RNZ: Afternoons with Jesse Mulligan

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"]

Extreme weather keeps getting more extreme. Once-in-a-century flooding is starting to feel routine here, while wildfires and major disasters devastate communities around the world. The Atlantic hurricane season is just weeks away and the financial stakes are about to get very real. The Earthquake Commission covers some disaster damage in New Zealand, but someone still has to pay for the rest. That's where catastrophe bonds come in. They're a strange financial product where investors make money betting on whether disaster will strike. Jeff Guo is a host of NPR's Planet Money, and he explains how catastrophe bonds work, why they're spreading, and what it means when climate risk becomes an investment. [picture id="4JOP05Z_jeff_guo_jpeg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Wednesday is Easy Eats, a chance for us to share a recipe that tastes delicious and doesn't take forever to make. This week Kelly Gibney shares her recipe for chorizo, white bean and spinach soup. [picture id="4JOV7D3_RNZ_Chorizo_white_bean_spinach_soup_2_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Heading Off is our weekly travel segment where we go on adventures. We'd love to hear from you if you've got a travel yarn you'd like to share - text us 2101 or email us on afternoons@rnz.co.nz Today we jet off to Yunnan, a mountainous province in Southwest China with author and blogger Dunc Wilson,

Claire Concannon, host of Our Changing World joins Jesse. [picture id="4JOT0LJ_Huhu_A3_2_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Sir Richard Faull is one of New Zealand's most respected neuroscientists, he's well known for his work on diseases like Huntington's, Parkinson's & Alzheimer's. He founded the University of Auckland's Centre for Brain Research in 2009 and now for the first time, you can get a front row seat to what kind of discoveries they are making. A new podcast series - Brainstorming - is bringing the centre's research directly to your ears, Sir Richard Faull chats to Jesse. [picture id="4OEN7FC_richard_faull_knight_1600_JPG" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Hunters Gold was a 1970s children's TV show, which seems to have come along at a seminal moment in New Zealand screen history At the time of its launch it was the most expensive local TV drama, with a budget of $326,000 excluding staff costs! Hunter's Gold came up on Monday's show and lots of you sent in your fond memories of it. Including Max Quinn who got in touch to tell us the show kickstarted his screen career. [picture id="4JOP5NH_Outlook_MaxQuinnDo_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

The Others Way Festival, one of New Zealand's independent music festivals won't be back next year, and organisers say there are no plans for it to return in the future. The eclectic music festival has run for the past 10 years along Karangahape Road in central Auckland, featuring a mix of local and international acts. While it might have been your cup of tea - it is the latest in string of local festivals forced to say farewell. Which got us wondering, what does society look like without gigs? Or are live music events becoming luxuries only the wealthy can afford? The Others Way Festival director Reuben Bonner joins Jesse. [picture id="4KFVUZE_OthersWay24_chontallemusson_14_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="thumbnail"]

National has confirmed it will campaign on lifting the retirement age, with leader Christopher Luxon saying the current system is "unworkable and unaffordable." But any changes will need bipartisan support, and currently that isn't looking likely. Treasury's December forecasts estimated the annual cost of superannuation will hit $30 billion by the end of the decade, so if the age isn't changed, what can be done to make sure superannuation remains affordable? Miles Workman is a senior economist at ANZ, he chats to Jesse. [picture id="4JSJ8GV_matt_bennett_78hTqvjYMS4_unsplash_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

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"]

Australia's ban on social media for anyone under 16 isn't working. It's not even close says world renowned behavioral economist and Harvard Law School professor Dr Cass Sunstein. He's one of the authors of a new working paper that argues compliance has to reach a tipping point for the ban to work, a point when not going on TikTok and Instagram and all the other apps is the new normal and that's not happening. Dr Sunstein is also part of a team of researchers examining the link between social media and wellbeing in the World Happiness Report. Just like Australian teenagers, many of us use social media even though we know it's not good for us, because everyone else is. He explains what he calls the "product trap", the way certain platforms are designed to pull us in, and we let them, even when we suspect we'd be happier without them. [picture id="4JOQUPV_CASS_SUNSTEIN_png" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Tim Batt is with Jesse to talk about what's been happening in the world of technology; today he'll bring us up to speed on a local data breach and why Amazon is abandoning plans for a local data centre. [picture id="4KBP4NB_78600356_l_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Afternoons book critic Lisa Glass joins Jesse to share her thoughts on the following books: Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte Eurotrash by Christian Kracht Slags by Emma Jane Unsworth [picture id="4JOQOOU_rejection_tony_tulathimutte_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

It's time for Mayoral minutes, each week we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing how they're working to solve them and what makes their community special. Today we're heading to the Gisborne District on the stunning east coast from where Mayor Rehette Stolz joins Jesse. [picture id="4JR4AKI_Desk_photo_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

