PODCAST · news
The Dispatches
by Left Foot Media
Commentary and contrarian thinking on politics, current affairs and culture from Aotearoa New Zealand
Episodes
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Overhyped or Deadly - Should We Be Afraid of AI and What’s Coming?
In the latest episode of The Dispatches Podcast I sat down with longtime friend James Bergin to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly about artificial intelligence. James isn’t just a good mate, he also brings a wealth of professional expertise to this issue as a Strategic Foresight Architect…
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Surviving the 9/11 Terror Attacks
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 Terror Attacks which brought down the World Trade Centre. In this episode I speak to Kiwi pastor Jason Winslade about his personal story of being present at ground zero in New York City, on Tuesday 11th of September 2001 as the terrorist attacks...
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A Very Bad Day For National
A failed attempt at a leadership change, the loss of a skilled and virtuous MP, and a speedily approaching election where the race is much tighter than it really should be. In this episode I share my thoughts about the crisis of leadership in the National Party that is still just as bad today as…
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A Disturbing New Crusade to Expand Euthanasia Raises Serious Issues About Media Involvement
I discuss an extremely disturbing story that has appeared in the NZ media as part of a new campaign to expand our ‘assisted dying’ laws to make it possible for even more people to be euthanised by the NZ state. The incident and the emotionally manipulative way it is being reported is troubling...
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Dr. Fauci and the Problem of Science Fiction vs Science Fact
The issue of COVID era policy making and its impacts has returned to the public square in a major way this past week with attempts to subject Dr. Anthony Fauci to official scrutiny in the United States. In this episode I share my thoughts on why I believe this scrutiny matters, and why seeking to...
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Why The Odyssey is Spectacular Mediocrity
Last weekend I went to see Christopher Nolan’s new film The Odyssey. In this episode of The Dispatches I take a deep dive and share my unfiltered thoughts about why I don’t think it is Nolan’s greatest movie; why it is both spectacular and lifeless; and why the Law of Zeus is not a reflection of...
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From Protestant Pastor to Catholic Convert - A Conversation with Frank Ritchie
Frank Ritchie hosts a weekly talkback show on Newstalk ZB; he founded a Christian chaplaincy organisation to minister to journalists and others who work in the NZ media; and until relatively recently he was also a Protestant pastor. Then, in Easter 2026, after many years of profound grappling and...
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A Candid Conversation with Simon O'Connor
In this episode I sit down with Simon O’Connor for a candid conversation about his life and views on the times we find ourselves living through. We discuss everything from conspiracy theories, to his political betrayal, to being a politician during the Ardern regime, the current state of NZ...
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A New Legal Battle over Abortion Pills Erupts in the US
Last week a Louisiana court issued a significant ruling about how abortion pills can be accessed in their state. Within days that ruling had escalated all the way to the US Supreme Court. In this episode I explore how we got to this point and where the legal battle currently stands. I also…
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Should Forced Abortions be Compulsory for all Minors?
Several weeks ago a respected ethics journal published a paper arguing that every pregnant minor should be subjected to a forced abortion, and that not doing so is a serious injustice and failure to provide proper care. In this episode I discuss and dissect the major flaws in this vacuous and...
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The Deeper Crisis Behind the Euthanasia of a Grieving UK Mother
In this episode we discuss the deeper cultural crisis behind the shocking case of a grieving UK mother scheduled to have her life ended at a Swiss euthanasia centre and how this incident is also a prophetic call to the Christian Church. ❤️ Become a Patreon supporter at:...
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AI, Digital Narcissism & Human Dignity | PART #6
The sixth and final episode in a special podcast adaption of a lecture series that I was asked to present at an event in January 2026 on Artificial Intelligence in the light of Christian anthropology. In this episode we discuss why AI is not like other previous technological advancements; the...
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AI, Digital Narcissism & Human Dignity | PART #5
The fifth episode in a special 6 part podcast adaption of a lecture series that I was asked to present at an event in January 2026 on Artificial Intelligence in the light of Christian anthropology. In this episode we focus on the backstory of AI; some key facts and definitions about AI; and some...
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AI, Digital Narcissism & Human Dignity | PART #4
The fourth episode in a special 6 part podcast adaption of a lecture series that I was asked to present at an event in January 2026 on Artificial Intelligence in the light of Christian anthropology. In this episode we talk about Christian anthropology, power, science, technology and morality. ❤️...
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AI, Digital Narcissism & Human Dignity | PART #3
The third episode in a special 6 part podcast adaption of a lecture series that I was asked to present at an event in January 2026 on Artificial Intelligence in the light of Christian anthropology. In this episode we begin exploring the issue of technology and morality. ❤️ Become a Patreon...
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The Return Of A False Dichotomy About Sex And Conservatism
Last week a self-styled conservative women’s magazine announced, along with some rather surprising promotional visuals, that its next edition was going to be the “Sex Issue’. However well-meaning their intentions might be, their statements and claims about sex and conservatism see the return of…
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AI, Digital Narcissism & Human Dignity | PART #2
The second episode in a special 6 part podcast adaption of a lecture series that I was asked to present at an event in January 2026 on Artificial Intelligence in the light of Christian anthropology. ❤️ Become a Patreon supporter at: www.Patreon.com/LeftFootMedia ❤️ Become a Substack supporter at:...
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AI, Digital Narcissism & Human Dignity | Part #1
In this special 6 part podcast adaption of a lecture series that I was asked to present at an event in January 2026, we explore the issue of Artificial Intelligence in the light of Christian anthropology. ❤️ Become a Patreon supporter at: www.Patreon.com/LeftFootMedia ❤️ Become a Substack…
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A Tale of Two Paintings
Today's episode features my presentation from last week's Voice For Life national conference about two important paintings that hang in our home, and offer profound meaning about the culture of death we find ourselves living in, and the counterculture of life which offers the true path to human...
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Will The Iran War Be the Ignominious Final Chapter For Trump?
Some serious thoughts, questions, and important Christian doctrinal considerations about the morality of the US war with Iran. In this episode of The Dispatches I pose some (hopefully) sober and consideration-worthy thoughts and questions about the US war with Iran. I was initially hesitant to...
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Navigating the Most Propagandised Era in Human History
A reflection for the modern and wearied seeker of truth... It is my contention that we are now living in the most propagandised era in human history. In this episode I reflect on why this is so, and, more importantly, share some wise insights that might help us to better navigate the polyphonous...
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Is Nationalism Always Evil? | Father Thomas Joseph White OP
Father Thomas Joseph White is a Dominican Priest; a founding member of The Hillbilly Thomists - a bluegrass band comprised entirely of Dominican Friars that has appeared on stage with the likes of The Zac Brown Band - and the Rector of the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome, an...
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Some Thoughts on Shapiro Vs Carlson
Over the weekend, Ben Shapiro delivered a blistering rebuke of Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and others during his speech at the Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 event. Tucker Carlson then used his speech to respond to Shapiro. In this episode I share my thoughts, my frustrations, and my sense of…
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Why Christian Anthropology Matters - With Katy Faust
Katy Faust - founder and president of Them Before Us, and advisory board member for the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship - joins me to discuss the profound importance of Christian anthropology for human flourishing and humane societies. Them Before Us, a global movement defending children’s...
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The Case Against The Abortion Pill
US researcher and author Rachel Roth Aldhizer joins me to discuss the shocking untold story about the development, questionable FDA approval, and serious ongoing safety issues with the abortion pill - which has now become the primary method of abortion in many countries (including here in New...
