Conversations from the Classroom Podcasts
Conversations from the Classroom is a space of encounter for people interested in Catholic education. It features engaging conversations with prominent figures from Irish education and beyond. Topics include: the management and governance of education; LGBTQ+ perspectives in Catholic Education; the Politics of Irish Education and ongoing developments in the professional practice of the educator. The series is an academically rigorous, but accessible resource. Created & produced by Dr David Kennedy. Music written and played by Dr David Kennedy & recorded at Crossroad Recording Studio, Kilkenny.
Dr David Kennedy
Dr David Kennedy (BA, MA, Ph.D., SFHEA), Assistant Professor of Religious Education, joined the School of Human Development, Institute of Education, Dublin City University in 2019. David is also connected to the Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education, Institute of Education, Dublin City University as a teaching and research associate. He is a member of the Irish Philosophical Society; the Irish Theological Association; the European Society for Catholic Theology; Association of University Lecturers in Religious Education (AULRE); the Network for Researchers in Catholic Education; Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education (GRACE); and Advance HE Connect.
From 2013-2015, he was a member of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick where he worked as a researcher and departmental assistant teaching in systematic, biblical and sacramental theology. From 2015-2019, David worked as a researcher for national bodies in Catholic education, namely: the Catholic Schools Partnership (CSP - now known as the Catholic Education Partnership [CEP]); the Association of Trustees of Catholic Schools (ATCS - now know as the Association of Patrons and Trustees of Catholic Schools [APTCS]); the Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA); and the Irish Episcopal Conference (IECON). From 2016-2019, David was a lecturer and research supervisor on the Professional Masters in Education (Primary) programme and the Certificate in Catholic Religious Studies programme at Hibernia College. From 2016-2019, he also lectured (part-time) on the Bachelor of Religious Education (Post-Primary/BrelED). From 2015-2019, he was appointed as lead coordinator and resource writer for Catholic School Week. In 2018, David worked as a theological researcher; catechetical resource writer; and national coordinator for Catholic schools (primary/post-primary) for the World Meeting of Families 2018 and the papal visit of Pope Francis to Ireland.
In 2020, David was appointed as Programme Chair of the Certificate in Religious Studies (Part-time) programme and the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies Supplementary Qualification. He currently lectures and supervises research across a number of programmes at the Institute of Education, Dublin City University, namely; Bachelor of Education (Primary) programme; Master of Education programme; the Certificate in Religious Studies (Full-Time) programme; the Certificate in Religious Studies (Part-Time) programme; the Certificate in Catholic Religious Studies Supplementary programme; and the MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work. Modules include: Scripture, Faith and Diversity; Religious Education and the Child; Religious Education in a Plural Age; Introduction to Theology; and Cultural Diversity and Religious Pluralism. In 2021, David received the DCU President's Award for Excellence in Teaching (Distinctive Approaches to Teaching) in recognition of his successful, effective and innovative teaching and learning practices. In recognition of the demonstrable impact and influence that David's professional teaching practice has on colleagues both nationally and internationally as well as his effective approaches to the support of high quality student learning, David achieved the status of Senior Fellow with the Higher Education Authority in accordance with the UK Professional Standards for Teaching and Learning Support in Higher Education. David is the creator, producer, and host of the Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education Podcast series, Conversations from the Classroom with Dr David Kennedy. David’s research interests and publications come from a broad range of disciplines including systematic and philosophical theology, philosophy, religious education, educational studies as well as management, leadership, and governance in education.
In this episode, Prof Fáinche Ryan (Professor of Theology, The Loyola Institute, Trinity College Dublin & Vice President, European Society for Catholic Theology) explores the tasks of theology in Europe today and the forthcoming bi-annual European Theology Congress that is taking place at the Loyola Institute, Trinity College Dublin between 20th-23rd August 2025.
Click Here for Prof Fáinche Ryan Professional Profile
Click Here for more Information about the Congress
Click Here for more information about the European Society for Catholic Theology
This episode is the final episode of our two special feature episodes with Prof Áine Hyland (Emeritus Professor, University College Cork; former Vice President, University College Cork, and founding member the Dalkey School Project) discussing the development of the Irish education system [1960's onward], the establishment of the Dalkey School Project, the emergence of Educate Together, and the future of multi-denominational in the Irish Education System.
