PODCAST · religion
The Pillar Podcast
by The Pillar Podcast
Great Catholic Conversation, each week. www.pillarcatholic.com
Episodes
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On bridges, with Fr. James Martin
JD is joined by Father James Martin to talk about his work with Catholics who identify as gay, his new memoir, and more. Then, Fr. Martin plays a round of bridges ‘Yes or No?’ This conversation was recorded July 8, 2026. This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by The Pillar’s paying...
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Bonus: Choices
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Many choices are being made. 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…
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Ep. 281: A man without a country, and a conversation without winners and losers
Ed’s choice of news this week! He and JD talk about a curial snub and Pope Leo XIV’s meeting to mark the 10th anniversary of Amoris laetitia. Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Credit: Claude Truong-Ngoc/wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0 This episode is brought to you by Annunicate – helping ministries, publishers,...
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Bonus: Snakebit
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com They got the hats, at least! 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…
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Ep. 280: Backrooms, robots, and the nothingburger?
JD and Ed talk about the final report issued by the Vatican’s synod on synodality’s commission charged with suggesting changes to the Code of Canon Law, and why they think Pope Leo XIV needs to respond. Then, they look ahead to Leo’s planned meeting on Amoris laetitia with the heads of...
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Visiting the imprisoned, with Bishop Wack
JD Flynn is joined by Bishop William Wack, CSC, of Pensacola–Tallahassee to talk about his experience serving in prison ministry and common catalysts for conversion for the incarcerated. Then, Bishop Wack weighs JD and Ed’s idea for a personal ordinariate for prison ministry. This episode is...
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Ep. 279: LIVE from St. Louis!
JD and Ed are St. Louis this week for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. A very special thank you to our guest producer Kyle Heimann. This episode of the Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the Catholic Education Fund, an initiative of Aequitas Education in partnership with ACE...
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Bonus: The bear in the room
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com What would you do? 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...
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Ep. 278: The Steubenville question
JD and Ed speculate what could be on the horizon for the Diocese of Steubenville. This episode of the Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the Pillar’s exclusive breviary partner, Ascension Press, publisher of the new translation of the Liturgy of the Hours. With exceptional readability and...
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The Big Bang and our beautiful (foamy?) universe, with Aaron Dominguez
Ed is joined by Aaron Dominguez, Ph.D., a particle physicist and former provost at The Catholic University of America. Aaron talks about his time at the CERN laboratory and fields Ed’s questions about the relationship between faith and science, dark matter, and extraterrestrial life. This...
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Ep. 277: The waiting game
Summer’s over in Rome! Ed is joined by Pillar Rome correspondent Edgar Beltrán to talk about the papal appointments that may be in the pipeline. This episode is brought to you by the University of Mary and its accredited online MBA, a Newman Guide–recommended program that forms business leaders…
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Bonus: Whiplash
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Ed recaps the FBI memo about “radical traditionalist Catholics.” 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...
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Ep. 276: Pope Leo’s picks
JD and Ed get sucked into some Little League chat. Then, Pope Leo XIV is widely expected to name some new cardinals in the coming weeks. JD and Ed debate Pope Leo’s most likely and least likely picks. Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel. Credit: Vatican Media. This episode is brought to you by the...
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The German Church and the AfD, with Sebastian Ostritsch
Luke is joined by Dr. Sebastian Ostritsch to talk about the development of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, its formal condemnation in 2024 by the German bishops’ conference, and expectations ahead of elections in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt. German bishops pictured during their…
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Bonus: Cooperstown
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Ed is so happy! 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’...
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Ep. 275: Rupnik, the Russians, and a rejected plea deal
Chaldean Bishop Emanuel Shaleta rejects a plea deal. Pope Leo asks the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes to cover its Rupnik mosaics. Then, Ed unpacks Russia’s misinformation campaign this week against the Holy See. JD plays a round of Russia ‘Greater or Lesser?’ Photo- Bishop Emanuel Shaleta....
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Bonus: A comeback and a dream escape
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Some good news for Pillar reader (in a good way) Trevor Williams. 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...
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Ep. 274: Middle-aged Men Yell at the Cloud
JD asks what the evolution of artificial intelligence demands of canon law? This episode is brought to you by the University of Mary, one of the nation’s most affordable and serious Catholic universities, offering flexible online graduate programs built for working adults. Learn more at...
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The consequences of Christianity, with Lord Frost
Ed is joined by Lord David Frost, CMG, to talk about his decision to become Catholic and his role as an non-affiliated member of the House of Lords. This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by FUSIONISM, a new book by Catholic journalist and Pillar reader (in a good way) Stephanie...
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Bonus: Catholic suburban dad chat
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Sometimes a whale is just a whale. 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. *…
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Ep. 273: Two very troubling stories
This week, Australian Bishop Christopher Saunders was convicted of sexual abuse and English Bishop David Oakley had a preliminary hearing in his trial related to sexual abuse. JD and Ed talk about the cases and why Pope Leo hasn’t removed Oakley from his position. This episode is brought to you…
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Ep. 272: Vatican gold, Chinese bishops, and a case to watch in Burlington
JD and Ed talk about two big pieces of news from while Ed was on vacation. JD talks about the bankruptcy case in the Diocese of Burlington, Vermont, that has caught his attention. Then, Ed plays a round of papal travel trivia. This episode is brought to you by Christendom College Graduate School…
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Bonus: Let’s catch up.
We all missed Ed. Bonus episodes of The Pillar Podcast are typically available only to paying Pillar subscribers. Subscribe today so you never miss one. Already a paying subscriber? * Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone * Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are…
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Stoking the flames of revival, with Bishop Cozzens
JD is joined by Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, MN., to talk about the planning and impact of the National Eucharistic Congress two years later. This episode is brought to you by St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry, hosting a conference this October on the life and thought of...
