Thoughts & Comments Podcast

Andrew Urquhart and guests examine the money trail in different sectors, from the sports field to kids' entertainment. 

Birthright versus big bucks? Jono Donald from Athletes in Action analyses the complexities of alternate sporting syndicates - forfeiting the mana of playing for one's national team versus the allure of lucrative overseas deals. (athletesinaction.org.nz) 

A sandbox game with money traps - Justin Smith explains the tactics, mechanisms and principles of monetising children's video games. It might be good for business, but what's ethical about targeting children? 

Dr Bonnie Robinson of the Salvation Army's Policy Unit critiques proposed alcohol sales reforms, saying that the government needs to prioritise community well-being over alcohol lobby groups' profits. 

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Israeli Forces prepare to occupy Gaza City, many former allies are turning against Israel and proposing that the UN recognise a Palestinian State. Andrew Urquhart considers the issue from a range of different perspectives.  

Alan Jamieson from the Baptist  Mission Arotahi, calls for a just peace without taking sides, and feels that the church should take a stand on this. 

Dr Craig Heilmann believes that there is political motivation behind Australia’s call for a Palestinian state, and urges New Zealand not to fall into the same trap. 

Former MP Simon O’Connor analyses the political posturing and believes that while a two-state solution may seem fair in theory, it’s unworkable in practice.  

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How healthy is the Church today and how steadfast are its faithful?  Is theological study or philosophy dangerous for the average Christian? Can we get lost in intellectual pursuit and lose faith? 

The answers vary depending on the context. 

Public theologian Dr Craig Heilmann examines rumours of revival from the UK, while conversely, Laidlaw College's Dr Myk Habets observed a British congregation in dire straits. And Rev. Frank Ritchie shares some wisdom on 'deconstructing and reconstructing' belief systems - ways to help each other explore and understand our faith in order to live it more fully.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how God is working on the frontlines of hotspots around the world. Join Andrew Urquhart and his guests for updates from the Far East Broadcasting Company, Mission Without Borders, and Barnabas Aid, where the Holy Spirit is moving in the hearts of the persecuted faithful, as well as in the hearts of unbelievers and religious extremists.

Matthew Perry (febc.nz) brings the latest from Ukraine, showing the impact of the ongoing war is having on the frontline and within the church.  

Barry Raeburn shares a story of hope from Romania, where he saw firsthand how improved access to education sparks intergenerational change for poor families. (missionwithoutborders.org.nz)

While Barnabas Aid supports Christians facing persecution, New Zealand CEO Stephanie Johnston challenges us to also pray for their persecutors, with a remarkable testimony of redemption. (barnabasaid.org/nz)

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Urquhart asks today's guests about managing stressors in their respective fields of finance, mental health and parenting - how to build resilience by planning for the worst while hoping for the best.  

Christian Savings CEO Dan Mazengarb looks at the increasing cost of insurance, and how we balance risk with sensible stewardship. Does it show a lack of faith to be well insured, or has this become a regulatory requirement of modern life?  

How do we maintain resilience and a positive outlook when everyone in our community is struggling? Julia Grace brings some practical wisdom from self-care to collective-care, in situations from natural disaster to financial hardship.

Are smart phones and social media the real culprits behind today's anxiety-ridden youth?  John Cowan suggests that parental anxiety could be a factor - that by striving to keep children safe, parents are depriving them of risk that helps to develop resilience.  

Text your thoughts to 8168, starting with the keyword 'Comments'.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Urquhart and his guests ask what it takes to go beyond a fair life and truly thrive.

We look at the reeducation of Special Needs Grants. Brook Turner of VIsion West unpacks the impact  on those already struggling, and imagine what would a fairer welfare system look like, and how can Christian communities help beneficiaries thrive?  

Parenting Coach Kristin Ward (parentingplace.nz) explains that in order for our children to thrive, they need good role models of grace and fairness, rather than being taught to make an insincere apology.  

What does justice and fairness look like in Gaza? Maybe that depends on your news source. Tash McGill navigates the tricky territory of discerning truth amidst fake news, and challenges us to look beyond our preconceptions.  

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Urquhart and his guests reflect on the concept of guardianship/ kaitiakitanga.  Are we stewarding our country's precious resources wisely? Is it not he tangata – the people – who are most important? 

Political analyst Dr Bryce Edwards unpacks the implications of changes to fisheries regulations, weighing up the economics of primary industry against ecological concerns for the environment and marine life. 

Meanwhile, who is protecting society's most vulnerable, our children, who are the true treasure/ taonga? Family First director Bob McCoskrie reflects on the devastating rise in abortions and cultural shifts behind the trend. 

And CEO of Barnabas Aid New Zealand, Stephanie Johnston, has an update on recent flare-ups of violence against Christians in Africa and Southeast Asia. 

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the future of healthcare to retrospective Reo, this episode takes a look at different seasons in Kiwi society and personal faith.

Maxim Institute researcher Debora Spiekermann examines the not-too-distant prospect of AI-driven medicine, pinpointing ethical concerns around safety, cost, communication, informed consent, and patient care.

Aotearoa first? As the order of our national monicker dances from Maori-first to leading with English on Kiwi passports, historian Dr Samuel Carpenter and Andrew Urquhart take a trip back in time to consider the origins and usage of the name, Aotearoa.

And Laidlaw College's Rev. Maja Whitaker invites us to embrace the season of hibernation - she reflects on winter spirituality as an opportunity to rest and renew our prayer life.

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Urquhart and guests weigh up the costs and benefits on a range of issues, from the price of free speech, retail convenience, and the economic cost of diplomatic relations and media savagery? .

John Peachey (thethinkfarm.org) unpacks the blunt and brutal impact of 15% US trade tariffs on New Zealand's economy, and whether we are getting the relationship that we paid for.   

Love the ease of contactless payments? Financial advisor Andy Milne (christiansavings.co.nz) warns that waived paywave and credit card surcharges could still end up hitting end consumers in the pocket.

Outgoing CEO of the Free Speech Union Jonathan Ayling (fsu.nz) reflects on some significant wins, losses and the price of freedom.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is facing challenges of how much our society should reflect and represent Maori culture; and how should the Church respond?  

Andrew Urquhart talks with Rev. Hamish Dobbie about an exciting new project to produce an audio version of the Bible in Te Reo Maori - the challlenges and opportunities ahead, and the partnership that is making this possible. (www.ihorangi.ac.nz)

Prayer in the workplace may sound like a great opportunity to share our faith; but what if the prayer is in Te Reo Maori? What do the words mean, and who are we praying to? Rev. Dr Malcolm Falloon discusses if and when it’s appropriate for Christians to pray along.

Later this year local referenda will be held on the issue of whether Maori Wards should be a part of local government structure. Alex Johnston, co-director of Common Grace, explains why he believes this is an important issue for Christians to engage with. 

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.