The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

It’s been a sad week. Humanity has not been at its best. A police officer almost lost his life and we got a glimpse into the harsh reality of life in the bush for three young children. A conservative activist lost his life practicing politics in the US. And a trial begun here against a mother who is alleged to have killed her children, drugging them and then placing them in a suitcase and leaving...

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 14 September 2025, celebrity chef Al Brown might just be one of our keenest fisherman, he joins Francesca to talk about his life long love of fishing and how to best prepare your catch. Two of our arts greats, Dame Gaylene Preston and Dame Robin White have joined forces, they join Francesca to talk about their friendship and...

This week on The Sunday Panel, managing director of 818, Chris Henry and journalist and editor, Jo McCarroll, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  How concerned are we about the growing political violence in America following the Charlie Kirk incident? Is there a way back to being able to debate and accept different views - or has that ship sailed?...

More and more people are looking into living longer and staying healthier, with the longevity movement encouraging individuals to take control of their health. People can be driven by a fear of becoming dependent or losing bodily function and appearance, and they're aiming to treat symptoms of aging through  lifestyle changes, supplements, and medical advancements. Naturopath and wellness exp...

Mike van de Elzen: Chorizo paella with green chili and coriander  Cook time: 45 minutes  Prep time: 5 minutes  Serves: 6 2 tbsp sunflower oil   1 white onion, peeled and diced   3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed   2 chorizo sausage, sliced   1/2 tsp smoked paprika   1/2 cup red wine   1 1/2 cups long grain rice   3-4 cups vegetable stock   2...

Imagine walking through a peaceful forest, listening to birdsong, or watching the waves roll in on a sunny beach. Now imagine doing all of that without ever leaving your chair.  New research published in the American Journal of Health Behaviour took a group of older adults living with dementia and gave them this experience in a study exploring the benefits of virtual reality.  The study...

The 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards are set to take place tomorrow, with many top TV shows up for an award. Apple TV+ could be in for some big wins, with Severance and The Studio among the leading contenders for an award. The White Lotus, The Bear and The Last of Us are also among the favourites to win. Flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall unpacked the nominees ahead of the upcoming ceremony. LISTEN...

A new youth-focused arts festival is set to debut in Auckland next week - and run until the 28th of September. We The Young is Auckland Live's first attempt at creating  a festival specifically geared to a youth audience and it aims to make the arts more accessible for young people and their families. One artist involved in the festival is Rutene Spooner and he says the event will be 'somethi...

Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris is standing by his controversial social media comments, according to recent reports. Ferris posted a video this week defending a previous post saying it was unacceptable for people of other ethnicities to campaign to take a Māori seat from Māori. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says this has caused some tension within the party, as some fellow MPs have rai...

Last night was a big one for New Zealand sport, but it didn't quite go the way many Kiwi fans were hoping. The Warriors' NRL finals hopes were dashed after their 24-8 loss to the Panthers and the All Blacks suffered a historic 43-10 loss to the Springboks in Wellington. In better news, the Black Ferns are into the semi-finals at the women's Rugby World Cup after beating out South Africa. Sky Sport...

The Governor of Utah is calling for calm, following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 31-year-old was killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Thursday. The alleged killer 22-year-old Tyler Robinson is now in custody. Governor Spencer Cox says the U.S must end a chapter of violent division. The Guardian's David Smith says Cox's voice adds to others...

Historian Andrew Lownie has written a new book designed to be the final nail in the coffin of Prince Andrew. Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York is the result of four years of research and interviews by Lownie and it aims to examine the lives of Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. He says the book also addresses the whole royal institution, including the way Andrew's various...

After 15 years, Downton Abbey is set to come to an end. It's taken six seasons, 52 episodes and two films - but this week the third film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale , hits cinemas and spells the final chapter for the worldwide phenomenon.  Ahead of the release, three long time cast members, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery and Joanne Froggatt discussed what the end of the series meant...

Buckeye by Patrick Ryan. This is set in a small Ohio town at the very end of WW2 when two people become caught up in victory celebrations and have a brief romantic encounter, which results in complications which haunt them down through generations. As secrets are exposed some people find that things are not what they had seemed, and that the world they thought they knew was in fact a lie. I loved...

Megan recently tried to fly to Hawke's Bay, but her travel plans ground to a halt after rolling sea fog stopped the flight in its tracks. Air New Zealand requested that the passengers line up and get booked on new flights, but Megan checked on her Air NZ app and found a way forward - on a flight that left later that day. She revealed her latest travel hack - so everyone else could be prepared. LIS...

This week on the Sunday Panel, journalist and TV producer Irene Gardiner and Partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Auckland by-election had a noticeably low voter turnout - should we be concerned about this? Is there any alternative?  Over in the US, President Donald Trump raised some eyebrows over h...

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 7 September 2025, after 15 years, the end of Downton Abbey is here.  Key cast members join Francesca to talk about saying goodbye to the Crawley's and the Downton world. Biographer Andrew Lownie's explosive book 'Entitled' has been referred to as the final nail in the coffin for Prince Andrew.  Andrew Lownie tells F...

Growing up, my mother used to say that life is 95 percent anticipation. It’s in the wait, the build-up and the preparation where the joy is often found. Often the actual event is a let-down.   That was not how I felt at 9pm last night. Well done to the All Blacks. But I loved the leadup to last night’s win at Eden Park. I was excited when I got up yesterday morning and I found myself looking...

Sarcobesity refers to the coexistence of diminished muscle mass and increased fat mass, but what does that mean from a health-based perspective? The condition can impact overall metabolic health, which comes with additional  health implications and concerns. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Father's Day Beef with Café de Paris butter  Cook time: 5 minutes  Prep time: 20 minutes  Serves: 6 6 x beef steaks   Flaky salt   Cracked pepper   150 gm unsalted butter   1 tbsp tomato ketchup   1 tbsp Dijon mustard   1 tbsp capers, chopped   1/4 cup onions, finely diced   1/4 cup parsley, chopped   1 tbsp thyme leaves   2 cloves g...

For years, eggs have been breakfast’s most controversial ingredient. Despite being packed with protein and essential nutrients, they’ve carried the weight of dietary guidelines that linked them to high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease. But a new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has cracked that myth wide open. The world-first study investigated the in...

Popular murder mystery comedy-drama series The White Lotus is reportedly set to be located in France for the upcoming fourth season, according to new reports. Series creator Mike White had indicated he wanted to get the series away from the usual beach resorts shown in the previous three seasons. Flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall speculated ahead of the new season. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/l...

Veteran broadcaster John Campbell investigated Destiny Church in a five-part documentary series earlier in the year - and the second instalment is due to come out tomorrow. Following the release of Under His Command, more people have since come forward to share their experiences with Destiny Church. Campbell says it wasn't his intention to make a second part, but more people sought him out to shar...

The bulk of New Zealand First's announcements are expected today for the final day of its annual conference.  Party members and supporters have gathered in Palmerston North along with surprise guest Stuart Nash, a former Labour Minister. NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse says up to 1000 people are expected for Winston Peters' address this afternoon. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/list...

Coach Scott Robertson has praised the All Blacks' response to their bad day in Buenos Aires. The All Blacks have defended their formidable Eden Park record with a 24-17 win over South Africa, led by two first-half tries. Former All Black Ant Strachan says this match was a 'test for the ages'. "It's great for our game, because you want to keep promoting the high-level product, which it is." LISTEN...