On this final episode of Solid Ground for 2025, Simon shares some of the year's highlights and also says a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made the year such a success. He gives a particular thanks to all those watching and reading Family First's content throughout the year. He also shares the first photo of his treehouse podcasting studio! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

In this episode of Solid Ground, Simon addresses the recent judicial decision to block the ban on puberty blockers in New Zealand calling it more an act of activism, relying on outdated information and outright fabrications. Simon also highlights the very poor choice of ‘quote of the year’ by Massey University. He then spends time dissecting the recent speech by Green Party MP Chloe Swarbrick around Bondi, noting how she avoids discussing key elements of the tragedy while also trying to uiversalise what happened. Simon then quickly covers recent news around TVNZ, the Waipareira Trust, and the imprisonment of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai.

In this episode of Solid Ground, Simon devotes much of the show to discussing the tragic event at Bondi Beach, where terrorists killed 15 people. He strongly critiques the societal and political response to such events, arguing for a clearer identification of the ideologies behind the violence. He also questions the near-silence from the likes of the Green Party and other left wing figures, noting their earlier rhetoric has given moral cover to those who perpetrate violence. He also speaks of how increasing antisemitism sits alongside a society that is decaying, and how we must return to reason, empirical evidence, and restraint.

In this final episode for the year – shocking scenes in Australia after a terrorist attack on a Jewish Festival at Sydney’s Bondi Beach leaves 12 people dead and 29 injured; Time Magazine can’t bring themselves to honour Charlie Kirk; new ‘hate speech’ bill in Canada targets the Bible; US states that have legalised cannabis are having second thoughts; western countries with fertility declines are finally realising they’re in trouble – but not New Zealand?; the legacy media in NZ continue to push Democrat talking points on Epstein despite the evidence; Oprah backtracks on ‘no contact’ trend which she previously promoted; and Isaiah 41:10.

In this episode of Daybreak – where do NZ MPs stand on the social media ban for under 16s; tennis world #1 Sabalenka opposes dudes in women’s sports; FIFA’s woke ‘pride’ dilemma; tech CEO needs AI to raise children; Netflix’s promotion of LGBT themes exposed; IKEA are woke; left-wing newspaper expresses concern about liberals not having children; Erika finally pushes back on the nonsense, trolls and ‘evil’ conspiracies; & an excellent column from Miranda Devine also on this issue.

In the final episode for the year – the Australian social media ban takes effect; an analysis of the latest political polls – and the interesting responses from political leaders; Jacinda tells Graham Norton what went wrong – or does she; funding Maori media and whether backbench government MPs can hold personal views; opposition parties want a code of conduct for other MPs but not for themselves; the allegations against a Labour MP that the mainstream media don’t want to talk about; why do we have a Children’s Commissioner; who do we trust when police and political leaders disagree with each other; and Bob & Simon make their predictions for 2026 – which are sure to be wrong! 😊

In this episode of Solid Ground, Simon discusses the absurdity of the latest pro-Hamas protest in parliament, the misuse of abortion pills, and how FIFA has embarrassed itself after Iran and Egypt are drawn to play the ideological 'pride' football match. Simon also continues commentary on Australia's social media ban.

In this final episode of Family Matters for 2025, Simon welcomes Reverend Dr. John Fox to discuss the true meaning of Christmas. John is both a parish priest and a university chaplain, and shares his perspective on the rich theological and pastoral aspects of Christmas.

They discuss Jesus Christ's humble birth in a manger as a profound act of humility and identification with human vulnerability. Reflecting on the commercialisation of Christmas, John emphasises that the true message of Christmas goes beyond materialism and stresses the importance of recognising Jesus as 'Emmanuel,' or 'God with us.'

The conversation also covers the importance of Advent as a period of preparation, reflection, and repentance leading up to Christmas Day—a theme that often gets overlooked in modern times.

John advises listeners on finding peace during the stressful holiday season, suggesting moments of silence, prayer, and genuine celebration of Jesus’s birth within family traditions. He also criticises the shift in some churches away from holding Christmas services and underscores the importance of maintaining Christ at the centre of Christmas celebrations.

The podcast ends with John and Simon both offering their respective Christmas blessings and encouraging viewers to embrace the peace, grace, and joy that the true Christmas message brings.

A blessed and happy Christmas everyone!