A recently published study from West China Hospital and Monash University has the potential to upend our understanding of ADHD For decades ADHD has been diagnosed by using behavior-based questionnaires to understand the symptoms, not the underlying brain activity. The new study turned this on its head analysing over 1,000 brain scans from children and teenagers with ADHD It's challenging the idea that ADHD is just one condition. Child & Adolescent Clinical Psychologist and founder of Totally Psyched, Dr Sarah Watson chats to Jesse. [picture id="4M3ZZ9N_image_crop_130436" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

For the first time in almost 15 years there are more business deaths than births here in Aotearoa New Zealand. And of those business failures, the vast majority are solo business operators. We know a lot of you listening run your own businesses, so do let us know if this conversation resonates. In a new research paper "Built on Assumptions" our next guest argues that with more support these businesses could be thriving instead of failing. Sarah Davies from Sweet Spot business coaching talks to Jesse.  [picture id="4K68AJT_Sarah_Davies2_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

David Hill is the co-founder and Executive Director at a startup called Toha Network. In October 2024 they launched an environmental restoration project in Tairawhiti on the East Coast. Landowners are paid to regenerate native forests and wetlands using a digital funding system based on tokens called MAHI. He chats to Jesse. [picture id="4OXSBZ6_copyright_image_65588" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

This morning the Government announced it's changing the law to prevent companies from being sued over climate change related harm caused by green house gases We'll get reaction to that news in a moment, but we also want to talk about nature credits, voluntary biodiversity credit schemes that could mean more investment in nature restoration. Scott Burnett is the climate spokesperson for Forest and Bird and talks about both issues with Jesse. [picture id="4L5U3HU_forest_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

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

Life can start to feel like a numbers game with everyone chasing likes and followers, and productivity stats that measure our steps. It seems like there's a number for everything even parenting and relationships. But at some point, the numbers stop measuring us and start controlling us. Philosopher C. Thi Nguyen says modern life is increasingly built around scoring systems that quietly shape what we value and how we see ourselves. And once you start chasing points, whether it's money, status, or approval, it gets harder to tell what you actually want. He unpacks these invisible games we play in his new book, The Score: How to Stop Playing Someone Else's Game.

Afternoons TV critic Caitlin Cherry shares what she's been watching: The Newsreader (Netflix) The Miniature Wife (TVNZ+). [picture id="4JOSNOU_the_newsreader_jfif" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

It's time for our expert feature where we tackle a topic and put your questions to the people who know it best Today we're talking about a relatively hot topic, tenancy. Whether you're a tenant or a landlord - everybody has questions about their rights in a rental situation. Please send yours through to 2101. Our expert today is Sarina Gibbon. Sarina is the founder and director of Tenancy Advisory and was previously general manager of the Auckland Property Investors Association.

Every Monday we head across the Tasman to discuss the big stories with our correspondent Brad Foster.  [picture id="4JOZLU7_AFP__20180831__18Q8D1__v1__HighRes__RacingAus_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

May in New Zealand means comedy, the NZ International Comedy Festival kicked off in the weekend and is running until the end of this month. And this year - for the first time - it is including movies. One of films on offer is Lorin Clarke's award-winning work about her dad John Clarke, a man you might know for his most famous creation, Fred Dagg. Lorin chats to Jesse. [picture id="4L3CNZM_lorin_clarke_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

As many of you know well. when times are tough, often it's subscriptions that are the first thing to go, whether that's to streaming platforms or magazines. Our next guest is the founder of the On the Land magazine and is calling out for help to keep it afloat. Michael Andrew chats to Jesse. [picture id="4K4SXWR_OTL_COLLAGE_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Over the weekend in the UK local elections, the big winners were the populist and smaller parties - with the anti-immigration Reform UK and the Green Party both making major gains And in Australia, Pauline Hanson's fringe party One Nation scored a big win in a New South Wales by-election. So, what about New Zealand? Could we see a shift toward smaller parties promising an alternative to the traditional two-party system? A couple of weeks ago we looked at what the Greens were offering voters, today, we're turning to The Opportunity Party formerly 'TOP'. What are their policies? Where do they sit in New Zealand's political landscape? And could this finally be the year they cross the five percent threshold? Bryce Edwards, founder of the Democracy Project Substack, discusses with Jesse. [picture id="4JYDJCW_OpportunityLeader_Qiulae_Wong_2_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Every Friday Nicola Toki and Jesse chat about an endangered species. This week they're turning their attention to the Royal Spoonbill or Kotuku-Ngutupapa. This critter looks like it walked straight out of a Dr Seuss book or a punk rock country band. It's a tall white bird with a shaggy mullet and a spoon for a bill. [picture id="4JOY78E_Royal_Spoonbill_crest_Credit_Wayne_Butterworth_Image_cropped_from_original_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