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A Dystopian Treatment of Persons With Down Syndrome
Earlier this week a NZ Judge ruled that a mother had been the victim of a treatment injury and was entitled to compensation because she chose not to abort her baby after antenatal screening failed to detect her daughter’s Down syndrome. In this episode I unpack five important things that strike…
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Missing Media Details & Deeper Realities in Global Euthanasia Case
In this episode I discuss a tragic incident involving a group of New Zealanders whose deaths are connected to a global euthanasia case. In particular, I explore some serious questions raised by key details that are missing from the media coverage, and the deeper metaphysical realities that are at...
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Three Profound Insights From Mary Shelley
In this episode of The Dispatches we take a deep dive into the goodness, truth, and beauty of Mary Shelly, specifically three different passages from her literary masterpiece Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. The first passage offers deep insights about human friendship, the second about...
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Understanding The Ferocious Civil War Now Raging on the US Right
Dieuwe and William join me to discuss the fierce civil war that is currently raging on the right of politics in the United States. We share our views on why we think Nick Fuentes has become such a popular voice for a lot of young people in the US, why his appearance on the Tucker Carlson Show...
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The Hidden Theology in Frankenstein 2025
In this episode I discuss three profoundly important theological truths which play an essential role in the plot of Guillermo del Toro’s majestic new cinematic reimagining of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. ❤️ Become a supporter at: www.Patreon.com/LeftFootMedia ❤️ WATCH the video verison on…
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Fertility Fear and Loathing
Earlier today the NZ media published an article raising the alarm about increasing numbers of social media influencers speaking negatively about hormonal birth control while promoting the use of natural fertility methods instead. In this episode of The Dispatches I unpack the many truly…
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Jimmy Kimmel Is Not A Free Speech Martyr
In this episode of The Dispatches podcast I share my thoughts on the suspension of talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, in particular, why this isn’t cancel culture, and what the authentic conservative approach to freedom of expression looks like. ❤️ Become a supporter at: www.Patreon.com/LeftFootMedia…
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Euthanasia Without Consent
Did you know that many patients are regularly being euthanised without consent, and that it’s been going on for many years? In the latest episode of The Dispatches I discuss why this is happening, and why it was always going to be an inevitable outcome of legalising euthanasia. ❤️ Become a...
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What Is The Christian Teaching on Civil Disobedience?
In light of the violence and destruction we’ve seen unfolding in Los Angeles over the past week or so, it seems pertinent to examine what Christianity teaches about civil disobedience. Is it morally acceptable? Are there limits? How does this apply to the crisis in LA? ❤️ Become a supporter at:...
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Ideology, Animus, and Control in the Latest NZ Abortion Report
Late last week the New Zealand State quietly published its first five year review of the extreme abortion law passed by the Ardern Labour government. In this podcast we take a deep dive into the report, and how it reveals an abortion regime of ideology, animus and control… but very little...
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Should we Ban Social Media for Children Under 16?
In today’s podcast I discuss the new announcement that the NZ government is supportive of changing the law to make it illegal for children under 16 to become social media users. Is this government overreach? Will it work? Is it a positive development? ❤️ Become a supporter at:...
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Why is the Pope's New Name so Significant?
The Christian Church has a new pope - Pope Leo XIV. In this podcast I share my hopes for the new papacy, and my thoughts about the name Leo, and why that could be more significant than some have realised. ❤️ Become a supporter at: www.Patreon.com/LeftFootMedia ❤️ Substack:...
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Major New Study: Abortion Pill is 22 times More Dangerous Than FDA Claims
In this podcast we take a deep dive into a major new study from the US which shows that the abortion pill is 22 times more dangerous than the Food and Drug Administration labelling claims it to be. The findings of this study echo the adverse effects revealed in the latest NZ abortion report, and...
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Trump's Trade War | Dispatches With Dieuwe
In the latest episode of Dispatches With Dieuwe, political commentator and radio host Dieuwe de Boer joins me to discuss the biggest global story of the moment: Trump’s trade war. Will it work? What is the end game? Is there an intergenerational clash at work in all of this? AND LOTS MORE! ✅…
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Why the Christian Sexual Vision is the Best for Human Flourishing
In this podcast I explain the reasons why the Christian sexual vision is the best and most coherent one to follow if we truly desire to find sexual happiness and relational flourishing ✅ Become a supporter at: www.Patreon.com/LeftFootMedia ❤️Substack: www.thecounterculture.substack.com
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Can Luxon Survive? | Dispatches With Dieuwe
In the latest episode of Dispatches With Dieuwe, political commentator and radio host Dieuwe de Boer joins me to discuss Luxon’s terrible polling and whether he can survive till the next election. We also talk about the implications of the Trump foreign policy for New Zealand, AND LOTS MORE! ✅...
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US Pro-Abortion Activism Sinks To New Lows
In this podcast I explore a shocking new case, where pro-abortion activists are deliberately deceiving the public and actively shielding the perpetrator of a coerced abortion forced upon a young mother and her unborn child. ✅ Become a supporter at: www.Patreon.com/LeftFootMedia ❤️Substack:...
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Why the War in Ukraine Violates Christian Just War Teaching
In this podcast I explore the essential moral principles of the Christian teaching on when war can be legimtatrmly used to protect the common good, and why the Ukraine conflict fails these ethical standards and should be ended as soon as possible. ✅ Become a $5 Patron at:...
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What Does Christianity Teach About IVF?
In this podcast I explore serious ethical issues associated with IVF and what the Christian Church teaches about this practice. ✅ Become a Patron at: www.Patreon.com/LeftFootMedia ❤️Watch Whisky & Wisdom: www.youtube.com/@LeftFootMediaNZ ❤️Substack: www.thecounterculture.substack.com
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Will Serious Scandals Sink the ACT Party? | Dispatches With Dieuwe
In the latest episode of Dispatches With Dieuwe, political commentator and radio host Dieuwe de Boer joins me to discuss the Treaty Principles Bill, the current state of the coalition, the serious scandals now plaguing the ACT Party, and more! ✅ Become a $5 Patron at…
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Christianity, Immigration, and Border Control
In this episode I explore the issue of immigration and border control, what Christianity teaches about these issues, and a helpful analogy - intimately familiar to everyone - which helps to give precise clarity to how we should think about border control and immigration. ✅ Become a $5 Patron at:...
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Solving The Prison Problem
In this episode my good friend Jamie and I discuss the issue of crime, punishment, and how to deal with prisoners in a humane and productive way. ✅ Become a $5 Patron at: www.Patreon.com/LeftFootMedia ❤️Leave a one-off tip at: www.ko-fi.com/leftfootmedia
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Technology, Automation And The Human Person
In this episode I discuss the issue of technology, automation and human flourishing with my good friend Jamie. Enjoy! ✅ Become a $5 Patron at: www.Patreon.com/LeftFootMedia ❤️Leave a one-off tip at: www.ko-fi.com/leftfootmedia
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Thoughts on Elon, Vivek, Mikhaila, and That Contentious US Visa Debate
I discuss last week’s major social media blow up about US immigration policy between conservative thinkers and Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Mikhaila Peterson and others. There’s some bigger issues hidden underneath all of this, and I think they are worthy of deeper consideration. ✅ Become a $5...
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Will It Be Hot Water For A Rogue NZ Judge And KC? | Dispatches With Dieuwe
In the latest episode of Dispatches With Dieuwe, political commentator and radio show host Dieuwe de Boer joins me to discuss an important victory that his family has just secured in the NZ courts after a five year legal battle. We also discuss the outrageous behaviour of a NZ judge and a KC who...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Commentary and contrarian thinking on politics, current affairs and culture from Aotearoa New Zealand
HOSTED BY
Left Foot Media
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How many episodes does The Dispatches have?
The Dispatches currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Dispatches about?
Commentary and contrarian thinking on politics, current affairs and culture from Aotearoa New Zealand
How often does The Dispatches release new episodes?
The Dispatches has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to The Dispatches on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Dispatches?
The Dispatches is created and hosted by Left Foot Media.
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