The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Days after Republican candidate Donald Trump won the US presidential election, former House speaker Nancy Pelosi blamed Joe Biden for not leaving the race sooner. Pelosi suggested that there could have been an open primary to determine Biden's replacement if he'd stepped aside earlier, and she claimed Biden's decision to endorse Kamala Harris four months from the election foreclosed that possibili...

Climate change is fuelling a significant increase in insurance premiums, with experts wondering who should cover the costs. There's been an elevation in insurance costs for at-risk properties following worsening floods and natural disasters - and a new analysis suggests we'll soon need a better public backstop. WSP Fellow and Helen Clark Foundation deputy director Kali Mercier says some people's i...

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 3rd November 2024 -in 1987, pop song ' Never Going to Give You Up ' launched Rick Astley to pop stardom and changed his life.  But as he tells Francesca this week, it wasn't all glamour and shares the dangers and boredom that come with stardom. Author Abbott Kahler tells us about the bizarre, fascinating true crime story...

This Kingdom of Dust by David Dyer. In 1969 Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon and were then safely returned to Earth. In an alternative scenario, what if the lunar landing module failed and they couldn’t get back? It’s a compelling premise, told in three voices – that of Buzz on the moon, his wife Joan back in a US suburb surrounded by other astronauts’ wives waiting for news of he...

It's been a slow winter for Auckland - but the city's in for an extra boost when Coldplay touches down. The band's 'Music of the Spheres' tour has caused a significant spike in Australia's hotel and aviation sectors, and it's likely similar growth will happen on this side of the ditch. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton says last summer's Pink concert generated extra spending across the hos...

This week on the Sunday Panel, NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson and Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! We've only got a few more sleeps to go until the US election - who do we think is going to win? The polls are still tied - where do we see this going?  It's been a great weekend for sport - the All Blacks beat E...

'Exercise snacks' are being touted as the newest way to work fitness into a busy life and they're found to contain plenty of physical and mental benefits. Despite the name, it's not a protein drink or a new diet - rather, it refers to little bursts of intense physical activity that take one or two minutes to complete. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara says there's benefits to sprinkling l...

Pickled vegetables  Cook time: 5 minutes  Prep time: 10 minutes  Serves: 12 Pickled vegetables can include: Carrots, fennel, baby beetroot, radish, red onions, cucumbers or red cabbage   1 tsp fennel seeds  1 tsp coriander seeds   2 chili   2 bay leaves   1 tsp mustard seeds   300 ml cider vinegar   250 ml water   1/4 cup sugar   Steriliz...

While it might seem really traditional, heading to the cinema to watch a movie for a first date could be a really great way to get to know a stranger, according to new research out this week.   The study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science found that laughing during a comedy or crying together over a sad film was powerful in strengthening social bonds.  The study took pai...

Brat has been named as the Collins Dictionary word of the year. The term is defined as someone with a 'confident, independent and hedonistic attitude' and has been inspired by Charli XCX's album of the same name, released in June. Flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall says 'brat summer' became a cultural movement overseas - and is expected to continue with Charli XCX headlining Laneway next Februa...

Abbot Kahler's new book  Eden Undone  details the story of a group of European exiles who try to build a community on a remote island - but the true story is stranger than fiction. In the 1930s, a German couple opted to leave Europe and flee to the Galápagos Islands to live a simple life away from the chaos of civilization - and found themselves building a new society with two smaller gr...

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 mono...

New data from Stats NZ shows alcohol consumption among Kiwis has been trending down - with research indicating New Zealanders are drinking below the OECD average. The total value of the low or no alcohol drinks category is now worth $13 billion dollars globally, a 5 percent increase on the previous year. Free AF founder Lisa King says there's a significant shift in how people view alcohol, with yo...

It was a tight test victory for the All Blacks in this morning's test match in Twickenham. The come-from-behind 24-22 win was sealed when English replacement George Ford missed an injury time drop goal. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith says the All Blacks will be feeling positive after the win - but they have a few worries to clear up before they get to Dublin. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystud...

One expert predicts the Government will be grilled over the Mike King saga once Parliament returns from its recess. Labour has called for Gumboot Friday's funding to be pulled after its campaigner told Newstalk ZB alcohol is a solution for mental illness. King stands by his statements and says there will be evidence proving him right - but has not provided research. NZ Herald political report...

There's only a few days remaining until the US election and the race is still neck-and-neck. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are holding duelling campaigns in the battleground states as the pair compete for the key to the White House. Former US Ambassador to New Zealand Mark Gilbert says everyone was expecting a tight race ahead of the big day. "Polls have been this tight before, but I don't think...

If you care about the mental health of our young people, if you are a parent of a child who is struggling or advocating to get your child or young adult diagnosed and treated, the last thing you want to hear in the news is more gotcha moments around the I Am Hope charity - and politicians reacting to it.   As someone who has first-hand experience of how overwhelmed our mental health system is...

Kawai: Tree of Nourishment by Monty Soutar.  This is the sequel to the book Kawai: For Such a Time as This which came out two years ago, and this new one is the second in a planned trilogy. The original book was set in mid 18th century New Zealand, and the new one picks up the story in the early 19th century, a couple of generations on. The main character this time is Hine-aute, granddaughter...

It's Halloween this week - and to mark the occasion, Megan Singleton recapped her experience at Philadelphia's spookiest fundraiser. Eastern State Penitentiary's 'Halloween Nights event runs from September 20 to November 9 and it's designed to scare the life out of visitors while raising money for a good cause. BloggerAtLarge's Megan Singleton shared the memorable moments from her experience - inc...

This week on the Sunday Panel, comedian Penny Ashton and Newstalk ZB host Roman Travers joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed he's going to step in and intervene at Wellington Council amid concerns about their finances. Is this the right move? Waikato has earned New Zealand its first spot in Expedia Group’s...

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 27 October 2024, comedian Jack Whitehall and his father Michael talked about their upcoming tour set to come to New Zealand in January. We're less than two weeks away from the US election and emotions are running high. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson joined Francesca to discuss the mood of the voters ahead of the big day. It'...

A recent article about a woman who engineered her life to ensure she lived to 150 made the rounds online and sparked discussion about whether we can really extend our lives though diet and excercise. 'Biohacking' has recently captured the minds of people - but are there really practical 'silver bullet' solutions that can keep you healthier and livelier for longer? Naturopath and wellness expert Er...

Kiwi metal fans can rejoice - as Metallica has confirmed they'll bring their M72 world tour to New Zealand in November 2025. The band will perform at Auckland's Eden Park, and fans will be able to experience the band in person for the first time since 2010.  Entertainment commentator Chris Schulz says this experience comes with a high price - as tickets are expected to sell for a record-shatt...

If you are going in for surgery soon and are looking for a simple, creative way to recover faster - music might be the key. According to research presented at the 2024 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress , listening to music post-surgery can make a noticeable difference in your recovery. The researchers analysed 35 studies on the effects of music on surgery patients.  They fo...

Grilled marshmallow with lime honey syrup  Cook time: 10 minutes Prep time: 15 minutes Serves: 6 10g gelatine powder   ¼ cup warm water   ¾ cup sugar   ¼ cup glucose   ¼ cup water   Pinch salt   ½ tsp vanilla paste   1 rockmelon, peeled and cut into wedges   Handful mint leaves to garnish  Lime honey syrup   1 tbsp honey   ½ tsp vanilla p...