RNZ: Afternoons with Jesse Mulligan

Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan prove they really can make something out of nothing; Wallace also previews what's on The Panel this evening.

Welcome to the politics group chat, a chance for interesting people to say what they're thinking out loud on topics that have been in the news in the last week. Tim Batt, Dane Giraud and Natalia Albert are our guests and today we're looking a range of issues from heckling politicians, taking away character references in sentencing sex offenders, and why some New Zealanders still hate Dame Jacinda Ardern to the Government updating its official branding to give greater prominence to English over te reo Maori.

The University of Waikato is facing opposition to its new medical school. Dr Grant Morris looks back in history to see if we are seeing a repeat of the challenges faced by the University of Waikato's law school in the early 1990s.

Writer Verity Johnson joins Jesse to look at whether we are too polite and what that can mean for our emotional development, she'll also dive into why under 35-year-olds aren't engaged in voting.

It's time now for the A-Z of Aotearoa! We've been making our way through the alphabet, choosing something iconically Kiwi for each letter. This week we've arrived at 'U', and our subject is a place shrouded in geographic beauty and indigenous knowledge, Te Urewera. It's the home of the Tuhoe iwi, and it lies in the wide, mountainous space between Rotorua and Gisborne. For 60 years much of Te Urewera was designated a National Park, then in 2014 - following a Waitangi Tribunal settlement - the land was granted environmental personhood. In October 2007, Te Urewera was also the grounds for one of New Zealand's darkest days, poet and activist Ati Teepa talks to Jesse about his experience in the police raids. We also want to focus on the environment and geography of Te Urewera, and for that, Jesse is joined by Hinewai McManus Hinewai is of Tuhoe descent, and she's a former DOC ranger who also guided treks in Ngaputahi near Ruatahuna for many years.

This is our chance to discuss the stories that won't make the news headlines but might fill up your social media feed. Film critic Kate Rodger, Culture 101 host Perlina Lau and Afternoons Senior Producer Olivia Wilson join Jesse to discuss what's taking up space in their group chats. Today it's audience etiquette, celebrity dress codes, and being publicly shameless - is it now okay?

This week on Afternoons we've been celebrating New Zealanders doing extraordinary things in science by speaking with all the finalists for the 'Lifetime Achievement award' at the 'Science New Zealand Awards' So far we've heard from volcanologist Brad Scott, and marine ecologist Dr Rob Murdoch Today Jesse is joined by Dr Peter Johnston, a mycologist who has spent 50 years discovering and naming fungi. His research has helped protect New Zealand's wine and avocado industries, and even in retirement he's still at it, working his way through boxes of unnamed specimens collected over the past five decades.

For a number of years, we've heard about a decline in students' reading and writing ability. It's one thing to address this academically, but whatever happened to the joy of reading? Well, a new national study has taken a look in New Zealand children's enjoyment of reading, and in some cases there's been a significant drop. We wanted to talk to somebody about how to help kids find the joy in reading, and see reaching for a book as something fun, not a chore. And who better than New Zealand's local "Fun-brarian"! Claudine Crabtree is the library manager at Baradene College in Remuera, and an advocate for the 'Schools Need Libraries' campaign.

But a new report from the think tank The New Zealand Initiative argues that might not be the right approach. Its' report 'Beyond Targets' suggests housing targets and long-term forecasts can actually make planning less flexible and less responsive to real demand. Dr Benno Blaschke is a senior fellow at The New Zealand Initiative and author of the new report.

The show within a show, the little show that could, call it what you will, Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan will attempt to make you smile as they preview tonight's edition of The Panel.

Most of us have a pile we keep promising we'll sort out, or a stack of books no one will ever read but we refuse to part with. Clutter isn't always about messiness. It can be fueled by procrastination, decision fatigue, and the emotions we attach to our stuff. Dr Joseph Ferrari is one of the world's leading researchers on procrastination and clutter. He argues clutter isn't just a housekeeping issue, it's a window into how we cope, avoid stress, and navigate a culture of constant consumption. He's helped develop a tool to measure how clutter is affecting your life. He has practical advice for clearing the clutter spaces in your home and the stress that comes with it.

Kelly Gibney shares a recipe that is delicious to make and won't take all night. This week it's sticky gochujang chicken thighs with coconut rice.

This week Jesse is joined by actress, writer, and now feature-film director, Chelsie Preston-Crayford.

Today for heading off we're joined by Peter Coldicott who - with his son - spent almost 6 months walking the entire thing.

