Thoughts & Comments Podcast

Discover how God's creativity  inspires pioneering technology;  get tips for parenting perfectionist kids, and nurturing a culture of workplace well-being.

Join Andrew and his guests, Dr Stuart Burgess (profstuartburgess.com), Kristin Ward (parentingplace.nz), and Lauren Parsons (LaurenParsonsWellbeing.com) and be part of the conversation by texting your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'.

For more content like this, visit www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz 

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How are the twin forces of digital technology and cultural change reshaping traditional borders of national sovereignty, institutional authority and the media landscape?

The Director of Maxim Institute, Tim Wilson, considers the end of an era with veteran news anchor Simon Dallow's departure from 1News, and whether plummeting trust is behind alternative platforms' takeover of mainstream media. (maxim.org.nz)

With eroding confidence in local media and politicans, how much do we trust offshore institutions? Nick Hanne of civil liberties group PILLAR asks if China's far-reaching influence is an overreach, challenging the West to step up and stand up for fundamental democratic rights. (www.nzpillar.com)

And have you faced any digital identification hurdles lately? Justin Smith discusses whether industry ethics and regulations are keeping pace with rapidly developing technology, and whether the payoff is worth it.

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'.
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"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." ~ Psalm 127:3 (ESV)

Trigger warning, audience discretion advised. 

New Zealand is in a battle to protect society's most vulnerable - our children.  While the Free Speech Union considers prudent defence against social media harms, grassroots organisations Family First and St Nicholas Children's Trust expose some devastating truths about live abortions (familyfirst.org.nz) and child exploitation (snctrust.org). 

Join the conversation and text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'. 

If you have been through the trauma of abortion, are facing a crisis pregnancy or are in a situation where you feel unsafe, please consider seeking counsel and support for your well-being.

• Nzprayerline.org.nz - 0800 50 80 80
• pregnancycouselling-nz.org - 0800 773 462
• pregnancyoptions.org.nz
• pregnancychoice.org.nz
• havenpregnancysupport.org.nz 
  
  

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Examine recent and historical conflicts that highlight the dehumanising impact of war. 

Prof. Robert Patman traces the proposed annexation of the West Bank back to Israel's self-defence against Arab onslaught in the Six-Day War and more recently the October 7th terrorist attacks; while historian Dr Samuel Carpenter and playwright Steve Worsley recall a tragedy closer to home - the 144th anniversary of Parihaka.

Join the conversation and text 8168, keyword 'Comments'.  For more content like this visit www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz

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Dive into three fascinating conversations about being called to our world a better place - as individuals and in community. 

Otago University theologian Prof. Murray Rae shines a light on the Bible's blueprint for being a city of blessing;

Vision West's Brook Turner emphasises the virtue of generosity in times of scarcity;

and Rev. Frank Ritchie considers life's seasons of rest, pruning, change and growth. 

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With less than 12 months until the next election we examine recent Policy announcements that may, or may not, tip the scale. 

Dr Bryce Edwards examines recent policy announcements from Labour, particularly Capital Gains Tax, and explores if this will make a difference for the troubled left.  

Grant Marshall from Christian Savings analyses whether this policy will work from an economic and political point of view. 

Tash McGill looks at recent education policy to see if this is a potential vote winner for the incumbent coalition.  

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Halloween has a colourful and varied history, and a comparatively young one as a modern cultural phenomenon - more so in the New Zealand context.  So what is behind the increase in Kiwis' fascination with an imported cultural trend?  Is it harmless or dabbling in the occult? And what is the Christian response?

Andrew Urquhart and his guests sift through superstition, misinformation, fiction and fads, to find the true origins of All Hallows' Eve.  Discover why the Church celebrates Christ's victory over death with the tradition of All Saints and All Souls; reflect on ways of grieving that honour eternal life after death; and how Christian households can continue God's redemptive work in a society engrossed with the false idols of consumerism, popular culture, and pagan spirituality.

With Rev. Matt Maslin (laidlaw.ac.nz), the Hope Project's Dave Mann (alltogether.co.nz) and Family Life director Wynand Jacobs (familylife.nz)

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'. For more content visit thoughtsandcomments.co.nz

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Is it dynamite policy or a political time-bomb? Vague or visionary?  Profiteering or permissive?

Andrew Urquhart and guests scrutinise the communication chaos and relational turmoil that seems to be engulfing the Opposition, and a troubling approach to online gambling regulations, as the one-year countdown to Election 2026 begins.  Join the conversations with former MP Simon O'Connor, and researchers Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute & Paul Barber of the Salvation Army.

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'.

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Andrew Urquhart & guests reflect on brokenness in our Church, and the steps to reparation, reconciliation & reckoning necessary for ongoing spiritual renewal. 

Baptist pastor Steven Goulstone explains why the time has come for Baptist churches to make a public apology for institutional abuse;

Rev. Dr Malcolm Falloon examines the rise of GAFCON amidst a deepening rift within the Anglican church;

and Dr Craig Heilmann comments on the delicate balance of protection against persecution for Communist China's church community. 

Text 8168, keyword 'Comments', and for more content visit www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz

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Settle in for an honest look at our social biases, both spoken and unspoken.

Stereotypes can be useful shortcuts for time-critical decisions, but do we abdicate personal responsibility to 'expert' authority figures too often? Are we as a society more prejudiced and judgemental than we care to admit?  Andrew Urquhart & guests broadcaster John Cowan, Maryanne Spurdle (Maxim Institute), & Tom O'Neil (cv.co.nz) tackle sexism, racism, ageism, and other forms of bigotry prevalent in community today.   Text your thoughts to 8168 keyword 'Comments'. 

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