Thoughts & Comments Podcast

A lot has been said at the 80th UN General Assembly this week, but some big questions remain. 

Tash McGill unpacks President Donald Trump's controversial opening speech; geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Milller reviews the UN's achievements and speculates if New Zealand will support a Palestinian state; while Rev. Malcolm Gordon encourages Christians to sift through media bias and find the truth in hot-button issues.

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How good are our standards of leadership and public accountability? 

Dr Bryce Edwards checks out our Parliamentarians' score card according to their business counterparts, while the Free Speech Union assesses a proposed Code of Conduct for local government officials; and Brendan Malone takes a closer look at standards of responsible free speech, in light of Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s brief suspension.

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Can opposing ideologies find common ground? Andrew Urquhart and his guests reflect on international current events, from Charlie Kirk's public memorial service befitting a national hero; global pressure around a Two-State Solution; and the origins of biracial democracy in New Zealand. 

While a polarising figure, most of us can acknowledge Charlie Kirk's courage in striving to bring those poles together, especially when it came to the sociocultural outworking of our Christian faith. Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute reflects on Charlie Kirk's legacy, and what his death may achieve.   

Last week the majority of world leaders voted to recognise Palestinian statehood, leaving Israel and the US in an isolated position. Public theologian, Dr Craig Heilmann, reveals the pressure Australian Prime Minster Anthony ALbanese has faced, and the implications for New Zealand. 

Take a closer look at the history of New Zealand's bicultural suffrage with Dr Samuel Carpenter from Laidlaw College, who traces the origins of Maori participation in the democratic process. 

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What happens when politics gets personal and we don't see eye-to-eye? Do we demand an eye for an eye? 

Andrew Urquhart and guests reflect on a round-up of current events that puts the spotlight on the way we resolve conflict as a society. From online clashes over the assassination of Charlie Kirk, to local industrial action over pay disputes - do we rise to the Gospel challenge and recognise Jesus in each other, even our 'enemy'? With Dr Craig Heilmann, John Peachey, and Rev. Frank Ritchie.

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In an age of online tribalism, it is more vital than ever to distinguish fact from fiction, tropes from truth, coincidence from cause, reporting from opinion, and perspective from proof. 

That's challenging for adults let alone our youngest digital natives! Kristin Ward (parentingplace.nz) discusses some principles, boundaries and methods that parents can consider.

As Art History is erased as a standalone secondary school subject, Peter Crothall from Chrysallis Seed says it is hugely important for developing critical thinking and humanities in a commerce and tech-focused world;

And Free Speech Union CEO Jillaine Heather highlights the petition to protect free speech in the Human Rights Act, and a report on local council candidates: https://www.fsu.nz/blog/local-government-council-candidates-report

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Andrew Urquhart and his guests address politicised hot-button issues that have pervaded social communication, turning dialogue into diatribe.

Tash McGill questions whether sociopolitical activism is genuine or virtue-signalling;

Rev. Dr Stuart Lange encourages Christians to bring Christ into challenging conversations to defuse trigger topics;

John Cowan shares tips for adopting a big picture view of truth rather than a myopic bias.

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Would you continue to proclaim your faith if it cost you everything – your popularity, your career... even your life?  Is the path of non-confrontation - or least resistance - a better option?

Andrew Urquhart and his guests reflect on the public cost of personal faith in a secular world, including the recent tragedy of Charlie Kirk's assassination, and the controversy surrounding sporting champions Israel & Maria Folau. 

With Bob McCoskrie (familyfirst.org.nz), John Peachey (thethinkfarm.org) & Dr Myk Habets (laidlaw.ac.nz).

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Andrew Urquhart and Tearfund CEO Ian McInnes reflect on half a century of humanitarian aid, providing sustenance and support to some of the poorest and most remote communities in the world. (tearfund.org.nz)

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Celebrate 50 years of Maori Language Week with Andrew Urquhart, as he discusses the revival of a native tongue, the first anniversary of Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō’s coronation as Maori queen in the Kiingitanga movement, and an endorsement of Maori Wards from a former Anglican Archbishop. 

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Andrew Urquhart discusses some economic indicators from the housing market to food security. 

The Salvation Army's Paul Barber presents some workable ideas for solving food insecurity, through sustainable community-focused measures, including widening the Groceries Commissioner's mandate to Food Commissioner; 
Grant Marshall from Christian Savings lifts a finger to the wind to gauge if house prices are still in free-fall or whether OCR changes will swing real estate back to a sellers' market;
And Tash McGill checks out the economic forecast for the country. 

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