Link to A Brave New Vision for Education in Ireland by Prof Áine Hyland - Click Here
This episode is the first of two special episodes with Prof Áine Hyland (Emeritus Professor, University College Cork; former Vice President, University College Cork, and founding member the Dalkey School Project) discussing the development of the Irish education system [1960's onward], the establishment of the Dalkey School Project, the emergence of Educate Together, and the future of multi-denominational in the Irish Education System.
Link to A Brave New Vision for Education in Ireland by Prof Áine Hyland - Click Here
In this episode, Dr Peter Admirand (Associate Professor of Theology, Deputy Head of School in the School of Theology, Philosophy and Music, and Director of the Centre for Interreligious Dialogue at Dublin City University) discusses his recent edited volume The Last of Us: Violence, Ethics, Redemption? (2024) published as part of the Bloomsbury series, 'Theology, Religion, and Pop Culture'. Join us as Dr Admirand explores The Last of Us video games and HBO series through the theological, ethical, and educational prism.
For Dr Peter Admirand's Professional Profile - Click Here
For purchase information about book The Last of Us: Violence, Ethics, Redemption? (2024) - Click Here
In this episode, Prof Lieven Boeve (Professor of Systematic Theology, KU Leuven; former Director, Catholic Education Flanders [Katholiek Onderwijs Vlaanderen]) explores Catholic ‘Dialogue Schools’ in Flanders and the opportunities for Catholic education in a context that is characterised by increased pluralisation, individualisation, secularisation, de-traditionalisation.
Click Here to view Prof Lieven Boeve’s Professional Profile
In this episode, Fr Michael Patella, OSB (Professor of New Testament, Saint John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota) discusses the first hand written and hand illuminated Benedictine Bible to be produced in over 500 years - The Saint John's Bible. As a work of art and a work of theology, this episode engages with Saint John's Bible and exploring art, hermeneutics, and theology.
Artworks referenced in Episode:
- 21min 14sec - Lukes Anthology - Click Here to View Image
- 31min 25sec - Genesis 1 - Click Here to View Image
- 39min 05sec - Wisdom 13:1-5 - Click Here to View Image
- 41min 20sec - John 1 - Click Here to View Image
Fr Michael Patella, OSB Professional Profile Click Here
Book: Patella, M. 2013 Word and Image: The Hermeneutics of The Saint John’s Bible (Liturgical Press) - Click Here
In this episode, Prof Richard Kearney (Charles B. Seelig Chair of Philosophy at Boston College) discusses his Carnal Hermeneutics, French phenomenology, the importance of Touch, his novel Salvage, and his most recent work in the area of ecological hospitality.
Click Here of Prof Richard Kearney's Boston College Profile
Click Here of Prof Richard Kearney's Professional Website
In this episode, Dr Patricia Kieran (Lecturer in Religious Education and Director, Irish Institute for Catholic Studies, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick) and Dr Aiveen Mullally (Lecturer in Religious Education and Spirituality of the Child and Director, Centre for Religious Education, Marino Institute of Education) discuss their research on pre-service teachers perspectives on teaching Religious Education at primary level as well as the demographical insights arising from their research on this cohort and what this has to say to the future development of religious education at primary level in the Republic of Ireland.
Click Here to Read the Journal Article of Interest to this episode
Click Here to View Dr Patricia Kieran's Professional Profile
Click Here to View Irish Institute for Catholic Studies, MIC
Click Here to View Dr Aiveen Mullally's Professional Profile
This episode is the final episode in our series of feature episodes on the theme: 'Science, Religion, and Education'.
In this episode, Prof Bob Bowie (Professor of Religions and Worldviews Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, and Director, NICER Research Centre ) discusses the NICER project Science and Religion Encounters in the Classroom, Curriculum Development and Curricular Integration.
Click Here for Further Details about Professor Bob Bowie's work at Canterbury Christ Church University and the NICER Research Centre.
This episode is the second in our series of feature episodes on the theme: 'Science, Religion, and Education'.
In this episode (Part Two), Prof Elizabeth A. Johnson, CSJ (Professor Emeritus, Fordham University, New York) discusses her new book 'Come, have breakfast: Meditations on God and the Earth (Orbis, 2024). Listeners are brought on a journey traversing through themes such as one's spiritual geography, the cultivation of ecological consciousness, the broaden our image of God and our understanding of our relationship with God, the importance of developing a sacramental imagination, and much more.
