Episodes
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Travis Knight: Wildwood director on the film's creative journey and the impact of stop-motion animation
Film director Travis Knight and his studio Laika have built up a name for themselves in the world of stop-motion animation, but his newest project is his most ambitious one yet. Wildwood is in theatres now, after 16 years in development - and it took 6 years of filming, 233 handmade puppets and...
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Ke Huy Quan: Oscar-winning actor on his new memoir 'Never Say Die'
Oscar-winning actor Ke Huy Quan's had a memorable Hollywood career, but there's more to his story than the fame and accolades. He got his start as a child actor, having starred in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Goonies - but he took a hiatus after he couldn't find any new roles in his...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: London Station and Peck & Peck
London Station by David McCloskey. This is the fourth book in his series about Artemis Aphrodite Procter, a CIA operative who’s a bit of a maverick and does things by her own rules. The author used to work at the CIA and clearly knows his way around and some of the background in the stories is...
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Megan Singleton: BloggerAtLarge.com writer on Maui's recovery after the fires three years ago
Three years after the devastating fires tore through the village of Lahaina, Megan Singleton visited the seaside town as part of her day in Maui. Officials have been working to rebuild residential homes, and it's expected more new businesses will be opening in 2028. Amid the ongoing recovery...
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The Sunday Panel: How could officials reach younger voters?
This week on the Sunday Panel, Newstalk ZB Wellington mornings host Nick Mills and Resident Economist at Opes Partners Ed McKnight joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! Enrolments are due to close tonight, with early voting beginning on Monday. 92 percent of...
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Full Show Podcast: 25 October 2026
Listen to the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 25 October. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Erin O'Hara: naturopath and wellness expert explains the rise of neurowellness
Neurowellness is an emerging health and wellness framework aimed at regulating the autonomic nervous system. New data indicates anxiety and mental health problems are on the rise, with Gallup’s 2025 global survey of 144 countries finding that 40 percent of people are reporting high anxiety on any...
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Mike van de Elzen: Roasted pineapple and lime custard layered meringue
Roasted pineapple and lime custard layered meringue Cook time: 30-40 minutes Prep time: 30 minutes Serves: 6 1/2 fresh pineapple 1 tsp sunflower oil 1 tbsp dark brown sugar Lime leaf custard 200ml milk 300ml cream 6 makrut leaves, lightly crushed 1 vanilla pod, scraped and seeds discarded 5 egg...
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Dr Michelle Dickinson: nanotechnologist on whether blocking out noise during surgery can reduce sickness
Could blocking out noise during surgery stop you from feeling sick afterwards? If you've ever had surgery under general anaesthetic, you might remember waking up feeling nauseous, dizzy or desperately wanting to vomit. It's a surprisingly common side effect of anaesthesia, and despite doctors...
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Steve Newall: entertainment correspondent on new data showing only 4 percent of music streamed in NZ was made locally
New data has revealed only 4 percent of music streamed in New Zealand over the 2025-2026 timeframe was made by Kiwi artists. Despite revenue being up, it's harder for Kiwi musicians to earn their share, with more people gravitating towards international artists. Entertainment correspondent Steve...
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Josh Emett: celebrity chef on the launch of his new Air New Zealand menu
Celebrity Michelin star chef Josh Emett was appointed Air New Zealand's culinary ambassador earlier in the year - and his new menu officially launched today. Emett’s dishes will be available as part of some Premium Economy and Business Premier long haul services out of Auckland and North America....
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Peter Dunne: former Minister and commentator on the political fallout from this week's gang saga
Gangs remain a contentious topic during this election campaign, following another week of high-profile incidents. Labour's Kerrin Leoni has resigned after a video emerged of her campaigning at a whanau event, with gang members present. A photo recently emerged of National's Tama Potaka standing...
