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The Pillar Podcast

The Pillar Podcast
Catholic Church
Pope Francis
The Pillar Podcast
Pope Leo XIV
Canon Law
Rome
Venezuela
Vatican
Pillar Catholic
Pope Leo
Synodality
Conclave
Cub Scouts
Lent
China
Candlegate
Polygamy
Evangelization
Vatican-China Deal
Vatican Finances

Great Catholic Conversation, each week. www.pillarcatholic.com

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes450Founded6 years ago
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Latest Episodes

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JD and Ed debate a coaching decision.

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JD and Ed talk about reports that AI is coming to the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Museum in Peoria, IL. Then, they talk about some news out of the Archdiocese of Detroit this week.

This episode of the Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Five Stones. Off... more

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

Ft. Wrestling Chat.

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JD and Ed briefly recap their time at last week’s conference for the Canon Law Society of America. They talk about Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis and what it might mean for his pontificate. Then, they talk about Bishop Erik Varden’s essay addre... more

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Recent Guests

Father James Martin
Jesuit priest and author
The Jesuits / author of Building a Bridge
Episode: On bridges, with Fr. James Martin
William Wack
Bishop of Pensacola, Tallahassee (diocese formed from Pensacola with two cathedrals)
Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of Pensacola, Tallahassee
Episode: Visiting the imprisoned, with Bishop Wack
Bishop Andrew Cousins
Diocesan bishop, participating in discussion about Fulton Sheen
Diocese of Santa Angelo (West Texas)
Episode: Ep. 279: LIVE from St. Louis!
Aaron Dominguez
Particle physicist, provost of the Catholic University of America
Catholic University of America
Episode: The Big Bang and our beautiful (foamy?) universe, with Aaron Dominguez
Sebastian Ostritsch
Philosopher and journalist
Die Tagesspiegel? Die Tagesspost (Die Tagespost)
Episode: The German Church and the AfD, with Sebastian Ostritsch
David Frost
Lord Frost, prominent UK politician and convert to Catholicism
British politics, Catholic convert
Episode: Ep. 274: Middle-aged Men Yell at the Cloud
Andrew Cozzens
Bishop of Crookston, Minnesota
USCCB, National Eucharistic Congress
Episode: Stoking the flames of revival, with Bishop Cozzens
Edgar Beltrán
The Pillar's Rome correspondent
The Pillar
Episode: Ep. 267: Consistory concerns, and pray for Venezuela
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone
Archbishop of San Francisco
Archdiocese of San Francisco
Episode: Ep. 265: Pope on a plane and the Dallas Charter

Hosts

Ed Condon
Pillar co-founder and podcast partner; host with extensive canon-law expertise
John (JD) Flynn
Host and Pillar Editor-in-Chief; frequent on-air canon-law commentator

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.1k ratings
  • Good reporting, too much filler.

    The reporting and analysis on The Pillar Podcast are usually worth hearing. JD Flynn and Ed Condon know the Church well, they have good sources, and they often put stories in useful context that other Catholic outlets miss.

    The problem is how that content is delivered. Episodes regularly spend the first 8–15 minutes on personal banter that is not funny and does not add anything. The actual news discussion then arrives late and can feel loosely structured, so the most important points get buried... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    ECS2541
    United Statesa month ago
  • No Canon Lawyer, But Avid Listener

    I am just a mom in the pews. For years, this podcast has been what I look forward to every Friday. (I admit to throwing a little temper-tantrum when they take a week off ;) Everyone in the Catholic world has an opinion about everything, but when I listen to The Pillar, I know the hosts and correspondents are trying to be steadfastly faithful to Church teaching as well as asking the hard questions, (that honestly, people in the pews are ordering but too afraid to ask). Thank you!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SmilingAcorn875
    United States4 months ago
  • Too much inane banter

    The news and commentary is great, the endless banter gets old really fast. I just skip the first 8 minutes. Guys, you are smart (no doubt), but you are not funny or cool, and I am not your friend. I want news and value your commentary, not the rest. I am not the only one. Read your reviews.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Star Gazer 11
    United Statesa year ago
  • Soothing

