Kopi Talk: Recent Episodes
CatholicSG Radio
May your coffee be strong but your faith stronger! Join host Kenny Ngo as he chats with Catholics from all walks of life to find out how they live their faith and the struggles they go through.
Kopi Talk is broadcast LIVE during the Glory and Praise Show on Tuesdays at 8.30am.
https://radio.catholic.sg/
Kenny bids goodbye as host for Kopi Talk by showcasing familiar Advent hymns with brand new arrangements and musical interpretations.
Brother Collin Wee, and chairman of the La Salle House, Mark Wettasinghe, share the La Salle mission, and how they reach out to people who have been rejected, and no one to care for them, provide them with an education, and ensure that they are reintegrated back into society. They also have a new retreat centre slated to open in April 2023, that will cater to the physical and spiritual needs of those who need spiritual growth and stability
Jake Wong shares his experience of going on a pilgrimage to Lourdes in France. He also opens up on his faith journey, including how his conversion allowed him to receive a miraculous gift of healing, and convinced him all the more that God, Jesus, and Mary are real!
Kenneth Wee, who is part of Creatus Chamber, recently gave a choir presentation at the Church of Sts Peter and Paul. He gives us the background stories leading up to this event, how Covid affected his choir, and how they responded. Thanks to Covid, the congregation has developed a new appreciation for sacred music, which was presented in several languages and beautiful stories that accompanied each work.
Fresh from the recent Prayer Experience Retreat 31 (PER 31), Desmond Soon shares a glimpse of what goes on in the PER, and why is it important to establish a firm spiritual foundation, so as to be able to be an effective worship leader.
Gerard Nah shares how his father’s conversion story inspired his own conversion. He also describes how God walks closely with him in all spheres of life, whether at home as a husband and father, in church as a communion minister, or at work as an ophthalmologist.
Julianne Lim is a panellist for the upcoming Catholic Foundation Young Stewards Conference on October 29. Having battled breast cancer, Julianne compares different perspectives of success she's held, and how through this illness, she now empowers others going through similar battles to look at success through God’s eyes.
Monica Lim is a panellist for the upcoming Catholic Foundation Young Stewards Conference on October 29. She shares her faith story and how “time” is something we need to commit to, to respond to God’s call to reap His harvest.
Vivianna Wou, a Catholic certified nutritionist, returns to share about how she nourishes herself spiritually. She shares a dramatic event which led to her having a spiritual transformation.
Johannes Tjendro is a youth pastoral associate at the Blessed Sacrament Church. He shares his faith journey, from being a cradle Catholic in Jakarta, to how he followed up on the seeds of faith planted in him through his family and church communities.
Serafin is a devout Catholic who has faced many challenges in her life. When she lost her husband to Covid in 2021, her family could not even attend the wake and funeral to say a final goodbye. Despite all that, Serafin has continued to give thanks and praise to God.
Alvin runs the Intan Museum, the only living Peranakan museum in Singapore. He also sits on the board of a few charities. On top of that, he lives and breathes Peranakan even in his Catholic faith.
Susan Hoon resides in Perth, Australia and faithfully listens to CatholicSG Radio. She reveals how God has paved the way for her each time she has met with obstacles.
Selena Foo shares how she encountered Our Lady through her Mum’s desire to find “THE LADY” through attending the Novena devotion. Selena also shares how Our Lady has impacted her life, and fuels her desire to walk with Jesus very closely after she was baptised.
Comparing the stories in the Bible and the Quran, Farouq sheds light on some of the “lost stories” about Mary, and illustrates how even in different holy books, God’s love for humanity is consistent in His bigger plan for salvation, by choosing Mary to bring Jesus into our world to save us.
For someone who grew up in the Bras Basah and Waterloo Street area, Jerry Tan offers more than just the scripted facts of the history of the Cathedral and the surrounding churches. He offers his own experiences, making his historical stories come alive for Catholics.
Freddie Yeo is from the movie industry. He shares what the industry expects, and how he balances it with his Catholic values. Freddie also has a huge passion for music, and shares how he complements his love for rock music with his involvement in the music ministry, where the style is very different.
A volunteer at St Joseph’s Dying Aid, Christopher Pang has helped many families see through the last chapter of a loved one's life. Sometimes, he even helps a deceased person without known family members to have a funeral Mass before burial or cremation. He shares more about his unique calling.
Due to fibroids in her uterus, Melissa Ngo had serious health issues and was unable to conceive. With age catching up with her, she and her husband desperately wanted a child. Finally, after many years of prayer, Melissa conceived, and she gave birth to a beautiful girl last month. She shares her journey, as well as some insights on what being a new mother is like.
Mariko Gomez is a Japanese Catholic living in Singapore since 1991. She shares how God planted the seed of faith in her as a child, and how God manifested in her life many years later, which led to her spreading the Good News in Japan.