Click Here for Further Details about Professor Elizabeth A. Johnsons, CSJ work at Fordham University, New York
This episode is the second in our series of feature episodes on the theme: 'Science, Religion, and Education'.
In this episode (Part One), Prof Elizabeth A. Johnson, CSJ (Professor Emeritus, Fordham University, New York) discusses her new book 'Come, have breakfast: Meditations on God and the Earth (Orbis, 2024). Listeners are brought on a journey traversing through themes such as one's spiritual geography, the cultivation of ecological consciousness, the broaden our image of God and our understanding of our relationship with God, the importance of developing a sacramental imagination, and much more.
Click Here for Further Details about Professor Elizabeth A. Johnsons, CSJ work at Fordham University, New York
This episode is the first of a series of feature episodes under the theme of 'Science, Religion, and Education'.
In this episode, Br Guy Consolmagno, SJ (Astrophysicist, Jesuit Brother, Director of Vatican Observatory, Chair of Vatican Observatory Foundation) discusses a variety of topics including what it means to be educator, the reality of life as a religious brother and a planetary scientist/astrophysicist, the relationship between religion and science, the importance of human curiosity, and the significance of entering into conversation with the Cosmos and creation. For Br Guy Consolmagno's full Professional Profile - Click Here
This episode is the second of two special episodes with Raymond Friel OBE, (former CEO of Plymouth CAST, a multi-academy trust of 36 Catholic schools and current CEO of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN)) following the official launch of this podcast series at DCU, Institute of Education. Raymond discusses Catholic Social Teaching, its theological orientations, the importance of scripture, and what all of this means for Catholic education today.
This episode is the first of two special episodes with Raymond Friel OBE, (former CEO of Plymouth CAST, a multi-academy trust of 36 Catholic schools and current CEO of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN)) following the official launch of this podcast series at DCU, Institute of Education. Raymond discusses Catholic Social Teaching, its theological orientations, the importance of scripture, and what all of this means for Catholic education today.
In this episode, Prof John Sullivan, (Emeritus Professor, Liverpool Hope University) discusses a range of hidden treasures from the Catholic tradition men and women who, across the centuries and in diverse contexts, have illuminated how Christians can read and respond to the world. In each case the author demonstrates the enduring relevance of their example and wisdom for the philosophy and practice of Catholic education today. These remarkable and inspirational people, from educators to poets and prophets, including Maximus the Confessor, Hildegard of Bingen, Bonaventure, Edith Stein, Elizabeth Jennings, Paulo Freire, Étienne Gilson, Marshall McLuhan and Walter Ong, left a lasting legacy for Catholic education and educators.
In this episode, Jonathan Tiernan (Education Delegate for the Irish Jesuits and their Network of 5 secondary schools and 3 primary schools), discusses the contents of his recently published book which he co-authored with Dr Sean McGraw (Boston College) titled The Politics of Irish Primary Education: Reform in an Era of Secularisation. Jonathan considers the political landscape of Irish Primary education, on-going debates and the potential for a citizen's assembly on the role of religion (i.e. Catholic Church) in education and healthcare, and what future reform of the primary education sector might look like.
In this episode, Mr Seamus Mulconry (General Secretary, Catholic Primary School Managerial Association) and Mr John Curtis (General Secretary, Joint Managerial Body) discuss the findings of the Genesis Research Report which explores educational stakeholders, particularly parental, perspectives of Catholic education in the Republic of Ireland. The research was conducted by consult firm 'Genesis' and was commissioned by the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association, the Catholic Education Partnership, and the Association of Management of Catholic Secondary Schools.
In this episode, Prof Andrew G. McGrady discusses the contribution of Catholic education to the development of people who are capable of living in and building up society towards the common good. He considers the impact of false dichotomies and the likelihood that some manner of citizen assembly will take place on the role of religion, specifically the Roman Catholic Church, in public healthcare and education.
More Info on Prof Andrew G. McGrady
In this episode, Dr. Bernadette Sweetman (Post-doctoral Researcher at the Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education) discusses the importance of Adult Religious Education and Faith Development and her ongoing research as part of the AREFD Project at the MDCCE.
