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.

Jesse D. Mann is Theological Librarian with Drew University.

Sophfronia Scott is Director of the Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Alma College in Alma, MI and author a numerous books including Wild Beautiful and Free and The Seeker and the Monk.

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.

Since ideas change lives - what does it take to write so that ideas are clear and accessible? How do we get our curiosity on the page? What is the writing life when you are a faculty member? How does creativity make you a better scholarly writer?

Eric Lewis Williams, Ph.D. is Director of the Office of Black Church Studies and Assistant Professor of Theology and Black Church Studies at Duke Divinity School.

Eric Lewis Williams, Ph.D. is Director of the Office of Black Church Studies and Assistant Professor of Theology and Black Church Studies at Duke Divinity School.

Williams quotes Zora Neale Hurston, "I was born with God in my house." Hear a scholar's story of having been raised in a Pentecostal household, mentored into the scholarship of religion with no contradiction, and working as a professor, museum curator, and higher education administrator. Williams' journey is one of curiosity, boldness, and creativity.

Adam Bond, PhD is Associate Professor of Religion and African American Studies at Baylor University.