mismanagement. They also dive into creative fundraising strategies and share their amusing takes on unconventional sports, adding levity to serious topics.

Michelle La Rosa, the Managing Editor of The Pillar, dives into impactful discussions on significant Catholic events, including the National Eucharistic Congress and World Youth Day in Denver. She also shares details about a transformative $150 million donation to Catholic schools in Indiana, focusing on educational strategies and teacher formation. The conversation lightens up with a fun game of trivia about famous Michelles, blending spiritual insights with humor, making for a lively and engaging dialogue.

Participants in a jingle contest for a sponsor showcase creativity and humor. Unique names and quirky band names are bantered about, including a song by a Vice Presidential Candidate. Contestants compete with funny interactions before a winner is announced.

Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Brendan Hodge, and Stephen White discuss the National Eucharistic Congress, liturgical experiences, and the impact of physical print media in church parishes. They also explore data analysis in understanding Catholic beliefs and engage in lighthearted games and banter.

The hosts discuss their experiences covering important topics, share the workload of writing and reporting, and highlight the benefits of being a paying subscriber for bonus episodes.

Topics in this podcast include alligator vs. python battles in the Everglades, allegations against Father Marco Rupnik, challenging hierarchical norms in response to abuse, the new Mariology concentration at Christendom College, and the significance of the upcoming Eucharistic Congress. Plus, humorous discussions on burmese pythons and an upcoming live show event in Indianapolis.

Join the live show next week in Indianapolis for a fun event with swag and jell-o shots. Get the latest updates on Church news from the Eucharistic Congress.