    I often listen to this podcast when I’m trying to fall asleep, and it does the trick every time. Except for the episodes recorded in front of an audience. Those get pretty raucous! Overall, though, JD and Ed have a pleasant rapport that makes for a palatable program.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Maire 2003
    United Statesa year ago
  • Disrespectful to our Pontiff

    To imply that people use Pope Francis’ ideas out of fear…. So disrespectful to imply that so soon after his death. Had it occurred to you that his ideas were well-liked, or would that notion only ever apply to popes you approve of? You could just say you don’t like him. Be honest: that’s what’s going on. You don’t have to neg on the legacy of a great man, a great pastor, and, yes, a great theologian. That implication is calumny. You don’t have to go there. I don’t listen as much as I used to, bu... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Sean The Theologian
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some fans crave more straightforward news and less personal banter.
Listeners praise the show for thoughtful, faith-aligned news and deep canon-law insight.
A sizable minority appreciates the rigorous, investigative approach to church governance and finances.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

On bridges, with Fr. James Martin
Q: How does he respond to criticisms that this work creates a 'ghetto' for LGBTQ Catholics?
He argues that ministry mirrors other parishes' needs (bereavement groups, cultural groups) and emphasizes that marginalized people deserve dignity and accompaniment, while insisting that the church remain committed to truth and orthodoxy.
On bridges, with Fr. James Martin
Q: How did Fr. Martin begin this ministry and what challenges did he face?
It began after Pulse nightclub tragedy; initial talk at New Ways Ministry led to invitations and a book; he faced cancellations and protests but continued with the support of superiors, arguing for inclusive pastoral care.
On bridges, with Fr. James Martin
Q: What is the core paradigm of Building Bridges and the ministry that has developed from it?
The core paradigm is to create a bridge of dialogue and friendship that invites LGBTQ Catholics into full communion with the Church, emphasizing love, respect, and pastoral accompaniment while upholding church teaching; it is framed as an ongoing discernment approved by superiors.
Visiting the imprisoned, with Bishop Wack
Q: How are the Blue Wahoos doing this year?
Lighthearted, serves as a humanizing moment and to show the bishop's interest in local culture; not a substantive policy point but illustrates tone.
Visiting the imprisoned, with Bishop Wack
Q: What do you think about the idea of a personal ordinariate or a dedicated structure for prison ministry?
He sees potential in targeted structures (like an ordinariate) but also notes concerns about bureaucracy. The key is to integrate prison ministry into ordinary diocesan life, ensuring access, training, and local accountability while remaining mission-focused.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Pillar Podcast

What is The Pillar Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful Catholic-issues podcast focusing on canon law, governance, and church finance, often tying current events to institutional practices and doctrine. Episodes blend investigative reporting with sharp analysis of Holy See diplomacy, episcopal appointments, and Vatican finances, along with ongoing coverage of scandals, reform efforts, and liturgical-life topics such as Eucharistic revival. The show stands out for its expert hosts—two canon-lawyers who ground debates in church law and policy, plus correspondents who provide global Catholic perspective—and it frequently pairs hard-hitting inquiries with accessible conversation. It's probably most compelling for listeners who want rigorous, faithful discussion of how the Church operate... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Pillar Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Pillar Podcast:

1. Sunday School; A Pillar Bible Study
2. Godsplaining
3. The Thomistic Institute
4. Pints With Aquinas
5. Catholic Stuff You Should Know

How many episodes of The Pillar Podcast are there?

The Pillar Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 450 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Pillar Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on The Pillar Podcast?

Recent guests on The Pillar Podcast include:

1. Father James Martin
2. William Wack
3. Bishop Andrew Cousins
4. Aaron Dominguez
5. Sebastian Ostritsch
6. David Frost
7. Andrew Cozzens
8. Edgar Beltrán

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