Saturday Morning with Jack Tame

He's been described as “the John le Carré of his generation” and a “megastar of the genre”. British spy writer Mick Herron has earned millions of fans around the world and delighted critics with his thrilling plots, rich characters, and dry humour. He's won dozens of awards for both his Slough House series, his stand alone works, and his short story collections, and ‘Slow Horses' and ‘Down Cemetery Road' have both been adapted to the screen. Herron's on our shores for the Auckland Writers Festival, in which he'll introduce the latest addition to his iconic series, ‘Clown Town', set during the height of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. ‘Slow Horses' was originally released in 2010, and wasn't particularly successful, especially when compared to the acclaim both the book, and Herron's work as a whole, now holds. Herron told Jack Tame things changed one day at a time, so it doesn't feel like that big of a difference. “It was a low slow process, and it's one in which, I mean, my part in it has been that every – well, most days, not every day, most days I just sit down and get on with the book that I happen to be writing.” “Everything else goes on around me really,” he told Tame. He attributes his success to his publishers, the people working in marketing, those who run festivals, and so on. “I just respond to invitations and very happily turn up.” Over four million copies of his books have sold around the world, but Herron isn't quite sure what it is about his work that people connect with so much. “I don't intend to investigate it too closely,” he said. “It's a feeling that if I did, I might break something without meaning to.” “I just carry on doing what I'm doing and hope I'm doing it right ... I just do what I've always done, which is write the novel that's inside me that I need to write.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does the phrase “doing the edges” mean to you? Most people would think either of assembling the outside of a jigsaw puzzle, or cleaning up and trimming around the edge of your lawn. And while Kevin Milne understands the purpose of one of those, he doesn't quite get why people bother with the other. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the 21st anniversary of the debut album from iconic Kiwi band Fat Freddy's Drop, ‘Based On A True Story'. And to mark the occasion, they're setting off on a world tour – kicking things off with three performances in Auckland. Chris Schulz was at the first show last night, and joined Jack Tame to share his thoughts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Stroud Artie Dam is a man with a secret. He spends his days teaching history to high schoolers, expanding their young minds, correcting their casual cruelties, and lending a kind word to those who need it most. He goes to holiday parties with his wife of three decades, makes small talk with neighbours, and, on weekends, takes his sailboat out on the beautiful Massachusetts Bay. He is, by all appearances, present and alive. But inside, Artie is plagued by feelings of isolation. He looks out at a world gone mad—at himself and the people around him—and turns a question over and over in his mind: how is it that we know so little about one another, even those closest to us? And then, one day, Artie learns that life has been keeping a secret from him, one that threatens to upend his entire world. Once he learns it, he is forced to chart a new course, to reconsider the relationships he holds most dear—and to make peace with the mysteries at the heart of our existence. The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett Oxford, Mississippi, 1933. Eleven-year-old Meg Lefleur has learned the hard way to rely on no one. Ever since her beloved mother failed to come home last Christmas Eve, she's been one of the 'unadoptable' girls at the town's orphanage, where she fights each day to keep her wits sharp and her spirit unbowed. When she meets Birdie, a young woman who has come to Oxford determined to remind her socialite sister of the impoverished family she left behind, for the first time in a long while it seems someone else might care about Meg's future. But as the Depression tightens its grip, Birdie begins to suspect her sister's charmed life may be founded on a tapestry of lies. Then, Birdie encounters Charlie, a woman haunted by loss who has been pushed to the brink with nothing left to lose. Drawn together by circumstance, they find unexpected kinship among a disreputable, determined band of women. But in a town steeped in hypocrisy, even the smallest act of defiance can have dangerous consequences… LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"'Slow down and soak up the truly remarkable surroundings'. That simple tourist maxim has taken on new meaning in Queenstown, as the wellness wave washes over our premier resort town with unprecedented relish." Read Mike's full article here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Saturday 