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Dr Gareth Rivalland: oncologist on the research and trials carried out into melanoma vaccine
There's a new treatment aimed at reducing melanoma, and it's seeing positive developments. An mRNA-based melanoma vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of death or cancer coming back among patients by 42 percent. The vaccine has undergone a phase III trial, led by experts in Australia and New...
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Karl Le Quesne: Chief Electoral Officer on the state of enrolment figures ahead of tonight's deadline
There's hope for a last minute rush tonight, as a significant number of Kiwis still aren't enrolled to vote in the election yet. The deadline to enrol to vote is midnight tonight, with voting starting from Monday until election day on November 7. Chief Electoral Officer Karl Le Quesne says…
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Francesca Rudkin: The timing of the gangs saga is brutal
If you were feeling a little election fatigue before this week, you may now be reaching for the remote, the mute button and possibly something stronger than a cup of tea. We’ve had the policies, the debates, voting strategies and enough political point-scoring to qualify as an Olympic sport.…
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Ciaran Hinds: Irish actor on his new film The Three Urns
Irish actor Ciaran Hinds has spent five decades in the film industry, including distinctive roles in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, There Will Be Blood, Munich and Game of Thrones. His latest project, The Three Urns, will be available for Kiwi audiences too check out soon - as part of the...
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Taika Waititi: Kiwi filmmaker on his new project Klara and the Sun
Taika Waititi is well-regarded as one of New Zealand's most successful directors - and he's got a new project in the works. He's known for directing films like Thor: Ragnarok, Jojo Rabbit, Boy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and What We Do in the Shadows, but the new sci-fi film Klara and the Sun...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: Adam & Eve and Inter Alia
Adam & Eve by Jeffrey Archer. Sadly, this is his last work of fiction but is a great way to end an extraordinary career. Many readers will recall Kane & Abel which is considered by many to be amongst his finest work - and lovers of that will love this one. It begins on Armistice Day, 1918, when…
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Megan Singleton: BloggerAtLarge.com writer on her experience in Hawaii
Travel expert Megan Singleton's on her latest adventure to Hawaii, and she's noticed it's still busy in the off-season. She took a look at the Pearl Harbour memorial ahead of the infamous bombing's 85th anniversary, and experienced a sunset harbour cruise. LISTEN ABOVE
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The Sunday Panel: Are we ready to vote yet?
This week on the Sunday Panel, journalist and editor, Jo McCarroll, and Director at 818, Chris Henry, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Do we know who we're going to vote for yet? Early voting opens next week - are we ready for it? What do we need to see…
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Full Show Podcast: 18 October 2026
Listen to the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 18 October. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Erin O'Hara: naturopath and wellness expert on why some people are more likely to suffer from hay fever and allergies
The spring season is well underway, which means there's more pollen in the air. Spring hay fever (allergic rhinitis) affects about 20 percent of New Zealanders, with symptoms typically peaking between September and November. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explained why these…
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Mike van de Elzen: Spring risotto with peas, rocket and asparagus
Spring risotto with peas, rocket and asparagus Cook time: 30 minutes Prep time: 10 minutes Serves: 6 600ml vegetable stock 1 onion, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 white wine 3 Tbsp sunflower oil 250 gm Arborio rice 100 gm butter 1/2 cup finely grated fresh Parmesan 1 cup fresh peas 1...
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Dr Michelle Dickinson: nanotechnologist offers unconventional tip for learning new languages
If you've ever spent hours memorising vocabulary and grammar in a new language, only to find yourself completely lost when a native speaker starts talking, your ears might be part of the problem. New research published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology suggests that people who are better…
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Steve Newall: entertainment correspondent on the new shows available on Apple TV, Neon and Prime Video
There's plenty of new streaming shows for TV fans to get into, and Steve Newall outlined his picks for the week. Small Prophets is a short form comedy series that's been available in the UK for a few months, and it recently made its debut on Apple TV. Crystal Lake is a horror series available on...
