/on-air/the-sunday-session/rss 九一星空无限 THE SUNDAY SESSION WITH FRANCESCA RUDKIN9am-Noon Sink into your Sunday with the best session around. This is the show that delivers a little bit of everyth Thu, 30 Jan 2025 23:27:46 Z en /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/felicity-lewis-national-explainer-editor-for-the-sydney-morning-herald-and-the-age-answers-big-questions-in-new-book/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/felicity-lewis-national-explainer-editor-for-the-sydney-morning-herald-and-the-age-answers-big-questions-in-new-book/ Everyone loves a good explainer - and one author has taken it upon herself to investigate some of life's greatest mysteries in a new book. In Why Do People Queue for Brunch?, National Explainer editor Felicity Lewis explores some of life's curliest questions - including undiscovered ocean treasures and who can claim the moon. She says she hoped to take readers on a literary journey - and the books is packed with stories as well as explanations. "We thought it would be a really good service to readers to provide some context and some background." LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Jan 2025 01:12:45 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/luciane-buchanan-kiwi-actress-on-the-success-of-the-night-agent/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/luciane-buchanan-kiwi-actress-on-the-success-of-the-night-agent/ Kiwi actress Luciana Buchanan began her acting career as a teenager in Auckland - before going on to star in one of Netflix's top streaming shows. She turned heads in local series Filthy Rich before going on to appear in the likes of The New Legends of Monkey, Mr Corman and Sweet Tooth.  In 2023, Luciane made a global name for herself in her breakout role as Rose Larkin, one of the lead roles in The Night Agent, which is one of Netflix’s most watched shows of all time.  She says it was a 'crazy' experience arriving in Vancouver for filming - and receiving accolades from Netflix was a surreal moment.  "I don't think it really hit til I was in Vancouver and I was meeting everyone... and I was getting flowers from Netflix and all this stuff. I was like - oh my gosh, we're doing this." LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:57:43 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-home-seeking-and-presumed-guilty/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-home-seeking-and-presumed-guilty/ Home Seeking by Karissa Chen. This is one of those big, epic sweeping stories which starts in one place and finishes up a long way away. Suchi and Haiwen are good friends and then teenage lovers in Shanghai during the Civil War. When Haiwen volunteers to go and do National Service (a gesture he makes so that his brother won’t have to) they lose track of each other. Life and the years then intervene so that it’s sixty years before they recognise each other in Los Angeles and slowly start to re-establish their connection. There’s a lot to this book – about identity, families, finding a place in the world and what one might have to sacrifice in order to do that. Presumed Guilty by Scott Turow. In 1987 Scott Turow wrote Presumed Innocent, which knocked my socks off at the time – it was so, so good. Some years later he wrote a second book, Innocent, but here’s the one I’ve been waiting for which captures the essence of that first one all these (38!!) years later. Rusty Sabin is now older. Over the course of his career he’s been a prosecuting attorney, a judge, and even a defendant and convicted felon. Now he’s essentially retired, living in a small town and settled in a great relationship when suddenly all that is threatened when the son of his partner is accused of murder and Rusty steps up to help out. Great family and courtroom drama – the first in this series predated John Grisham by 4 years. Scott Turow really was a trailblazer and he’s still going strong.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:45:44 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-shares-her-list-of-castle-hotels-in-ireland/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-shares-her-list-of-castle-hotels-in-ireland/ For a historical escape, BloggerAtLarge.com's Megan Singleton has unveiled her top castle hotels dotted around Ireland. The Clontarf Castle Hotel, Luttrellstown Castle Resort, and Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel are among her recommendations for a unique holiday experience - and she's offered up a list of top tips for making the most out of your castle stay. To learn more, check out Megan's full article here. LISTEN ABOVE  Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:41:57 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-does-chris-luxon-have-a-point-about-our-culture-of-saying-no/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-does-chris-luxon-have-a-point-about-our-culture-of-saying-no/ This week on the Sunday Panel, 九一星空无限talk ZB host Roman Travers and editor and journalist Jo McCarroll joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! Prime Minister Chris Luxon took aim at New Zealand's 'culture of saying no' as part of last week's State of the Nation address? Does he have a point?  Meanwhile in the US, Donald Trump has returned to the White House and signed a slew of executive actions in his first few days in office. What do we make of the last few days? LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:30:18 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-the-benefits-and-downsides-of-skipping-meals/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-the-benefits-and-downsides-of-skipping-meals/ While reducing calorie intake is viewed as an easy way to lose weight, skipping meals altogether comes with its own share of downsides. Over the last few years, people have limited their eating times and leaned on intermittent fasting to lose weight, but these lifestyle choice can have negative impacts on your metabolism and overall health. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explains the benefits and drawbacks of skipping meals - and how to make it work for your lifestyle. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:06:28 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-snapper-with-panzanella-salad/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-snapper-with-panzanella-salad/ Crispy snapper with panzanella salad  Cook time: 5 minutes  Prep time: 10 minutes  Serves: 4 4-6 fillets of skin on snapper  Sunflower oil   Flaky sea salt  Panzanella  1/2 ciabatta loaf  Additional olive oil  Flaky sea salt  3 tbsp olive oil  3 tbsp red wine vinegar  1 tsp brown sugar  Salt, to taste  1 tsp Dijion mustard  Pepper, to taste  8 small tomatoes, quartered  1/2 cup  kalamata olives  1 cup char grilled peppers, sliced  Handful of Italian parsley, chopped  Tear the ciabatta loaf into large irregular pieces, drizzle with a little olive oil and salt. Preheat your cast iron pan before frying the bread until golden and crispy. It needs to be crispy but still somewhat chewy.  In a large bowl whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar and a little salt and pepper to taste.    Preheat a cast iron pan.  Portion your snapper into usable pieces, coat well with oil and season with salt.   Place the snapper into the clean hot pan skin side down and firmly press down the flesh for 5 seconds, preventing the fillet from curling. Continue to cook on high until the fillet has almost turn completely white. Flip over for the a final few seconds.  Once ready to serve, add in the bread, tomatoes, olives, peppers and parsley.   