16 May 2026, British spy author Mick Herron joins Jack in studio to talk about his latest book, ‘Clown Town'. Jack delights in his son's first word – Dad! Chef Nadia Lim is in to convince us that cabbage can be the hero on your plate, while Francesca Rudkin reviews the dark new thriller ‘Obsession'. Plus, Ed McKnight dissects dodgy Facebook ads so we know what to look out for. Get the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast every Saturday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We often think of influencers as being media celebrities, politicians, or people in the media, and that mental health care needs to be done by psychologists and counsellors. But new research suggests that people in your community who you have regular ongoing trusted and personal relationships with could also play a big role. Recent research looking at how hairdressers could influence people's views and actions around climate change found that hairdressers were often already talking with clients about climate change and how to influence this. By introducing a few simple prompts —e.g. stickers on the mirrors, hairdressers commenting on their own initiatives to reduce water and recycle— conversations on the topic increased and clients reported they were more likely to take similar actions, both about their haircare and other things at home such as energy use. This research built on earlier studies which had looked at the effect barbers could have on the mental health of their clients, particularly for groups who typically don't engage well with traditional mental health services (e.g. young men). With some training, barbers were able to monitor their client's mental health, provide emotional support, and give some basic advice about where to go for help. In both these areas there were some key things that are thought to help: Hairdressers and barbers often have regular ongoing relationships with clients, allowing them to regularly check-in with them. There is often a warm and trusting relationship between the barber and their clients – we know from other psychology research that this type of relationship is central to any type of therapy going well. Hairdressers and barbers are often seen by the public as cool and influential. They have some status within their communities where people look up to them – particularly true for barbers in places like Black communities in the USA. However, we do need to be careful, particularly in looking after barbers who might be providing mental health support. We want to make sure they are well equipped and have their own support, so they don't feel unduly burdened by caring for people's mental health problems as well as their hair. Innovative solutions like these might really help in nudging people towards making changes in their lives, either around climate change or mental health, and could be an efficient way to roll out widescale changes in health and wellbeing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ads we see on social media promise us a great many things, but how many of them are as good as they seem? Ed McKnight was recently served an ad on Facebook promising rental investment with great returns that set off a few alarms. He joined Jack Tame to break down the ad and explain the concerning signs to look for if you spot an investment ad that seems too good to be true. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a great time of the year. The leaves tumbling down in wind or rain, even in very cold conditions, tells us it's going to be winter soon. Some leaves are pretty sturdy on the lawn, others blow themselves to the old growing places for plants, flowers, fruits, and seeds. What now? Gather them up and put them in the weekly recycle bin? There are a few things we can do to make them useful for the garden: Collect a heap of these leaves and put them in a compost bin. Mix the leaves with twigs and woody debris, some old food scraps and dog poo. Literally anything that once lived can be composted and turned into next season's plant food – think N-P-K. Get a good depth (four inches or so) that you can scatter over the dormant pants. This will protect the plants during winter, and it will also keep the very cold ice-base away from the hibernating plant. Everything is then protected from tricky conditions. If you add some slow-release fertiliser as well, you'll literally increase the fertility of that patch of your garden. But the third one is my favourite: Get yourself a big plastic container (where you usually grow some large specimens with plenty of root space). Fill that container up with fallen-down leaves, and as you are filling it up, simply stand on the leaves (and small branches) and smack it into a nice compact layer of leaves. Then you turn the bin upside down and you end up with a perfect, compact tower of compressed leaves, ready for spring or next year autumn! The spring leaves would be great to keep the developing plants