When Beverley attended School of Witness in 2009, she was very much inspired by the witness of the ICPE missionaries who were serving as staff. So much so that she decided to go for School of Mission in 2015, and subsequently joined ICPE as a lay missionary. She shares her journey in this area, as well as how all of us can live with a missionary spirit. (Note: This interview was conducted in November 2019.)
Lawrence is member of the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue (ACCIRD) and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PCID). He shares more about his journey in this area of interreligious dialogue. (Note: This interview was conducted in December 2020.)
Currently an educator at Catholic Junior College, Eugene Yeow was formerly with the Franciscans for 7 years. He shares his faith story, including how he stayed away from friends and loved ones after leaving the order. Yet, God found ways to seek him out and bring him back, and use him as an educator. (Note: This interview was conducted in February 2020.)
Deacon Simon Ho speaks about his seminary journey and the kind of priest he intends to be.
Deacon Simon Ho shares his faith story. (Deacon Simon's sacerdotal ordination is on 24 June this year.)
In this special episode of the programme, all 4 Glory and Praise Show presenters - Andre, Keith, Ken and Nick - walk down memory lane and celebrate God's goodness through this platform and the live shows. Our special thanks to every listener who has accompanied us, and every volunteer who has co-laboured alongside us.
In this episode, we walk down memory lane and recall some beautiful faith stories that guests have shared with us on the programme this year.
Susan is a Singaporean based in Perth. She shares her faith story as well as how CatholicSG Radio has been her faith and prayer companion, especially with the live shows.
Lynette Lee shares her insights working as a corporate exec here in Singapore and also in Tokyo, Japan. She also shares about marriage, parenthood, and living out her parents' legacy, as well as how God features in all these aspects.
Kenny Ngo pays tribute to his mother. Despite family politics nearly destroying their relationship, yet, God turned things around in a way that only He can. Impossible events were transformed into opportunities for revelations of truth, healing, forgiveness and conversion. Kenny also shares an original song he composed in honour of his mother.
Gerry serves as a choir member at Church of St Alphonsus, otherwise known as Novena Church. He shares his faith journey as well as how God has been his centre, strength and pillar.
Despite straying because of low self-esteem and some poor decisions, Angela Goh testifies to how God walks closely with her. She also shares how God heals her brokenness, and helps her to forgive those who have hurt her.
Previous interviewees of the programme share what aspects of life in church they've missed these past 2 years, and what they're looking forward to, now that Safe Management Measures have been relaxed.
Denise shares about her time being involved in OYP (Office For Young People). She also shares her faith experiences growing up in choir, as well as while studying in Canberra, Australia. Through it all, even during desert experiences, she recognised that Jesus was still present in her life.
Charles and Sapta share how they came to faith in their homeland, Indonesia. They also speak about their conversion experiences, and their zeal to evangelise to others as a couple.
"Philip" (not his real name), was recently imprisoned for 3 weeks. There, he felt a radical shift in his spiritual life, knowing that God was with him in his cell, helping him to serve out his time.
Andrew shares his faith journey and conversion experiences. He went for CER shortly before the circuit breaker period in 2020.
Carmen and Timothy are a married couple who are passionate about praising God with music. They share their stories, including how they met, and how they serve together.
Desmond went from writing for the secular world, to writing and singing for Jesus. He's now an active member of St Jude's Music Ministry at the Catholic Spirituality Centre. Desmond believes that by not pushing an agenda of Jesus to others, it allows people to experience God's love and mercy in their own time and space.
Maria and Joachim share how they became communion ministers, and what this ministry entails. Joachim also shares his perspectives after being retrenched from his job.
Steven and Theresa have been married for 57 years. They share their struggles and secrets, including how they give and take in their marriage.
Iris Verghese was among the first nurses in Singapore to take care of HIV/AIDS patients. She shares what inspired her to care for them, and the many obstacles she has had to contend with so as to provide proper care.
Dominique shares about her faith journey, including how she went from being a ritualistic Catholic to a pro-active one.
Minfi and Jonard Cahilig have been working in Singapore, separated from their children. They share their challenges, especially how on how the pandemic has complicated matters for them. There is, however, a bright light to the end of the tunnel, and they share how God paved a path for them for the whole family to be together again.
Myka shares candidly how she converted to the Catholic faith, as well as how the pandemic gave her the opportunity to serve in a ministry and be part of community. She also shares briefly some of the obstacles she had to face before she was finally allowed to be baptised.
In this episode, we walk down memory lane and recall some beautiful faith stories that guests have shared with us on the programme this year.
In these final days of Advent, Keith & John chat about how we can truly enter into the mystery of Christmas.
Amidst the increasing activity we face as the days countdown to Christmas, what are some ways we can keep our eyes on Jesus? Keith & John share 3 possibilities!
Keith & John draw our attention to some groups of people God may be inviting us to reach out to this Advent.