Spoon over the dressing to wet the crispy bread and serve as serve as possible onto platters with the crispy snapper.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Jan 2025 23:55:35 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-flicksconz-editor-unpacks-the-2025-oscar-nominees/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-flicksconz-editor-unpacks-the-2025-oscar-nominees/ Awards season is officially underway - and all eyes will be on the Oscars race in the coming weeks. The 2025 Oscars ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien and held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, will be broadcast locally on Monday, March 3.  Flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall unpacks this year's nominees - and shocking snubs. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Jan 2025 23:26:13 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/william-fotherby-nz-fraud-festival-chair-on-what-people-can-expect-for-the-wellington-event/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/william-fotherby-nz-fraud-festival-chair-on-what-people-can-expect-for-the-wellington-event/ For fans of true crime, one new Wellington-based film festival promises to offer a new experience. The New Zealand International Fraud Film Festival is set to run from March 17 to 18 for two days of documentaries and discussion panels at the Roxy Cinema. NZ Fraud Festival chair William Fotherby says this festival is designed to educate people about the realities of fraud and associated scams. "The overall objective is to raise awareness of fraud in New Zealand so we can prevent it. We also try and be a forum for discussion between people involved in combating fraud." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Jan 2025 23:16:29 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-26-january-2025/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-26-january-2025/ On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 26th January 2025, Kiwi actress Luciana Buchanan talks about her international success off the back of the new season of Netflix's The Night Agent. National Explainer editor Felicity Lewis explored life's biggest and curliest questions in her new book Why Do People Queue for Brunch?, and she's opening up about her discoveries. Skipping meals is a popular weight-loss trend - but is it really good for you? Wellness expert Erin O'Hara joined Francesca to discuss. Plus, the Sunday Panel debates if Prime Minister Chris Luxon is right about New Zealand's 'culture of saying no'. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Jan 2025 23:12:44 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/thomas-coughlan-nz-herald-deputy-political-editor-recaps-labours-annual-caucus-retreat-in-palmerston-north/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/thomas-coughlan-nz-herald-deputy-political-editor-recaps-labours-annual-caucus-retreat-in-palmerston-north/ Opposition leader Chris Hipkins appears to be looking to move the party forward after their loss in the last election. Labour MPs met at their annual caucus retreat in Palmerston North to talk strategy after a new poll put them ahead of National for the first time in nearly two years. NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan says Labour's keeping their plans quiet at this stage - but it's likely we'll see more campaign promises as the year unfolds. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Jan 2025 22:56:02 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dan-mitchinson-us-correspondent-dissects-the-first-week-of-donald-trumps-return-to-the-presidency/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dan-mitchinson-us-correspondent-dissects-the-first-week-of-donald-trumps-return-to-the-presidency/ Over in the US, President Donald Trump has completed his first week in office and he hasn't wasted any time reversing the policies from his predecessor. After returning to the White House, Trump signed hundreds of executive actions that addressed issues he raised on the campaign trail - from changes to the economy and immigration to renaming the Gulf of Mexico and releasing files related to President John F Kennedy's assassination. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Trump's likely feeling extra pressure to make changes in this second term. "We know he only has one term and we know in about 18 months we're going to start talking about who's going to run in 2028, candidates are going to be throwing their hat in and starting their campaign... and that's going to take the spotlight off his agenda." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Jan 2025 22:40:06 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/richard-easther-auckland-university-physics-professor-on-the-potential-impact-of-the-governments-proposed-changes-to-the-science-sector/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/richard-easther-auckland-university-physics-professor-on-the-potential-impact-of-the-governments-proposed-changes-to-the-science-sector/ The Government's proposed changes to the science sector have raised a few eyebrows among the nation's scientific community. The Government aims to merge seven Crown Research Institutes into three public research organisations - and creating another focused on AI.  It's also closing Callaghan Innovation, impacting about 355 staff.  Auckland University professor Richard Easther says this is a significant upheaval - and it raises plenty of questions. "The challenge here, I think, is that they want to bring out major changes in the way these organisations are structured. But that's going to cost money and there's no clarity about where the money to do this is going to come from." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Jan 2025 22:13:46 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/clay-wilson-newstalk-zb-sport-news-director-on-mea-motu-losing-to-ellie-scotney-in-world-title-unification-fight/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/clay-wilson-newstalk-zb-sport-news-director-on-mea-motu-losing-to-ellie-scotney-in-world-title-unification-fight/ Mea Motu’s reign as the IBO super-bantamweight world champion has ended, with England’s Ellie Scotney leaving their bout in Nottingham as the unified world champion. Scotney proved to be too slick for her Kiwi counterpart with four belts on the line, using her movement and speed to bank rounds en route to a lopsided decision. While Motu had success at moments during the fight, Scotney was able to score more in the eyes of the judges – with all three judges scoring the bout 99-91, or nine rounds to one, in Scotney’s favour. 九一星空无限talk ZB sport news director Clay Wilson says Motu will likely be disappointed with this outcome - but it's an honour for her to hold her own in this fight. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Jan 2025 21:48:27 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-can-the-government-get-tourism-numbers-back-up/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-can-the-government-get-tourism-numbers-back-up/ As you probably picked up from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s State of the Nation speech on Thursday, 2025 is apparently all about financial growth and saying ‘yes’. Those are two trends I am trying to adopt in our house for 2025 as well, especially saying ‘yes’ when I ask someone to do something...    I digress, back to the nation.    Before COVID-19, tourism was New Zealand's largest export industry, so it’s clear why the Prime Minister and his newly minted Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis have identified it as a priority area for the country to earn more.  