In this episode of Solid Ground, Simon previews his latest Family Matter’s podcast with Alon Roth-Snir, Israel’s ambassador to New Zealand. He also discusses again how the likes of Wikipedia have been hijacked by progressive activists, reducing the reliability of the information provided. Simon also takes a question from a viewer and comments on Ashley Bloomfield happily attending the Scottish Covid inquiry yet would not appear at the one here in New Zealand!

He also shares about his and Rachel’s house move and that he’s soon off to Utah to give a talk at a legal symposium. Finally, he shares some quick reflections on the Charlie Kirk memorial service, including one he attended in Mount Maunganui.

In this episode of Family Matters, Simon O'Connor engages in a detailed discussion with His Excellency, Alon Roth-Snir, the Israeli Ambassador to New Zealand, about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. The conversation covers the tense atmosphere in Israel, the dual political and personal burdens faced by both the nation and Roth as a diplomat and family man.

Roth sheds light on the emotional and practical challenges of maintaining normalcy while confronting existential threats from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Emphasizing Israel's democratic values, he defends the nation's military actions as necessary for survival and criticizes the media for biased and inaccurate coverage.

Simon and Alon also discuss the implications of antisemitism in New Zealand and the broader geopolitical stakes of the conflict. The Ambassador underscores the importance of looking beyond immediate hostilities towards longer-term peace solutions, such as the Abraham Accords.

The discussion aims to provide a nuanced view of Israel's position and the complexities involved in the conflict.

Please note, this podcast was recorded on the 17th of September.

On this episode of Solid Ground, Simon wonders when the UK turned everything upside down when he notes JK Rowling has come out opposing euthanasia, while a former Archbishop of Canterbury has come out in support. He also discusses the many problems with the UK, Australia, and others recognising a Palestinian state including how it rewards terrorism. He finishes with a warning about the left-wing takeover of organisations like Amnesty International and Wikipedia, encouraging watches to discern carefully what they say and write.

Here's StraightTalk livestream for 22 September 2025, as we cut through the spin and discuss the issues related to family and society.

Bye bye, Benjamin! Bob reviews Green MP Benjamin "Bussy" Doyle's final (thankfully) speech in Parliament last night.

Buckle up for some intersectionality, critical theory and cognitive dissonance...

In this episode of Daybreak – Charlie Kirk’s widow Erika is appointed as his replacement for Turning Point; the motive of the shooter is clear to everyone except the media; Chris Hipkins finally figures out the answer to what is a woman; a new book on Jacinda’s legacy; Chile may be swinging to the right; concerns about breaches of bail for offenders; Government plays a dangerous game with online gambling; and we review Benjamin Doyle’s final speech in Parliament – thankfully.

In this episode of Political Playback, we discuss - the latest polling on political parties, capital gains tax, recognising a Palestinian state, and who would replace Hipkins and Luxon as party leaders; who's to blame for the economic mess NZ is currently facing; Te Pati Maori's headache; is there a threat of political violence in NZ; more (appalling) media coverage of Charlie Kirk's death; why is the Government delaying banning puberty blockers; and Benjamin Doyle's farewell party.

Have you watched the exclusive interview we did with Israel & Maria Folau that we premiered at our recent Forum on the Family? At the time of recording this episode of McBlog, it’s had 60,000-plus views across our social media channels. It has since grown to 275,000-plus views in just 48 hours.

Make sure you watch the Full Exclusive Interview with Israel & Maria Folau: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SbLgWKj58U

Here we show you three short excerpts that really spoke volumes about the integrity and boldness that Israel & Maria had, and it shows a side of them that the media didn’t want you to see. A testimony to how they survived a torrid period in their life and marriage.