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No episode this week
We will be back next week with our regular Friday episode and more. 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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Ep. 271: Rupnik rumors
JD is joined by The Pillar’s Rome correspondent Edgar Beltrán to talk about rumors in Rome this week related to the canonical trial of disgraced former Jesuit Fr. Marko Rupnik. This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by The Lamp, the only magazine for Catholics seeking intelligent,...
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Bonus: Hills and dales
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com JD and Ed talk about camping and cowboys. 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...
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Ep. 270: Good enough isn't good enough
JD and Ed talk about a new report that calls for better psychological care in seminaries. This episode is brought to you by V8 for Vocations, hosted by the Diocese of Gallup. V8s for Vocations is back and celebrating the Centennial of Route 66 with another raffle, this time giving away a 1962...
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Bonus: A Japanese cultural experience
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Wake up, 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’…
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Ep. 269: Pope Leo's vacation
JD and Ed talk about the impact of Pope Leo XIV’s return to a traditional papal summer vacation in Castel Gandolfo, and what could be on his desk when he gets back to work. This episode is brought to you by V8 for Vocations, hosted by the Diocese of Gallup. V8s for Vocations is back and…
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Bonus: The pool fight
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com And on America’s birthday, no less. 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. *...
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Ep. 268: The SSPX and what comes next
JD and Ed unpack the Society of St. Pius X’s illicit episcopal ordinations this week, and the Vatican’s response. A screenshot from the July 1 illicit consecration of SSPX bishops. Credit: SSPX News, Youtube. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get...
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Bonus: Coach Rubio
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com JD and Edgar talk World Cup. 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…
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Ep. 267: Consistory concerns, and pray for Venezuela
JD Flynn is joined by Pillar Rome correspondent Edgar Beltrán to talk about the aftermath of two devastating earthquakes in Edgar’s home country, Venezuela. Then, Edgar outlines feedback from several cardinals ahead of the consistory that began today, June 26, in Rome. To make a donation to…
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Bonus: The only standing patriot
Ed gives an explanation. 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? Email our producer Kate at...
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Ep. 266: Dismas and choosing baptism
Could a new nuncio to the United States usher in a new application of Vos estis lux mundi in the nation? Then, comments by Catholic Vice President JD Vance spark a conversation about infant baptism. JD plays a round of World Cup trivia. This episode is brought to you by the Benedict XVI…
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Bonus: Chocolate Chat
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Good for Brad. 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’...
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Ep. 265: Pope on a plane and the Dallas Charter
JD and Ed talk about why Pope Leo XIV did not have an in-flight press conference on his flight home to Rome from Spain. Then, they recap the U.S. bishops’ June plenary assembly in Orlando. This episode is brought to you by the Benedict XVI Institute’s Reverent Liturgy Project, offering the...
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Bonus: The dicastery in need of an exorcism
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com JD and Ed talk about this week’s appointment to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication. Are you a paying subscriber? * Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone * Check the top right corner of the webpage…
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Ep. 264: 'Does it count?' and the rise of the celebrity exorcist
A wedding sparks a conversation about anticipated Mass. Then, JD and Ed talk about what it actually means to be an exorcist and why a revised Dallas Charter seems to fall short of expectations. This episode is brought to you by the Benedict XVI Institute’s Reverent Liturgy Project. Offering the...
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Bonus: Trouble in Sausalito
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com JD details some news unfolding in California that has his attention. Are you a paying subscriber? * Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone * Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are…
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Ep. 263: ‘Magnifica humanitas’
Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical this week. JD and Ed give an overview of the document and debate its effectiveness and intended audience. This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Holy Family Direct Primary Care in Wenona, Illinois. Now hiring medical professionals who want...
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Bonus: The Coconut War and playing ball
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Those sneaky libertarians. 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…
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Ep. 262: Recollect! Allocate! Celebrate!
The Vatican’s synod department sets this week some deadlines ahead of a 2028 ecclesial assembly in Rome. Then, JD and Ed talk about a shift in how the SSPX is presenting its planned illicit episcopal consecrations in July. This episode is brought to you by the Catholic Education Fund, an…
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Bonus: Brumation and Bohemia
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Ed rejects a beloved Nebraska tradition. Let cardinals eat cake 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…
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Ep. 261: The dead document and the changed man
JD and Ed talk about reactions to a synod study group’s final report on ‘emerging issues’ and the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s warning this week to the Society of St. Pius X. This episode is brought to you by The Secret of the Goldfish, a warm, faith-filled middle-grade mystery for...
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Bonus: Open waters
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com This is democracy Ed can believe 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. *...
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Ep. 260: One year of Leo, and the new sheriff in town
JD and Ed reflect on the one year anniversary of Pope Leo’s election to the papacy. Then, they talk about a Vatican-ordered Vos estis investigation in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. This episode is brought to you by the 2026 Amazing Parish Leadership Summit. This August, leaders like you from across...
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Ep. 259: All hands on deck?
The Archdiocese of New York offers an $800 million settlement to victim-survivors of clerical sexual abuse. JD plays a round of occupational ‘Good, Better, Best’ in honor of the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. There is no bonus episode this week. This episode is sponsored by Five Stones, offering...
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Bonus: Crazy or prophet?
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com Ed explains why the Benevacantism conspiracy theory is back in the news this week. - Are you a paying subscriber? * Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone * Check the top right corner of the webpage to...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Great Catholic Conversation, each week.
www.pillarcatholic.com
HOSTED BY
The Pillar Podcast
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How many episodes does The Pillar Podcast have?
The Pillar Podcast currently has 446 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
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Great Catholic Conversation, each week. www.pillarcatholic.com
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The Pillar Podcast publishes regularly with 446 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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