Data released in January reveals that in the year ending November 2024, visitor numbers increased to 3.26 million, an increase of 360,000 from the previous year, and 86 percent of pre-pandemic levels.    So, the numbers are going in the right direction, but international tourism still remains our second highest export. There is more work to do!   New Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston is the fifth minister to hold the portfolio in five years - so some stability in the portfolio is a good place to start.  Nicola Willis has suggested the new Minister will look at how funding is currently being used, the visa processing system, and marketing campaigns. All good places to start - although you’d have hoped this happened when the coalition came to power over a year ago.   The Minister will also be looking at how funding from the international visitor levy is being spent, after the levy increased from $35 to $100 in October last year.  Increasing levies, adding user charges and targeted taxes on visitors has been recommended by MBIE in the past as a way to fund tourism - and we have seen DOC increase hut and campsite fees and the trialling of car parking charges at Punakaiki, Franz Josef Glacier, and Aoraki Mount Cook.   But what about the visitor bed tax? Perhaps a crude idea in 2020 when hotels were empty; but with the industry recovering - is it time to resurrect the idea? Auckland Council has long advocated to central Government that some form of bed night levy or tax is required to support funding major events, destination marketing and visitor attractions. If one is not implemented by the middle of this year, there will be a budget gap to fund major events.  The Government is not buying into the idea that tourism needs infrastructure support. In their view, if regions get more tourists then they can deal with it themselves.   When it comes to one of our busiest tourist spots, the Government is very quick to point out that Queenstown is getting a $250 million roading upgrade.   But that’s not enough. As Queenstown mayor Glyn Lewers told me on Early Edition this week - “I’d welcome more tourists if there is a proviso that the infrastructure to support and accommodate more tourists and visitors is accounted for”. He pointed out Queenstown’s airport needs to be better staffed with more customs and security staff to function well as an international airport.    We all want growth and a thriving tourism industry. But we also want it to be sustainable - avoiding the degradation and overcrowding of our wilderness, pressure on infrastructure, and communities carrying the cost.   So, if the Government wants growth - and tourism back in the number 1 export earner spot - it should perhaps consider putting in a little bit more so it can get more out.    LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Jan 2025 21:34:33 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-note-and-the-wedding-party/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-note-and-the-wedding-party/ The Note by Alafair Burke. Three friends with complicated histories and very different personalities decide to have a getaway catch up in the Hamptons and are looking forward to a weekend of drinking, eating and good times as an antidote to the pressures of their regular lives. They’re headed out for dinner but when a beautiful looking couple in another car steals the parking space they were patiently waiting for, they get riled up and after a night enjoying far too much alcohol one of them plays a prank on the occupants of that car. Turns out it’s not so funny – it all goes horribly wrong and when the police turn up, their pasts come back to haunt them. The Wedding Party by Rebecca Heath.  A group of old friends. A grieving mother. A lying bride. Adele and Jason are childhood sweethearts and their wedding day on the sunny Australian coast is a chance to reunite and celebrate with friends and family. But Adele isn't telling the truth about her relationship, and some of the wedding party – still reeling from a tragic death in the group a decade before – hold secrets of their own. What happened on the jetty all those years ago was an accident, everyone agrees. Or do they? This is told from various points of view, all of which make it clear – there’s trouble in paradise.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 19 Jan 2025 00:54:35 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-her-top-travel-picks-for-2025/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-her-top-travel-picks-for-2025/ A new year brings new opportunities to travel and experience the world - and one expert's curated a list of locations to check out in 2025.  Thailand's Koh Samui, the Italian city of Florence and Mexico's Los Cabos are among the destinations BloggerAtLarge.com's Megan Singleton recommends for the new year. Read more about Megan's recommendations here.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 19 Jan 2025 00:47:23 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-how-will-joe-biden-be-remembered/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-how-will-joe-biden-be-remembered/ This week on the Sunday Panel, commentator, journalist and producer Irene Gardiner and partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! Prime Minister Chris Luxon's announced a surprise Cabinet reshuffle for this afternoon - and speculation indicates Shane Reti will lose his health portfolio. Are we surprised by this? With Donald Trump's inauguration day taking place next week, we're looking back on Joe Biden's political legacy. How will he be remembered as a President? What were his best moments - and low points?   Sail GP is taking place in Auckland this weekend - what do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 19 Jan 2025 00:37:19 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-setting-health-boosting-habits-for-2025/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-setting-health-boosting-habits-for-2025/ The beginning of a new year is an optimal time for rethinking old habits and establishing new ones - so how can we get ahead in 2025? Making big new changes can be a daunting process, so experts recommend setting smaller goals to improve your lifestyle and drop harmful habits. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explains how we can make positive changes in the new year. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 19 Jan 2025 00:08:24 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-new-research-revealing-the-dark-side-of-eyelash-treatments/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-new-research-revealing-the-dark-side-of-eyelash-treatments/ Ever been caught in the rain and wondered how your vision stays relatively clear? You can thank your eyelashes for that! Recent research published in Science Advances reveals that our lashes do more than just keep out dust - they’re also masters of water management.  The researchers found that eyelashes are equipped with a special microstructure made up of tiny overlapping scales. These scales act like a 'micro-ratchet', allowing water to flow smoothly from the base to the tip while preventing it from reversing direction.  Eyelashes are also naturally hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. When water lands on your lashes, it forms tiny droplets that bead up and roll away. This clever mechanism ensures your eyes stay dry and your vision remains unobstructed.  