The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy. This is by the author of the Booker Prize winning The God of Small Things - about her life growing up in India, the forces that shaped her, and particularly her very difficult relationship with her mother, Mary, who is always referred to in the book as Mrs Roy. Mrs Roy was a formidable force of nature and in trying to make sense of the dynamic between them...

Everyone loves a Christmas market, and travel expert Megan Singleton's examining an unconventional method to explore some of the best overseas. Megan's explored some of the best Christmas markets from the cruise ships, and she's revealed whether or not she recommends the experience.  Read more about Megan's travel tips here. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Sunday Panel, NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson and Resident Economist at Opes Partners, Ed McKnight, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! We've heard a lot about 'survive til 25' - are we actually feeling more optimistic about the economy as we enter the new year. How bad were things over the last few months, do we think? What are we fee...

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 14 December 2025, Kiwi Hollywood actor Julian Dennison is trying out a surprise new career, he talks to Francesca before his first festival Rhythm and Vines. Dai Henwood has had rollercoaster of a year, he shares his journey, talking about comedy, honours and living with stage 4 cancer. Reddit is taking on Australia's social...

Comedian Dai Henwood's ticked plenty of boxes over his three decades in the business, but next May, he'll take on a new challenge and host the Best Foods Comedy Gala.  The event will take place from May 1 to May 2, and it represents a career-first for the Kiwi comedy legend. Henwood says New Zealand's gone through some significant changes on the world stage, having moved from 'culturally crin...

Social media and the internet is full of health advice, but what's real, practical and helpful, and what's hogwash? Many popular health habits have been exposed as myths without scientific backing or straight-up harmful, while truly healthy habits focus on moderation, balance and self-care. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...

Cider, star anise and pineapple roasted ham  Cook time: 60 minutes  Prep time: 10 minutes  Serves: 8-10 3kg free range cured and smoked Christmas ham   2 x 330ml dry cider or apple juice   6 star anise   10 cloves   2 cups fresh pineapple, peeled, sliced and cubed   2 tbsp Dijion mustard   300 gm brown sugar Preheat a oven on fan-bake to160c.   Sli...

I’ve already talked this year about research that shows staring at a seagull will prevent it from stealing your chips, but as beach season starts again - here is another science backed tactic that you can use. According to new research published in the journal Biology Letters the best defence might be the simplest - just shout at the gull!  The researchers tested 61 on how they responded to h...

James Cameron’s third instalment of the hugely successful Avatar franchise could be his last. The Hollywood director's latest film - Avatar: Fire and Ash - premiered in Wellington yesterday, and is scheduled to release worldwide next week. But Cameron says its future remains unclear, with consumer tastes changing, and better rebate schemes for studios overseas. Flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall rev...

New Zealander Harry Mellsop has raised US$4.3 million for his start-up, Antioch, which he says brings artificial intelligence into the physical world. He explained that Antioch’s tech will allow companies to build new or better AI robots by letting them test new features in software simulations. Mellsop says this technology will help develop the autonomous driving space, drone technology, the manu...

The war of words continues between Finance Minister Nicola Willis and former Finance Minister Ruth Richardson. Richardson - the chair of the Taxpayers' Union - has been fronting a new campaign against Willis's fiscal decisions. The pair have agreed to debate each other, but are yet to agree on when or where. Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths says the pair have expressed interest in ha...

New Zealand's economy is set to expand next year, as several key indicators point to economic recovery. Kiwibank's latest bi-annual report forecasts a 2.4 percent growth for 2026, with boosted household confidence, an improved property sector, and a stabilising labour market. The review cites low interest rates as the leading drivers of growth. Economist Sabrina Delgado says there's a broad base f...

Reddit's launched a High Court challenge to Australia's pioneering social media ban for under-16s.  The country's new law, which sets a mandatory age limit of 16 or older for accounts on certain platforms, including Reddit, took effect on Wednesday.  Reddit's case argues the policy has serious implications for privacy and political rights. New South Wales University Law Professor Rosalin...

