The Pillar Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 262: Recollect! Allocate! Celebrate! May 23, 2026

Show notes

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 initiative of Aequitas Education in partnership with ACE Scholarships.

Learn more at catholiceducationfund.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

Bonus: Brumation and Bohemia May 15, 2026

Show notes

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 into your Substack account.

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

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

Ep. 261: The dead document and the changed man May 15, 2026

Show notes

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 curious Catholic kids, coming to you from Our Sunday Visitor.

To learn more, visit GloriaBook.com/SundaySchool

-Photo: Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández attends the consistory for the creation of 21 new cardinals in St. Peter’s Square on Oct. 2, 2023. © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk.

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: Open waters May 08, 2026

Show notes

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.

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

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

Ep. 260: One year of Leo, and the new sheriff in town May 08, 2026

Show notes

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 the Church will gather for three days of inspiration, encouragement and equipping.

Learn more at amazingparish.org/pillar

-Photo credit: Pope Leo in St. Peter’s Square via Vatican Media.

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. 259: All hands on deck? May 02, 2026

Show notes

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 critical services for Catholic apostolates – including marketing, order fulfillment, technology, and customer service.

Learn more at weare5stones.com/pillar

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: Crazy or prophet? Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

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 ensure you are logged into your Substack account.

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

Ep. 258: Pope on a plane Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

JD and Ed talk about Pope Leo XIV’s in-flight press conference this week. Then, JD talks about a new database system being tested in dioceses in Brazil.

This episode is sponsored by the St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry, a Catholic graduate school that seeks to reunite theology, prayer, and sanctity by providing a true formation of mind and heart led by a personal encounter with Christ while studying theology and philosophy in and from the heart of the Church.

You can learn more by visiting stbernards.edu

Pope Leo XIV speaks to reporters during a papal flight April 21. Credit: Vatican Media.

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: Sports Chat Apr 19, 2026

Show notes

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

Ed shares a New Jersey basketball story

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. 257: Leo in Africa, and questions without answers Apr 19, 2026

Show notes

JD and Ed talk about Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Africa and his letter to the College of Cardinals.

Ed plays a round of First Communion ‘Yes or No.’

This episode is sponsored by the Institute for Liturgical Formation at Christendom College Graduate School of Theology. This summer, consider spending four weeks immersed in reverent liturgy and rigorous academics.

Learn more at christendom.edu/liturgy

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