The magic of eyelashes doesn’t stop at their hydrophobic properties. Their curved shape is called a brachistochrone, a design that minimises the time it takes for water to move under the force of gravity. This natural curve helps lashes efficiently direct water away from your eyes.  Unfortunately, common beauty practices can strip away these natural benefits:  Mascara coated lashes are hydrophilic, meaning they attract water instead of repelling it. This can make them less effective at keeping your eyes dry.  Curling lashes disrupts their natural brachistochrone shape, reducing their ability to efficiently expel water.  Beyond their protective role, the unique structure of eyelashes has inspired engineers to think about new ways to manage liquids. Here are a few ideas sparked by this research:  Advanced Drainage Systems: Eyelash-inspired designs could improve waterproofing for outdoor devices, drones, and wearable electronics.  Self-Cleaning Materials: Mimicking the hydrophobic scales of eyelashes could lead to better anti-fogging glasses and self-cleaning surfaces.  Efficient Liquid Management: Protective coatings for screens and other electronics could benefit from the same principles that keep your lashes dry.  So next time it rains, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable engineering of your lashes - they’re doing more for you than you might think!  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Jan 2025 23:59:44 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-flicksconz-editor-on-the-new-season-of-severance/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-flicksconz-editor-on-the-new-season-of-severance/ Nearly three years after its initial release, Apple TV+ hit series Severance is back for a second season. Starring Parks and Recreation's Adam Scott and Medium's Patricia Arquette, among others, the series offers a darkly comedic look at workplace culture as a set of employees have their memories of work and home separated. Flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall opens up about the plot threads and fan theories the first season introduced - and what viewers can expect for season two.  LISTEN ABOVE   Sat, 18 Jan 2025 23:48:07 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-plum-crostata/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-plum-crostata/ Spiced plum crostata  Cook time: 35 minutes  Prep time: 25 minutes  Serves: 6 1 1/2 cups flour 3 tablespoons caster sugar Pinch of salt 150gm unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla paste or essence 1 teaspoon almond extract 1/4 cup water Filling   12 plums   1 cup cranberries   3 tbsp brandy   4 tbsp brown sugar   1 tsp cinnamon powder   1 tbsp icing sugar  Place the flour, sugar and salt into a bowl and mix until well combined; slowly add in the butter and rub in your hands until the butter becomes pea-like in size. Slowly add the vanilla and almond extracts and water until the dough becomes moistened and comes together. Set aside. Make up the spiced plum mix. Soak cranberries in brandy and a touch of warm water for 10 minutes. Cut the plums in half and remove the stone. Mix with brown sugar and cinnamon. Drain the cranberries well, toss into the plums. Preheat the oven 180 degrees. Roll out the crostata dough out to the size a small plate and approx 5mm thick. Lay onto greaseproof paper lined tray.   Spoon the well-drained plum mixture into the centre, leaving a 5cm border. Fold up the sides of the dough. Brush water around the outside and sprinkle with icing sugar. Place into a oven and cook for 35 minutes, if golden. Remove and allow to cool.   Serve with soft vanilla cream. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Jan 2025 23:30:28 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/bradley-hook-author-and-entrepreneur-offers-up-life-enhancing-tips-in-new-book-start-with-values-how-to-build-a-life-with-meaning-and-purpose/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/bradley-hook-author-and-entrepreneur-offers-up-life-enhancing-tips-in-new-book-start-with-values-how-to-build-a-life-with-meaning-and-purpose/ A new year is a prime opportunity for self-discovery - and one Australian author has written a book designed to get that process started. Start with Values: How to Build a Life with Meaning and Purpose encourages readers to identify their core values and utilise them to build a fulfilling life. Bradley Hook says identifying - and being clear - about your values is the first step towards reducing anxiety and stress about life's challenges. "When we're clear about our values, we can weave a web of habits and we can align our behaviours with what matters most to us. And in my experience and in my research, that brings us a sense of fulfilment."  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Jan 2025 23:20:06 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-19-january-2025/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-19-january-2025/ On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 19th January 2025, author and master of suspense David Baldacci reveals he's had death threats due to the subjects in this books. Knowing our values might just be the key to living a meaningful, purposeful life. Resilience expert Bradley Hook tells us how to identify our values and live by them. Urban planning expert Bruce Weir talks about where our building industry is going wrong after news tens of thousands of Auckland homes are overheating. Our eyelashes might be being compromised by our beauty regimes - Dr Michelle Dickinson has the latest in science news. And the panel discuss Christopher Luxon's upcoming cabinet reshuffle. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Jan 2025 23:12:39 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/david-baldacci-american-novelist-talks-politics-technology-and-book-bans-ahead-of-auckland-writers-festival-engagement/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/david-baldacci-american-novelist-talks-politics-technology-and-book-bans-ahead-of-auckland-writers-festival-engagement/ American novelist David Baldacci is well-regarded as a prolific writer, having sold over 150 million books worldwide  and inspired film and TV adaptations afterwards. He's best known for writing legal thrillers and suspense novels - and he's no stranger to tapping into controversial topics, having been subject to death threats in recent years. He explained limiting himself to safe topics would have negatively impacted his writing output. "Books can inspire people in many different ways - both for the good and for the bad. I've always felt that if people were angry enough at something I wrote and would threaten to take my life, I'd gotten to them a little bit." Baldacci is set to speak at the Auckland Writers Festival on January 30th in his first-ever public event in New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Jan 2025 22:47:26 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/chris-steele-sailing-commentator-ahead-of-todays-sailgp-event/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/chris-steele-sailing-commentator-ahead-of-todays-sailgp-event/ The Black Foils are determined to overcome teething issues heading into the final day of the New Zealand SailGP event in Auckland. The Kiwi team is fourth overall after placing fourth, eighth, sixth and first across the opening four fleet races. Sailing commentator Chris Steele says the winds will likely be stronger today - setting different conditions ahead of the race.