It’s a stunt, performative politics, a farce, a side show, a distraction from the HYEFU and quarterly GDP results being released this week… goodness me, the thought of a debate between our current Finance Minister, Nicola Willis, and a previous Finance Minister, Ruth Richardson, caused quite a stir this week, didn't it?   Politics is, by its nature, a contest of ideas and values, so why are w...

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 7 December 2025, for years it was believed Suzanne Vega's 'Luka' was about a young boy, this week she tells Francesca why, after 35 years, she finally admitted she is Luka. Kiwi band Castaway are a band on the rise, this week they perform their latest single 'Pretty Little Liar' in studio and talk about their breakout year. A...

Mindful eating is when we become fully connected with all the sensations experienced when eating and drinking including sight, sound, touch, smell and taste.   Why is eating more mindful is helpful? By being more mindful and conscious it helps us to reflect on what we are eating, how and why.  Naturopath Erin O'Hara shared her insights with Francesca Rudkin as well as a few mindful eatin...

Pop rock band Castaway released their sophomore EP Nondual in October - the popular tracks resulting in regular airplay on many mainstream radio stations.  Three of the five band members Joe, Rhys and Austen joined Francesca Rudkin and told her about the pressure of recording this album in such a short space of time. They also shared how they met at Canterbury University and making the d...

This week, we continue with part two of our four-part lead-up to Christmas, focusing on sides and salads. Mike van de Elzen has chosen two of his favourite classic salads ahead of the festive season, and runs Francesca Rudkin through the recipe as well as a few tips on the key to a great salad. Ember charred cauliflower with grated ginger, parsley and parmesan Cook time: 10 minutes Prep time: 10 m...

Garlic is famous for many things, boosting flavour, warding off vampires, and making your kitchen smell incredible (or incredibly strong). But new research suggests it might have one more surprising talent: acting as a natural alternative to traditional mouthwash.  The research published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine found that an extract made from garlic could offer antimicrobial powers...

Netflix is acquiring Warner Bros Discovery in a blockbuster US$83bn deal – plus debt. As part of the deal, Netflix takes the TV and movie studio and other assets, including the HBO Max streaming service. Flicks.co.nz's Steve Newall analysis the deal with Francesca Rudkin, as well as Quentin Tarantino’s 20 favourite films of the 20th century. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

Sometimes I wonder what the world thinks of us.   Not in an insecure way – as in, we need the world’s admiration to validate how wonderful we are. But when I see the local stories which break through into international media I do wonder if the world thinks we’re a bit odd.   Many international news outlets this week followed the story of a Kiwi jewellery thief who allegedly thought the b...

American folk rock artist Suzanne Vega launched onto the global music scene back in 1987.  Almost 40 years on, Suzanne is still making music. Her latest album ‘Flying with Angels’ receiving rave reviews - Rolling Stone referring to it as the best album of 2025 so far.  With the album out, she's hitting the road and heading back to New Zealand in September next year – touring Auckland, We...

Andrew Coster has given his first interview on TVNZ's Q&A with Jack Tame since resigning from the public service.  The former Police Commission resigned as head of the Social Investment Agency this week. He claimed in the pre-recorded interview two senior politicians knew more than they have publicly admitted about the handling of complaints against disgraced deputy commissioner Jevon McS...

In just over a week, roadside drug testing of drivers will begin in Wellington, with the aim to roll it out nationwide by mid-2026.  So how will it work?  And how reliable will this testing be?  Hayden Eastmond-Mein from the Drug Foundation joined Francesca Rudkin to guide her through what the tests involve and why they've still got concerns about the approach. LISTEN ABOVE See omny...

Master Builders are calling for a National Building Register to better protect homeowners.  This is in response to the Government preparing to shift to a proportionate liability system for the construction sector.  These changes are expected to come into effect in 2026.  Master Builders CEO Ankit Sharma told Francesca Rudkin why they're pushing for this register. LISTEN ABOVE See om...