RNZ: Afternoons with Jesse Mulligan

Both Mātauranga Māori and marine science are informing PhD student Kiamaia Ellis's research into the resilience of baby crayfish. 

Hello World. Those two words were tweeted by a man paralyzed with ALS using only his thoughts. Implantable technology that links the brain to a computer holds so much promise for the disabled community. 

Cantabrian Kenny Paton spends a lot of time in his garage making wacky and wonderful inventions, but he's hoping his latest machine could be developed to clean plastic from our beaches. Under the name Paton Machines, Kenny is a hit on the social media platform TikTok, with more than 50 thousand followers watching him have fun with his motorbike made from a jerrycan and motorising every day objects such as roller skates, wheelbarrows and tool carts. 

Mining company OceanaGold Waihi have just applied to set up a new underground mine just north of Waihi. The mine would be under forest park Wharekirauponga, which is administered by the Department of Conservation. 

Te Arawa Lakes Trust is running it's first Te Tukohu Ngawha Science and Design Fair from tomorrow. It has exhibits from tamariki and rangatahi, focused on blending matauranga Maori and western science to tackle environmental issues facing Aotearoa. 

Some positive news out of the University of Otago about our brain's ability to overcome a phenomenon known as "quake brain" over time. Now our Cantabrian listeners will know what quake brain is far too well, that fogginess or memory impairment caused by stress associated with the earthquakes. 

When misinformation about the coronavirus is spreading like a virus, who you gonna call? The Virality Project. We speak to  Assistant Director Elena Cryst about work to stop rumors and outright lies about vaccines and other misinformation.

This week librarian at Diocesan School for Girls, Catherine Ross, looks at books for younger readers with an LGBTQIA+ theme. The theme coincides with the past fortnight when libraries have been running their 'Out on the Shelves' campaign, which also coincided with Pride in Schools week (13-17 June) and the runaway success of the recent Netflix series, based on the hugely popular Graphic Novel series by Alice Osman.

Today owner and managing director of Vertech IT Services talks to Wallace about drones and their rise in popularity and incidents in the civilian world as well as their use in warfare.

Bernard Hickey wants the Government to introduce a helicopter payment system through what he is calling a 'Matariki account." The Editor of economic and political newsletter, The Kaka talks to Wallace.

The University of Canterbury is leading a research collaboration with assistance from NASA's CAPSTONE mission team, which Rocket Lab is launching tonight. Wallace Chapman speaks to  Associate Professor, Stephen Weddell.

Dr Jason Low is an Associate Professor in Psychology at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, talks to Wallace about what plant blindness is and why we need to know about it.

We all know it's important to live an active life as we get older - but often the payoff is pain or injury. Today's expert is senior physiotherapist Olivia Rawlinson in our Wellington studio, who will be able to offer advice on the best way of avoiding injury when exercising.

Today Sydney based correspondent Brad Foster talks to Jesse about the rental shortage crisis in Regional Australia and the high number of Australians on emergency housing waiting lists. He also gives an update on the launch of a NASA rocket from a site in the Northern Territory.

Today reviewer Linda Burgess has been checking out shows on free to air television. She talks to Jesse about Sort your life Out on TV3, Extraordinary Escapes on TV1 and Doctor Doctor on TVNZ+.

June 27th is the birthday of famous blind-deaf author, educator and political activist, Helen Keller. She was born this day back in 1880 and was a pioneer of developing communication for people with disabilities. As part of her advocacy she came to New Zealand in 1948. Don McKenzie was a young lad of eight who met her during her time at the Blind Institute, as it was then known, and talks to Jesse about the impact she has had on his life as a blind person working with New Zealand's blind deaf community.

When science researcher Britt Wray and her husband started talking about having children, one overwhelming question kept them up at night; is it ethical to bring a child into the world so dramatically impacted by climate change? Along with global temperatures and sea levels, climate anxiety is rising. Dr Wray now focuses on how to turn negative emotions associated with the fear of the future into a tool and catalyst for real change. Her new book is called , Generation Dread: Finding Purpose in an Age of Climate Crisis.

A South Island bull has broken a record and sold for ninety two and a half thousand dollars ($92,500).That's nearly ten times the average price. George Giddings from Meadowslea Farm talks to Jesse about their special sale.

One of the most common uses of historical research is to discover a person's genealogy. Yet genealogical research is usually seen as an 'amateur' pursuit. Today Dr Grant Morris discusses the reality of genealogical research.

Today Dave Armstrong looks at some of the issues that need tackling around Wellington. 

Today we're joined by Sir John Kirwan to discuss the 1987 Rugby World Cup winning All Blacks team.

Brad Warrington aka DJ Sticky Fingaz reviews Christchurch hip hop artist Big Sima's 'The Student', and Beyoncé's "Break my soul".

NZ Compare estimates that over half-a-million households could be paying a lot less for internet.