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Andrew Dickens: Newstalk ZB host recaps Olivia Dean concert - and Western Springs Bowl issues the
After months of hype and excitement, Olivia Dean's sold-out concert took place at the new Western Springs Bowl - but it wasn't without some issues. Three songs in, the concert was stalled for 40 minutes following some technical issues. Newstalk ZB host Andrew Dickens says it was an 'amazing'...
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Ethan Griffiths: Newstalk ZB political reporter on the Green Party's bid to abolish the training wage
The Greens say their trades policy will end up providing a boost to the local economy. If elected, the party will abolish the training wage, and introduce a $2000 equipment grant to help cover tools, uniforms and course materials. Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths says this is in...
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Elliott Smith: Newstalk ZB rugby commentator on the All Blacks’ 43-21 victory over the Wallabies in Sydney
A dominant first half has earned the All Blacks a 43-21 victory in the second test against the Wallabies in Sydney. The visitors carried a 36-7 lead into the break as an improved second half from Australia just wasn't enough. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith says it was a match of 'two...
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Dr Luke Bradford: Royal College of General Practitioners President on ACT's proposed funding boost to retain more doctors and attract more from overseas
GPs hope a $400-million-dollar political pledge results in more competitive pay packets. The ACT Party is promising the funding boost if elected, which is designed to help practices offer competitive remuneration and retain staff. It's worth about six percent of GPs budgets. Royal College of...
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Francesca Rudkin: Is there a case for four-year parliamentary terms?
It is about now in an election campaign when you start weighing up the benefits of a 4-year term, right? Attack ads? Tick. Scare tactics? Tick. MPs in a Gang furore? Tick. The release of basic, sensible and unspectacular policies? Tick. Debates in which no one shines? Tick. It’s hardly been an...
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Alice Snedden: comedian, actress and director on her new project Break Clause
Kiwi comedian, actress and director Alice Snedden has relocated to the UK, and she's got a new project for fans to stream on Neon. Snedden's best known for the BBC show Starstruck, as well as the likes of Funny Girls, Jono and Ben, Educators and Taskmaster NZ. She says she always goes back to...
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John Aiken: Psychologist and MAFS expert on his Lessons on Living project inspired by the late Nigel Latta
Psychologist John Aiken is best known for matchmaking and advising the contestants on Married at First Sight - but he's got a new project lined up. Lessons on Living is a three-part series inspired by the late Nigel Latta, with the original book being released last year on the day he died. John...
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Megan Singleton: BloggerAtLarge.com writer on the new travel ideas making headlines
There's all sorts of new and exciting ideas happening in the world of travel - and even New Zealand-made developments are getting credit. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton explored the benefits and opportunities that come with bigger projects like Etihad Rail and Viking's new hybrid...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: American Hagwon and Partita
American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee. She wrote the wonderful book Pachinko some years ago and this is another masterpiece. John Koh is a South Korean businessman who’s badly betrayed by his boss and struggles to find another job, in the midst of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. He’s most concerned…
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The Sunday Panel: How can we encourage young people to vote?
This week on the Sunday Panel, journalist Simon Wilson and host of The Prosperity Project, Nadine Higgins, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! New data shows over a third of young Kiwis are not enrolled to vote - two weeks ahead of enrolment closing. Are we...
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Full Show Podcast: 11 October 2026
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 11 October, MAFS relationship expert John Aiken has taken on a new challenge. He joins Francesca to talk about bringing the last work of Nigel Latta to life in new tv show 'Lessons on Living'. Kiwi director, comedian and...
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Mike van de Elzen: Frozen vegetable yellow curry with crispy pork
Frozen vegetable yellow curry with crispy pork Cook time: 60 minutes Prep time: 20 minutes Serves: 6 400gm Brined pork belly 2 tbsp sunflower oil 2 cups frozen mixed vegetable 2 cups fresh spinach leaves 1 cup of curry paste 2 can coconut cream 1 cup vegetable stock 2 tbsp brown sugar 3 tbsp thai...