On Fridays we talk about the stuff we fill our weekends with, today we've got our favourite DIY friend, Stan Scott from Mitre 10. Stan is currently landscaping his backyard, building and retaining walls, installing drainage and building spiral steps and a pergola! Do send through any questions you've got for him on 2101.  [picture id="4JV3X5R_ABC_builder_Brad_avif" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Friday means food here on Afternoons, today we've got Olivia Galletly also known as The Hungry Cook here to share a recipe with us: Cottage Pie with a Parsnip & Potato Dauphinoise Top For her recipe click here. [picture id="4JOYEDN_pie_png" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Afternoons Film Critic Dominic Corry is here to share what he's been watching at the movies: Mortal Kombat II, new in theatres this week. The Great Arch, which is playing as part of the Design and Architecture Film Festival, which is currently on throughout the country. [picture id="4JOY755_mortal_kombat_ii_jfif" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Approximately 73 thousand Kiwis left New Zealand in the past year, and over half of those moved to Australia. Indeed it seems like every day there is another article about New Zealanders moving across the Tasma for better jobs, better money and a better lifestyle, but is that really true? Well TVNZ's Jack Tame is investigating that very question for a new show airing on Monday night called You, Me & Aussie and joins Jesse to discuss. You, Me & Aussie is on Monday 11th May on TVNZ1 at 8:40pm and TVNZ+. [picture id="4KGB12Q_31681878_751954_png" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Honey bees might technically be an introduced species but despite that, we think it's fair to say we generally see them as a good thing. They're the engine of our world leading honey industry, and play a vital role pollinating crops like Kiwifruit, apples and clover. In fact, their contribution is valued at over $5 billion annually. But according to new research from the University of Auckland, they might also be playing a role in the destruction of our native trees Jesse is joined by senior scientist at New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Dr David Pattemore. [picture id="4ORPYIM_copyright_image_77932" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

In England voting has closed in one of the largest council elections in years. There are around 5,000 council seats up for grabs, and over 25,000 people contesting them. There are also parliamentary elections in Scotland and Wales. But the thing that makes this election special - it's the first real test of the 'Green Wave' vs the rise of 'Reform UK' narrative A bad result will also put more pressure on Kier Starmer's Labour government which has seen a significant decline in popularity Jesse is joined now by Marcus Ganley who's been following the action. Marcus is a public law specialist with firm Franks Ogilvie but was previously a ministerial adviser to the Clark government and held senior roles in Australian federal politics. [picture id="4JOZK7Y_AFP__20260507__B23M3YP__v1__HighRes__BritainPoliticsVote_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

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

Every second Thursday we have group chat: a chance to talk about the stories that might not make the news bulletins but do fill up your social media feed, Jesse is joined by Culture 101's Perlina Lau, Olivia Wilson, senior producer on Afternoons and film aficionado Kate Rodger.

It's time to talk history with Dr Grant Morris and today he's looking at whether NZ was the most Scottish place, outside of Scotland. during colonial times.

Let's try to solve some of the world's problems now, it might sound ambitious but every second Thursday for ten minutes or so we do our best to right some wrongs, or at least discuss how to approach doing so. Jesse is joined by Dave Armstrong from the Wellington production company Armstrong Creative. Dave wants to discuss Wellington Council's offices, artwork spend and the water meters.

Time for NZ Sporting History, and today we're with local lawn bowls great Peter Belliss. Born and raised in Whanganui, Peter was one of the first true professionals in New Zealand bowls. And he's done it all, he's been a world champion, Commonwealth Games medallist, and coach. In 1988 Peter was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to bowls, and last year he was among the first crop of inductees into the World Bowls Hall of Fame. Peter joins Jesse from his home in Whanganui.

How much would you pay for a good night's sleep? I'm asking because a thing called sleep tourism is becoming a huge and huge money-making industry. A 2024 report by HTF Market Intelligence found that worldwide sleep tourism is worth more than 690 billion US dollars. Hotels offering sleep deals are all over the place and can feature specialized rooms with soundproofing, blackout curtains, pillows, calming mists and special menus designed to help sleep deprived guests. Dr Charlotte Gupta, who is a sleep & nutrition scientist at Central Queensland University.

Plastic seems to be everywhere, in everything, and possibly even in every one of us when it comes to micro plastics. While we imagine many of you do your best to cut down on single plastic us, a group of Wellington students has committed to going without it altogether in their flat. To find out just how hard that is, Jesse is joined by Leah Werner and Simon Langham

According to Chris Tremain, there just aren't enough volunteers to keep things running in community sports and as a result kids are missing out. Former MP Chris Tremain - now the president of Hawkes Bay Rugby Union - joins Jesse to discuss.

An outbreak of the deadly hantavirus has led to an ocean cruise turning into a nightmare. Three passengers of the cruise ship MV Hondius have died, one is in intensive care in a South African hospital, and three others were evacuated from the ship earlier this week. So what exactly is hantavirus and how worried should we be? Epidemiologist - Professor Michael Baker - joins me to explain.