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Jan 2025 22:19:30 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/jason-walls-newstalk-zb-political-editor-on-shane-reti-potentially-losing-health-portfolio-in-cabinet-reshuffle/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/jason-walls-newstalk-zb-political-editor-on-shane-reti-potentially-losing-health-portfolio-in-cabinet-reshuffle/ Health Minister Shane Reti is expected to be demoted in today's surprise Cabinet reshuffle. Prime Minister Chris Luxon is set to reveal some new changes to personnel and portfolios later this afternoon - and it's believed Shane Reti will be the first casualty of the new year. 九一星空无限talk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Luxon had not planned to do a reshuffle this early in the year, and it's unclear what inspired this change. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Jan 2025 22:03:21 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/bruce-weir-urban-planner-and-strategic-development-expert-on-the-rise-in-overheated-terraced-houses/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/bruce-weir-urban-planner-and-strategic-development-expert-on-the-rise-in-overheated-terraced-houses/ An industry expert says lack of windows and poor ventilation in newly built homes is putting Kiwis at risk. Concerns have been raised as more terraced houses in Auckland are overheating - causing discomfort and potential health issues for residents. Independent urban planner and strategic development expert Bruce Weir says it's difficult to address overheating once houses have been built. "You can never get higher ceilings back - once you build a building, that's it. The issue really is that resource consent level, you've got to get the fundamentals right." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:50:20 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-turns-out-the-aussies-are-dealing-with-the-same-challenges-as-us/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-turns-out-the-aussies-are-dealing-with-the-same-challenges-as-us/ Over summer, the news cycle slows as much as the days do - and there’s more time to mix and mingle on news sites. A few weeks back, the discussion about New Zealanders skipping over the ditch for better opportunities came up again after the Western Australian Government announced it would offer New Zealand tradies $10,000 to make the move.  They need more houses in the west and want Kiwis to help build them.   $10,000 is some distraction from the fact you’ll be working in crazy hot temperatures. I have no issue with New Zealander’s wanting to advance their careers, have new experiences or grow as a person by heading off for a new phase of their lives somewhere else. When you live at the bottom of the world, the call to experience the rest of the world is strong. Australia is an obvious place to start. It’s different but as familiar as you can get. But as I scrolled my way through the Aussie news websites, I noticed they’re dealing with the same challenges as us.   While we have similar economic conditions, Australia has been able to weather them better than we have, but it hasn’t been a breeze. Last week, the Sydney Morning Herald ran stories on Sydney’s housing crisis, and on the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ increasingly being tapped to help younger people through the cost-of-living crisis. Their trains don’t run too often either, their beaches are shut due to pollution and effluent waste, they have race issues, and the weather - 70,000 lightning strikes were reported on Wednesday.   Australia’s construction industry is suffering like ours, with Melbourne’s Herald Sun reporting on a property giant’s collapse, that Australia is grappling with a mortgage-led surge in calls to the National Debt Helpline, and there’s a shocking rise in hospital workers being attacked. Sound familiar?   On Brisbane’s Courier Mail there were stories about TikTok stars and NRL players' drink driving charges, snakebites, fire bombings and infrastructure woes. There was some good news though - Brissie debuted on Time Out’s Best 50 Cities in the World List for 2025.   Credit where credit is due - none of our cities made the list.   All-in-all, it was a reminder that the grass may not be much greener on the other side of the ditch. For sure, you can make Australia work to your advantage - just the size of the place means more jobs. But to make the move work, you need to end up in the right place for your circumstances, with the right job and affordable living which allows you to get ahead. As one of my talkback callers said to me during Summer Afternoons - you might be able to have a BBQ any night of the week because you know the weather will be great - but there’s more to consider.   But if Kiwis decide to make the move, they'll feel right at home. Reading all these papers, I learned the Aussies whine about stuff as much as we do. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:18:19 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-8-chelsea-handler-gemma-arterton-abraham-verghese/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-8-chelsea-handler-gemma-arterton-abraham-verghese/ On the final episode of the summer edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear from author, podcaster and former late night talk show host Chelsea Handler joined the show before her tour to New Zealand.  Gemma Arterton, of Quantum of Solace and The King's Man fame, talked her latest movie, The Critic.  And award winning author Abraham Verghese spoke to Francesca before his appearance at the Auckland Writers Festival.  Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from 九一星空无限talk ZB's The Sunday Session.  Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:00:45 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-7-richard-osman-mea-motu-and-miriam-margoyles/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-7-richard-osman-mea-motu-and-miriam-margoyles/ In this episode of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, British comedian and author Richard Osman talks starting a new novel series and his take on the comedy scene.  Boxer Mea Motu had a massive 2024 - so she joined Francesca to chat her year and what is driving her to succeed.  And the ever delightful and surprising Miriam Margoyles toured New Zealand in early 2024 - and she had a delightful chat with Francesca.  Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from 九一星空无限talk ZB's The Sunday Session.  Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 12 Jan 2025 20:00:59 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/best-of-2024-chelsea-handler-on-the-sunday-session-with-francesca-rudkin/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/best-of-2024-chelsea-handler-on-the-sunday-session-with-francesca-rudkin/ ‘I wanted adulthood’: Comedian Chelsea Handler opens up on life-shaping experiences ahead of NZ tour US comedian Chelsea Handler is set to bring her controversially-named tour to New Zealand shores this July. Handler had a diverse, long-running entertainment history, having worked as an actress, writer and television host for over two decades. It’s been a long career, the result of big plans and ambition brought about by a complicated family dynamic. “I was not satisfied at all with my family dynamic when I was born as the youngest of six children. I remember being very young and looking around like- who’s in charge? Because it wasn’t my mom, it wasn’t my dad, they were two hot messes. And my brothers and sisters were just doing what they wanted.” She told ZB’s Francesca Rudkin she knew she wanted to turn her life around, and she started working as early as she could to ensure she didn’t get anything less than the best for herself. “I wanted a big life, I wanted freedom and I wanted