The Pillar Podcast

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Ep. 215: BEEF and Washington’s anti-clerical law Jun 07, 2025

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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 subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship!

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Bonus: PETA and the pontiff May 30, 2025

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

PETA wants Pope Leo XIV to condemn bullfighting.

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Ep. 214: Charlotte’s web May 30, 2025

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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 you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Ep. 213: “Our guy,” and the impossible job May 23, 2025

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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 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.

Apply today at pillar.umary.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

Bonus: Dream travel, cricket and papal tiaras May 16, 2025

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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

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Ep. 212: The Leonine honeymoon? And one hell of a tale May 16, 2025

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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 poor and homeless in the United States.

Learn more by visiting stvincentfellows.org

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

Pope Leo XIV - The Pillar LIVE May 09, 2025

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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

Ep. 211: Waiting and the last Boomer conclave May 07, 2025

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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 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.

Apply today at pillar.umary.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

Bonus: A stall, a shock and a surrender May 06, 2025

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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.

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Havi…

Bonus: 'Good, but' or 'Bad, but' May 05, 2025

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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.

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