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.

A yuletide treat for music lovers &ndash; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Plus a special surprise for Kiwi fans &ndash; catch Aled in Godzone next year!&nbsp;
Join the conversation and text 8168, keyword "Comments"; and visit <a href="https://www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz">www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz</a> for more content.

Thoughts & Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience. In each episode, Andrew chats with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We’ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts & Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts &amp; Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience. In each episode, Andrew chats with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We&rsquo;ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts &amp; Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts & Comments

Fri 19 Dec 2025. Christmas Special with ALED JONES

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. 

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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;&nbsp;
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;&nbsp;
Mental health advocate &amp; public speaker JuliaGrace shares a surprise Christmas gift &ndash; a new song, composed whilst living in a real-life nativity scene!&nbsp;
Text your thoughts to 8168 keyword 'Comments', and visit <a href="https://www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz/">www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz</a>&nbsp;for more content.&nbsp;

Thu 18 Dec 2025. The Good, the Sad, and the Hopeful.

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.

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:
<ul>
<li>Big-and-fast weather damage</li>
<li>Influence of US President Donald Trump</li>
<li>AI's growing impact</li>
<li>Energy generation</li>
<li>Social Impact Bonds</li>
<li>Creeping extension of euthanasia &amp; China's reach in the South Pacific</li>
</ul>
With businesswoman and commentator Tash McGill, and Director of the Maxim Institute, Tim Wilson.
Join the conversation &amp; text your thoughts to 8168 keyword 'Comments', and&nbsp; visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz">www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz</a> for more content.

Wed 17 Dec 2025. The Year in Review.

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.

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 (<a href="https://www.laidlaw.ac.nz">www.laidlaw.ac.nz</a>), John Dennison (<a href="https://www.venn.org.nz">www.venn.org.nz</a>) and Kristin Ward (<a href="https://www.parentingplace.nz">www.parentingplace.nz</a>)
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 <a href="https://www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz">www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz</a> for more content.

Fri 19 Dec 2025. Christmas Special with ALED JONES

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