The Literary Catholic interviews me on Father Ed

I am grateful that, more than three years after the publication of Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.'s Spiritual Sponsor, people are still talking about my biography of the Jesuit priest whose support and wise counsel helped shape the spirituality of Alcoholics Anonymous. Here is my latest podcast interview on Father Ed, a wide-ranging talk with Literary Catholic podcaster Suan Sonna.

Pope Leo's new encyclical and the Twelve Steps

In which I discuss how Pope Leo's experiences ministering to alcoholics as a young priest are reflected in his encyclical Magnifica humanitas.

Mentioned in this video:

• Dawn Eden Goldstein, Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.'s Spiritual Sponsor

• Pope Leo, Magnifica humanitas

• Pope Leo's work with alcoholics as a young priest

• The Twelve Steps

LISTEN NOW: "What Is the Christian Meaning of Suffering?"

Photo by Charles H. Connelly, March 14, 2026.

This evening I was blessed to speak at St. Aloysius Parish's Faith on Tap on "What Is the Meaning of Christian Suffering?" My talk was recorded; click here to play it or download it. If you would like to book me to give a talk, write dawneden [at] gmail.com.

The National Catholic Reporter covers the saga of Scott Peyton, my pro bono client

Catholic Deacon Scott Peyton trusted his pastor. Then he learned that the pastor had sexually abused his son. 

After learning of the abuse, Peyton trusted his bishop to ensure justice for his son and pastoral care for his family. To put it mildly, that didn't happen. 

Finally, when Peyton's children could no longer tolerate worshiping in a diocese that had failed them in manifold ways, he resigned his position as deacon, telling his bishop that, to keep his family in Christ, they would worship at a non-Catholic church. That's when his bishop excommunicated him. 

I am grateful to represent Scott Peyton pro bono in his appeal of his excommunication. Read more in Camillo Barone's feature article in today's National Catholic Reporter: "Louisiana deacon awaits Vatican decision on his excommunication."

Father Ed: Bill W.'s Spiritual Sponsor — and Ours

On March 11, I had the joy of sharing the story of Father Edward Dowling, SJ—the subject of my book Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.'s Spiritual Sponsor—with a terrific audience at St. Mary's University in Calgary, Alberta. I'm so glad that the talk was captured on video, as it was among the best that I've given on Father Ed. If you would like to invite me to give a talk on Dowling and his friendship with Bill W., please write to me at the email address listed on my Biography page.

Coming to Canada!

I am excited to be traveling for the first time to Alberta, where I have been invited to give talks on Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.'s Spiritual Sponsor. Visit my Upcoming Talks page for details, and do come if you can!

Alex Pretti, my brother in Christ

I want to tell you about Alex Pretti, my fellow Catholic, my brother in Christ; 

Alex Pretti, the good Samaritan who stopped to help his injured neighbor;

Alex Pretti, who died the way that each of us should hope to die when our time comes—giving his life for another, in pure, selfless love.

"Lifting the Veil on Annulments"

I have started a new YouTube series aimed at demystifying the process of applying for and pursuing a decree of nullity for a marriage that has ended in civil divorce. Episode 1 is above; episode 2 and future episodes (Lord willing) may be found on my playlist Lifting the Veil on Annulments.