adulthood. And I wanted to cut ties with anyone who was going to hold me back- I thought childhood was insulting, I never felt like a child.” Her upcoming comedy tour promises similar anecdotes and stories to the ones she shared with Francesca- Handler vividly recalls the day she was told she would never fly first class, and that moment stuck with her. “I remember walking past the first class section and I was sniffing around- this is my group, you know? It smells like my group! And my mom’s like- keep going, keep going, we’re in the back, we’ll never be able to fly first class. Those people are rich and we’re not. And I was like- first of all, speak for yourself.” Handler knew from an early age she could get away with being opinionated and assertive. Despite her ‘messy’ upbringing as the youngest in a family of eight, her five siblings eventually looked to Handler as a family leader. She told Francesca she was bold and opinionated- and she hopes to encourage other women to do the same. “It's all about women knowing their own power and standing up for themselves and being loud and brave. I like to live my life in a very loud, brave way as an example to everyone. You don't have to get married, you don't have to have babies to have value, there are a million things you can don in this world." She’s copped some backlash for her controversial moments, but she’s unbothered by the headlines and negative comments. She explained to Francesca that she doesn’t feel the need to be liked by everyone, and that’s never her intention. “Also if everyone does like you- what does that say about you? It says that you have no opinions, that you don't stand for anything, because it's impossible to be liked by everybody. I started my career understanding that a lot of people would not like me, so anyone who likes me is a bonus." Chelsea Handler’s still looking forward to touching down in New Zealand, it’ll be her first tour since 2019. And depending on how a certain presidential election turns out- she could come back again much sooner, as she explained to Francesca. “I want my life to be one big adventure, and it has been. Getting to come to New Zealand and Australia and travelling the globe to make people laugh is a total, total privilege."  Chelsea Handler’s two-stop New Zealand tour, Little Big B****, will play at the Auckland Town Hall on July 5th and Wellington’s St James Theatre on July 6th. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 10 Jan 2025 02:55:27 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-6-marian-keyes-trent-dalton-diane-kruger/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-6-marian-keyes-trent-dalton-diane-kruger/ In the sixth episode of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, one of Ireland's bestselling authors Marian Keyes talks Francesca through her 16th novel and why people crave love stories.  And Australian author Trent Dalton visited New Zealand for the Auckland Writers Festival - and popped in to studio for an interview.  Hollywood star Diane Kruger starred in Kiwi film Joika - and joined Francesca for a chat.  Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from 九一星空无限talk ZB's The Sunday Session.  Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Jan 2025 20:00:02 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/best-of-2024-eric-bana-on-the-sunday-session-with-francesca-rudkin/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/best-of-2024-eric-bana-on-the-sunday-session-with-francesca-rudkin/ Actor Eric Bana returns for mystery-thriller sequel to 'The Dry' Eric Bana is known for his comedy.  The Australian actor began his career with the sketch comedy series ‘Full Frontal’, but he began his acting career playing Con in the 1997 film ‘The Castle.’  In 2020, he starred in an Australian mystery drama thriller film, playing the role of Aaron Falk in ‘The Dry’, based on Jane Harper’s book of the same name.  Four years later, the detective has returned for the sequel ‘Force of Nature’, with Bana reprising the role.  He told 九一星空无限talk ZB’s Francesca Rudkin that slipping back into the role felt a bit like cheating, having never reprised a role before.  “I’m so used to having to, you know, do a lot of prep for a character.”  ‘The Dry’ was a hit upon its release, but Bana said they were uncertain whether the franchise would continue.  “We looked at the next book for Aaron Falk and thought, well it's not enough just to, you know, is it, is the premise enough?”  “Can we justify making a big screen version of it?”  Clearly, with the movie releasing earlier this week, the premise had enough meat on its bones that they managed to justify its creation, and so off into the Australian bush in the middle of winter they went.  The film was shot in a couple of locations around Australia, Bana revealed, with scenes shot in the Dandenong Ranges, the Yarra Valley, the Latrobe Valley, and out near the Otways National Park being stitched together.  “It’s funny because the cabin that we used for the retreat is privately owned, and we joked at the fact that people were going to go and say there and want to walk down to the waterfall. It’s about a four-hour drive away.”  Being out in the wilderness and on location is Bana’s preferred method of shooting, telling Francesca that he doesn’t like shooting in a studio, and so he rarely does it.  “I feel like it’s a more level playing field when you’re using natural light as an actor.”  “You know how long the day is going to be, there’s a real, natural ticking clock.”  The downside to filming on location, however, was the weather. Filming in the middle of winter is unpleasant at the best of times, but doubly so when you’re hiking out into remote areas of the bush.  “It was pretty brutal.”  Showcasing Australia on an international scale is quite important to Bana, telling Francesca that sometimes it feels like Kiwis and Australians are good enough for our talent to be poached internationally, but they’re never allowed to sound like they’re from there.  “It’s really important when you make products from your home, that’s an original story that can travel, it’s great because that's how people see and hear us, hear our stories and hear who we are.”  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Jan 2025 20:07:24 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-5-hugh-bonneville-madelaine-sami-and-nagi-maehashi/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-5-hugh-bonneville-madelaine-sami-and-nagi-maehashi/ In this episode of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, British acting royalty Hugh Bonneville talks the latest Paddington film and his memories of Dame Maggie Smith.  Then we hear from New Zealand's own Madeline Sami - who had a massive 2024 with the second season of her show Double Parked.  And we get cooking inspiration from one of Australia's most loved cooks, Nagi Maehashi.  Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from 九一星空无限talk ZB's The Sunday Session.  Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 05 Jan 2025 20:00:42 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/best-of-2024-rick-astley-on-the-sunday-session-with-francesca-rudkin/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/best-of-2024-rick-astley-on-the-sunday-session-with-francesca-rudkin/ 'I struggled with it': Rick Astley opens up about the pitfalls of stardom 80’s hit-maker Rick Astley has opened up about the less glamourous parts that come with fame. After Astley released his debut album Whenever You Need Somebody in 1987, featuring the iconic Never Gonna Give You Up, he topped the charts across 25 different countries - but he pulled back from the spotlight 6 years later. His new memoir Never: The Autobiography explores the dangerous - and monotonous - parts of his unique music career. "I struggled with it a lot. There's parts of it that are fun and there's parts of it that were more fun than when I was truly actually famous. I think now I get to enjoy it - and it's a bit more of a switch now." LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 05 Jan 2025 02:57:48 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-4-david-walliams-dame-susan-devoy-and-elijah-wood/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-4-david-walliams-dame-susan-devoy-and-elijah-wood/ In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, comedy and children's author legend David Walliams joins the podcast to talk his career.  World squash champion, former Race Relations Commissioner and reality TV star Dame Susan Devoy released her memoir this year and joined Francesca.  Plus we all know Elijah Wood from the Lord of the Rings trilogy - but he was back on Kiwi screens with the movie Bookworm. So he chatted to Francesca about the movie and his love of New Zealand.  Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from 九一星空无限talk ZB's The Sunday Session.  Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 02 Jan 2025 20:00:48 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-3-eric-idle-jamie-pennell-and-lisa-blair/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-3-eric-idle-jamie-pennell-and-lisa-blair/ In the latest episode of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, Eric Idle talks his decades long career and what keeps him going in the comedy world.  We get in an insight into the life of the SAS with ex-commander Jamie Pennell.  And Australian sailor and world record holder Lisa Blair talks her journey around Antarctica and the documentary that followed.   Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from 九一星空无限talk ZB's The Sunday Session.  Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 29 Dec 2024 20:00:28 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/best-of-2024-elijah-wood-on-the-sunday-session-with-francesca-rudkin/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/best-of-2024-elijah-wood-on-the-sunday-session-with-francesca-rudkin/ Elijah Wood, the star of Lord of the Rings, has returned to New Zealand shores as part of his latest project. Wood stars in Bookworm, an adventure-comedy that follows a young girl and her estranged father on their mission to find mythological beast known as the Canterbury panther. He describes the film as an emotional father-daughter story - where the connections are the central focus of the piece. "It's actually quite beautiful and emotional - and ultimately connective at the very end of it all. Those things also really appeal to me." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 28 Dec 2024 02:53:13 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-2-robbie-williams-andrew-fagan-and-maureen-callahan/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-2-robbie-williams-andrew-fagan-and-maureen-callahan/ In this episode of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, global megastar Robbie Williams talks his storied music career, his controversies, and why he chose now to make a biopic. Better Man is in theatres now!  Then we hear from extreme adventurer, Andrew Fagan. He joined Francesca to talk his attempt to set the record for the smallest boat to sail around the world solo.  And Maureen Callahan wrote one of the most contentious books of the year all about the famous Kennedy family. She talks through her theories around the family.  Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from 九一星空无限talk ZB's The Sunday Session.  Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:00:33 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/best-of-2024-lydia-ko-on-the-sunday-session-with-francesca-rudkin/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/best-of-2024-lydia-ko-on-the-sunday-session-with-francesca-rudkin/ 'Mixed emotions': Lydia Ko claims gold at the Paris Olympics, qualifies for LPGA Hall of Fame  Lydia Ko has won gold in the women's golf competition at Le Golf National, simultaneously securing entry into the LPGA's Hall of Fame. The Kiwi's fired a one-under par 71 - sinking a birdie on the 18th - to finish at 10-under overall for a two-shot win.  She describes feeling 'emotional' as she sunk her final shot.  "All emotions kinda came on me - it's not just the emotions from the day or the event, but everything that has happened." LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 26 Dec 2024 03:00:33 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/best-of-2024-transport-planner-details-the-feasibility-of-new-cook-strait-links/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/best-of-2024-transport-planner-details-the-feasibility-of-new-cook-strait-links/ One transport planner is looking into the feasibility of a fixed link between New Zealand's two islands. KiwiRail are officially cancelling an overseas contract for building more mega-ferries, after the Government declined to foot the bill. Nicolas Reid, the Principal Public Transport Planner for MRCagney, says there are other options available to cross the Cook Strait. "There's options around the existing ferries and expanding those ferries, and also moving to a fixed link such as a bridge or a tunnel." LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 25 Dec 2024 20:29:28 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-1-rick-astley-bree-tomasel-and-matty-matheson/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/great-chats-with-francesca-rudkin/episode-1-rick-astley-bree-tomasel-and-matty-matheson/ In the first episode of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, Canadian music superstar Rick Astley talks his life, the dangers of fame and the memoir he released this year.  Then we hear from Celebrity Treasure Island and ZM host Bree Tomasel about her upbringing and coming to the New Zealand radio market as an Australian.  And TV show The Bear is one of the most critically acclaimed shows of recent years. Francesca caught up one of the show's stars, Matty Matheson.   Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from 九一星空无限talk ZB's The Sunday Session.  Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 22 Dec 2024 20:00:20 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-best-in-fiction-for-2024/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-best-in-fiction-for-2024/ To mark the end of the year, Joan MacKenzie has outlined her favourite fiction books for 2024. Her top five consists of: The Peacock and the Sparrow by I.S.Berry  Moscow X by David McClosky  Time of the Child by Niall Williams  Our London Lives by Christine Dwyer Hickey  Southern Man by Greg Iles  The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:52:48 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-travelling-on-the-busiest-day-of-the-year/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-travelling-on-the-busiest-day-of-the-year/ Today (December 22) is the busiest travel day of the year. Bloggeratlarge.com writer Megan Singleton flew through three airports to get home for Christmas – Auckland to Wellington to Napier.  In true Christmas travel fashion, her flight to Napier was cancelled due to lightening and bag drop chaos caused lines back to the baggage carousel. Megan shares her tips for travelling during the busy season. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:47:13 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-one-year-in-is-the-coalition-government-on-track-and-should-you-pay-for-family-christmas/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-one-year-in-is-the-coalition-government-on-track-and-should-you-pay-for-family-christmas/ This week on the Sunday Panel, Coast Day host and host of the upcoming Trip Notes travel podcast Lorna Riley and Senior PR consultant at One Plus One Communications Damien Venuto joined in on a discussion about the issues of the day - and more!  One year in, is the coalition Government on track? And how have they managed the big issues we are facing?  If one person is hosting Christmas dinner, should you pay?  Plus, what's your word for 2024?  LISTEN ABOVE    Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:38:01 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/corrella-reggae-inspired-kiwi-band-on-release-of-new-album-skeletons/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/corrella-reggae-inspired-kiwi-band-on-release-of-new-album-skeletons/ Reggae-inspired kiwi band Corrella have had a big year.  They were launched into the spotlight with the success of hit single ‘Blue Eyed Maori’, which holds the record for most weeks ever spent at the top of the NZ Singles Chart.    The Tāmaki Makaurau band claimed Breakthrough Single and Best Roots Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards - and building on that momentum, have released a brand new album Skeletons.  The 11-track collection is filled with soulful roots reggae, with touches of funk, gospel, pop, soul, and even a bit of country.  Corrella's lead singer Pipi Campbell and guitarist Te Naawe Tupe joined Francesca Rudkin in studio to celebrate the release with a special live performance.  Head to loop.co.nz for upcoming show dates. LISTEN ABOVE   Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:30:12 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-staying-merry-and-keep-the-balance-to-support-your-health/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-staying-merry-and-keep-the-balance-to-support-your-health/ Christmas is a time for enjoying yourself but how can we keep the balance to stay healthy?Erin O'Hara joins Francesca Rudkin to discuss how keeping a little balance can make all the difference in how you feel - and the importance of supporting your gut health.Tips to keep the balance:  Get rid of the ‘all-or-nothing’ approach. Everything in moderation  Limit Alcohol intake   Eat your veggies and protein first before indulging in sweets and treats  Eat sugar in moderation  Try not to skip meals and then overeat at one meal   Hydration - we can overeat when we are dehydrated.  Quality sleep - sugar cravings are worse when we are sleep deprived.  Keep up with some Exercise - create a fitness schedule for the holidays   A few days of overindulgence won't put you off track. When not at social gatherings try to get back to some healthy meals to keep the balance.   LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:58:29 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-yoghurt-cheesecake-with-blackberries/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-yoghurt-cheesecake-with-blackberries/ Mike van de Elzen shares tips to make desserts go better, and be easier to serve on the big day (Christmas!), plus shares his favourite sweet in the world - cheesecake.  Choose desserts that can be prepared and easily stored for the day  These can include cheesecakes, panna cotta, classic pavlova. tiramisu, brandy christmas cake and brandy ice-cream or the old classic trifle.  Dessert that you can freeze can be handy. These could include cookies, brownies or Christmas mince pies.  Texture's are important when serving multiple desserts. Try not to have everything soft. Break it up with a crunchy crumble, broken biscuits and nuts.  Lighten the heavy creams up with fresh fruit. Strawberries, blackberries and boysenberries are in season and are perfect fat cutters.  Yoghurt Cheesecake with blackberries  Prep time: 30 minutes  Serves: 6    250gm cream cheese   200gm plain yoghurt   4 sheets gelatine   1 vanilla pod   2 Tbsp honey   1 packet plain Digestive biscuits, crushed   1 can blackberries   2 Tbsp brown sugar   2 Tbsp icing sugar   1 punnet fresh blackberries    Place the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water to soften for 5 minutes. Drain the water then pour 1/2 cup boiling water over the sheets and stir. Put the cream cheese, yoghurt and honey in the bowl of a food processor. Scrape in the seeds from the vanilla pod and blitz until all combined.   Add half of the gelatine mix and blitz again.   Crush the biscuits until crumbly but not too fine. Divide between 6 jars (about 300ml capacity) to a depth of about 2cm. Spoon the cheesecake mix over the top of the biscuit base.   Clean the processor bowl then put the tin of blackberries in with the brown sugar. Blitz until smooth, then pass through a sieve to remove the seeds. Combine with the rest of the gelatine mix. Spoon this over the top of the cheesecake and refrigerate for about an hour or until set. Top the cheesecakes with some fresh blackberries and dust with icing sugar to serve.  Find Mike at goodfromscratch.co.nz Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:53:43 Z /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-on-moths-ability-to-hear-the-thirsty-screams-of-plants/ /on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-on-moths-ability-to-hear-the-thirsty-screams-of-plants/ Recent research has uncovered a fascinating phenomenon: when low on water, some plants emit high-pitched clicking noises, inaudible to human ears but detectable by certain insects. These ultrasonic “screams” might be nature’s way of signalling distress—and they don’t go unnoticed.  New research published in the journal BioRXiv found that female moths use their sensitive hearing to listen to these ultrasonic signals steer clear of thirsty plants when laying eggs. This behaviour ensures their caterpillars hatch on healthier plants, with a better chance of survival.  The researchers placed fertile female moths in a controlled arena. When given a choice between a hydrated tomato plant and a thirsty one, the moths overwhelmingly chose the silent, hydrated plant. But the researchers didn’t stop there.  In another experiment, two hydrated plants were placed in the arena, with a speaker next to one of them playing recorded distressed clicks. Again, the moths avoided the “noisy” plant, favouring the silent one. These results suggest that the sounds alone, even without visual or olfactory cues, are enough for moths to make a decision.  What’s even more fascinating is that these moths had no prior exposure to plants. Raised entirely in a lab, they had no opportunity to learn this behaviour. Their response to the ultrasonic signals appears to be hardwired in their genetics, highlighting the intricate connections between insects and plants in nature.  This discovery isn’t just a marvel of biology; it could have practical applications in the real-world. One could be pest management. By broadcasting ultrasonic distress signals, farmers might discourage moths from laying eggs on healthy crops, potentially reducing the need for chemical pesticides.  Many insects have ultrasonic hearing, suggesting that this type of interaction might be widespread.  This research invites us to rethink what we know about communication in nature. Beneath the threshold of human hearing lies a hidden world where plants and insects exchange critical information—a world we are only beginning to understand.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:33:16 Z