Presenters – Introduction
Clare Barnett
Clare Barnett is a professional supervisor and counsellor. She has a diverse background as midwife, nurse and health educator.
She has a warm personality and offers a wealth of opportunities to develop and grow.
See more about her on our website: www.mindcare.nz
Dr Leonard Bloksberg
Dr Leonard Bloksberg has been a Lecturer at the University of California and a Professor at Michigan State University.
He is member and regular service leader at the Progressive Jewish Synagogue Beth Shalom in Auckland.
Nic Birt
Nic Birt is originally from England. Employed as a Design Engineer in the building industry he has also been a Technology Teacher (in Botswana & the Emirates). An appreciation and respect for history, culture and religious traditions encourages travelling to exotic and remote locations. Nic is also the draughtsman for the Bethsaida Archaeological Excavations of this ancient biblical site near the sea of Galilee.
Eamon Butler
Born and educated in Ireland, Eamon, at the age of 28 felt a calling to become a lay missionary. This led him to work as a volunteer with Mother Teresa in Kolkata, India. It was a life changing experience which Eamon later shared with many young people in schools. Eamon has studied philosophy theology, accomplished a post graduate diploma in counselling (Auckland) and has trained as a Spiritual Director with Spiritual Growth Ministries Aotearoa NZ.
Kieran Fenn fms
Br Kieran Fenn is a Champagnat Brother and Bible Scholar. He has taught the Scriptures in New Zealand and overseas for over 40 years.
Many of his resources in Scripture have been used by the The Catholic Institute (TCI).
Br Kieran also is a frequent guest at Muffin Talk Radio Programme. Short videos with Br Kieran are available on this website.
Kieran Fenn fms passed away on 25 May 2024.
Dr Christopher Evan Longhurst
Dr Chris Longhurst is a New Zealander from Napier who spent many years abroad. He returned to Aotearoa after his academic studies in theology and gaining work experience in Europe and Northern Africa.
In Rome, Italy, he was operatore didattico (educational officer) for the Scientific and Administrative Management of the Vatican Museums, and Ifrane, Morocco, he served as assistant professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Al Akhawayn University.
Back in New Zealand, he is a Lecturer at Te Kupenga Theological College and actively involved in Interfaith work.
Thomas O’Loughlin
Thomas O’Loughlin is originally from Dublin, Ireland. He is an ordained priest and Emerited Professor of Historical Theology at the University of Nottingham in the UK. He has given many presentations on different topics in the area of Liturgy and Synodality.
He has been interviewed on Muffin Talk several times, and regularly contributes to Flashes of Insight.
Beate Matthies
Beate Matthies is the founder and director of Titipounamu Study & Joy.
She has a background in linguistics, history of art as well as marketing and business.
She is the Catholic representative on the Executive Committee of the Auckland Interfaith Council and serves as their Co-President.
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Debbie Miller
Debbie Miller is an active member of Beth Shalom, the Progressive Jewish Synagogue in Auckland. She is a life-time student of Jewish studies.
Laetitia Puthenpadath
Laetitia Puthenpadath is a member of the Anashim Community. She has a Master’s Degree in Science and holds a Master’s Degree in Religious Education. She is trained in psychotherapy and clinical supervision.
Laetitia is a graduate of the University of Divinity, Melbourne and is awarded a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Direction by the University as well asbeing accredited to gie the Full Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
Dr Nicholas Thompson
Dr Nicholas Thompson is a Senior Lecturer for Theological and Religious Studies at the University of Auckland.
His Areas of Expertise are:
1. Editing of Early Modern Latin texts
2. Intellectual history of the Reformation era
3. Christian art and worship
4. Religion in New Zealand
Fr Kevin Waldie SM
Fr Kevin Waldie is originally from Timaru, and he is a Bible Scholar and Lecturer at Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College.
His research interests are especially in three areas:
1. Compassion as a key idea in Luke’s Gospel
2. How we speak of St Paul’s Damascus Road Experience
3. Reading the Scriptures in the light of contemporary films.
Fr Kevin has been a guest at Muffin Talk several times. All interviews are still available on request.
