Thoughts & Comments Podcast

In the the frontier town of cyberspace, who's the sherrif and what's the law?

As internet governance races to keep up with fast-evolving social media and AI technology, Andrew Urquhart asks Internet NZ candidate and Free Speech Union council member, Douglas Brown, about how we can better protect internet users and hold content providers accountable.

For more information visit www.fsu.nz

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Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

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A yuletide treat for music lovers – Welsh singer and Songs of Praise presenter Aled Jones joins Andrew Urquhart for a Christmas-cracker of a festive chat. Discover his fond memories of childhood in Wales, early fame, a varied media career, and serenading royals; and how God has held him through the octave-spanning highs and lows of life.  

Plus a special surprise for Kiwi fans – catch Aled in Godzone next year! 

Join the conversation and text 8168, keyword "Comments"; and visit www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz for more content.

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Join Andrew Urquhart as he continues to wrap up the year with a look at what this season holds for Kiwis - the good, the sad and the beautiful; the inspiration, the despair and the hope.  

The Salvation Army's Lt Col Ian Hutson asks us to spare a thought for those who have found 'no room at the inn', as he reviews New Zealand's latest homelessness data; 

Dave Mann says this most wonderful time of year presents the perfect opportunity to share the reason for the season and the reason for our hope; 

Mental health advocate & public speaker JuliaGrace shares a surprise Christmas gift – a new song, composed whilst living in a real-life nativity scene! 

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

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As 2025 draws to a close, Andrew Urquhart and his guests look back at the significant events and issues that make it a year to remember, including:

• Big-and-fast weather damage
• Influence of US President Donald Trump
• AI's growing impact
• Energy generation
• Social Impact Bonds
• Creeping extension of euthanasia & China's reach in the South Pacific

With businesswoman and commentator Tash McGill, and Director of the Maxim Institute, Tim Wilson.

Join the conversation & text your thoughts to 8168 keyword 'Comments', and 
visit www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz for more content.

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Can Christmas get busy and stressful? YES! But why, when it's all about the Prince of Peace.

Today, Andrew Urquhart and his guests unwrap the layers of expectation, expense and emotion that can complicate how we mark Christmas festivities and other occasions. Enjoy three conversations that encourage us to return to the Biblical art of grateful celebration when it comes to the sharing of meals, gifts and time this Christmas. With Dr Maja Whitaker (www.laidlaw.ac.nz), John Dennison (www.venn.org.nz) and Kristin Ward (www.parentingplace.nz)

BONUS TIPS: practical ideas for teaching children the importance of a generous heart wrapped with gratitude and good manners.

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

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As the church prepares to celebrate Christ's birth and Jews remember God's faithfulness in protecting their identity, a devastating massacre seems to have blotted out a memorial of light. 

Andrew Urquhart and his guests respond to the tragedy at Australia's Bondi Beach, considering the role of law, civic responsibility, and faith, in combatting hate crime and preserving peace. With leadership mentor John Peachey, FSU Chief Executive Jillaine Heather, and public theologian Dr Craig Heilmann.  

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

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Identity, tribalism, and good Kiwi coffee. Those topics and plenty more were on the table when the host of Today with Jeff Vines caught up with Andrew Urquhart on his New Zealand visit. Encouraged by a global Gen Z surge back to church, the ONE&All lead pastor also warned that a counter-movement is in force, as extreme ideologies become the new 'religion'.

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

• Today with Jeff Vines broadcasts on Rhema, weekdays at 1:35pm. (www.rhema.co.nz).
•  https://www.oneandall.church

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As a Kiwi recently returned from Bethlehem, photo/video-journalist Cole Martin brings back challenging accounts from the West Bank, an area of the Holy Land that has arguably received less media attention than Hamas-controlled Gaza since the 2003 October 7th attacks on Israel.

In this raw and confronting conversation, Cole shares glimpses of what life is like for the Palestinian Christians he has met in West Bank hilltop communities and refugee camps - stories of chaos and confusion; legacy and occupancy; heartbreak and hope; fear, and faith.

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All I want for Christmas is... naughty or is it nice? And are we chasing a lifestyle too expensive to resource? 

Tech gadgets and smart devices come with a hefty price tag and significant social cost - whether you do or don't keep up-to-date with the latest/best/shiniest toys.  Andrew Urquhart's guests today weigh up the pros and cons of social media and cutting-edge technology in our digital world.  With commentator Tash McGill, Rhema's head of digital, Justin Smith, and Maxim researcher, Debora Spiekermann (maxim.org.nz) 

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

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Are you attempting to stuff too much into the proverbial Christmas stocking? Trying wrap up too many gifts, expenses, events, obligations, tinsel and trimmings.. with too little of you?  

Broadcaster John Cowan shares some sage advice for those feeling more ho-hum rather than ho-ho-ho;
Matt Maslin (laidlaw.ac.nz) brings it back to the most precious gift of all - God with us, a vulnerable baby wrapped in swaddling cloth;
while John Peachey (thethinkfarm.org) has some encouragement for all December babies who may feel like their birthday is overshadowed by Christ's.

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

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