The Pillar Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The German Church and the AfD, with Sebastian Ostritsch Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

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 Sept. 23-26, 2024, plenary meeting in Fulda. © Deutsche Bischofskonferenz/Marko Orlovic.

This episode is brought to you by the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, which leads the nation in the number of graduate programs recommended by The Newman Guide.

Pillar paid subscribers are eligible for up to $10,000 in scholarships toward select programs.

Learn more 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: Cooperstown Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

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’ next to The Pillar Podcast

Having issues? Email our producer Kate at kolivera@pillarcatholic.com

Ep. 275: Rupnik, the Russians, and a rejected plea deal Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

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. Credit: Chaldean Eparchy of Saint Peter the Apostle of San Diego.

This episode is brought to you by the University of Mary and its groundbreaking MBA/MA in Philosophy dual degree, a Newman Guide–recommended program for Catholic professionals who want to lead with both competence and conviction.

Learn more 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 comeback and a dream escape Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

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 into your Substack account.

* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar Podcast

Having issues? Email our producer Kate at kolivera@pillarcatholic.com

Ep. 274: Middle-aged Men Yell at the Cloud Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

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 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

The consequences of Christianity, with Lord Frost Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

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 Slade.

FUSIONISM is now available for pre-order from University of Notre Dame Press here: undpress.nd.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: Catholic suburban dad chat Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

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.

* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar Podcast

Having issues? Email our producer Kate at kolivera@pillarcatholic.com

Ep. 273: Two very troubling stories Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

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 by the University of Mary, a Newman Guide–recommended Catholic university in Bismarck, North Dakota, offering affordable online graduate programs designed specifically for the working Catholic professional.

Pillar subscribers are eligible for up to $10,000 in scholarships toward select programs.

Learn more 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

Ep. 272: Vatican gold, Chinese bishops, and a case to watch in Burlington Aug 08, 2026

Show notes

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 of Theology, where the Sacred Science is pursued with uncompromising fidelity to the Magisterium of the Church.

Learn more at graduate.christendom.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: Let’s catch up. Aug 08, 2026

Show notes

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 logged into your Substack account.

* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar Podcast

Having issues? Email our producer Kate at kolivera@pillarcatholic.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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected