Builder Stan Scott's back today to help with some handy hints and tips for your DIY projects or repairs around the house. If you have any questions for Stan please text 2101 or email [email protected].

Charlotte Ryan, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's coming up on her show tomorrow and because Friday is new music day - she'll pick us a track to play.

Today's recipe has a little bit of heat to warm you up on these colder days. Nic Watt, chef and restaurateur for MASU, INCA and Akarana Eatery, joins Jesse to share his recipe for a tasty morsel.

Today Dom talks to Jesse about new Netflix movie Unfrosted, horror/thriller The Strangers and family fantasy film IF.

Our weekly segment where we ask listeners to share their strange and spooky stories. If you have a spooky tale to share, email [email protected] with the details!

If you're a fan of jigsaw puzzles and you fancy yourself as a bit of a whizz at getting them done in a jiffy - there's now a competition for you to show off your skills. Competitive speedpuzzling is coming to our shores.

Massey design student Isabel Nicholls has taken out the university's Grand Ideas competition with her comfortable, eco-friendly, health-prioritising postpartum underwear. They're called 'Nurture'. Isabel Nicholls speaks to Jesse.

Wool has been one of our primary products and exports for over half a century, but even greater than the quantity of our wool is the quality. The resignation of New Zealand's only two wool classing tutors has the sector worried.

This week Mary talks about a recent conference run by the Retirement Commission - Te Ara Ahunga Ora. It was all about planning next steps in their National Strategy for Financial Capability. Mary talks to Jesse about what that means for us.

For Sports History NZ today our guest has recently called time on one of the most decorated careers in New Zealand basketball. 

Today Matthew talks to Jesse about tracks from Tinariwen and Camera Obscura.

A report last week highlighted the cultural and economic value our fashion, clothing and textiles industry provides. 

Awards season is truly upon us, with this year's Best Tasting Tap Water in New Zealand awards happening tonight in New Plymouth. 

Prostate cancer is symptomless disease which kills 700 New Zealand men a year and has overtaken breast cancer in terms of deaths. 

A surge of suffering is happening to teenagers around the world with rising rates of anxiety, depression and self harm. We changed their childhoods with smartphones says social psychologist Dr Jonathan Haidt, making it harder for them to flourish as adults. He calls the decline in teen mental health a tragedy in two acts; overprotecting children in the real world preventing them from playing unsupervised and being independent, and under protecting them from the dangers of the online world. Dr Haidt is calling for a revolution, including no smartphones before age 16 and no phones in school. His new book is called, "The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness."

Our Bookmarks guest today has made history more than once Maori Professor Jacinta Ruru is with Jesse for Bookmarks this week.

This week on Easy Eats Sam Parish has a great recipe that can be used in a number of different meals. It's, as always, fast, budget friendly and a crowd pleaser.

Today Alex talks to Jesse about Indigenous 100 Podcast and Being Well

For Heading Off today we're looking at what's on offer for the luxury travellers coming to our shores. 

Come the 10th of July, Tamaki Makaurau Auckand will sound a little sweeter. 11,000 singers from more than 250 choirs will hit the city for the 2024 World Choir Games. =

A group of Chatham petrel chicks have been relocated in the Chathams under the watchful eye of DOC ranger Jemma Welch. 

Zenno Astronautics is an Auckland and US-based austronautic company which has already sent its technology into space via Elon Musk's SpaceX.

The email to actor Lucy Lawless came out of the blue. Would she like to do a documentary about legendary CNN photojournalist, Kiwi Margaret Moth? After years in warzones all over the world, even after a sniper's bullet in Sarajevo shattered her jaw, Moth felt compelled to show the world the reality of war until she died of cancer in 2010. Her best friend and heir to her estate called to ask if the former Princess Warrior would tell the story of a warrior of courage under fire. Lawless immediately said yes and makes her directorial debut with the documentary, Never Look Away.

For today's Music Feature we're diving deep into one of the most seminal, influential, and straight-up cool albums in rock history. Released in 1972, 'Exile on Main Street' was the 10th album released by the Rolling Stones following the success of 'Sticky Fingers' the previous year. At the time a young Jimmy Barnett was finding his feet as a lighting director, dreaming of working with "the greatest rock and roll band in the world". The album made a deep impression on him, and he would later go on to tour with the Stones. Jimmy joins Jesse to talk about his time with Mick and the gang, as well as why 'Exile on Main Street' is such a firm favourite of his.

Brad Foster provides a rundown on what Australians can expect in tonight's Federal Budget, with a particular focus expected to be on the ongoing challenges of cost of living. He also reports on Australia's most expensive house coming on the market, surfing in Western Sydney, women's rugby league, and plenty more.

Today Dominic talks to Jesse about The Secret History by Donna Tartt.

Today owner and managing director of Vertech IT services Dan Watson talks to Jesse about some tech tips for travelling internationally.

Dunedin Wildlife Hospital has treated more than 3500 patients since it was established in 2018 including hoiho/yellow-eyed penguins, kakapo and northern royal albatross. The hospital gets council funding but also relies on donations to operate. Last week hospital manager Jordana Whyte spoke on behalf of the hospital trust at the Dunedin City Council annual plan hearings, asking for $75,000 in bridging funding. Jordana talks to Jesse about the hospital, its history, and the notable critters they've treated over the years.

What would you say in a love letter to a tree? A research project examining the connects the inhabitants of a city have with its trees is uprooting from Melbourne and heading the Christchurch. Arbor-Amor: love letters to a city's trees began as a simple concept across the ditch. Trees were given email addresses and residents asked to send their concerns about branch removal, protruding roots or watering needs. What happened next is fascinating - letters of love, loss, comfort and difficulties were sent - with heartwarming stories of connection and creativity. Dr Catherine Phillips is a lecturer at University of Canterbury and research team member at PlantCities. She speaks to Jesse.

The Stroke Foundation wants mandatory standards introduced to reduce the amount of salt in processed foods, which it says will save thousands of New Zealand lives lost or impacted by strokes each year. The foundation says many people are consuming much more than the recommended 5-gram daily intake daily with most of the salt content hidden in the everyday foods we eat. It is calling on the government to regulate the industry and to make it easier for people to eat less salt. Jess Winchester, general manager of marketing and fundraising at Stroke Foundation of New Zealand, joins Jesse.

Tucked away in west Auckland, a bird rescue centre has been attracting people with experience from around the world keen to help rescue injured NZ avians.

Harlan Coben is an accidental novelist whose success is no accident. It comes from hard work, deep empathy and unreserved respect for the joy of reading. He's known as the master of domestic suspense, setting many of his 35 novels in suburbia and selling more than 80 million books and adapting several of them for Netflix. After an 8 year break, Harlan Coben is out with his 12th book featuring Myron Bolitar the basketball player turned sports agent who often plays detective. The latest book is Think Twice.

Our expert today knows a thing or two about books - and he should too, seeing he has 1 million of them - yes you heard that right. Warwick Jordan is the founder of the 'Hard to Find: but worth the effort' Second Hand Bookshops... which does exactly what it says, specialising in those special books that you don't come across every day. It's Aotearoa's largest second hand book business. He's with Jesse to talk about the do's and don'ts of book care.

What can you make out of fresh air? Quite a lot actually. 

Claire Chitham reviews the latest on TV

When Lauren Keenan (Te Ati Awa ki Taranaki) first started writing, she was told to set her stories overseas otherwise they wouldn't get published. 

We've all become amateur aurora experts over the past couple of days - with a rare solar storm causing dazzling displays in the sky over North and South Islands. 

While the prevalence of rare disorders in New Zealand might be up for debate, the impact of a rare disorder diagnosis is not - it's life-changing. 

Would you rather be stuck in a forest with a bear... Or a man?

With mother's day looming large on the horizon Jess Daniell's got two amazing recipes to share either of which could be a lovely thoughtful gift for the mother or mother figure in your life.

Christchurch indie rock band Wurld Series perform tracks from their acclaimed 2023 album The Giant's Lawn.

Today Kate talks to Susana about Planet of the Apes

Our weekly segment where we ask listeners to share their strange and spooky stories. If you have a spooky tale to share, email [email protected] with the details!

While DJ Fred Again was in NZ he ran a competition to select a warmup DJ for a small show at Coromandels Coroglen Tavern. The DJ that won the slot was Tessa Hills A.K.A DJ Messie. We speak to Tessa.

The ghost moths are an ancient group of moths that appeared over 100 million years ago. Named after a ghostly European moth, the ghost moths are often thought to be the souls of the departed come back to visit the living. The forest ghost moth, Dumbletonius unimaculatus, is one of 27 species of ghost moth endemic to Aotearoa. They live in low-lying forests in the North Island where their caterpillars live in underground tunnels. Sometimes, the caterpillars are transformed into mummies by a sinister fungal assassin.

This week Lynda's all about the autumn harvest of pumpkins.

Dr Claudia Schneider is a researcher at the University of Canterbury. Her work looks at what makes people tick environmentally. That is - the factors that motivate us to take action on climate change. Claudia speaks to Susana.

Back in August 2018 we talked about the history of free speech in NZ. In the last few weeks there has been some controversy at my university over a planned debate on freedom of speech. Today we can catch up with developments and look at these in the context of our history.

The cycling debate in Wellington has been a hot potato recently with Green MP Julie Anne Genter's cycling and transport wars spilling over into Parliament. He's also got some thoughts on Wellington City Council's airport shares and a lovely update on the release of kiwi on the Karori golf course.

In 1995, Team New Zealand made history - winning the America's Cup for the first time and crushing the legendary sailor Dennis Connor in the process But there was another major storyline lurking in the background of that win, a history-making team of all-women - America3 who came agonisingly close being in that final themselves. At the helm was none other than Kiwi Olympic silver medallist, and trailblazer, Leslie Egnot. She's with us for this week's Sports History NZ.

Hastings-born comedian Trygve Wakenshaw is a critically acclaimed comedian known for his sharp and playful physical comedy. 

A new cure for snoring is being touted online, it's the didgeridoo! While that might sound a bit out there, there is some scientific basis to it. 

Earlier this week one of our listeners shared that she had just picked an Avocado sized 186g Feijoa.

When best-selling authors Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser first exposed the issues created by an industrialized food system in their documentary Food Inc, they didn't expect to do a sequel. But sixteen years later, they say Big Ag is creating even bigger economic, environmental and health issues. Food Inc 2 has journalist Eric Schlosser revealing the new dangers from food oligopolies. We'll talk to him about the new documentary and his piece in The Atlantic, Do We Really Want a Food Cartel?

Sam Parish, chef, author and mum of two young children shares her midweek meal inspiration which is easy to make and budget friendly.

Today Jemima talks to Jesse about The Rest is Entertainment and To Catch a Scorpion.

Today's Heading Off is with NZ Herald Travel Editor Stephanie Holmes. During her time she's been a few different styles of cruises in different parts of the world. 

The New Zealand comedy festival is up and running, a chance to showcase some of the best comedians from here and further afield. 

It's that cooler time of year when, for the carnivorous amongst us at least), enjoying a tasty roast meal seems pretty appealing. 

In just over two months time 10,00 athletes will march into the Trocadero Plaza, kicking of the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

Once you start noticing, you can see it everywhere; the 'sameness' of style, music, art and even food. New Yorker staff writer Kyle Chayka blames algorithms that direct our attention to what works best for digital platforms. You see it in Google searches, Facebook feeds and the ads that follow us online. The end result is that we've stopped deciding what we like for ourselves. Chayka wants us to better understand how these forces shape our taste and stop letting a computer generated formula dictate our experiences and choices. His new book is called Filterworld How Algorithms Flattened Culture

Get ready to dive deep into music history with a special guest on this week's music feature. Revolver, the groundbreaking album released in 1966, marked the inception of The Beatles' psychedelic era. Pioneering techniques like backward sounds, automatic double tracking, and close-miked drums revolutionized the recording industry, setting a new standard. We dissect this iconic album with Mike Chunn CNZM, founding member of Split Enz, CEO of Play It Strange Trust, and a devoted Beatles aficionado!

Brad Foster provides an update on the two Australian brothers and their friend killed while on a surfing trip in Mexico, state and federal government initiatives to fight gender based violence against women, and the 19-year-old who reeled in a $1 million fish in the Northern Territory. He also previews next week's Federal Budget and the current high costs of living.

Today Catherine has the theme for young people books of Verse Novels. For ages 10+ Worse Things by Sally Murphy For ages 11/12+ Alias Ann: A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis by Susan Hood Starfish by Lisa Fipps The Canyon's Edge by Dusti Bowling For Ages 12+ What About Will by Ellen Hopkins

Ben Reid's a strategic technologist working at the forefront of the rapidly changing tech-scape. He has a weekly newsletter Memia and also has written a book Fast Forward Aotearoa - it's available digitally but will be out as a hard copy later this month. We talk to him about AI and what we need to be aware of in Aoteroa.

Today we hear all about sleep concerts and the art of gong bathing. It's a concert where the performers actually want you to sleep through their performances. We speak to Erika Grant who comes from a classical music background, having played in orchestras before going on to make music for silent films, theatre, and even marching bands. Erika's in our Wellington studio with her gongs to give us a taste of what the concerts are all about.

Kiwi birds have been getting some star treatment of late. Movie star Leonardo diCaprio used his social media platform of 62 million followers - to praise the work of conservationists Capital Kiwi, who have been releasing kiwi into the wilds of Wellington. Earlier this month, a kiwi was caught on cctv in a suburban Wellington backyard, followed by a big kiwi wandering into a sawmill workshop in Whangarei. Michelle Impey is Save the Kiwi chief executive, she's hoping to educate people more about the ever curious birds coming into contact with humans to keep the animals safe.

Opua in the Bay Of Islands is currently host to a flotilla of 25 boats. They're waiting for the right weather conditions before hoisting anchor and setting sail on 2024 Pacific Rally, which is a six month voyage across the ocean. This year - for the first time ever - the sailors have also been recruited for a huge science experiment. James Frankham, co-founder of Citizens Of The Sea, the charity behind the effort speaks to Jesse.

One of India's favourite sports, and the Punjabi diasporas go-to game, is thriving in Auckland. On Here Now with Kadambari Raghukumar this week, what's making NZ a hot destination for fresh Kabaddi players?

Resistance is futile. Artificial Intelligence is here to stay, so Dr Ethan Mollick from the Wharton School of Business, says we should take the time to learn how to work with it as a tool to make us more creative, more capable and even more human. After spending a few sleepless nights using AI, he's determined that we should stop thinking of it as a threat and start taking advantage of AI's abilities. He offers a guide to using AI as a collaborator, co-teacher and co worker in his new book, Co-intelligence: Living and Working with AI.

From the risks of box dye to the dreaded green tint when going from blonde to brown, we're covering it all. Our expert helps us delve into the intricacies of caring for dyed hair and explore the dos and don'ts of colouring your locks. It's a massive industry, hair dye sales are over $20 billion dollars a year globally, and in New Zealand it's estimated more than 70% of women and 20% of men colour their hair. Salute Hair and Day Spa owner, and hairdresser of the year in 2023, Chinney Yeap joins us to share her expertise.

A little known danger for our hard working logging truck drivers around the country is actually not when they're on the road dealing with some appalling drivers. In fact it's a shoulder problem that many have suffered from when they've been throwing the large chains over the massive logs they're hauling to keep them safely in place. Such is the problem that a local company Trinder's invented a new tool to help them and avoid injury. Their teams invented a device which does the chain throwing for you, so truck drivers are less at risk of injuring themselves. Managing Director, Kerry Hill speaks to Jesse.

Today Jonathan Mahon-Heap talks to Jesse about The Sympathizer on Neon and Heartbreak High on Netflix.

Cat MacNaughtan, is a blogger turned game creator We first met her on the show back in 2019, when she shared the card game she have created 'the Getting Lost Game', which encouraged families to get away from screens and connect through adventure. She been fairly busy since then selling the game worldwide, and winning a few awards along the way - most recently she's launched, a 'Grandparents Edition' of the game - aiming to unite grandparents and grandkids. Cat's back to share her updated version with Jesse.

Jose Antonio Lara-Hernandez is a registered architect and senior academic at AUT. His work explores how existing buildings can be repurposed for entirely new uses. This is becoming increasingly important as our relationship with hybrid work continues to evolve, office vacancy rates are still sitting at over 10% Jose's new book "Architectural Exaptation: When Function Follows Form" deconstructs the issues.

A major redevelopment project is underway at the iconic Ōtorohanga Kiwi House in Waikato, but how do you rebuild a 50 year-old zoo?

This week's critter, the great giant scale, (Coelostomidia zealandica) is a native specie of scale bug. Females have pink wingless bodies and look like they have terrible dandruff, with a dusting of white waxy powder all over them.

Builder Stan Scott is along today to help give out tips and advice on any projects at home people might be undertaking.

Charlotte Ryan, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's coming up on her show tomorrow and because Friday is new music day - she'll pick us a track to play.

The cooler weather doesn't mean the end of salads, just that it's time to have some warm salad recipes ready to go.

Today Sam reviews the Amy Winehouse film Back to Black and local film 'The Moon is Upside Down'.

Our weekly segment where we ask listeners to share their strange and spooky stories.

Ever fancied driving a bubble car or NZ's only Amphicar? Well these rare motoring gems among others are going under the hammer this weekend. Webb's Auction Head of Collectors' Cars Caolan McAleer talks to Jesse.

Despite how common blended families are, step mothers still often get portrayed in a negative light. Here to change some of that narrative is Gina Bartlett, with her new children's book.

Craigmore Sustainables manages more than 25,000 hectares of farming, forestry, and horticultural properties.

Today Mary talks to Jesse about the reality for a number of people balancing their finances and suspending their payments. 

For Sporting History NZ today we talk to Olympic gold winning rower Mahé Drysdale. 

Tony talks to Jesse about tracks from Iron & Wine and Louis Cole.

In a rare meeting of the animal kingdom and kiwi comedy, 'Comedians VS Animals' is a new comedy show starting next week in Auckland - part of the NZ Comedy Festival. 

Researchers at the University of Canterbury have been diving deep into an unusual realm: rubbish bins. 

It can be tough going through the process of finding a new job can be - especially finding one that's a good fit.

Coming up on Our Changing World, Claire Concannon meets a team using board games to communicate about volcanic hazards.

No one has all the answers, but we could all learn a thing or two about asking the right questions from Nobel Prize winning physicist Saul Perlmutter, philosophy professor John Campbell, and social psychologist Robert MacCoun.

Our Bookmarks guest today is a scholar who can kick a ball! He's the leading goal kicker record holder in the Aussie Rules Victorian Football League, with a whopping 883 goals. He has studied in China, Germany and the USA. But closer to home Nick Sautner is the CEO of Eden Park Stadium, and joins Jesse to tell us about some of his favourite things!

Today chef and author Sam Parish has a fabulously easy midweek meal that uses a minimal amount of dishes! 

Today Elliot speaks to Jesse about Lore and War of the Words.

This week on Heading Off we have a closer look at the recent Air NZ changes to their air fares. Prices have recently gone up on domestic flights and some options, which were popular, have been removed. To go through the changes we speak to NZ Herald Deputy Business Editor Grant Bradley.

Roy Miller is a name synonymous with stained glass art in Aotearoa and while you might not have heard of him you've probably seen some of his work. 

There's a new way to meet like minded book worms taking over New York and other parts of the US right now. 

Betsy, an historic American-built Douglas DC-3 aircraft, may have flown its last sightseeing or wedding flight out of Auckland's Ardmore airport. 

In that space between our 20's and turning 30, uncertainty, stress and even depression can be part of the terrain.

Brad Foster reports on rallies held around the country on gender-based violence against women in Australia over the weekend, the Prime Minister visiting Alice Springs to discuss ways to overcome youth violence and crime, and Nicole Kidman honoured in Hollywood.

This week Pip reviews cook books. She talks to Jesse about Anything's Pastable by Dan Pashman, East Meera Sodha by Meera Sodha and Good vibes : eat well with feel-good flavours by Alby Hailes.

Tech commentator and founder of Ambit AI Tim Warren talks to Jesse today about FinTech, what it means, why it's relevant to a lot of people and where it's heading.

A New Zealand cellist is busy fundraising after being given the opportunity to study at one of the world's top music schools.

An international research team has analysed over 2,000 people's behaviours within a 24-hour day to determine the optimal amount of time we should spend sitting, sleeping, standing and being physically active.

Between 2007 - 2019, 583 tradespeople working in the construction industry died by suicide, and 98 percent of them were men.

The beautiful game bringing people across Auckland together at this years World of Cultures Football Fest, finding common ground with other on the pitch.

We live in a world that tends to reward loud, and yet 50% of us are introverts. Kate James is one of them. She's a Melbourne based speaker and self-professed introvert who says confidence doesn't equal competence.

From farming to cuisine, this week's expert feature is all about beef. To canvas this topic we've got two guests today. Nicky and Jamie Gaddum - the duo leading Matangi Beef. Matangi is an angus beef station in Hawke's Bay. If you have any questions for either of them please text 2101 or email [email protected].

For Made in NZ this week we head to Christchurch and talk to the people behind the Natural Paint Company. James Mount is the CEO, he talks to Jesse about what makes their paint 'less stinky' than others.

Today Brooks talks to Jesse about Fallout, Ripley, Hacks, Evil and Baby Reindeer.

Today we go back to 1994, when kiwi music reviewer Russell Baillie interviewed the one and only Tina Turner. TRussell speaks to Jesse.

The shoes worn by John Walker when he broke the indoor 1500m World Record in 1979 are among items set to go under the hammer at an auction of rare sporting memorabilia tonight. Michail Andreef speaks to Jesse.

In Nelson, thanks to a joint venture, the amount of construction waste ending up in landfill is being greatly reduced.  CEO of the Nelson Environment Centre, Anton Drazevic, speaks to Jesse.

Is it a crab? Is it a spider? It's a crab spider! The common square-ended crab spider (Sidymella angularis) to be precise. These square-bottomed critters are found throughout Aoteaora, perching on leaf litter and inside dried up fern fronds. They are ambush predators, lying in wait to grab their prey with their powerful spiked forelegs.

Lynda Hallinan chats with Susana Leiataua about some of her great weekend gardening advice.

This week's recipe from Gretchen Lowe is a dish saving one pan affair. If you're looking for a lunch or evening meal with a fresh citrus twist, you'll want to try making her one pan salmon recipe. You can find out how to make this dish here.

This week for NZ Live we welcome Rita Mae and her band into the RNZ studio. Last year she released her debut album, Superfeeling. She's about to release a new single, it's called Kiss The Sky. We get a sneak peek with her.

Film critic Dom Corry joins Susana in-studio today to discuss action-comedy 'The Fall Guy' and the latest rom-com to hit streaming, 'The Idea of You'.

Our weekly segment where we ask listeners to share their strange and spooky stories. 

Following the discovery of a box marked "old telescope", the Tuhura Otago Museum has become home to New Zealand's oldest telescope, dating back to 1736. The telescope is now in the 'Director's Choice' exhibition at the museum having been stashed away for years. To tell us more about the telescope's re-discovery, Susana Leiataua talks to museum director and astronomer Dr Ian Griffin.

'The Bitches Box' are two women embodying the essence of man's best friend in a travelling show. This multi-dog character comedy also musters support for rural communities and farmers. 

Biodiversity is declining at unprecedented rates, and so the hunt for new strategies to combat the impacts rages on. One idea that continues to gain traction is to grant legal rights to nature. 

Kate Evans visits a passionate team as they carpet a remote volcanic island in Tonga with poisoned bait, hoping to eradicate rats. What does it take to complete this kind of project, what are the chances of success, and what will it mean for the island’s ecosystems if they manage to remove the rats once and for all?  

Melanie Hempe confronted the issue of screen addiction with her own sons. She started Screen Strong to help parents give their kids smartphone free childhoods. She speaks to Jesse.

This Sam Parish has a vege loaded extraordinary dish, but it's still simple and easy to put together for a midweek meal. This week's version uses chicken mince but Sam says pork works just as well.

Today Ximena talks to Jesse about Sherlock and Co a weekly drama series that brings Arthur Conan Doyle's classic tales to life in a modern London setting. She also gives her take on the podcast Helen Lewis Has Left The Chat.

Childhood friends Lucy Bradlow & Bronwen Bock this week announced they are running - as one candidate - for MP of the Melbourne electoral division Higgins. Jesse speaks to Lucy and Bronwen.

'Scattergun: After the Death of Ruaumoko' is Ana Scotney's solo show, currently mid-run. It's won awards and rave reviews on both sides of the Tasman. Ana speaks to Jesse.

In a surprise move this morning Prime Minister Christoper Luxon has stripped two ministers of their portfolios. Political commentator and former National Party press secretary Ben Thomas speaks to Jesse.

Being less bad is not good enough. It's not going to get us closer to putting the brakes on climate change. Håkan Nordqvist is the former Head of Sustainability and Innovation at Ikea who believes companies need to do more than tick environmentally friendly boxes. He says sustainability, not just responsibility, needs to drive innovation that's good for the planet and the bottom line. Nordqvist is a guest speaker at the Future State technology summit in Auckland.

Brad Foster reports on general concerns over safety among many Sydneysiders following the two knife attacks in the past week, and the divided opinion on a comedian asking a mother and daughter to leave his show in over the weekend. He also provides an update on Molly the Magpie, the mushroom murders, and Australia's plans for Anzac Day this Thursday.

Today Claire talks to Jesse about The Unsettled by Richard Shaw, Otherhood, a forthcoming anthology and Ash by Louise Wallace.

Today owner and managing director of Vertech IT Services Dan Watson talks to Jesse about quishing scams targeting millennials and the case of a man recently who lost 30 years of family tree research while trying to download data from his xtra mail account.

Like many Invercargill woman Brit MacDonald tried her hand at sour dough making during COVID lockdowns. What sets her apart is that has turned into her owning her own bakery as well as receiving a scholarship to travel to the US and Europe to immerse herself in international sour dough cutlures. She talks to Jesse about how her hobby's turned into a such a huge success.

In 2021 Dr Ally Gibson launched a research project which required participants to submit short stories in response to a prompt about dating.To find out more about how AI ruined her research Dr Ally Gibson speaks to Jesse.

The annual Bangers to Bluff rally concluded this week raising around $100k for the Multiple Sclerosis society. One of this years drivers Rosemary Hedge talks to Jesse about the 2024 event.

Growing up Robin Reames saw first hand at the dinner table, why conspiracy theories flourish and how misinformation spreads. Now a professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Reames believes the antidote is straightforward.

Tick tock - today's expert is all about time. Blair Shallard is an horologist and owner of Time Central in Rotorua. He's our expert today talking about all things time pieces.

Traditionally the strawberry growing season winds up around now. The locally grown varieties disappear. That is except for "counter seasonal" grower 26 Seasons.  Chief executive Grant Leach speaks to Jesse.

Today Linda talks to Jesse about The Lost Boys of Dilworth and gives her views on Mr Bates and the Post Office.

The NZ comedy fest season is fast approaching meaning a host of funny people are set to hit our stages here in Aotearoa. Among the talent this year is He Huang - she grew up in China but now calls Australia home.

Last week the Global Agritourism Network and AgritourismNZ ran a webinar which included people from 50 countries. One of the presenters was Amber Tyrrell, who owns and operates Valley Views Glamping in Canterbury.

A new community-wide initiative has launched in Lower Hutt today called 'Mouri Tupu - Planting for the Future'. The goal is to plant one tree for every person in the city, that's 114,000. Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry speaks to Jesse.

You might have come across the creamy white spiral shells of this week's critter on the beach. The enigmatic ram's horn squid, Spirula spirula is a squid-like cephalopod mollusc.

Lynda Hallinan talks Gardening

Today Martin Bosley shares a fantastic recipe that combines the smooth full texture of a mousse with the creamy chocolate flavours. Martin tells us how to make his chocolate and ginger pudding.

Today Dom talks to Jesse about the romantic drama Challengers and horror caper Abigail.

Our weekly segment where we ask listeners to share their strange and spooky stories.

Some of Aotearoa's best locally produced foods have been recognised in the Outstanding NZ Food Producer awards.

It's long been thought that where you choose to sit your driver's licence test impacts how easy or difficult it will be to pass. Now, new data released by Waka Kotahi has given credence to this.

For the past five years the Department of Conservation has been working hard to rid the Emerald Lakes near the summit of Mt Tongariro of invasive weeds. This morning, they announced the mission a success.

Today Mary Holm talks to Jesse about some important points of Kiwisaver for children and the difference it can make for them later on in life whether it's buying a home or their retirement plans.

Today's NZ Sporting History guest is from a family of well known sporting achievers. Golfer Ryan Fox has just finished competing at the Masters in the US and he's also New Zealand's highest ranked golfer. He speaks to Jesse.

For a lot of people these days, being single means being on a dating app. Now there's a new local one helping people find a good match. It was launched yesterday and it's founder Emily Heazlewood speaks to Jesse.

A Hakes Bay employer likes to employ anyone for a vacant position - as long as they want the job. Xtreme Contracting Ltd did.operations manager Ziggy Bawden speaks to Jesse.

Even if you don't recognise Aardman Animations by name we're certain you'll have fond memories of their work. Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep. Now Canterbury University will be involved with their work.

Journalist Rebekah White meets two people who have been counting albatrosses on remote islands in the subantarctic for more than three decades. Their research shows that at least one species is en route to extinction. A few changes to the way we fish could save it.

Conversations are what connect us. We evolved to be social, but sometimes talking to each other feels stressful, even miserable says Pulitzer Prize winning author and journalist with the New York Times, Charles Duhigg.

Today Sam's Easy East midweek meal recipe is a great way to introduce a bit of steak to the evening meal. She's sharing a simple but super tasty fajitas recipe that is a hit with younger eaters as well as the grown ups.

Today Alex Barnes talks to Jesse about Island Roots Auckland Ways and To the Best of our Knowledge.

Today for Heading Off we meet Scott Kennedy who's been walking the Moonlight track after making an online pledge, but he's also a number of other accessible and fund walks around Queenstown which he shares with Jesse.

It was sad when iconic Pukekohe Park Raceway would shut down in 2023. Thankfully the park's racing legacy has been preserved in a new short-documentary titled 'Checkered Flag'. Director Natalie Wilson talks to Jesse.

Eczema is a common condition amongst Kiwi kids and adolescents. In fact, between 13 and 15 percent of them experience the effects Author Kristin Kelly has published a book for them to better understand the condition.

Christchurch based company ArcActive have been developing a new home battery system since 2011. It's designed to help home owners with solar panels store there energy. Chief executive Stuart McKenzie speaks to Jesse.

Politics isn't what's dividing America, class is. This is the conclusion of Batya Ungar-Sargon, the deputy editor of Newsweek. Jesse speaks to her about her new book and travels across the U.S. 

Today Anna talks to Jesse about The Prism and teh the Rose and the Late Poems by Schaeffer Lemalu. She also mentions a book she's just started reading, The Financial Colonisation of Aotearoa.

Today Tim Warren talks to Jesse about automation at home, both the pros and the cons.

Mental health continues to be a major issue for our society, and our male suicide statistics are still among the worst in the developed world. Manager of Men's Muster and men's health Samantha McBride talks to Jesse.

In February Debs Sim's new puppy - a Cavoodle named Ivy - started getting sick. Now the internet has assembled to help bring some joy to the pup her and the owner.

Many New Zealanders are feeling the squeeze as we face a recession, and of course this trickles down and impacts the work of charity organisations. One of those is the New Zealand Remembrance Army.

Anna Shechtman is a 14 letter word for someone who loves creating or solving crossword puzzles. As a passionate cruciverbalist, she published her first puzzle in the New York Times at just 19. She deciphers the clues about politics and gender revealed in one of the most popular word games in the world in her new book, "The Riddles of the Sphinx: Inheriting the Feminist History of the Crossword Puzzle."

If you've ever experienced chronic joint pain, an impact injury, or just woken up with a crooked neck, then today's expert feature can be helpful. With an aging population, as well as an increase in the early onset of musculoskeletal problems, we wanted to take some time to talk about orthopaedic health. Orthopaedic surgeon and president of the New Zealand Orthopaedic Association Dr Simon Hadlow joins Jesse.

Brad Foster provides an update on Saturday's Bondi tragedy including the shock the country is feeling. He also highlights the individual acts of bravery, especially from the NSW Police Inspector, Amy Scott, who shot and killed the 40-year-old man, Joel Cauchi.

Today Dom talks to Jesse about Sugar on Apple TV +, Fallout, new on Prime Video and Mr Bates Vs. Post Office on TVNZ +.

They say style never goes out of fashion. That certainly seems to be the case with vintage clothes, with a growing demand for them here and around the world. So what's behind the vintage clothing trend? Stephanie Bird is passionate about vintage fashion and owns Painted Bird boutique in Auckland. She talks to Jesse.

Academics from around the globe have joined forces under the lead of Otago University to get to the bottom of a rare genetic condition. It's called Glutamine Synthetase Stabilization Disorder, and it can cause seizures and delayed development in those born with it. Until now relatively little has been known about it - enter Dunedin School of Medicine PhD candidate Amy Jones. Thanks to her research, the cause of the disorder has been discovered, offering hope to families with it and those who will be diagnosed in the future.

Even if you love your job there are still some Mondays when you really don't want to drag yourself into work. For the last 12 months Cambridge company Te Miro water have been trialing a nine day fortnight. Britta Jensen speaks to Jesse.

This week builder Stan Scott is back to help with any tips and advice for projects you have on the go at home needing a bit of DIY know how. You can text your questions to us on 2101 or email [email protected].

This week's critter is found on sandy beaches throughout Aotearoa. The mowhiti, or New Zealand sandhopper, is a sand-burrowing, beach-loving amphipod with impressive jumping abilities.

Today Julie Biuso has a recipe that is a great seasonal meal. It starts off in the pan but gets finished in the oven. Julie shares how to maker her recipe of chicken breasts with bacon and shallots.

Today Sam reviews Late Night with the Devil, out in cinemas now and 'STEVE' on Apple TV+, a two part documentary on Steve Martin.

Our weekly segment where we ask listeners to share their strange and spooky stories. If you have a spooky tale to share, email [email protected] with the details!

Windmills, the Rugby Museum, and free parking on Sundays are just some of the virtues of Palmerston North. So could Palmy be the perfect place to relocate Parliament to?  Mayor Grant Smith speaks to Jesse.

A day of celebration today for space lovers around the world. It's a time to celebrate what has become known as Yuri's Flight, the first time in history that a human went into space.

A hug can boost your health, even if you're hugging a robot. That's according to Dutch and German researchers. Jacqui Maguire is a clinical psychologist and a big fan of hugging. She talks to Jesse.

Food courts are everywhere in urban New Zealand. While food courts are an integral part of the urban landscape, their history is actually quite brief. Today Dr Grant Morris looks into that history with Jesse.

Sandra Edge won the complete set of World Championship medals - gold in 1987, silver in 1991, and bronze in 1995. She captained the Silver Ferns through 21 tests from 1994 to 1995, and played 89 test caps.

Today Matthew talks to Jesse about music from Hermanos Gutierréz and Lilly Carron.

We've had the cronut - the half-croissant, half-donut. There's also been the New York Roll, a mixture of croissant and bombolone, now the latest viral food trend is the Crookie, created from a croissant and a cookie in France.

There are many different approaches used by therapists, but Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of the the most studied fields. Gini McIntosh is a Clinical Psychologist, she speaks to Jesse.

Biofuels are seen as an environmentally friendly option as countries explore ways of decarbonising their economies. We had a lot of feedback from the interview, including from Dr Mike Joy, who has another perspective. We speak to him.

Actor David Dastmalchian has an aptitude for scaring us. Now he's taking the lead in a low budget horror flick by two Australian brothers called Late Night with the Devil. Dastmalchian stars as Jack Delroy, a tv talk show host.

This week on Easy Eats with Sam Parish she shares a fabulous mid week meal idea that won't leave you with tonnes of dishes to clean up afterwards.

Today Producer Sally Ward joins Jesse to talk about a few of the podcasts she's been enjoying lately. Sally discusses Wiser Word and The Shameless Bookclub. She's also going to talk about one she's looking forward to listening to in the near future called Who Trolled Amber Herd?

Bookings have been opening for the next season of DoC walks - great and otherwise. To talk about some of these lesser-know gems is Department of Conservation heritage and visitors director Cat Wilson joins Jesse.

The Fisheries Minister has scrapped official limits on the number of sea lion deaths through commercial fishing nets. So what will this reduced protection mean for the species? Dr Simon Childerhouse speaks to Jesse.

As an island nation with a complete dependence on fuel imports, what would happen to us if a global disaster cut off our fuel supply? Professor Nick Wilson of the University of Otago, Wellington has been studying this problem.

The internet is broken. Billionaire American Businessman Frank McCourt Jr doesn't want to just complain about it, he wants to fix it. He's putting millions of dollars towards Project Liberty, working towards developing a better web.

Today Brad Foster provides an update on the heavy rain in Sydney over the weekend, the public outcry following the death of an Australian aid worker in Gaza, and hope for a reunion between Molly the magpie and Peggy the English Staffy on the Gold Coast. He also talks record horse sales, golf and swimming.

Today Catherine talks to Jesse about Take Two by Danielle Hawkins, Dietvale by Sydney Hunter and Queen, King, Ace by Olivia Hayfield.

Today owner and managing director of Vertech IT Services Dan Watson talks to Jesse about being careful of investing in companies with AI in the name and he's trialling a new keyboard which is proving ideal for people with home and work computers to deal with.

Kiwi actor Morgana O'Reilly still can't quite believe she's in the third season of the wildly successful HBO comedy The White Lotus. She talks to Jesse about that role and the "relentlessly juicy" drama series Friends Like Her.

People working on the front line with troubled kids know well that creating empathy towards animals helps to break the cycle of violence. Katie and Dean Shannon have just written a book 'It's Not the Dog We're Training'.

As we get set to commemorate Anzac Day later this month, efforts have been underway to find descendants of 10 New Zealand World War One soldiers. Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Patricia Keppie talks to Jesse.

In the year 2182, an asteroid travelling between Mars and Jupiter right now, may end up on a collision course with planet earth. So NASA decided to pay it a visit. Dr Dante Lauretta is a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona.

Today's expert is a very practical one, it's all about the science of doing laundry. If you'd like to know more about the different ways to approach this everyday task, we've got Emeritus Professor Raechel Laing with us.

This week for Made in NZ we head to Eltham in Taranaki where the Carac Group was formed and specialises in making TrackGrips. We speak to Sonia Kiser, CEO about their unique products which are sought after all over the world.

Today Claire talks to Jesse about Gentlemen on Netflix, Palm Royale on Apple and the very brand new Ripley, also on Netflix.

When it comes to the birds and the bees, preventing pro-creation has long been the burden of women. But there's a growing number of men - particularly young, childless men - picking up the contraceptive slack by opting for the snip.

Each week a group of people gather at Avondale Library to work with wool that was destined to be destroyed. We speak to award-winning designer Liz Mitchell and Jill Ferrell - the passionate spinner who set this initiative up.

Many of you will have heard of Bug of the Year and it would be hard to escape the frenzy around the notoriously controversial Bird of the Year. Now we have Tree of the Year. Nicki van Asch is from the NZ Arboricultural Association.

The Otago alpine cockroach is only found on the Rock and Pillar Range in Otago and can survive being frozen.

This week Lynda talks to Jesse about not getting too carried away tidying up the garden during the autumn months. 

Ima Cuisine restaurant owner and chef, Yael Shochat, joins the show to share one of her mouth-watering recipes.

Today Dom talks to Jesse about Civil War, Love Lies Bleeding and Monkey Man.

Our weekly segment where we ask listeners to share their strange and spooky stories. If you have a spooky tale to share, email [email protected] with the details!

 A new project has been completed which will make the sometimes decades-long process of diagnosis an easier one.

A new study shows that despite rescue efforts, rehabilitation rates for wildlife were much lower than expected.

Does owning a home pay off, or can renting be the better option?

Today Mary talks to Jesse about some quick tricks with numbers to help with Kiwisaver and almost any investing. She runs through what the "Rule of 72 and dollar cost averaging" is and how it can help to make investment choices.

Marise Chamberlain is one of our best-ever track competitors and only woman from New Zealand to have won a track medal at the Olympics. 

Today Zac talks to Jesse about new music from Emojion and Jess Cornelius.

A new campaign, Keep the Lights on for Museums and Galleries, is warning the public about the financial pressures Aotearoa's museums and galleries are facing. 

No doubt many New Zealanders have some new and innovative business ideas, but what does it take to take the plunge and turn your idea into a reality? 

While technology does have some benefits to learning, there is mounting evidence that too much screen time is doing more harm than good. 

New Zealand once led the world in marine protection. Now it looks like we will fail to meet our international promise to protect 30 percent of our ocean estate by 2030. Why is stopping fishing so politically fraught? How might our ideas about marine protection need to change? And why, when our seas are in need, is it taking us so long to learn to talk to each other?

The Bounty Islands are tiny in terms of area – just some bits of granite jutting out of the ocean. But they are huge in terms of seabirds. James Frankham joins a team researching the erect-crested penguins who breed in this remote archipelago. Recent counts suggest the penguins of the Bounties are doing fine. But this is not the case on the Antipodes Islands, and the researchers desperately want to know why. 

Erect-crested penguins lead largely unknown lives on some of New Zealand's most remote subantarctic islands. A research team travels south to unlock this enigmatic species' secrets.

When the final whistle blew on the 2007 Asian Cup, commentators declared "the team without hope has brought joy to its fractured nation. Football succeeds where politics has failed." The Iraqi football team, made up of Sunni, Shia and Kurdish players, had defeated Saudi Arabia. It was a moment of unity in a fractured country following the U.S invasion and removal of Saddam Hussein. Photojournalist Lucian Read was embedded with the US Marines during the war. He had seen Iraq suffer so many losses and felt compelled to tell the story of the win. His new documentary is called Lions of Mesopotamia.

If you love the convenience of a store-bought barbecued chook (aka a 'bachelor's handbag) but struggle to know what to do with it beyond stuffing it in a roll, Sam Parish is here to help.

This week Evie talks to Jesse about The Guardian's series Black Box.

This week on Heading Off we meet wedding photographer Chris Turner who's been busy converting his van into an all-purpose 'home away from home' vehicle.

When Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and The Heron won the best animation prize at the Academy Awards this year it cemented anime's place in mainstream culture. 

Nadia Lim's Farm series is back for a second season offering a peek behind the scenes into the life she's built after leaving the city for Royalburn Station. 

The digital world can be a confronting and confusing place for many of us, as we try and decipher what's real and what's not. 

University of Massachusetts Professor Dr. David Toomey looks at this growing field of study that was once considered laughable. But now, research is showing how many animals, just like humans.

This week Brad Foster reports on the Alice Springs youth curfew, plus the Federal Government's goal of Australia becoming a globally competitive solar panel manufacturer.

Dominic Hoey talks to Jesse about Acute Misfortune by Erik Jensen.

Today Tim Warren talks to Jesse about the pros and cons of using tracking devices such as apple air tags.

Sarah Cross, director of training organisation Kakapo Consulting, talks to Jesse about how to avoid workplace conflict. 

New Zealand is at the 'electrification tipping point', according to a new report from non-profit Rewiring Aotearoa. Rewiring Aotearoa's aims to boost knowledge of electronificaiton. CEO Mike Casey talks to Jesse.

A 300-year-old parchment was found down the back of a couch in the 1940s. It then sat folded up in Eketahuna for years, until recently. 

Today Dr Grant Morris talks to Jesse about the destruction of major settlements in New Zealand history. He's just returned from a trip to Christchurch where he saw a lot of what has been built since their devastating earthquakes and what still needs to be constructed. Today he looks back on two famous historic examples of New Zealand settlements that were partially destroyed by earthquakes.

Today NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson pays tribute to his friend and a keen problem solver of climate change, Rod Oram. Rod sadly died while out cycling and was laid to rest by his loved ones, friends, and colleagues this week. Simon talks about his friend, a fellow cycling enthusiast and environmentalist.

This week on NZ Sporting history we speak to cyclist Stephen Swart who was an integral part of the group which finally exposed Lance Armstrong's drug cheating to the world. Stephen was named New Zealander of the year in 2012 for his bravery in speaking out about the American cycling hero. Stephen shares his story with Jesse.

When former truck driver Mike Jeffries started a barbecue business - The Big Smoke BBQ Co - 14 years ago, he was a somewhat of a lone wolf in culinary circles. Since then BBQ has taken off with festivals dedicated solely to the craft. Just last month, 10,000 people attended Meatstock in Hamilton. There was even a BBQ World Championships held in Memphis last year where Mike and his team took out third place Back in New Zealand, he's gearing up for the Flavours of Plenty festival in Tauranga.

Back pain is incredibly common and according to the World Heath Organisation, lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldw. Collectively, people in the US spend $100 billion annually on trying to fix back pain. Antony Bush - a phsysiotherapist and fitness counsellor who has 30 years experience in spinal pain and muscularskeletal injuries - has a new book called The Back Fix which is out on Easter Monday. He speaks to Jesse.

A spike in Wellington Film Society members has forced the group to shut-off subscriptions this year, and even turn away some members from over-subscribed screenings. The popularity is not just limited to the capital either, with other centres around Aotearoa reporting similar trends. 

Kuaka godwits make the longest non-stop flights, and researchers are using hi-tech tags to solve the mystery of how and when they sleep. 

Bianca Bosker has written a book about her experience of the New York art scene called:  Get the Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See.  

This week for Bookmarks we speak to one of New Zealand's best selling novelists Deborah Challinor. The talented writer has a knack for writing gripping, accurate historical fiction.

Each week chef, author and mum of two young children Samantha Parish is with Jesse for midweek meal inspiration. This week she's got a recipe that would also be a Friday fake away meal, sesame crusted salmon burgers.

Today RNZ's very own producer Mary Argue is with Jesse to talk about some podcasts she's been listening to lately.

Many people are back on the bike in eastern Auckland with the launch of the Taniwha Cycleway. It's the latest in a series of cycleways linking the suburbs of Tamaki Makaurau-Auckland.

If you've driven SH1 in the North Island it's likely you've seen it - Foxton's iconic windmill. It's also the only one in the Southern Hemisphere milling flour.

Set on the slopes of the iconic Taranaki maunga, The Mountain is going to be out in cinemas from tomorrow. The local production also features one of our well known and talented actors Rachel House.

A unique new industrial complex is being built in Auckland with the environment in mind. It will involve low carbon concrete, rainwater harvesting and one of New Zealand's largest rooftop solar panel installations.

The same private equity firms that have made leveraged buyouts two words employees have come to dread, are pouring billions of dollars into buying up the music catalogs of artists like Bob Dylan, Tina Turner and Bruce Springsteen. The result is a blander music scene says music journalist Marc Hogan. His new article for the New York Times explains these companies are killing creativity by making new music less valuable than old hits. His article is titled Same Old Song: Private Equity Is Destroying Our Music Ecosystem.

Today we look back on the incredible career of Dinah Lee.  Dr Kimberly Cannady, a senior lecturer in ethnomusicology at Victoria University is writing a book about the 60s musical icon.

Brad Foster gives us some positive news on the experimental cancer treatment of this year's joint Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Scolyer, co-head of Melanoma Institute Australia, who was last year diagnosed with brain cancer. He also talks AFL, mushrooms, surfing, soccer and The Wiggles.

Today Pip looks at suspense fiction. She talks to Jesse about The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith and The Night She Fell by Eileen Merriman.

Today owner and managing director of Vertech IT Services Dan Watson talks to Jesse about some handy apps around to help save time printing, signing, scanning and emailing documents as well as a tool that stops you having to keep paper receipts.

The ever changing window displays at Iko Iko are also visual treat for regulars and visitors alike to Wellington's Cuba Street. Emma Smith is the clever creative behind the displays, she speaks to Jesse.

Often getting healthcare to remote residents around Aotearoa means long trips to bigger centres or delays in diagnoses. Greg Mirams from Techion talks to Jesse about their Fecpak G2 device and how it can assist in healthcare.

The famous and world-leading Dunedin Study is gearing up for it's next phase. From April it's going to launch its assessments of 52-year-olds. Professor Moana Theodore talks to Jesse.

This week's expert feature will be of interest for animal lovers. Sally Cory, head of veterinary sciences at the New Zealand Veterinary Association, she talks to Jesse.

All it took was a small act of kindness during the pandemic, a box of tissues left on a shared table in a Melbourne apartment complex, to set off a global movement to inspire everyone to do nice things. Dr Catherine Barrett started The Kindness Pandemic. People join together to help each other with food drives, neighborhood projects and so much more. We talk to Dr Barrett about how small acts of kindness make big impacts.

For Made in NZ today we learn more about a company called Heed. They make early warning systems for potential overflow events from wastewater and storm water networks. CEO at Heed Garth Tunnicliffe talks to Jesse.

Today Brooks talks to Jesse about Shogun, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Invicible and The 3 Body Problem.

In 2019, Tasmanian teachers Andrew and Nicola set off on a year-long bike tour of Australia The catch ? They were on tandems. Having kicked off in Aotearoa, they're currently on the West Coast. Jesse speaks to Nicola.

As the temperatures plummet and our habits change, there's also a few things we can do to assist the insects around us which are also adapting to the seasonal change.

The Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough's Kiwi Can programme is celebrating it's 10th anniversary by challenging locals to skydives. We speak to Kelvin Watt about how this works.

This week's critter is the weweia New Zealand dabchick, also known as the New Zealand grebe. If the word 'grebe' gives you flashbacks (positive or otherwise) to last year's Bird of the Century champion, rest assured that this grebe is a little different. Unlike the puteketeke, the weweia is only found in Aotearoa and prefers to keep its neck foliage sleek and simple. They spend their whole life on the water. They build raft-like nests and their chicks spend the first few weeks of their life floating on their parents' backs.

Builder Stan Scott's back this week for tips and tricks around the house if you're embarking on any DIY projects or jobs over the weekend. If you have any questions for him please text 2101 or email [email protected].

Charlotte Ryan, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's coming up on her show tomorrow and because Friday is new music day - she'll pick us a track to play.

As the weather gets cooler, a lovely warm pudding is getting more appealing. Today we have a special recipe from INATI restaurant executive chef and owner Simon Levy. It's a recipe that originates from the restaurant where he and his wife first met. Over the years he's refined and adapted the recipe, and it's now about to make its debut on IANTI's winter dessert menu as 'Sticky Toffee Madeleines'. You can make this delicious warm pudding at home by following the recipe here. (NB: There are a lot of steps, but they're not difficult.)

Today Kate speaks to Jesse about Ghostbusters and Roadhouse.

Every Friday we have a bit of fun where we ask you to share your creepy, spooky, or coincidental experiences. We call it Freaky Friday, but it can be any story of the unexplained or bouts of prescience. If you have a tale to tell please let us know by text, 2101, or email us at [email protected].

A new photography book, The Seduction of the Honeybee offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of bees.

Of all the things to be replicated for sale - a blanket featuring Palmerston North's council buildings has made the cut.

New research into the impact migraine pain has on people has shown significant disabilities for sufferers. Otago University Public Health department senior research fellow Dr Fiona Imlach led the study. She speaks to Jesse.

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's show.

Today Mary Holm talks to Jesse about the great year Kiwisaver has just had. She talks about how there's a lot of talk when the funds are not doing well, but it's pretty quiet when the Kiwisaver investments are on the up.

For today's NZ Sporting history we speak to one of Aotearoa's rowing greats, Emma Twigg. She's one of our most successful women's rowers claiming gold in Tokyo 2020 for the single scull event.

Today Zac talks to Jesse about Delaney Davidson's new track, Out of My Head and Easter At The Rsc from Jim Nothing, a project from James Sullivan.

This weekend the Western Bay Museum in Katikati is launching a new exhibition paying homage to the Bay of Plenty's food production. Paula Gaelic has spent the last six months scouring her region to find the stories.

Air conditioned indoor enclosures may well become the norm for beef and dairy herds in Australia as the temperatures keep rising across the continent. Karen Romano from Dairy Australia speaks to Jesse.

Eight wheel chair rugby teams from around the world are in Wellington to play for a spot at the Paralympics in Paris later this year. We check in with Event Director Dr Catriona McBean on day two.

What roles do our ocean ecosystems play in capturing carbon? Kate Evans speaks to iwi Māori working to improve the health of an estuary in the Bay of Plenty, and to scientists studying the fiords of New Zealand’s southwest coast. There’s potential for huge amounts of carbon to be locked away, if we don’t mess it up.  

What roles do our ocean ecosystems play in capturing carbon? Kate Evans speaks to scientists studying the fiords of New Zealand’s southwest coast. There’s potential for huge amounts of carbon to be locked away, if we don’t mess it up.  

All disease begins in the gut. Hippocrates said it more than 2-thousand years ago. When it's out of whack, we are too says Dr Steven Gundry. He's the director of the International Heart and Lung Institute in California and he's written multiple bestsellers connecting diet with health. He offers a prescription on a plate, explaining what to eat and what to avoid to keep our guts happy in his newest book, Gut Check: Unleash the Power of Your Microbiome to Reverse Disease and Transform Your Mental, Physical, and Emotional Health.

For Bookmarks today we managed to get some time with the very busy chef and T.V presenter Ben Bayly.

Not sure what to eat tonight? Christchurch-based chef, author and busy mum Sam Parish knows the feeling. She shares a simple and super-tasty recipe for TikTok-inspired tacos that the whole whānau will love.

Today Elliott talks to Jesse about Beautiful Anonymous and Broken Record, both are on Apple podcast.

For Heading Off today we go to Japan where Ebony Bizys lives. She's also written a guide book on Japan which has become an Amazon number 1 best seller. Ebony also offers bespoke personalised guided tours of Tokyo. We speak to her about travelling to Japan and where she takes her clients.

Should the age of age of eligibility for national superannuation be raised? And if so when? It's long debated issue and is back on the agenda at a retirement super summit in Wellington this week. It's been organised by the Retirement Commission and will include economists, politicians and social policy experts. 

New Otago University research found that moving from home into residential care can be traumatic for older people.  Dr Myunik Panthi, from the Department of Sociology, Gender Studies and Criminology at Otago, conducted the study.

Anthony Clyde has been described as a serial inventor within the international e-bike industry, in fact he's been labelled the 'e-bike godfather.' His latest creation, designed in his workshop in Whakatane, is turning heads.

It's all charm and seduction at the start of a relationship with a narcissist. But then comes the manipulation and gaslighting says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a professor of psychology at California State University who works with survivors of narcissistic abuse and has personal experience with them too. She says narcissists rarely change, so people in relationships with them need to learn about self-protection, setting boundaries and trusting your own instincts. Her new book is called It's Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People.

In Adelaide today, Brad Foster reports on the current debate on whether nuclear power is the answer to Australia reducing its reliance on fossil fuels for energy consumption.

Today Mt Roskill Grammar school library manager Catherine Ross talks to Jesse not just about her book recommendations but also shares her thoughts on the declining literacy rates in Aotearoa.

For Tech Tuesday commentator and Ambit AI founder Tim Warren is back to talk about scams and technology.

In Australia Sydney's Macquarie University has a proposal to stop teaching five languages.

New Zealand's first electric hydro-foiling ferry will soon be gracing the waters of Lake Manapouri

The Ashburton District Council has proposed closing the Tinwald Community Pool - despite protests from residents in the area.

It's getting harder and harder to be good in a world where choices that once seemed straightforward are now moral quandaries. Decisions like what to eat or which car to buy are connected to global issues. 

For our expert feature this week we speak to Greg Holland who's an award-winng master jeweller based in Auckland, he's also the lead designer at Holland & Co.

It's common place to see seen men on a football pitch line up for a penalty kick to defend the goal with their hands strategically placed to defend sensitive parts of their bodies. But for many, particularly women, the chest is a very sensitive part of the body in need of extra protection. To help with this back in 1978, nuns from a New Plymouth girls school sought to safeguard their students chests during soccer games. That's how QP Sports was born, creating breast and chest protection for people playing sport - and they're made right here in Aotearoa. Richard Shearer is the business owner and general manager of QP Sport, he speaks to Jesse.

Today Linda talks to Jesse about Quant on Neon, the second series Dynasties with David Attenborough on TVNZ+ and Turning Point: The Bomb and The Cold War on Netflix.

It might come as a bit of a shock, but currently the world record for the largest haka is held by France, a feat achieved 10 years ago. There's now moves afoot over take the title off the French set in NZ.

United Fresh President Jerry Prendergast says the price of fresh fruit and vegetables is dropping fast and down a whopping 25 percent compared to last year. He talks to Jesse.

Darren Paewai the owner of 'Daz's Barber Shop', a place where a hair is really more than just a haircut. He speaks to Jesse.

This week's critter is the ghost shrimp (Filhollianassa filholi) - a type of mud or burrowing shrimp only found in Aotearoa. They dig themselves elaborate burrows in the sand between the high and low tide marks, and spend their days licking algae off tiny grains of sand.

Today Lynda talks to Jesse about winding down for the harvesting season, when to pick the pumpkins, what to do with straggling tomatoes etc. She's got some great tips for preserving fruit, clearing out vegetable beds, sowing cover crops and general garden maintenance ahead of the autumn leaf drop.

The avocados are in abundance right now as the season here in Aotearoa nears it's end. To help with a bit of inspiration of what to do with the glut of green gems around right now, chef and restaurateur Nic Watt is with Jesse.

Today Dom talks to Jesse about The Convert, Wicked Little Letters and Korean supernatural thrilled Exhuma.

Each week on Afternoons we have a bit of fun and share stories from our listeners of prescience, spooky encounters or coincidences that leave goosebumps. If you have a story to share please text 2101 or email [email protected].

Rebecca Vergunst was the winner of our Soundbite competition earlier this week, and in speaking with Jesse she also shared a bit about the incredible work she does with Hōkai Tahi. Today we learn more. 

 B Corp is one of the world's best known stamps of approval when it comes to environmental standards and also considers something called "social performance". Unilever's head of B Corp David Dwyer talks to Jesse.

Next month, the mighty All Blaxe are looking to fly to Tulsa, Oklahoma to compete in the World Axe Throwing Championship. O of Sweet Axe Lloyd Bombell joins Jesse.

When does a person become an adult in NZ? This simple question has a complicated answer and that answer has changed throughout NZ's history. Today Dr Grant Morris has a look at those changes.

Dave Armstrong is along today for Solving the World's problems with a number of issues he's going to highlight in the capital, including Wellington Council today voting to amend the district plan.

Marathon runner and athletics coach Arthur Lydiard's running programme fundamentally changed the sport. We speak to Olympian and coach Barry Magee. Barry was known as one of the "Lydiard Boys".

A new play premiering in May will take audiences inside the iconic Crown Lynn crockery factory. It's titled 'The Handlers'. Poata Alvie McKree is the playwright behind the production, she talks to Mark.

More and more consumers are looking for the products they buy to align with their environmental and sustainability concerns. Mark speaks to Consumer's head of advocacy and research Gemma Rasmussen.

Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park is celebrating 25 years. Makara Peak Ranger Mark Kent and Kerei Thompson from Makara Peak Supporters both speak to Mark.

People and livestock gobble so much fish that the seas soon won’t keep up. Is the answer to grow fish on land? Kate Evans meets scientists figuring out the puzzles of how to farm some of New Zealand’s iconic ocean creatures.

Coming up on Our Changing World, the next episode in the new collaboration with New Zealand Geographic called Voice of Tangaroa. This week, Kate Evans learns about a business growing whitebait in tanks in Bluff.

People and livestock gobble so much fish that the seas soon won’t keep up. Is the answer to grow fish on land? Kate Evans meets scientists figuring out the puzzles of how to farm some of New Zealand’s iconic ocean creatures.

A long time fascination with radios that has given rise to a museum, specifically Whanganui Vintage Radio Museum. Graham Hawtree's dedication to buying, repairing, and revitalising old radios has seen him amass a great collection.

Today Ximena talks to Jesse about Black Box, a new series from The Guardian and Runaway Princesses, which has joined the New Yorker's stable of long-form audio.

For this week's Heading Off travel fun feature we're going to take a closer look at New Zealand's great cycle trails. We've got a great guide on what to do with general manager Nga Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails, Janet Purdey.

Researchers at the University of Otago have discovered an increase in pockets of open water on the continent, which could mean coastal plants and animals could eventually establish there.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council's decision to stop "calling the bar" will cost lives, says Whakatane Sport Fishing Club president Heyden Johnston. He speaks to Jesse about what's going on.

Big Dig Energy - the National Excavator Operator Competition - is described as the heavy metal showdown not to be missed. Greg Lumsden is the competition organiser and has been around since its inception. He speaks to Jesse.

It's not depression. It's not burnout. Languishing is a sense of low-grade mental weariness. It's a term coined by sociologist Dr Corey Keyes during the pandemic when so many people felt like we were muddling through our days.

Brad Foster reports on the reaction of the closure of two mental health hospitals in Sydney, and outlines changes to planning laws to allow unit blocks of up to six storeys to be constructed along railway corridors. The changes are said to assist the NSW Government in achieving new housing targets. He also talks about the Australian Grand Prix, a man charged with murdering missing Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy, and record hot weather in Australia's south.

Today Claire talks to Jesse about three very different books, The Grimmelings by Rachael King, Plastic by Stacey Teague and The Vet's Daughter by Barbara Comyns.

Dan Watson is the owner and managing director of Vertech IT services. This week he talks to Jesse about the new Surface Pro laptops from Microsoft.

A '55 meals for $50' video  saw Stacey Scott aka the Farmers Wife Homestead blow up. Since then, the reluctant youtuber has reached almost 14-thousand subscribers and the viral video 140,000 views.

The hihi (stitchbird) was once found throughout the North Island the species suffered catastrophic declines resulting in near extinction.  Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust spokesman Kevin Parker talks to Jesse.

Restaurants across New Zealand and Australia are all saying the same thing - we need chefs!  Christchurch-based chef and caterer Jonny Schwass talks to Jesse about the heat in the kitchen and what needs to change.

Rambling emails and inefficient rules; these are the kind of things that make employees go spare. They're forms of friction that chip away at initiative and grind down workers says Stanford University Professor Robert Sutton.

Some people have too much stuff, which might find a perfect home with someone else. For our Expert Feature today we speak to  Louise Clark.

For Made in NZ today we meet Nathan Taare, a musician and filmaker, turned scent smith. Nathan is the brains behind 'Body Perfume' a small scale artisan perfume label, made in Mt Cook, Wellington. Nathan's perfume journey started in a round about way. He shares his story with Jesse.

Today Jonathan Mahon-Heap talks to Jesse about two shows, Criminal Record and Constellation, both streaming on Apple TV now.

Whether you're a fan of the royal family or not, it's been hard to avoid the recent hurricane of questions, conspiracies and memes taking over the internet, asking where on earth the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is?

An organisation of obsessed enthusiasts known collectively as Fireballs Aotearoa is launching a nationwide search for New Zealand's tenth meteorite. Retired farmer and meteorite enthusiast Steve Wynn Harris talks to Jesse.

Gallagher Animal Management have been providing fencing for animals on farms since1938, and now they're catering to a new demand: domestic pets.

Summer is officially over and Autumn has begun. It's a time of year that fungi lovers across the country get excited about as all sorts of weird and wonderful fruiting bodies emerge out of the dark. This week's critter celebrates the beggining of the fungi season - the Fischer's egg fungus, Claustula fischeri, is one of the rarest and most endangered fungi in Aotearoa.

Builder Stan Scott is back this week to help out with any DIY jobs you've got planned. If you have a question for him please text 2101 or email [email protected].

Charlotte Ryan, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's coming up on her show tomorrow and because Friday is new music day - she'll pick us a track to play.

Jacqui Dixon, together with her husband Philip, founded the company Sabato, which imports food products from Italy, Spain and France. Today Jacqui shares a recipe for a simple pasta dish for two with a few of their products.

Pony Baby is the country music collab of solo artists Jazmine Mary and Arahi who met while supporting Reb Fountain at her Hawke's Bay show in late 2022. Soon after that encounter, Arahi put all his possessions in his truck and moved in with Jazmine by the west Auckland coast. The pair join Jesse in the studio off-the-back of a jaunt around the country touring their newly released self-titled debut album.

Today Sam reviews How To Have Sex, Riceboy Sleeps and then gives his take on the Oscars.

Crossing to Wellington where fire and emergency are attending a reported explosion at a building on Church Street in central Wellington.

Each week on Afternoons we have a bit of fun and share stories from our listeners of prescience, spooky encounters or coincidences that leave goosebumps. If you have a story to share please text 2101 or email [email protected].

The Department of Conservation has completed its annual ariel survey of Kaimanawa Wild horses and theres a large excess of horses that will need new homes. Applications will be closing in 4 to 6 weeks.

Organised by Living Streets Aotearoa, it's Walk 2 Work Day is our national day to celebrate walking. Living Streets Aotearoa president Tim Jones speaks to Jesse.

Investment in a new tourism hub and aquaculture park is rejuvenating tourism in Bluff. One of the projects is a multi-million dollar investment in the Bluff Distillery Gin, which opens today at the former freezing works site.

Today Mary's focusing on women and money ahead of International Women's Day tomorrow. She has facts and figures on women's finances and found that women invest well in some ways but could do better.

Fifty years ago - in 1974 - Christchurch hosted the Commonwealth games 17 year old Jaynie Parkhouse won a gold medal. She's with us for this week's NZ sporting history.

Music Critic: Jana Te Nahu Owen

Humans are merging their brains and nervous systems with technology, and it's being predicted that will keep lawyer's quite busy.

A new solar farm is up and running in Kaitaia, and it's pinched the crown as New Zealand's largest solar installation to date.  Lodestone Energy managing director Gary Holden speaks to Jesse.

Kina numbers are exploding on some of our reefs, decimating seaweed habitats. Could this problem be solved by eating them? Kate Evans investigates the potential of kina-nomics.

Kina numbers are exploding on some of our reefs, decimating seaweed habitats. Could this problem be solved by eating them? Kate Evans investigates the potential of kina-nomics.

Doing nothing has become something we just don't do anymore in our over-scheduled, always online world. But the simple act of hanging out with other people could be the solution to the epidemic of loneliness the world is facing says Sheila Liming. She's a professor of literature, media, and writing who says we need to put our phones down and re-learn out to just spend time with people with no set agenda or activity. Her book is called Hanging Out: The Radical Power of Killing Time.

We love it when one of Aotearoa's own makes it big and our bookmarks guest today, Luciane Buchanan has done just that. Many will know the Auckland-born actor as one of the stars of the Netflix series hit - The Night Agent - an FBI action-thriller, currently filming its second season in New York In addition to that, short film Lea Tupu'anga/Mother Tongue recently screened at the Sundance film festival She's off to a flyer in 2024 but managed to find some time to chat in between takes for Bookmarks this week.

Dairy farmer turned lego collector, and now lego museum owner. Waihi local, Spike, took his love of lego to the next level, opening a museum after his collection grew too big to keep in his own home. He's been running 'Spikes Bricks and Models' for the last eight years, much to the delight of locals and visitors. But Spike gets just as much out of it himself, if not more. Spike joins Jesse in the Auckland studio.

Today Alex talks to Jesse about Open Source and Rourou Conversations.

When Kiwi Daniella Elwood met her Irish partner Sean Ohare at a crossfit gym in Wellington, the pair dated for two months before heading off around the world together. Both were experienced solo travellers, but this was their first time travelling as a couple. Now, the only thing stronger then their love of travel - is their combined love of chips. The pair have gone as far as starting an instragam page called 'The Crispy Couple', documenting the highs and lows that the world of chips has to offer. We speak to Daniella.

On Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's 80th birthday, RNZ Concert presenter Clarissa Dunn joins Jesse to share magical moments from Dame Kiri's career including recordings of the young star on the rise and reminisces about her own experiences of sharing a stage with this Kiwi legend.

The Hamilton County Bluegrass Band is about to play its last concert. The band has been around since the 1960s when it was founded by Paul Trenwith and Alan Rhodes. The lineup has changed over the years - the current one includes Paul and his two sons. The band's in our Hamilton studio to speak to Jesse.

What does the future of food look like? What will we be eating in the future? Quinault Childs is research director in the Food Futures Lab at the Silicon Valley based Institute for the Future. His work focuses on the future of food systems, society, and the impact of climate change. Quin's been in Aotearoa to speak at an event, he stops by to share his knowledge with Jesse.

There was a time when logic and evidence were all you needed to win an argument. Aristotle would hardly recognize what we describe as a debate today says strategist and author Michael McQueen. In our polarized times, when curiosity and open-mindedness is fading away, he says we need to re-learn how to persuade people in business, relationships, and life. His book is called Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds. Mindstuck book coverMindstuck book cover Photo: supplied

Brad Foster reports on the success of the NRL season opener in Las Vegas, the high tech plans for the new Western Sydney Airport including a remotely operated control tower, new house approvals at a 12 year low, Melbourne Fashion Week, and the AFL season kickoff.

Today our book reviewer Anna Rankin talks to Jesse about Vincent Bevin's book, If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution.

Today tech commentator and founder of Ambit AI Tim Warren talks to Jesse about technology in the work place and what the future holds.

A new public artwork installation is coming to the southern end of Federal Street in Auckland, just a stone's from the RNZ studio.  The artist, Joe Sheehan, speaks to Jesse.

A Facebook group called 'Southland Random Acts of Kindness' was launched 10 years ago and now has 12,000 followers. The group was launched by Mary Gilbert, we speak to her.

The nominees for the Taite Music Prize were announced today. John Taite is the son of legendary Kiwi music journalist and the prize's namesake Dylan Taite, and is a highly influential entertainment executive in his own right.

Boredom is one of our defining features as human beings.Harvard law Professor Cass Sunstein and neuroscientist Tali Sharot say there is a way to regain sensitivity that helps us identify the bad and appreciate the good.

Blocked pipes, toilets, drainage, fittings, dripping taps - this week's expert feature is all about plumbing. Our expert is a Senior Lecturer at the Unitec Trades and Services School, in plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying, John Pepere.

For Made in NZ this week we head to sunny Nelson where woodworker and artist Katrine Kaarsemaker makes Flap! toys, These are simply handmade toys which flap, anything such as native birds, bats and moths.

Today Dom talks to Jesse about Dark City: The Cleaner and the final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

To highlight the value of their service, this month the CAB have teamed with Trademe to run a series of auctions representing the cost of the free advice given out throughout February.

The Hearing House is an Auckland-based charity which provides health and counselling services for people with cochlear implants. We speak to Hearing House CEO Dr Claire Green about the charity and the mobile clinic.

Tomorrow March 2 is the beginning of Seaweek - Aotearoa's annual week for celebrating the sea. Seaweek has been going for over 30 years and aims to connect us to the sea. There are all sorts of different events happening around the country - check out seaweek.org.nz to find an event near you.

Today Lynda talks to Jesse about how no dig gardens have fared over summer.

It might be the first official day of Autumn, but there's still plenty of summer fruit around to use or preserve. Today Jess Daniell, of Jess's Underground Kitchen, has a great recipe for a salad that's her twist on an Italian classic panzanella.

Today Kate talks to Jesse about The Zone of Interest, Dune 2 and New Zealand film, The Convert.

Last week Teresa told us a ghost story from Port Arthur in Tasmania... a few of you got in touch saying you've been there yourself, including Stephen. He has a story for us today.

17-year-old Cormac Buchanan is busy today at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park in Waikato. After this weekend's race he is heading to Europe to compete in the Junior GP World Championship. He talks to Jesse.

The Barden Party are a group of travelling thespians from Nelson who've just returned from their first Australian tour.  Show directors and performers Laura Irish and Ollie Howlett speak to Jesse.

"Click here, sign up to our news letter, tag a friend to be in to win" - it's everywhere online. But could you do a roaring trade without social media? That's a question marketing strategist Rachel Klaver can answer. She speaks to Jesse.

Grant Robertson announced his retirement from politics last week. Some have praised his work as Finance Minister while others have compared him to Robert Muldoon (and not in a good way). It is too early to know how history will judge Robertson as finance minister, but we know that history has been unkind to Muldoon. Today we find out why, and whether it is justified.

Today entrepreneur, business mentor and technology evangelist Ben Kepes is with Jesse to Solve the World's Problems. He says, "it's all about a bag of cement".

Today for New Zealand Sporting History we're going back to November 1982, when, for two weeks the country was gripped by the plight of two climbers trapped on Aoraki Mt Cook. Mark Inglis was one of them.

The Gardyne Family has been growing oats north of Gore for five generations. Grower and Oat Industry Chairman Graeme Gardyne shares the family story with Jesse.

The City of Sails is holding a brand new festival to celebrate vintage boats and our rich maritime history. Sailor, boat enthusiast and esteemed musician Nick Atkinson will be there. He explains what's on offer to Jesse.

Donald's Farm is a not-for-profit educational dairy farm on the edge of Auckland. 31-year-old farm manager Sam Waugh balances managing the operation with teaching young people. He joins Jesse. 

Crackle, pop, woof, crunch, click. In the ocean, an undersea orchestra is in full swing. Journalist Kate Evans discovers who’s playing in it and why, and what happens when human noise drowns out this symphony in the sea. 

Journalist Kate Evans and presenter Claire Concannon discover the undersea orchestra in the first episode of new series Voice of Tangaroa.

Happy wife, happy life. That's not completely off base according to Brad Wilcox a professor of sociology at the University of Virginia. He says there are too many voices, mostly on the left, claiming that the path to prosperity and happiness must be taken alone, not in a marriage. Work hard. Play hard. Stay single. But Wilcox argues the science says otherwise, and he lays out his argument in his new book, Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization.

We often have famous actors, authors, and media people sharing their favourite things on Bookmarks. But today our guest has a PhD in Chemistry from Harvard University. Professor Kurt Krause shares his choices with Jesse.

This week we meet John Ward who lives in Lepperton, Taranaki. For the past few decades he's been building up a mammoth taxidermy stockpile. His collection includes hundreds of animals ranging from white rhino, to zebra and polar bears.

Today Jemima talks to Jesse about 'Just the Gist' and 'Escaping NXIVM'.

For heading off this week we're going bush. Tramping with young children can be seen as difficult, something requiring lots of planning, extra gear and stress. But according to Shoshannah Shand - a solo mum of two - it doesn't have to be.

Why does no one care that the world is ending? How will we all survive when everything falls apart? Those are the questions Comedian Alice Snedden has set out to answer with more Bad News. We speak to Alice.

There was a shock announcement this morning that Newshub on Three will be closing down, effective from the end of June. It means the loss of hundreds of jobs. Veteran journalist and television broadcaster Janet Wilson talks to Jesse.

Few department stores have stayed afloat in New Zealand. Today we're talking about New Zealand's oldest department store - Ballantynes, founded in 1854. This Friday they will open a store in Invercargill.

Dr Louise Newson is is one of the UK's leading experts on menopause and peri-menopause. She's taken on the medical establishment for under funding research into menopause and for better standards for the women affected.

Brad Foster reports on the ongoing investigation into the search for two missing men who police allege were murdered by a senior police constable last week. He also reports on last night's decision by the board of the gay and lesbian Mardi Gras, on this Saturday, to "uninvite" police officers from taking part in this year's event. He also talks NRL, cricket and the ongoing search for the missing Ballarat mum.

Today Mt Roskill Grammar Library Manager Catherine Ross is along to talk about great books for younger readers. Her theme this week is 'Challenging Topics.'

This week owner and managing director of Vertech IT services Dan Watson talks to Jesse about the intersection of IT and mental health services. He has some great tips for online tools to help as well.

Taylor Swift has sung her last note on the Australian leg of The Eras Tour, which wrapped yesterday. One family stumbled into some very good luck and snagged some unbelievable seats. We meet Regan and hear her story.

Spark is on at the Hamilton Arts Festival this weekend. Artistic Director Charlotte Nightingale talks to Jesse.

To prepare for a big earthquake, Wellington Regional Emergency Management (WREMO) is hosting its Long Walk Home. WREMO's Dan Neely spoke to Jesse.

Ted talk curator Chris Anderson believes this mantra can remedy some of the world's biggest problems. His book is called Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading.

Today's Monday Expert Feature is on Customs - what happens behind the scenes at our borders - airports, marine ports, and postal service. We speak to Customs Group Manager, Intelligence, Investigations and Enforcement Terry Brown.

For Made in NZ today we're heading to Auckland's Wellesley street, the home of Holiday Records. Opened in 2018 it bought vinyl pressing back to our shores for the first time since the EMI plant closed down in 1987.

Today Claire talks to Jesse about Feud: Capote vs The Swans on Neon, One Day on Netflix and Boy Swallows Universe, also on Netflix.

Sandra Morris is currently artist in residence at Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekaka, where she is hosting workshops and exploring the relationships between birds, insects, and plants through watercolours and journalling.

Auckland's Manurewa High School is rolling out fresh desks in their new science block. They are made from completely recycled plastics, and are designed go the distance. Rui Peng, speaks to Jesse.

Where do you think the best place to live in New Zealand is? Well after 27 years, Hamilton has overtaken Tauranga as New Zealand's fastest growing city, according to the latest data from Stats NZ. We speak to Paula Southgate.

This week's critter is one of our most endangered trees: the maire tawake or swamp maire, Syzgium maire. This rare tree only grows in swamp forests in warmer parts of Aotearoa.

Builder Stan Scott is back this week to help with handy hints for any DIY projects you might have. If you have a question for him you can text 2101 or email [email protected].

Today Julie Biuso shares a recipe for what she calls the "best ever" bacon and egg pie. The version of the picnic favourite Julie makes is richer than others with a light and fluffy filling.

Today Dom talks to Mark about The Zone of Interest, Drive-Away Dolls and horror film Baghead.

Freaky Friday is back again with two ghostly encounters from one of our listeners. Teresa has been to one of the most haunted places in the world. She shares her spooky story with Mark.

After proposing to his girlfriend live on air, NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll decided to combine his two loves - his fiancée Katie & the weather. Ben speaks to Mark.

Hard To Find books is Aotearoa's largest second hand book business. The shop specialises in rare and unique books and has a collection of nearly a million titles! Some of which cost tens of thousands of dollars.

On Saturday fire ripped through Palmerston North's Cloverlea Tavern which doubled as the clubrooms for Kia Toa Rugby & Netball clubs. Club president Kenny Johnson speaks to Mark.

Today Mary talks to Mark about people's financial knowledge and some of the reasons people are choosing not to be part of the KiwiSaver scheme.

Today on NZ Sporting History we speak to Brian Ashby, Cantabrian and veteran sports commentator and broadcaster. 

Nestled beside Waipatu Marae on the edge of Hastings, you'll find Aunty's garden. The mara has be nurtured and developed by Aunty Hanui Lawrence for more than 20 years. She talks to Mark.

Is Taranaki primed to be Aotearoa's next big food tourism destination?  The regions producers have teamed up to launch the Taste Of Taranaki Producers map. The map's creator Jules Van Costello speaks to Mark.

"Girls on Ice" Aotearoa is a programme hosted by Te Puna Patiotio the-Antarctic Research Centre at Victoria University. By taking them out on field trips, it aims to inspire teen girls into the into snow science and glaciology.

Early Antarctic explorers made weather observations that are still useful today. Peregrin Hyde travels to remote South Georgia Island to collect weather data that continues this legacy, using both old-school and cutting-edge methods and equipment.

Professor Malissa Clark knows what it's like to be a workaholic.  Now she's an organizational psychology professor at the University of Georgia who dispels myths about what a workaholic is.

Dave Owen's space collection has taken flight. Blasting off from the backroom of his house into its own building, becoming the Te Awamutu Space Centre. Dave talks to Mark about his collection and how it became a museum.

Today Adam talks to Mark about two podcasts, Black Girl Songbook and Filthy Ritual.

This week on Heading Off we're looking at doing road trips around Aotearoa in EVs, what to be aware of, tips to make the battery life last longer and what you should do in advance.

If people are in a rough patch, or what researchers call "a weakened state" in their relationship, they are almost five times more likely to break up within the two weeks surrounding Valentine's day than any other weeks of the year.

Water safety advocates are calling for an urgent change to Auckland's Navigational Bylaw. Bronwyn Coers is the Strategy Manager for Wai Ora Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland's Water Safety & Drowning Prevention Strategy.

A new study into the impact of the post-covid, half price public transport initiative was released this morning. The study's author Dr Angela Curl talks to Mark.

Everyone ages. There's a multi billion dollar industry aimed at trying to stop it. Dr Coleen Murphy works to understand it first.

Brad Foster provides an update on asbestos found in mulch in parks and gardens around Sydney, Taylor Swift in town, and an embarrassing dinner outing for Pink. He also reports on the search continuing for a missing Ballarat mum, Sydney's severe storm yesterday, and Australia's upcoming cricket tour of New Zealand.

Today Dominic talks to Mark about a fascinating book written by Naomi Klein.

Deidre Brown, a professor at Auckland University's School of architecture, went on an 8 year hunt for the lost whakairo rakau. The missing whakairo rakau were first acquired by the Christchurch Missionary Society in 1823.

Have you ever wanted to work in Antarctica? Antarctica New Zealand is recruiting 40 people for the 2024/2025 season. The roles range from carpenter to chef, and are crucial to scientific research and conservation efforts.

Japan is launching the world's first wooden satellite to tackle space pollution. Astrophysicist Dr Sara Webb, a lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology speaks to Mark.

In May 2022, divers removed almost 10,000 Kina from four sites in the Marlborough sounds. It's a project - led by University of Auckland PHD student Dallas Lafont. He speaks to Mark.

Emma Wright always thought raising children to feel good about their bodies involved teaching healthy eating habits with giving praise for being gorgeous just the way they are. She's written a book about it.

Rats have been on many peoples minds over the past couple weeks, especially for those who've had them scurrying across the shelves in their local supermarket. Today's expert feature is on predator trapping in and around your house and property. We're talking to Jessi Morgan, Chief Executive of Predator Free New Zealand Trust.

This week for Made in NZ we speak to Joe Goodin who makes products at his huge Taranaki workshop which are exported internationally. These products include high-powered, remote-operated underwater dredges, winches and cutting tools, and parts for offshore wind farms.

Today Brooks talks to Mark about The Curse, Mrs Davis, Abbott Elementary and Mr and Mrs Smith.

After a seven-year hiatus, Kiwi musician Brooke Fraser is returning to Aotearoa for a one-off concert with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. 

 Bread Charity was founded in 2017 by then 22-year-old Mustafa 'Mussie' Sheikh, who has just published a kids' book called 'The Boy Who Wasn't Scared To Dream'.

Fire scientists are looking for land with gorse and trees to burn, with the aim of learning more about how fire behaves. Hugh Wallace is a wildfire scientist at Scion, the Crown research institute for forestry and wood processing.

If you're a native New Zealand cockroach, the ngaro wiwi black cockroach hunter wasp is the stuff of your worst nightmares.

This week we talk to Lynda Hallinan about damson plums and other gardening tips.

Who doesn't love berries and chocolate? This is my favorite crowd pleaser recipe and it's so easy to whip up at the end of a busy lunch or dinner with friends and family. 

Today movie reviewer Kate Rodger talks to Mark Leishman about May December, How to Have Sex and the award nominated Anatomy of a Fall. It's up for seven BAFTAs at the ceremony being held on Monday New Zealand time.

It's one of the most popular weekly segments on Afternoons where our listeners share their scary, unexplainable, or coincidental stories. This week we meet Johanna and Lesley who share their eerie tales with Mark.

Miles From Nowhere is the brain child of poet, writer and journalist Mohamed Hassan. It launches on Sky Open next Wednesday, and has a star studded cast. We meet two of the actors on the show.

There are children up and down the country with diverse safety and mobility needs that need support getting to and from school. SESTA is the Specialised School Transport Assistance need more drivers!

Swift-mania has hit down under with the arrival of pop icon Taylor Swift in Australia. We speak to one of the many super fans who've made the trek across the Tasman to be part of the Eras Tour phenomenon.

Over the past year, NZ First leader Winston Peters has repeatedly referred to three famous Maori leaders in his speeches: Apirana Ngata, Maui Pomare, and Peter Buck. But who were these men, and why are they so important? Dr Grant Morris talks about the trio and their legacies.

Today NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson is looking at what we have to be more cheerful about.

Many of you might be enjoying Apple TV's new Spielberg and Hanks series, Masters of the Air, following the US Eighth Air Force unit 100th Bomb Group. There's an interesting New Zealand connection to this history.

Southland farmer Grant Lightfoot has created a new type of bale wrap - a net which is made out of natural fibre that cattle can eat and digest. Grant speaks to Jesse.

 Microorganisms can move through water, soils and ride air currents so finding one that is endemic and stranded in New Zealand would be a world first. University of Canterbury Scientist, Professor Matthew Stott speaks to Jesse.

The rugged and remote Antipodes Islands are home to a fantastical array of wildlife – from pipits to elephant seals. Claire Concannon joins an expedition to the islands where researchers are counting albatrosses and monitoring penguins.

The best gifts require a bit of sacrifice of your time and thought not just a lot of money says Dr Scott Rick who studies the emotions behind our financial decisions.

This week on collectors corner we meet Marea Faigan who has a wonderful collection of ceramic bulldogs. She shares her story and passion for the canine collection with Jesse.

Podcast Critic: Evie Ashton

Maungataniwha range in northern Hawkes Bay is one of our most significant geological sites. Pete Shaw - Manager of the Forest Lifeforce Restoration has been keeping the fossil finding legacy alive.

Twenty two years ago avid traveller Fraser Alexander lost his sight aged just 37. Now when he travels a trip starts with endless planning and emails about accessibility. We speak to Fraser.

Recipe manager app 'Crouton' is a fave for many. It recently made a Wall Street Journal video, but it might surprise you that the app has very local roots and is just the side-hustle of Devin Davies in Christchurch. We speak to Devin.

Making connections on a romantic level in person has become increasingly harder for older people. Now a group of well known and connected NZers are looking to take on the challenge of making it easier for ageing romantics.

Midlife and crisis are two words that almost always go together. Chip Conley doesn't see it that way. He says midlife is a challenge not a crisis. He's an entrepreneur, author and former head of global hospitality for Airbnb. He says our 40s, 50s and 60s are a time to re-imagine and repurpose our lives. That's what he did in his mid 40's when he was hit with a cascade of challenges all at once. He emerged on the other side with new wisdom about wringing the best out of this stage of life which he shares in his book, Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better With Age.

Brad Foster reports on dangerous fire conditions in Victoria as the state enters its fourth day in a row of heatwave conditions, the discovery of asbestos in parks and gardens in and around Sydney, and four NRL teams about to depart for the 2024 season kick-off in Las Vegas.

Today Pip talks to Jesse about author Thomasin Sleigh, who Pip is talking to for the Aotearoa New Zealand Arts Festival.

This week tech commentator and founder of Ambit AI Time Warren is with Jesse to talk about the future of education in a world of AI and High Tech.

Children's author and blogger James Russell is a children's author has noticed a trend of teenagers using phones as an escape from awkward conversations. James speaks to Jesse.

On Sunday, Hampden - a small south island town of 350 people - celebrated the opening of a new skate ramp.  Stuart Barnes explains how it happened and the community effort behind the structure.

A very short time ago the University of Waikato signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a medical school in the Waikato region.The University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor, Professor Neil Quigley speaks to Jesse.

The music career of John Oates is legendary. He's in both the Songwriter and Rock and Roll hall of fame as a songwriter, guitarist and one half of the 70's and 80's hit music machine Hall and Oates. They churned out number one songs time after time with hits like Rich Girl, Kiss On My List, Private Eyes and Maneater making them among the best-selling music artists of all time. But Oates prefers to live in the present rather than the past. He catches us up on his career as a solo artist still doing shows, releasing singles, and navigating a music industry that has changed dramatically from the one he started in more than 50 years ago.

We've got a huge topic for our Monday Expert feature today, the man, the myth, the Bard, William Shakespeare. David Lawrence, Shakespeare scholar and artistic director of The Pop-up Globe - he's our Monday expert.

The late Ray Cooper needed a clever way of composting as his wife grew veggies in the back garden, and flowers in the front. Michael Smythe designed the prototype and continually redesigns the Earthmaker to be more effective.

Time to talk television now and we've got Pratik Navani along to tell us what he's been watching.

It's nearly eel migration season which means short and long fin tuna start their migration from our freshwater streams. On this journey, they'll try swim through flood pumps in our rivers and streams causes significant mortality.

Colourful kites of all shapes and sizes will be flying high at the Otaki Kite Festival this weekend. Festival director Kirsty Doyle joins Jesse to tell us what's happening at the annual event which is now into its 11th year on the Kapiti Coast.

An ageing population in general means an ageing population behind bars, bringing with it the same increased number of prisoners with dementia. Clinical and forensic psychologist Ella Kofoed speaks to Jesse.

Termites are tenacious critters - they never sleep and spend their waking lives chewing wood and renovating their extensive colonies. Luckily, we only have three native species of termite in Aotearoa, and they don't often infest our houses. This week's critter is the most common of our termites, the New Zealand dry wood termite, Kalotermes brouni.

This week we speak to Allister Wade, Motoring Services Technical Advisor at the AA, about keeping your car well maintained and ready for any road trips. If you have a question for him text 2101 or email [email protected].

This time of the year is when there's an abundance of fruit around. Like Martin last week, food writer, stylist and cook Gretchen Lowe has a delicious recipe to use up any excess plums you have.

This week Kate Rodger talks to Jesse about Bob Marley One Love due out next week, Argylle and The Holdovers.

A Taranaki grower has come up with an unusual fundraiser for Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki. Eddie Hollard owns 'Dave's Patch' and is offering 3.2 hectares of prime Lepperton maize to the highest bidder.

Each week on Afternoons we have a bit of fun and share stories from our listeners of prescience, spooky encounters or coincidences that leave goosebumps. This week we talk to Laureen about her story of possible divine intervention and then talk to Kate about her 'dream boy'. If you have a story to share please text 2101 or email [email protected].

If you've ever wondered about your Irish ancestry - who they were, where they were from in Ireland, why they came to New Zealand - there's a series of seminars coming to Aotearoa that will help you trace your Irish family history.

New Zealand is facing criticism after for going against convention over bottom trawling practices in the Pacific. Steve Little is a Port Chalmers fisherman and former Chief Skipper at the University of Otago.

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington has been gifted 13 million dollars. The donation came from the late Dr Aola Richards, a trailblazing scientist and the first woman in New Zealand to gain a PhD in Biological Science.

In May 1986, 16-year-old Charlotte Mensah went to work in the UK's first luxury Afro-Caribbean hair salon, Splinters. In London's glamorous Mayfair, Splinters had earned a world-class reputation and hosted the likes of Diana Ross. Charlotte says it looked more like a five-star hotel than a salon and that its owner, Winston Isaacs expected no less than perfection from all his staff. Now a giant of the hair care industry in her own right, Charlotte has become known as the 'Queen of the 'fro'. She tells Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty about her roots and how training at the legendary Splinters changed her life.

This week Mary Holm talks about ethical investing and the Mindful Money website, a place where you can see what your Kiwisaver provider invests in.

Riki Ellison joins Jesse to discuss his Māori roots and fascinating family ties, plus what it's like to play in a Super Bowl.

For the first time since it launch in 1992, all 159 episodes of homegrown television soap Shortland Street will be on YouTube to see.

Associate Professor and registered dietician Dr Caryn Zinn has been leading a three-year project looking into non-pharmaceutical ways to reverse Type 2 Diabetes and says it's entirely possible.

Laura Gemmell is CEO of Eco Choice Aotearoa. She joins Jesse to help consumers better understand whether brand sustainability claims are bogus or legitimate. 

Tess Brunton updates the situation at Bluecliffs in Southland

An ambitious ice coring expedition to the Ross Ice Shelf aims to figure out the possible futures of West Antarctica's ice. Veronika Meduna joins the team on the ice.

2024 will be the Voldemort of years, the year that must not be named. Ian Bremmer, political scientist and president of the political risk advisory firm, Eurasia Group releases the top ten global risks the world is facing each year.

Brad Foster reports on some positive news in Australia on the cost of living challenges at the present time and news about a number of Sydney boys' schools planning to co-ed - and the backlash from some parents and ex-students at one school in particular. He also talks Pink, the Australian Grand Prix, and a new Australian streaming series that is worth watching.

Today Elliot talks to Jesse about Paul Giamatti's CHINWAG with Stephen Asma and The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop.

This week on heading off we're in the Eastern Bay of Plenty where the brand new Maori owned and operated - Omataroa Eco Tours has been named as one of National Geographic's cultural hot spots to visit this year. The venture only started operating in March last year and takes visitors into the Omataroa forest. Tour manager Jade Elliot speaks to Jesse.

Mainfreight trucks - the big blue beasts that wind their way up and down our roads - is the last place many people might think they'll find enlightenment and words of wisdom. But they are there. We find out more about their origins.

The Moehau Man is also known as our very own New Zealand 'Bigfoot'. To discuss this mystery and legend of the Moehau Man, investigative and true crime author Scott Bainbridge talks to Jesse.

Canterbury salsa dancers Natasha Frost and Jorja Dann achieved surprise overseas success at the Summit Championship in Orlando, Florida, last month. Natasha joins Jesse to describe the trip and her dance floor ambitions.

Who to marry, what to do for a job, where to live; these are the decisions we always believe will totally shape our lives. They do. Brian Klaas is a professor of global politics at University College London. He speaks to Mark.

Forget about the fashionable, flashy air fryer is the humble slow cooker or crock pot has outlasted many a kitchen gadget and has lasted the distance. Today we speak to Sally Wise, she's authored three books on the art of slow cooking.

For Made in NZ today we meet the team behind NZ Crayons and learn the history of the company which goes back to helping soldiers from world war II who returned home with disabilities caused through injuries.

Today reviewer Jonathan Mahon-Heap talks to Mark about Expats starring Nicole Kidman, it's streaming on Prime. He has also been watching True Detective: Night Country starting Jodi Foster, streaming on NEON. He also talks about Fellow Travellers, also on NEON.

Tony Knight's come up with a unique way to combine dog training with comedy. He's tapped into talents as 'the dog listener' to create a unique show that he's bringing across from Australia to Auckland on Sunday.

Peter Hogg collects, repairs, and sells vintage sewing machines, and not just that, he also sells them for charity. Peter worked at the Singer sewing machine shop on Timaru's Stafford St in the 1960s. We spoke to him.

Today we are paying tribute to one of the greatest Rugby Union players of all time Barry John. In sporting circles he was simply known as 'The King'. Keith Quinn remembers the Welsh great with Mark.

Today is World Wetlands Day and this week's critter, the waikaka black mudfish, reveals just how vital these boggy ecosystems are for some of our more elusive and endangered fish species. Waikaka means 'cunning in water' - the black mudfish earned this name because of the clever way they survive the dry summer months by burying themselves in mud.

Today gardening guru Lynda Hallinan has some tips on helping your plants and garden survive the heat.

Today Martin Bosley shares a recipe which is great to use up any old or bruised peaches you may have lying around. He talks Jesse through how to make his delicious raspberry and peach cake. You can find the recipe to make at home here.

Today Dom talks to Jesse about wrestling drama The Iron Claw, Elvis-adjacent biopic Priscilla and Australian crime drama Force of Nature: The Dry 2.

This week we hear some spooky stories from two listeners. Loreen has a story about an inexplicable incident in Sydney while Sue shares a story about an eerie coincidence just after the death of her beloved dog. If you have a story or eerie experience to share with Jesse that's left you with goosebumps or lost for words, please text in 2101 or email [email protected].

Today World Wetland day. Ben Goodwin joines Jesse to talk about the history of them around Tamaki Makaurau. Ben's a senior technician at Unitec and formally the zookeeper and insect guy at Auckland zoo. He's also a self-taught botanist with a passion for hidden native habitats in our swamps and wetlands and describes himself as a life-long nature geek.

If the clean lines of a vintage John Deer and the sheer strength of an old Caterpillar rev your engine, you need to find your way to Levin this weekend. Back for the first time in 5 years, the Horowhenua Vintage Machinery Club's Harvest Weekend is running this Saturday and Sunday. The club's been pulling out all the stops for the signature event's return. We speak to their president Rod Clifton.

Grace Payne is a special Olympian. She was born with autism and has spent her childhood working hard as both an athlete and leader to get disabled people included in sport. Every four years, only 10 athletes from the 5.6 million registered athletes with an intellectual disability are chosen to as spokespeople for the Special Olympics, Grace has just been chosen as a Special Olympics Global Messenger and she is the FIRST New Zealander to be selected for the role. Jesse speaks to Grace.

