The Pillar Podcast

The hosts tackle urgent news, including a foiled assassination plot against Pope Francis in Indonesia, revealing security challenges. They share insights about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, focusing on a new law banning the Russian Orthodox Church. Humorous anecdotes blend with serious themes, like the complexities of moral authority and the historical context of assassinated popes. They also discuss the upcoming International Eucharistic Congress in Ecuador, infused with light-hearted banter about travel woes and cultural quirks.

Dive into a lively discussion about British pop bands and their lasting impact on music. JD shares insights on the nuances of praise and worship, offering a fresh perspective on spiritual expression. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as they reassess the often-maligned British cuisine, revealing its rich history and the delightful dishes that emerged from challenging times. This blend of music, faith, and food makes for an entertaining and thought-provoking listen!

The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted look at clergy work-life balance, pondering if the Pope ever takes a day off. It navigates the tangled politics of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq, highlighting leadership struggles and calls for unity among bishops. The hosts showcase humorous takes on bizarre English foods, weighing in on delights like jellied eels versus the less appetizing. They also dive into the eccentricities of historical recipes, including the perils of poisonous pears and the quirks of Georgian dining.

Join an engaging discussion about community bonds that thrive over shared experiences. Tales from a recent gala for a special education nonprofit bring humor and heartfelt moments. JD shares a lively story from his week, adding a personal touch to the conversation. There's a focus on the importance of supporting one another, making it a delightful journey through laughter and connection.

Ed, a participant in a debate about moral personality, engages in a lively discussion with JD about the complexities of moral and legal identities within the Catholic Church. They dive into the evolving language, particularly around gender-neutral terms and liturgical texts. The conversation also touches on team dynamics, storytelling's role in character formation, and the upcoming International Eucharistic Congress in Ecuador, blending humor and thoughtful insights throughout.

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.