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Erin O'Hara: naturopath and wellness expert on how the Government can focus on preventative health care
The state of the health system is a big talking point in this year's election, but there's debate to be had about preventative steps as well. Despite the well-documented benefits of preventive measures, many people fail to engage in proactive preventive health behaviours - and there's also…
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Dr Michelle Dickinson: nanotechnologist on whether walking together is the secret to a happy marriage
What if one of the simplest ways to improve your marriage wasn't couples counselling, a romantic holiday or an expensive date night, but something as ordinary as going for a walk together? New research published in the journal Family Relations suggests that couples who exercise together may...
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Steve Newall: entertainment correspondent on the launch of The Celebrity Traitors UK
The Celebrity Traitors UK is back for another season - where UK stars need to guess each other's motives for a cash prize for the charity of their choosing. The first season was well-received, but what can this new season offer viewers. Entertainment correspondent Steve Newall explained further -...
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Shaun Robinson: Mental Health Foundation CEO on the start of Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is set to get underway for another year, with this year's theme being 'Belonging Matters.' More Kiwis are reporting feeling lonelier than ever, according to new data - and schools, workplaces and other communities are being encouraged to give people opportunities to...
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Peter Dunne: former Minister and commentator recaps the first round of debates of the 2026 Election
The election season is well and truly under way, with the first debates of the campaign taking place last week. The cost of living, the health system and education were among some of the major issues discussed on the campaign trail. Former Minister and commentator Peter Dunne says the first...
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Jeff Wilson: former All Black and Sky Sport commentator on the All Blacks' 50-19 victory over the Wallabies
The All Blacks have ensured the Bledisloe Cup's air miles are limited for another year. The 50-19 win over the Wallabies at Eden Park has extended the run to at least 25 years between series wins for the Australians, who last defended the Cup in 2002. Former All Black and Sky Sport commentator…
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Adriana Bird: On a Roll campaign volunteer on why more young people aren't voting
The election is a month away and enrolment is due to close in two weeks - but new data shows a significant number of eligible young Kiwis aren't enrolled. Recent data from the Electoral Commission shows only 63.4 percent of people aged between 18 and 24 are enrolled to vote, and questions have…
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Francesca Rudkin: What does livestreaming an execution actually achieve?
There are some crimes so horrendous that finding the right words to describe them is almost impossible. The 2009 Fort Hood shooting in Texas, in which Nidal Hasan killed 13 people and wounded 32 others, is one of them. Hasan was convicted and sentenced to death. Now, US Defence Secretary Pete...
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Olivier Assayas: Wizard of the Kremlin director on what the historical film can offer fans
Amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, one filmmaker has made a start on depicting history as it continues to unfold. The Wizard of the Kremlin is an adaptation of the book of the same name and it follows the political landscape of post-Soviet Russia and President Vladimir Putin's...
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Sir Tony Robinson: actor, author and historian on returning to New Zealand shores to tour in November
Sir Tony Robinson has made a name for himself as an actor, an author and a historian - and he's set to bring his stories to New Zealand shores for another tour. Following the success of his tour in February, he's set to bring An Audience with Sir Tony Robinson: The Regional Encore Tour across New...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: Stations and Nothing But the Truth
Stations by Louise Kennedy. Róisín and Red are kids in the same small Irish town, some years later meeting up again in a precarious London squat where Red has discovered booze and drugs and sidelines Róisín who has to make her own life. For 25 years they’re haunted by each other, and what might...
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Full Show Podcast: 04 October 2026
Listen to the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 4 October. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Megan Singleton: BloggerAtLarge.com writer on Royal Caribbean buying a stake in resort operator Sandals
Royal Caribbean recently acquired a 50 percent stake in operator Sandals Resorts International for $3 billion. This move is aimed at expanding Royal Caribbean's land-based offerings for tourists in order to boost travel spending and give people more experiences. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan...
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News, opinion, analysis, lifestyle and entertainment – we’ve got your Sunday morning listening covered with The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin on Newstalk ZB.
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