Clay is a breathable natural resource known for its antibacterial properties. It's used a lot traditionally by many cultures in food preparation and service. Compost enthusiast Victoria Aguilera has gone back to her Chilean roots where clay is a staple, and is launching New Zealand's first clay composter. She is busting composting myths, full of soil knowledge, and wants everyone to compost together.

The Mongol Derby is an multi-horse endurance race that is considered the longest and toughest in the world.

Claire Concannon visits Raglan to chat with the Karioi project team. With extenstive predator-trapping, bird-monitoring and education programmes, the team are working with the community to help turn the tide on biodiversity loss in their area.

It's no secret that country music is full of misogyny, racism and homophobia. There's bro country and then there's her country says veteran music journalist Marissa R. Ross. 

For Bookmarks today we're joined by actor Theresa Healey. 

Today RNZ's Our Changing World producer Claire Concannon gives her verdict on her 'go-to' podcasts. She talks to Jesse about Science Vs and BBC Earth's podcast.

Last week we spoke to Dr Nic Rawlence about his campaign for New Zealand to adopt a fossil emblem and celebrate its pre-historic past. Well, another way we can do that is by getting future generations excited about the subject. Former primary school teacher Joan Joass has a geology degree and a passion for paleontology, so she wrote a book called 'We're Going on a Fossil Hunt', which attempts to do just that.

Aotearoa's biggest music stars are performing at Purapura Whetū - Stars of Matariki on Friday. 

Most of us probably like the idea of second hand and upcycling, but it can be hard to consistently live that way. When you need something, you don't always have the energy to trawl Trade Me and scour op shops to find something that works AND looks good. Landscape architect Claire O'Shaughnessy rarely buys new, and structures her life around reducing carbon emissions - including when buying her house. She talks to Jesse about her efforts.

Ohiwa Black Diamond Truffles has been given more than $155,000 by the Government to encourage other landowners to grow 'black diamonds'.

Adults with disabilities are often described as "cute" by members of the public. While never meant in a patronizing way, it is important we use adult language while talking to and about people with disabilities.

Four women have decided it's time to say no more often. They've written a book, Jesse speaks to one of the authors, Laurie Weingart.

Today Pip talks about Jane Austen books which have been turned into films. She gives her take on Fire Island, Pride and Prejudice and Emma. She also has a special mention of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, a book by Seth Grahaeme-Smith also adapted for a film.

Today neuropsychologist Hannah talks about how to get the advance on your own IQ by practising a few key principles of mental health.

NZ is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with the EU, and our cheese makers are worried they're about to be caught in the crossfire. The New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association's Daniel Shields talks to Jesse.

People with a criminal history struggle to get jobs.  The not-for-profit organisation Take2, run a modern rehabilitation programme for prisoners in computer coding. Their technical director at Take2, Matthew Berrigan talks to Jesse.

 Tablets and laptops are commonplace in schools, and while they can be amazing tools for learning, there may be downsides. Paediatric physiotherapist and post graduate health science student Julie Cullen talks to Jesse.

Robert Draper is a reporter for the New York Times and the grandson of Watergate Special prosecutor Leon Jaworski. He's writing a book about the Capitol insurrection and reflects on Washington then, and now.

We know how important Matariki is to Maori but the star cluster has been part of human folklore for tens of thousands of years. Today's expert Richard Hall is one of our country's leading astronomical communicators.

Sydney based correspondent Brad Foster talks to Jesse about Government vouchers given out during COVID which still haven't been used. It's estimated in New South Wales that around 326 million dollars worth of vouchers haven't been spent and are due to expire at the end of the month.

Today Claire talks to Jesse about The Offer on TVNZ, Pachinko on Apple TV and Mayor of Kingstown on Amazon.

Musician, designer and creative Boh Runga's got a new podcast out called Bohboh radio. She talks to Jesse about the limited series, which is all about people reliving their treasured childhood memories.

Today is World Refugee Day.. Waikato is one of the biggest refugee centres in Aotearoa, and over a hundred refugees in the Waikato are currently studying at Wintec. Among those improving their English through study, is Ramez Sharfo.

Maggie Squire is the youngest athlete in New Zealand's Common Wealth Games team to compete in Birmingham this year. The sixteen year old diver speaks to Jesse before heading off.

This week's critter is a true vagabond - it lives its life blowing around in hot, dry lands, going wherever the wind takes it. Famous (amongst lichenologists) for its powers of resurrection, the native lichen Xanthoparmelia semiviridis looks like a lifeless ball when its dry. But sprinkle it with water and it will unroll within minutes.

Builder Stan Scott is back today to answer any of your DIY questions or help with any tips on projects. You can send your questions to jesse@rnz.co.nz or text 2101 and we'll get them to Stan.

Today chef and founder of My Shared Kitchen, Julie Biuso shares a lovely winter recipe for Roast Leg of Lamb and Easy Oven potatoes. She's suggesting this might make a nice meal to share with family and friends during Matariki.

Today Graeme talks to Jesse about Nude Tuesday, Lightyear and Men.