The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 16th June 2024:  Francesca explores what happens when true crime podcasting goes wrong - when in fact there may not even have been a crime at all - with former True Crime podcaster Emily Nestor and the director of the documentary about her, Chris Kasick. Hollie Smith chats painting nudes and the need to diversify from a strug...

One of New Zealand's biggest musicians, Hollie Smith, has been experimenting with other types of art. Smith has been dabbling in painting, and is showcasing her entry into the world of visual art with her new exhibition ‘It’s Not Music’ at artist FLOX’s gallery in Auckland. She hasn't completely abandoned her music, as she plans to embark on a small venue tour of New Zealand later this month. She...

Saunas have been used for thousands of years to treat pain and reduce stress - but are they actually good for you? Saunas have been linked to improved cardiovascular health, reduced aches from physical activity, and bringing down inflammation. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara says saunas have plenty of health benefits - but pregnant and elderly people should consider the risks. LISTEN AB...

Several years ago, Appalachian true crime podcaster Emily Nestor created the podcast Mile Marker 181, investigating the mysterious death of local Jaleayah Davis.  The podcast attracted millions of listeners, but Emily was confronted with a turn in the story - and faced telling her listeners that there may not be any murder or crime, at all.  Emily’s story is the basis for a new documentary, Citize...

Banking and fuel reviews have been in the news this week, and while it has been all good intentions from the Government - it remains difficult to believe we’ll see any substantial change.    Opposition parties will always complain about the number of inquiries or reviews a Government or Crown entity does, but when they come to power they quickly do the same. Either way, it’s hard to get excited ab...

The Kiwi ultra-runner who managed to work his way through Canada has got his sights set on tackling New Zealand. Earlier this year, Jon Nabbs completed a 305-day, 7351km run across the entire width of Canada, solo and unsupported, to raise money for the Child Cancer Foundation. Nabbs says he expects to complete this endeavour in 35 days, while setting a Guinness World Record in the process. "I'm s...

There's hope the PM's trip to Japan could bring more investment opportunities to New Zealand. Chris Luxon, a high-ranking business delegation, and travelling media left for Tokyo this morning on the Defence Force 757. NZ Herald political editor Claire Trevett says the Prime Minister curated his the delegate list to what he's calling the A-team. "He's taking the heads of Air New Zealand, the ANZ Ch...

The Chiefs and the Blues have secured their spots in next week's Super Rugby final. The Blues blitzed the Brumbies 34-20, and the Chiefs beat out the Hurricanes 30-19 in this weekend's matches. Ahead of the hotly-anticipated Eden Park clash, former All Black and Gold Sport commentator Ant Strachan outlined his predictions. "We'll see two contrasting styles next week - that's what's intriguing for...

The Government's planned efforts to bolster mining efforts have attracted backlash from some voters. Resources Minister Shane Jones recently unveiled a draft strategy for mineral mining - which is currently open for submissions. Geology associate professor Martin Brook says there needs to be a proper 'adult conversation' about the nature of mining. "Where we've got minerals that are required for m...

Southern Man by Greg Iles: Greg Iles writes wonderful fiction set in Natchez, Mississippi -  and this takes place 15 years after the last book, Natchez Burning. There are malevolent forces at work - a tinderbox of racial tension dividing Natchez and a third party US Presidential candidate with no good ambition on the national stage. Penn Cage - lawyer, former mayor and mainstay of these stories -...

P&O Cruises revealed the Australian brand will be docked for good come February 2025. The P&O Pacific Explorer, which operates for some months of the year out of New Zealand, is being retired - with refunds on the way for customers. BloggerAtLarge's Megan Singleton explains what the future holds for cruise-based trips. LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Sunday Panel, ZB host Roman Travers and Chelsea Daniels from The Front Page joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! A sperm donor who believed he had no biological children was shocked to discover he had a son on a DNA testing website. Do children have a right to learn who their biological parents are - or do we need to protect the anonymity of...