Golf has one of the longest histories of modern sports. While we can trace golf-like games back centuries, it is generally accepted that the modern game developed in Scotland during the eighteenth century (the 1700s). This is before many other popular sports such as football and rugby. Dr Grant Morris looks back at its history in Aotearoa.

Today retired Hawkes Bay farmer Steve Wyn-Harris talks to Jesse about the big drought that was forecast for this summer season and how that's not been the case for many parts of the country.

Olympic medalist, Dylan Scmidt, won the first ever medal for New Zealand in gymnastics in 2021, in the men's trampoline category. He's been trampolining since he was a young boy. And now he's set his sights on the Paris Olympics. He speaks to Jesse about his sporting successes.

An Afternoons listener has written in with concerns about a fish and chip shop at Mangonui who give the fish remains from their processing plant to customers to feed sharks in the harbour. It attracts a lot of bronze whaler sharks. Sounds like fun. The problem is - the listener points out - the harbour is a popular swimming spot for local kids who jump off the pontoon and jetty. Clinton Duffy, a marine scientist at DOC talks to Jesse.

Julie Woods - perhaps better known as 'That Blind Woman' - is a speaker, author, and global ambassador for Blind Low Vision NZ. Today is her 58th birthday and in true Julie fashion she's celebrating with a big public birthday bash.

Riccarton High School in Christchurch has created a role for a cultural diversity facilitator. We wanted to know more about her role and how the benefits for the school, Jesse speaks to Dr Sharnali Tisi.

Pollen is a big trigger for New Zealand’s high rates of hay fever and asthma. But for 35 years, we’ve had no current data on pollen levels – until now. Justin Gregory talks to a team who want to change that.

When it came to women in the early 2000's, nothing was off limits says writer Sarah Ditium. Her new book reflects on the way 9 women, including Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan, were subjected to systematic sexual harassment.

Today Ximena talks to Jesse about The Studies Show, a podcast by two British science writers. She's also been listening to season two of Things Fell Apart, a show by Jon Ronson exploring 'culture wars'.

This week on heading off we speak to Elisabeth Easther about travelling to Kawau Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Each week we're talking travel in this segment, if you have something to share, a hack, a wonderful trip, a hidden gem for visitors in your hood - please text 2101 or email [email protected].

The Environmental Protection Authority, or EPA, announced yesterday that from December 31st 2026 they will ban per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances from use in these products. PFAS's are often called 'forever chemicals' as they take a long time to break down and can become toxic at high levels, damaging both the environment and consumers. Melanie Kah, associate professor for the School of Environment at the University of Auckland speaks to Jesse.

Good news for plane spotters in Nelson - the airport has created six viewing windows in the fence line, giving an unobstructed view for enthusiasts. Dan Hay is one of Nelson's most active plane spotters, and he worked with Nelson airport in choosing the best locations to get a close up of the action on the runway.

There's been some excitement for bird lovers recently, with a possible sighting of a Kokako in Southland. The endangered songbird was once thought to be extinct in the South island. Inger Perkins is the manager of the South Island Kokako Charitable Trust, who have put a call out for help identifying the bird. She speaks to Jesse.

There are few things as comforting as being absolutely sure the bus will be there on time, you ticked the right box on the exam. Uncertainty is uncomfortable, but necessary says author and journalist Maggie Jackson. 

Brad Foster reports on the worthy recipients of the Australian of the Year Awards for 2024 - two pioneering melanoma research sufferers - a hot new exhibition that has just landed in Sydney, and the latest news making headlines across the country.

Today Catherine talks to Jesse about Sam Low's cookbook, Modern Chinese, The Seven by Australian crime writer Chris Hammer and Clanlands in New Zealand by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish.

Today for Tech Tuesday we speak to Ambit AI co-founder and CEO Tim Warren about the pros and cons of electric vehicles.

The saga of the famed Cathedral Cove walking track in the Coromandel continues, with DoC conceding this week it may never reopen. The track was closed last February after it was badly damaged by the extreme weather events at the beginning of last year. Doc is expecting a report back in June, which will give them a better understanding of the state of the land and where a new track can be built. Locals however, say DoC could have and should have done more to get the track back up and running. Mercury Bay Business Association spokesman Ray Van Beynen updates Jesse.

Research shows that we don't absorb as much information reading from a screen as we do reading from paper. So what does that mean in terms of comprehension in schools and readers' susceptibility to misinformation online? Dr Lilu Yu at MacQuarie University in Australia has been studying the way we read and what the differences are, she speaks to Jesse.

In June 2022, renowned chef and restaurateur Rick Stein would have a meal of haddock that would set him on a path to simplifying his life and his work. We talk to Rick Stein about Simple Suppers, his latest book.

June Callan, runs June Callan Clinical Hypnotherapy based in Auckland. While working as a Pain Clinical Nurse Specialist she noticed a lack in options for chronic pain sufferers and realised that hypnotherapy could effective.

For Made in NZ this week we meet the creators of Lavender Abbey, Jan and Stuary Abernethy. Each year they tend to more than 3,500 plants on their property which are harvested in February and made into their award winning 100% pure essential oil.

Today Linda talks to Jesse about Claremont: The Killer Among Us on TVNZ+, The Curse on Neon and The Traitors on ThreeNow.

What began as a request for freezer meals on social media back in 2020, has developed into Kura Kai - a regular fixture in 38 schools around the country. General manager Marie Paterson explains the kaupapa to Jesse.

If you have capable hands and a budding interest in trains, the Waitara Railway Preservation Society needs you. The society's secretary and treasurer Derek Baker speaks to Jesse.

Bronwyn Scott is program manager at Recycle a Device. She says Recycle a Device has received requests for over a thousand laptops this week alone - and is struggling to keep up with demand. She talks to Jesse.

The first Critter of 2024 is the largest snail in Aotearoa - the superb giant land snail, Powelliphanta superba. These snails are big, golden and fabulous, and they're a worm's worst nightmare!

New Year new jobs to tackle at home? If you're doing any DIY at our property this weekend builder Stan Scott's here to answer any questions. If you want to ask him anything please text 2101 or email [email protected]

Chef and author Sam Parish is back with us after having her second baby in September last year. This week she's sharing a great recipe for a pesto you can make and store in the freezer, all ready to go when you want a delicious and healthy home made pasta. You can find out how to make this recipe at home here.

Today RNZ Afternoons producer Sam Hollis talks to Jesse about All Of Us Strangers and Mean Girls.

We dive back into the pool of spooky, coincidental and unexplained stories provided by you the listeners.

If you're in the Coromandel region this weekend, Whitianga might be the place to be. The annual BayJam event will be on, with an array of musicians, performers and local foods to peruse. Keey Fremm is one of the performers.

Housing and keeping supply up with demand is a massive issue across Aotearoa. But if you live in Dunedin, there's a housing guardian angel hanging around in the form of businessman Roger Fewtrell. He speaks Jesse.

Andrew Cranswick is part of a very practical project in Hawkes Bay, retrieving, repairing and sanitising some of the horticultural bins that were washed around the area. He's with Tumu timbers, and leading the bin clean up operation.

Today Mary talks to Jesse about bank term deposits, the rates and the risks.

Erin Baker is an incredible triathlete, from the beginning of competing she was winning events, sometimes just a week apart. For today's sporting history we speak to Erin about her incredible victories and how it started.

In Auckland there's an  interesting housing development called CoHaus, and after a long development process residents finally moved in around three years ago. We catch up with one of the residents, Dr David Welch.

The Robert Redford-founded Sundance Film Festival is one of the biggest annual film events on the calendar. Earlier this week our own Libby Hakaraia was announced as the recipient of this years Merata Mita Fellowship.

The New Zealand gold rush kicked off in 1861 after gold was found near the Tuapeka River in Otago. Now a Clutha museum is  bringing that history back to life. Tuapeka Goldfields Museum & Visitor Centre manager speaks to Jesse.

Giant kelp is under pressure. Can an ambitious underwater forest planting effort help restore this disappearing ocean ecosystem?

Speed will be the hallmark of 2024. Life comes at us fast says Tom Standage, deputy editor of The Economist magazine and editor of the annual forward looking special edition, The World Ahead in 2024.

For Bookmarks today we meet one of the incredible founders of Trade Aid, a not-for-profit business founded forty years ago, designed to help the lives of people in poverty stricken parts of the world, Vi Cottrell.

For this week's collectors corner we head to the Waikato where Helen and Brian Gibson have been collecting Christmas miniatures for the past 15 years.

Today Alex Barnes talks to Jesse about two podcasts, Once a Panther. Our History. Our Words and Ten Percent Happier.

For 2024 we're starting a new weekly feature all about travel. Today we speak to Darnel Eparaima who enjoyed a cruise with her two young daughters, she's got some great inside knowledge about enjoying the cruise.

Kiwi Melissa Gunn is one of the winners of an international short story competition, Imagine 2200: climate fiction for future ancestors, run by American magazine Grist.

Lighthouse gin head distiller, Rachel Hall, is the one woman production line that makes and bottles every single bottle herself. But, she didn't always like gin. She speaks to Jesse.

Evolutionary biologist Distinguished Professor Hamish Spencer has received international recognition as a new Fellow of the International Science Council (ISC). He's received the highest honour to be conferred by the ISC.

2023. Yes it was the hottest year on record. But we need to say no to doom and gloom about climate change says Dr Hannah Ritchie a researcher at Oxford and deputy editor of the online publication Our World in Data.

Ten years ago, musician, composer and podcast host Hrishikesh Hirway started a podcast called Song Exploder to get over his own writers block. It's now an internationally award winning podcast. Hrishikesh joins us to talk music.

Back from the holiday break, Brad Foster reports on the Australian PM calling his cabinet ministers back to Canberra two weeks early to discuss the ongoing cost of living challenges for everyday Australians among other issues.

Today Claire talks to Jesse about The Cazalet Chronicles - a five-book series by Elizabeth Jane Howard, So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan and The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff.

Today Dan talks to Jesse about the new tech trends for consumers for 2024.

An Auckland couple, Grant and Amy Difford wanted to turn their love of mid-century pieces into a business, and the death of someone close to them was the catalyst to take that leap of faith. Grant speaks to Jesse about that change.

One of our listeners, a chap named Andrew, text in yesterday because they noticed a familiar sound missing from the usual summer chorus of cicadas and crickets. The bug man, Ruud Kleinpaste is with us to help solve the mystery!

Alethea Boon is a high achieving athlete herself, representing New Zealand in both gymnastics and weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games. Now she's in a new role being a gladiator in the Australian reboot of the show.

Crispin Thurlow is  a professor of language and communication and he says, embracing mediocrity and having the courage to be ordinary may actually be the path to contentment.

For today's expert feature we're talking about the basics of keeping your teeth clean, and habits that can prevent tooth decay. To answer your questions we're joined by Murray Thomson, emeritus Professor of Dental Epidemiology and Public Health Oral Sciences at Otago University. He has three decades of research behind him.

For Made in NZ today we're going down to Ashburton, where a company has been manufacturing socks for well over 120 years. The New Zealand Sock Company was established in 1901 by John Phaup, and was taken over by the Sparrow family in 1980. Gabrielle Sparrow is of the second generation of Sparrows, she speaks to Jesse.

Today Dom talks to Jesse about The Curse, which was on NEON, Death and Other Details on Disney+ and Fool Me Once on Netflix.

Each year across New Zealand more deaths are caused by medicine related errors than lives lost on our roads. A University of Canterbury start up is hoping to turn around that statistic using AI and other tech tools to reduced medicine related errors in pharmacies. It's already been recognised internationally with a business award. Script Sense CEO Puneet Saini talks to Jesse.

Our National under 18 women's ice hockey team have started 2024 on a high by winning a gold medal at the International Ice Hockey Federation world championships in Bulgaria.

"Think like a skink" - that's the advice of wildlife photographer and enthusiast Holly Neill, who for the past couple of years has been nurturing a lizard garden, or 'Mokomoko Manor'. The work of organisations like Forest and Bird and sanctuaries like Zealandia has facilitated the return of native birds to our gardens, but Holly wants to remind us not to forget the humble lizard. She says setting up your own lizard garden is easier than it sounds. Hollie speaks to Jesse.

Santa isn't the only one zipping around in a red coat at this time of year. The beautiful redcoat damselfly, Xanthocnemis zealandica, is commonly seen flitting around streams and ponds all over the country in the summer.

Today Lynda Hallinan is with us to talk about taking care of the garden when you're not around over the summer season and how to give it a bit of help when you're back if it's suffered a bit in your absence.

Today Julie Biuso of Shared Kitchen has two fabulous summer salad recipes to share. They're both great for the table on Christmas day or for using up left overs and an abundance of corn throughout summer. You can find out how to make the White Peach Salad here. And the sweetcorn salad recipe is here.

Today our two film reviewers Sam Hollis and Graeme Tuckett join forces to talk about the movies of 2023, what they loved and what they'd give a miss. GRAEME'S LIST 5. Killers of the Flower Moon 4. Ms.Information 3. EO 2. Past Lives 1. Oppenheimer SAM'S LIST 5. Rye Lane 4. Past Lives 3. Poor things 2. Killers of the Flower Moon 1. Monster

Today for the final Freaky Friday of 2023 we hear from Peter from Christchurch and Denise from Auckland.

Harry Scott's mission is to connect tamariki with nature in a way that stays with them through life. After struggling with dyslexia through school, it was in nature that things made sense.

New research from Massey University reveals same-sex couples divide household chores more fairly than heterosexual couples. Sociologist Alice Beban looked into this, she speaks to Jesse.

It's that time of the year when the drinks are flowing and a lot of the usual rules for boozing go out the window. But it can be a difficult time for people who for, many different reasons, no longer drink alcohol. Lotta Dann speaks to Jesse.

Today Mary Holm wraps up the big financial issues that have been around in 2023.

For NZ Sporting history today we speak to surfing sensation Paige Hareb: the first woman to qualify for the ASP Women's World Tour. She's been surfing the international surfing circuit since she was 17. She joins Jesse to talk about her passion for the sport and her quest to qualify for the 2024 Olympics.