In this week's episode, producer Alison Ballance reveals more about four adult kakapo. Their stories come to us from three rangers starting with Jess Wagner with the tale of a 15-year-old female kakapo called Waikawa. Alison Ballance says there are currently 92 living chicks, and that there is plenty more kakapo news in episode 17 of the podcast. To listen to the full episode head to rnz.co.nz and search for Kakapo Files. You'll also find it on your usual podcast app.

Today we're taking to the sea with marine ecologist Dr Rob Murdoch. 

Joining Jesse to explain the decision OVER Richie Mo'unga is New Zealand Herald rugby analyst Gregor Paul.

Monty & Sons Radiatori Pasta was last night named Supreme Winner at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards.

Reuben Woods is creative director and lead tour guide for Watch This Space, showcasing the city's street art. He chats to Jesse.

The little show that can! Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan take on the big, and not so big issues as they preview tonight's edition of The Panel.

We usually think of forgiveness as something personal between the person who was hurt and the person who caused the hurt. But research done here in New Zealand suggests forgiveness may have effects that reach far beyond the individuals involved. In fact, forgiveness may even have the potential to be a powerful public health tool. Dr Richard Cowden is a psychologist and research scientist with the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University. His work has consistently shown that holding onto resentment and unresolved hurt can take a real toll on both mental and physical health. Now in collaboration with researchers from Auckland and Victoria University, he's explored whether increasing forgiveness could have benefits on a larger scale.

Do you have a song you like to turn up loudly and sing like no one is listening? Well we want to hear about it .. we've got new segment called Songs for a Roadie .. where we chat to you about a tune you can't help but blast .. share your song on 2101 or afternoons@rnz.co.nz and tell us why you love it .. and brace yourselves cause we might just give you a call .. which is exactly what we did with Tim.

Tuesdays are when we play You're the Judge: our weekly segment when we put an issue to you, our audience, and get your help trying to solve it. This week we're looking at an issue between a couple - she wants to stay home with their second child, but he's lost his job and is struggling to find another one. But she argues he is being too fussy in his hunt. Let us know your reckons on 2101 or afternoons@rnz.co.nz

Afternoons podcast critic, and RNZ's National Head of Content Ali Ventura joins us to share what she's been listening to.

Afternoons book critic Catherine Robertson is with Jesse to share what she's been enjoying.

This week we're heading to the Waitomo District, located in the south-western part of the Waikato region in the North Island, from where Mayor John Robertson joins Jesse.

That's because as part of the Science New Zealand Awards, four innovative Kiwi scientists have been named finalists for this year's Lifetime Achievement Award We reckon this is a great opportunity to showcase some of the country's cleverest people and discuss their work, so each day this week Jesse will be speaking to one of the finalists. Today Jesse is speaking to Brad Scott, a volcanologist who has recently retired after spending 50 years building the systems we use to live alongside our volcanoes.

Today Jesse is speaking to Brad Scott, a volcanologist who has recently retired after spending 50 years building the systems we use to live alongside our volcanoes.

Kirsty Waugh and her dad Mat join Jesse to talk about her special fund-raising quest.

Jesse is joined by astronomer and head of Dunedin's Tuhura Otago Museum, Dr Ian Griffin.

Rob Campbell joins Jesse to provide an insight into what it's like to work in a public service environment, and the reality of how these plans might work.

Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan take on the big, and not so big issues as they preview tonight's edition of The Panel.

Dr Giles Yeo is a world-leading obesity geneticist at the University of Cambridge, and joins Jesse.

Let's talk about what's good to watch on the smaller screen, The Hui journalist Ruwani Perera joins me to share what she's been enjoying. 'Margot's Got Money Troubles' (Apple) 'The Madison' (Neon)

Francesco van Eerd is a Wellington-based perfumer and founder of Fragrifert Parfumeur. He joins Jesse.

Every Monday Jesse hits the clubs. Do get in touch if you've got a club or society he should join for the day. Text us on 2101 or email us afternoons@rnz.co.nz

A coronial inquest into the death of a 95-year-old grandmother, the New Zealander who's won Australia's Archibald Prize and the latest in sport.

The Hastings High School Head Boy joins Jesse to chat.

Jesse is joined by NZ On Screen Executive Director Stephanie Hopkins. 

Travel writer from Blogger At Large Megan Singleton joins Jesse to discuss her experiences.

Joining Jesse to discuss rising food prices and more is Chief Economist at Simplicity, Shamubeel Eaqub.

The show within a show, the little show that could, call it what you will, Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan will attempt to make you smile as they preview tonight's edition of The Panel. [picture id="4K9B613_Wallace_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]