Kiwi singer/songwriter Georgia Lines has emerged with her debut album. The Rose of Jericho , featuring lead single Grand Illusion , was released last Friday, to a slew of positive reviews. She says the album was influenced by the hardest times in her life - but she hopes listeners will be able to interpret it in their own way. "I feel like anyone that listens to the record is going to interpret th...

Many people enjoy making a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, but could it be setting you up for health issues? Coffee has been linked to increased cognition, focus, energy, and lowered risk of diabetes - but also heartburn, GERD, ulcers and other digestive conditions. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explains the benefits of moderation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener f...

Kiwi director Christine Jeffs, the mind behind Rain , has returned with a new high-stakes medical drama. The film, starring Elizabeth Banks, has recently made its world debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. Flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall says it's a 'grim' watch fuelled by compelling performances. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicken dumplings with a tamari dressing: Cook time: 12 minutes  Prep time: 20 minutes Serves: 16 Ingredients:  300gm chicken mince 20gm chives, finely chopped 2 stalks spring onion, finely chopped 1 cup peas, chopped 1 tbsp Tamari or soy sauce 1 tsp cider vinegar 1 pkt dumpling wrappers Tamari dressing 4 tbsp tamari sauce 2 tbsp cider or black vinegar ½ tsp brown sugar 1 tsp black sesame seeds 1...

If you are struggling to maintain or lose weight even though you think you are eating a healthy diet, new research out this week in the journal The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition  has a simple tip to help - take a photo of everything you eat through the day to help jog your memory.   In the study, researchers gave a day's worth of food to 152 volunteers and split them into different groups...

Famed tea producer Dilmah has confirmed their Chairman is set to take part in a high-profile charity cook-off. Tomorrow night, teams of leading Kiwi chefs and business leaders will prepare a three-course meal to raise funds for the Auckland City Mission. Dilmah's Dilhan Fernando says it's 'inspiring' to play a part in this cause. "Truly a group of heroes - I visited home ground the other day and i...

Comedian and Monty Python star Eric Idle is set to return to New Zealand shores when he brings his latest stage show to theatres this October. Idle's Always Look on the Bright Side of Life tour is the latest step in a career spanning over 60 years - and he has no plan to slow down. He says he'd never set out to have his output stand the test of time, despite his music and comedy still being held i...

Prime Minister Luxon has returned from his Pacific tour, after spending the last few days in Niue and Fiji. Luxon has claimed his first trip to the region has been successful, as he managed to build rapport with Fijian Prime Minister Rabuka and Niue Premier, Tagelagi. NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse says Luxon managed to hold his own with his international counterparts, given the circumst...

Wellington mayor Tory Whanau has opened up about being diagnosed with ADHD and 'significant traits of autism', after seeking therapy for her drinking issues. Whanau revealed after she went sober, her neurodiverse traits became more obvious. She says she'd never considered her drinking habits were a symptom of something else until she sought professional help. "It just meant that everything in my l...

Smoke by Michael Brissenden. Crime……Detective Alex Markov returns to her hometown of Jasper, California after a stint with the LAPD where she’s been accused of corruption – some good ole boys on the force there want her gone – but her colleagues back at the Jasper precinct don’t want her either. After a wildfire sweeps through the town a body is found in a shed, and the other cops are certain it’s...

BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton managed to find a way into the elusive Gibbs Farm sculpture park - and she says it's worth a look. Situated north-west of Auckland in the Kaipara Harbour, the carefully curated collection belonging to Kiwi rich-lister Alan Gibbs gives visitors a wide range of art and sculptures to see. Megan says it's an 'extraordinary' experience exploring the wide open space...

This week on the Sunday Panel, TV producer and journalist Irene Gardiner and Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers partner Liam Hehir joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! ZB host Heather du Plessis-Allan has accused Finance Minister Nicola Willis of overspending in the 2024 Budget - do we agree? Were the tax cuts the right call during a tough economic climate? Former P...

Experts are concerned more people are at risk of suffering from a 'digital overload', as technology becomes more prevalent. Excess time in front of a screen watching TV, playing games or 'doomscrolling' have been found to increase anxiety, fatigue and contribute to depression and low moods. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explains the benefits of attempting a 'digital detox' to improve...