In this episode, the renowned Irish poet and theologian, Pádraig Ó Tuama engages in a wide-ranging conversation from the potential of a border poll in Northern Ireland to questions of truth, theology, spirituality, and art. Pádraig's work can be accessed via padraigotuama.com (Click Here) and the On Being Poetry Unbound series, which he hosts.
This episode is the fourth and final episode of four special episodes dedicated to the relationship between LGBTQ+ matters and the philosophy and theology of Catholic education.
In this episode, Dr Seán Henry (Lecturer in Education, Edge Hill University) and Vivek da Silva (Assistant Professor in Religious Education, Dublin City University), in summation of the special series participate in a thought experiment around the question 'What might it mean to 'Queer' Catholic Education and Schooling?'
This episode is the third of four special episodes dedicated to the relationship between LGBTQ+ matters and the philosophy and theology of Catholic education.
In this episode, Dr Claire Jenkins (University of Cambridge, Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology, Senior Fellow) and Mr George White (Religious Education Teacher, St. Paul's Catholic School, Leicester, UK) offer their perspectives, as transgender-Catholics, on Catholic education and the way in which Catholic schools can meet the needs of students experiencing gender dysphoria whilst still authentically living out their ethos.
This episode is the second of four special episodes dedicated to the relationship between LGBTQ+ matters and the philosophy and theology of Catholic education.
In this episode, Dr Seán Henry (Lecturer in Education, Edge Hill University), discusses the foundations of Queer theologies. He offers his perspective on everything from the unique way in which the term 'queer' is engaged with by academics in queer theory to the tensions that exist in queer theologies. This episode is the beginning of a conversation on 'queer theologising', there will be a following episode as part of the general podcast series with Seán on what queer theory and queer theologies have to say to the enterprise of education.
This episode is the one of four special episodes dedicated to the relationship between LGBTQ+ matters and the philosophy and theology of Catholic education.
In this episode, Dr Seán Henry (Lecturer in Education, Edge Hill University), Dr Sean Whittle (Visiting Research Fellow, St Mary's University; Director, Network for Researchers in Catholic Education), Dr Cora O'Farrell (Director, Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education DCU), discuss this one day conference sponsored by the Network for Researchers in Catholic Education and hosted by the Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education on This episode is the first of four special episodes dedicated to the relationship between LGBTQ+ matters and the philosophy and theology of Catholic education. The conference was the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland and established a space for supportive and constructive dialogue that places the human person at the centre with the view to meeting the needs of all pupils in our classrooms.
In this episode, Dr Daniel O'Connell (Lecturer in Religious Education, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick) discusses the establishment and potential of Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education (GRACE) which is an international research-based partnership between Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Boston College, United States, the University of Notre Dame Fremantle, Australia, and St Mary’s University in Twickenham, London in partnership with OIEC (International Office of Catholic Education).
In this episode, Dr Marie Griffin (Chairperson, the Catholic Education Partnership) discusses the establishment of the 'Catholic Education Partnership', the organisation's structure, and why its inception is important for Catholic Education in the Republic of Ireland.
In this episode, Dr Amalee Meehan (Assistant Professor of Religious Education, DCU) and Dr Thomas Carrol (Primary Teacher and Part-Lecturer of Religious Education, MIC) discuss wellbeing and Christian mindfulness in the context of Catholic Education.
In this episode, Ian Corbett (former ACE Teacher Fellow, INTO Intern, and now Primary Languages Advisor PDST) is joined by Dr Cora O'Farrell (Director of Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education, DCU) to discuss his experience using the Grow In Love programme as an early career teacher in Catholic primary schools.
In this episode, Alan Hynes (formally Acting CEO, St Senan's Education Office, and now CEO, Catholic Education Partnership), and Miriam McCabe (Teaching Principal and Management Advisor, Catholic Primary School Management Association) discuss the importance of ethos in Catholic school and its role as part of the interview process in Catholic primary schools.
In this episode, Alan Hynes (formally Acting CEO, St Senan's Education Office, and now CEO, Catholic Education Partnership), and Miriam McCabe (Teaching Principal and Management Advisor, Catholic Primary School Management Association) the role of 'partnership' in the education sector in the Republic of Ireland, and particularly in the Catholic sector.
In this episode, Dr Elaine Mahon discusses her in-class religious education practice as a primary teacher in a Catholic school in relation to the inclusion of all pupils in Catholic Religious Education.