Keith & John Lum speak about what we can do as we transition into a new liturgical year at Advent!
André & Keith speak to Clement, a parishioner of Church of Saint Michael. Hear about his moving CER experience, as well as how he strives to live out his faith.
André & Keith speak to Teresa, a parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. Hear about how she came to discover God's love in a personal way, such that she now strives to always walk in the ways of the Lord.
André & Keith speak to Ranjith, a parishioner at Church of Saint Mary of the Angels. Hear more about his faith journey, including how he came to discover his mission to serve the poor and needy.
André & Keith speak to Celeste, a parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. Hear more about how her unique faith journey, which includes attending RCIA for 2 cycles, and grappling with many questions along the way.
André & Keith speak to Sandy, a parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. Hear more about how she came to discover our heavenly Father as the one true God, sovereign over all. Discover how she came to develop a love for the Rosary as well.
André & Keith speak to Michelle, a parishioner of St Ignatius Church. Hear more about her 'deal' with God, which eventually led her to being baptised! She also shares some significant spiritual experiences she's had.
André & Keith speak to Simone, a parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. Hear more about her journey, as well as how she lives out her faith even through her work as a personal stylist and fashion influencer.
André & Keith speak to Matthew, a parishioner of St Ignatius Church. Hear more about his faith journey, including how he was inspired by a fellow pilgrim while walking the Camino de Santiago.
André & Keith speak to Anthony, a St Anne's Church parishioner. Hear more about his faith journey, including his experience serving with the Canossian Sisters with their Myanmar Mission.
We hear the testimonies of Audrey and Madeline; these were recorded specially for the Catholic Foundation Young Stewards Conference 2021, which took place on 14 August.
Do look out for more events for Young Stewards under the GIFT Stewards Programme. To keep up to date about these events, head to catholicfoundation.sg
We hear the testimonies of Linus and Keith; these were recorded specially for the Catholic Foundation Young Stewards Conference 2021, which took place on 14 August.
Do look out for more events for Young Stewards under the GIFT Stewards Programme. To keep up to date about these events, head to catholicfoundation.sg
We hear the testimonies of Shaun and Benedict; these were recorded specially for the Catholic Foundation Young Stewards Conference 2021, which took place on 14 August.
Do look out for more events for Young Stewards under the GIFT Stewards Programme. To keep up to date about these events, head to catholicfoundation.sg
Keith speaks to Jude, a young adult and Church of the Holy Spirit parishioner. Hear more about his faith journey, including his experience meeting Pope Francis in 2017 together with his wife Geraldine.
Keith speaks to singer-songwriter Shye-Anne, and her mum Alice. Shye-Anne shares her recent experience working on this year's NDP theme song, as well her faith story. We also hear about how the family stays rooted in faith.
Keith and Andre speak to Team Singapore Olympian, diver Jonathan Chan, alongside his parents Ken and Nuen. Jon shares about his experience in Tokyo, including how it was for him spiritually. We also hear his parents' perspective on his achievements and the role they play.
Keith speaks to Stella, a parishioner at St Ignatius Church, and owner of Penang Kitchen. Hear more about how she came to faith, and how God has worked in mysterious ways in her life.
Keith speaks to Leonard, a young adult and a parishioner of Church of Christ the King. Hear more about his faith journey, as well as his 6 years (in formation) with the Jesuits.
Keith speaks to Dominic, a former youth worker who's now pursuing theology studies. Hear more about his faith journey and thoughts on how we can accompany one another.
Keith speaks to Beatrice Decruz, a young adult and a parishioner of Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. Hear more about her faith journey, including her experience being quarantined last year.
Keith speaks to Prasad, a young adult and a parishioner of Church of Saint Mary of the Angels. Hear more about his faith and life story, from the time he was a child growing up in India, to being in Singapore since 2013.
André & Keith speak to Elaine, a mother of 4 and a parishioner of Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Hear more about how she came to faith, and how she has led others to faith too.
André & Keith speak to Nicole, a seasoned podcaster. She is the producer and presenter of the @nourishthesoul podcast. Hear more about her faith and podcasting journeys!
André & Keith speak to Ian Phang, or I.P., as he is known to listeners of his Setting Apart podcast. Hear more about his faith and podcasting journeys!
André & Keith speak to Ann Yeong, producer and presenter of the Becoming Me podcast. Hear more about her faith and podcasting journeys!
In this episode, we walk down memory lane and recall some beautiful faith stories that guests have shared with us on the programme.
In this episode, we walk down memory lane and recall some beautiful encounters of Our Lady that guests (on the programme) have had.
Keith & Nicholas unpack the key messages from Pope Francis' 2021 World Communications Day Message. Discover His Holiness' invitations to us; for all of us are communicators of truth and Good News.
Read the full message here: https://cr.catholic.sg/wcd2021