Tat-siong Benny Liew, Ph.D. is Professor, Class of 1956 Chair in New Testament Studies at Holy Cross College.

In this rich and reflective conversation, Dr. Nancy Lynne Westfield and Dr. Tat-siong Benny Liew explore the complexities of mentoring within academic and theological contexts. They discuss mentoring as a relational, communal, and intergenerational practice rather than a top-down, ego-driven model. Emphasizing listening over advice-giving, they critique hierarchical approaches and advocate for mutual, organic relationships built on trust and care. Both speakers highlight the importance of multiple mentors across one’s career, including peer and reverse mentoring, and the vital role mentoring plays in sustaining intellectual and theological traditions. The episode concludes with reflections on mentoring as a form of invisible labor and collective responsibility to nurture future scholars.

Ryan Bonfiglio, PhD. is Associate Professor in the Practice of Old Testament at Candler School of Theology and Executive Director of The Candler Foundry.

Donald Quist is Assistant of English at the University of Missouri and Educational Design Manager at the Wabash Center. He is author of many articles, essays, and books including the literary tryptic To Those Bounded, For Other Ghosts, and Harbors.