safe, warm, and surrounded by fertiliser. The year-old lot will be dry, light and the very best long-lasting winter cover for the coming months. My personal way to go even further is by chucking everything inside a sizeable rubbish bin (at least a meter tall), in which you can really go to town with massive amounts of fallen, dried leaves. They will suit soil improvement, great fertility, and easy-to-dry soil conditions. Just be careful stepping in and out of such a huge rubbish bin without breaking legs and necks… LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US delegation to China had to leave everything gifted behind Lapel pins, credentials, gifts, burner devices – all of it had to end up in a bin before boarding Air Force One. It's thought to be for national security reasons as China has long been suspected by the West of spying and carrying out cyberattacks, given its advanced intelligence and espionage capabilities. Mythos has found security holes in Apple's MacBooks Apple has staked its brand to security, so this isn't great. And if Apple is at risk from this new Anthropic AI model, does anyone else stand a chance? The security researchers found a way for a local user to get complete access to the device. Luckily it sounds like it's a permission elevation bug, rather than a remote user being able to get in. Apple hasn't commented with any specifics. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Brokenwood Mysteries The detectives of Brokenwood continue to grapple with the small town's ever-growing murder rate. From attempted alien abductions to a surfing priest with a dark history, New Zealand's most lethal small town is back! (TVNZ1, TVNZ+) The Punisher: One Last Kill As Frank Castle searches for meaning beyond revenge, an unexpected force pulls him back into the fight (Disney+). LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Obsession After breaking the mysterious "One Wish Willow" to win his crush's heart, a hopeless romantic gets exactly what he asked for. However, he soon discovers that some desires come at a dark and sinister price. Caterpillar In an early-2000s Wellington household, three generations of women navigate love, ambition and change. Single mother Maxine struggles to fund her filmmaking dreams, and teenage daughter Cassie faces the pressures of growing up. All while grandmother Huia quietly confronts a dementia diagnosis, retreating into her fascination with monarch butterflies as her mind begins to falter. When the family's needs clash, they must learn to adapt together. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's one of the many cruelties of motherhood. You can love your baby unconditionally. You can grow them. You can literally sustain them with your own body. But at the end of the day, you can only do so much for your child. You can change their nappy or feed them a few spoonfuls of kumara mash. But you can't take their first step for them. You can't say their first word. At first, I thought it was a fluke. There I was, standing over our son and gazing into his eyes as I wrestled his arms out of his pyjama sleeves, when suddenly he blurted it out. “DAD.” Not Dada. Not bad. Dad. If I'm totally honest, it wasn't totally clear what he meant with his utterance. Was he using my name? Was he calling me? Impressing me? Or just turning shapes over in that sweet, slobbery little mouth. “Can you say Dad?” I asked. “DAD.” He said. “DAD. DAD. DAD.” “He doesn't know what it means,” said my wife. But then, as if disbelieving her own words, she stood above him and had a crack. “Can you say Mumma?” she said. “Mumma?” “MUUUUMMMMMMMA.” He studied her lips. The way they pressed together. The way the air came out her nose. He thought about it. Thought about it. And replied. “DAD.” Oh, sweet heaven on Earth. She can search speech and language development and come up with any physiological explanation she likes. Maybe the “M” sound is a bit more complicated than a D or a B. There's a reason so many kids say duck or dog as their first word. Mava reckons he's actually at the point where he uses the word to mean the both of us. But of course, I have to disagree. I'm confident our son is so brilliant and bright that he's approached his linguistic development with purpose and intent, and when it comes to his vocabulary, he's implemented a strict prioritisation. We're now a few months in. The more our son says “Dad,” the more he's understood he gets a reaction. He can offer a few sounds. He knows a sheep says ‘Baaa' and a snake “ssssss,” and he uses “RaRa” to mean his brother. But he still only really has the one proper word. Do you want more food? We'll ask. DAD. Look at that! We'll say... as a beautiful border collie runs past us in the park. DAD. And best of all, still, can you say mumma? DAD It won't last forever, obviously. And on balance I'm willing to concede that's probably a good thing. Kids grow quickly. One minute you're swaddling them in one of those cute little hooded towels, the next thing they're queueing up to renew a driver's license. But when the Plunket nurse filled out his book this week, recording his development for all eternity, I was pleased to see her as an independent party settle any household debate once and for all. Our son has one word the Plunket book says. He says it often. Three letters. One syllable. DAD. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If I'm honest, I've never found cabbage to be that exciting... that is, until I started roasting it. The miso butter works magic, turning it golden and caramelised on the edges, with a soft, sweet centre and loads of savoury flavour. It's one of those simple dishes that surprises. We often have it as a knockout side, but it's just as good as a light veggie main with rice or noodles. From Nadia's Farm Kitchen Cookbook Serves 4 (as a side) Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30–35 minutes Ingredients 50g butter, melted 1 tablespoon miso paste 1 garlic clove, finely grated or crushed 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or lemon juice) ¼ teaspoon sesame oil (optional) 1 small green cabbage (or half a large one), cut into 6–8 wedges, core intact To serve Toasted sesame seeds (optional) Finely chopped chilli (optional) Squeeze of lemon or lime juice (optional) Method Preheat oven to 200°C and line a large oven tray with baking paper. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, miso paste, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using) until smooth. Arrange cabbage wedges in a single layer on the tray, cut side down. Spoon or brush the miso butter generously over each wedge, turning to coat both sides. Reserve a little miso butter for finishing later, if desired. Roast cabbage for 25–35 minutes, turning halfway, until the cabbage is tender, golden, and crisp at the edges. If the edges are browning too fast, reduce the heat slightly. Served brushed with remaining miso butter and sprinkled with sesame seeds, chilli and or a squeeze of lemon or lime juice (if using). LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frank Bunce is an All Blacks legend. His 55-cap career spanned six seasons before he retired from the team at age 36 – the second oldest All Black in history. While he was done with the black jersey, he wasn't done with rugby, playing for the Chiefs as well as having a stint in Europe before hanging up his boots properly in 1999. But that wasn't the last time Kiwis saw him on the screen, as Bunce was one of the first contestants on Celebrity Treasure Island – all the way back in 2001. This year sees him back on the Island for a second attempt at digging up the treasure, but what prompted his return? “It's not really the challenge,” he explained to Jack Tame. “I don't mind the challenge and all of that ... I think it's the people, y'know, you enjoy yourself, you have the challenge.” “It's something totally different.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir David Attenborough isn't the only broadcaster to reach 100 within the last week or so. One of New Zealand's greats, Allan Martin reached his century last week. Throughout his life he was the former Director General of TVNZ, producing some of their greatest current affairs shows, as well as a pilot, a farmer, and even a multi-gold medal winner at the World Masters Games in swimming and track and field. Kevin Milne decided to pay tribute to him whilst chatting with Jack this week. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mysterious Kiwi musician Aldous Harding has released a new album. Train on the Island is her fifth studio album and is filled with her trademark intricate style of lyricism, full of strange and unique turns of phrases. Chris Schulz has been listening to the album, and joined Jack Tame to share his thoughts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke My name was Natalie Heller Mills, and I was perfect at being alive. Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle. Her charming farmhouse is rustic, her husband a handsome cowboy, her six children each more delightful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers behind the scenes, her kitchen hiding industrial-grade fridges and ovens, her husband the Republican equivalent of a Kennedy? What Natalie's followers—all 8 million of them—don't know won't hurt them. And The Angry Women? The privileged, Ivy League, coastal elite haters who call her an antifeminist iconoclast? They're sick with jealousy. Because Natalie isn't simply living the good life, she's living the ideal—and just so happens to be building an empire from it. Until one morning she wakes up in a life that isn't hers. Her home, her husband, her children—they're all familiar, but something's off. Her kitchen is warmed by a sputtering fire rather than electricity, her children are dirty and strange, and her soft-handed husband is suddenly a competent farmer. Just yesterday Natalie was curating photos of homemade jam for her Instagram, and now she's expected to haul firewood and handwash clothes until her fingers bleed. Has she become the unwitting star of a brutal reality show? Could it really be time travel? Is she being tested by God? By Satan? When Natalie suffers a brutal injury in the woods, she realizes two things: This is not her beautiful life, and she must escape by any means possible. True Crime by Patricia Cornwell The jaw-dropping, moving memoir from the godmother of forensic crime and creator of Kay Scarpetta. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"No matter the season, the mesmerising lakeside setting of Wānaka is a supreme body of beauty. Clad in floor to ceiling windows, I was staying at Marina Terrace Apartments on Lakeside Road, waking up to the yolky dawn of a new day as the first rays of sunlight torched the sprawling sweep of Lombardy poplars strutting the western shoreline, beneath Roy's Peak. Gazing across to the gilded glory of the morning light show, it vividly underscored to me Wānaka's elemental brag-power as one of our greatest natural playgrounds. And it beats to a less frenetic tempo than the throb of Queenstown. Unsurprisingly, most of the locals look strikingly fit, lithe and active. I guess it becomes second nature – as does using the Mt. Iron loop track as your open-air gym." Read Mike's full article. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To many people, “being sustainable” seems like an active choice and sacrifice that someone has to make – but there are plenty of things they may already be doing without realising they're sustainable. Kate Hall joined Jack Tame to run through the list. Cooking at home instead of eating out Buying seasonal or local produce (international imports often cost more) Wearing clothes longer / repairing instead of replacing Using leftovers and stretching meals Buying second-hand furniture Travelling domestically instead of internationally (or not at all) Avoiding turning the AC/heat pump on & opting for doors open/more blankets instead Thinking about something for a long time before purchasing Choosing experiences as gifts over buying more stuff Taking the bus, walking, or biking instead of driving Washing clothes less often (only when they actually need it) Doing fuller loads instead of small, frequent washes Bringing a drink bottle everywhere you go instead of buying drinks out Making coffee at home instead of buying daily coffees (often in disposable cups) LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Saturday 9 May 2026, Frank Bunce, All Black legend, Dad of six, and two-time Celebrity Treasure Island competitor, joined to chat about his latest attempt at digging up cash on the Island. Jack reminisced on his meeting with Sir David Attenborough, as the renowned broadcaster celebrates his 100th birthday. Nadia Lim joined us to share her highly demanded Seafood Chowder recipe. Plus, our travel reporter Mike Yardley discusses his trip to Wanaka, the sweetheart of NZ, and Chris Schulz reviewed the wondrous Aldous Harding's new album ‘Train on the Island'. Get the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast every Saturday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allium Rust on garlic has become quite an issue in the past 10 years. Not just in Canterbury, where I live, but in many places of New Zealand. It's a fungal disease that never was that problematic in “the old days”. I used to grow heaps of garlic in Auckland and Christchurch, but slowly, stuff started to become troublesome. People complain that this fungal disease strikes in late winter/early spring, and the only thing that stops it from hammering the garlic plants is by regular spraying with copper or copper/sulphur fungicides (organics!). “Regular” might be as frequent as every fortnight! The easiest way to identify the rust attack is the yellow pustules that cover the leaf surfaces. Rust is transmitted by air movement – the spores float with the wind and can travel from great distances. If you are in a densely populated area with many gardeners that grow onions, shallots, leeks, and other Allium species, the spores will be everywhere. Another thing that seems to cause Allium Rust is by having too much moisture in the soil – keep it as dry as you can. Traditionally, garlic used to be planted on the shortest day (third week of June) and harvested around the longest day (just before Christmas), but I've done some trials for the last half a dozen years or so to bring those dates forward by at least a month and a half. With rather little success, to be frank – I still need to spray regularly and when I am on the road and miss one of the sprays, the leaves will turn that yucky yellow-orange with the rust. I tried growing inside my old tunnel house (drier conditions and no fungal spores having access to the young plants) – now that made a bit of a difference! This year I decided to go inside my brand-new tunnel house. A week ago (on the 4th of May) I planted a few narrow beds of garlic in various lengths between other plants (including my late-comer tomato plants). Keeping the tunnel house openings closed as much as possible will reduce the fungal spores floating into the tunnel house, and this will avoid infections right from the moment I plant the garlic. Remember to keep the garlic reasonably dry – it all works to keep your crop healthy. If you do find some yellow spores on the leaves, spray with some copper/sulphur fungicides. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2023, New Zealand made a very important switch, moving from traditional cervical screenings to HPV screenings. Since then, cervical screening rates have increased significantly – particularly as a result of self-screening. What is HPV screening? 170 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed per year, but there are only 50 deaths per year – it's preventable HPV screening tests are for ‘Human papillomavirus', the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers It has replaced the traditional smear (cytology) test in cervical screening program It's recommended for women aged 25–69, every five years if the HPV test is negative It's a simple self-test vaginal swab If HPV is detected, further testing such as a cervical smear or there will be a referral straight to specialist Why HPV screening is better than traditional cervical screening? It detects the cause, not just the changes. The old smear test looked for abnormal cells, while the HPV test detects the virus that causes the changes that lead to cervical cancer This means the earlier identification of risk HPV testing is significantly more accurate at detecting the risk of cervical cancer – fewer cases are missed compared to cytology It's safe to screen every five years instead of three What are the other advantages? It reduces barriers to testing; it's less invasive, less embarrassing, and there's less discomfort More women are taking up screening as result International evidence shows HPV screening detects more pre-cancer earlier and leads to greater reductions in cervical cancer rates The take home message? HPV screening is a more accurate, earlier, and more effective way to prevent cervical cancer It allows longer intervals, self-testing, and better access It's a major step forward from traditional smear-based programmes See your doctor or nurse to talk about it LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spotify now has workouts Not just playlists for your workouts, but actual workouts. They've partnered with Peloton to make 1400 curated classes available globally. You don't need dedicated Peloton equipment for these workouts – some don't require any equipment at all. It's available in most global markets and included with a Premium subscription. It makes the Spotify offering a more direct comparison to the Apple Music and Apple Fitness offerings. Instead of going to a stadium for a concert, what about going to the movie theatre? The question will be, how do you make this feel more exciting, inviting, enticing than just watching a livestream? AMC thinks they can turn the 'movie theatre' into a live entertainment portal and is launching new tech at 300 locations across the USA. The artists will be able to see, hear, and respond to the theatre audiences – so it's almost like a zoom, rather than a livestream. The initial lineup includes 'one night only' concerts from the likes of Paris Hilton, Kim Petras, and Bebe Rexha —so known names, but not exactly BIG names— and tickets will range from $40 to $75 depending on the artist and the location. Movie theatres do have incredible sound systems, and it'll be interesting to see if they get creative with how they use the big screen – maybe it's a new creative format to lean into? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legends As drugs flood the streets of '90s Britain, a team of civil servants is thrust undercover to topple the gangs behind it. Inspired by an untold true story (Netflix). Big Mistakes Blackmailed into working for gangsters, two deeply incapable siblings become the most disorganized duo in organized crime (Netflix) LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mortal Kombat II Johnny Cage joins other fighters in the ultimate, no-holds-barred battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn, a powerful tyrant who threatens the very existence of the Earthrealm and its defenders. The Sheep Detectives George Hardy is a shepherd who loves to read murder mysteries to his sheep, never suspecting that they can understand him. When George is found dead under mysterious circumstances, the sheep decide to solve the crime themselves, even if it means leaving their meadow for the first time and facing the fact that the human world isn't as simple as it appears in books. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're a long way from the sea, but luckily, we know a couple of good fishermen who frequent the waters around Stewart Island. We trade lamb or Swifty beer for fresh fish and the occasional cray, and when we do, this chowder is on the menu. It's one of Carlos' most requested dishes: rich and creamy, loaded with mussels, prawns, chunks of fresh fish (and cray if we're lucky enough). Simple, soul-warming, and perfect for colder weather, it brings a little taste of the coast to our alpine table. Serves 4–6 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Ingredients 1kg fresh mussels in their shells, scrubbed and cleaned pinch of saffron threads 1 large leek, chopped 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped 1⁄2 teaspoon smoked paprika 50g butter, cubed 2 tablespoons plain flour 4 medium potatoes, peeled, diced 200–250g raw prawns, shelled 450g fresh white fish fillets and/or crayfish meat, cut into chunks Juice of 1⁄2 lemon A handful of finely chopped parsley and/or dill 1⁄2 cup sour cream or crème fraîche, to serve Method Place the mussels in a large pot and add enough cold water to just cover them. Add a lid and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the mussel shells open. Discard any that remain closed. Using tongs, transfer the mussels to a bowl. Strain the mussel stock through a fine sieve into a large bowl or pot. Stir in the saffron threads and let them infuse while you continue with the recipe. Return the pot to the stove and heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped leek and garlic, and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for 30 seconds. Add the butter and once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually add 1–2 ladles of the saffron-infused mussel stock while stirring to create a smooth base. Add about 1.25 litres (5 cups) of stock and the potatoes. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Add more stock if needed and stir occasionally to prevent the chowder from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Meanwhile, remove the mussel meat from the shells and roughly chop. Chop the prawns if large. Add the chopped mussels, prawns, fish and lemon juice. Stir gently and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the seafood is just cooked through. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and more lemon if needed. Stir through the fresh herbs. Serve with a generous dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was one of the most memorable days of my life. January, 2010. We'd been out most of the day on assignment, leaving Scott Base early in the morning and flying by helicopter across McMurdo Sound to a research team at the McMurdo Dry Valleys, the largest ice-free area in Antarctica. Having filmed for a few hours, we took off again and tracked the edge of Ross Island, flying low to watch the frenzy of activity on the edge of the continent below. Penguins, seals, whales, feeding in the summer thaw. At Cape Bird we used another battery or two and a tape, filming with the tens of thousands of mating pairs at the Adelie penguin colony. So many birds! So much bird shit. We flew home, skirting around the base of Mt Erebus, epic and stark. I was in a daze. But as the helicopter wound down and we unloaded our gear at Scott Base, the staff on the ground were in a flutter. “You're not going to believe who's visiting for dinner,” someone said. He was standing in the Scott Base bar, holding court. I remember him being surrounded by a half-dozen people, hanging on each word. I meekly approached his producer and cleared my throat. “I'm really sorry to bother you...” I said. “My name's Jack Tame and I'm a reporter with Television New Zealand... I just wondered if it might be possible, if it wasn't too much of an inconvenience, if Sir David might consider maybe doing an interview with us while he's here?” “I dunno...” said the producer. “Just ask him yourself.” I clumsily reached out my hand and repeated my speech. “If it's not too much trouble... if I'm not asking too much...” “I'd be happy to,” said Sir David Attenborough. “...on one condition.” “Of course.” “We bring this bottle of wine.” And so it came to be that after what had already been maybe the single most special day of my journalistic career, I found myself sitting in the Scott Base lounge, with a bottle of red wine, musing over the miracle of life with Sir David Attenborough. Just outside the base windows, whales broke through the melting sea ice and puffed through their blowholes as we cycled through subjects: Filmmaking. Climate science. The existence of God. I can think of no single person, ever, who has done more to shape our understanding of the natural world. No person who has done more to foster our sense of wonder. Across his 100 years, his broadcasts and storytelling have reached and affected billions of people across the planet. How many broadcasters, filmmakers, biologists, ecologists, marine and climate scientists were inspired to pursue their passion because of Sir David Attenborough? His is the voice of the natural world. And as the world celebrates his yet another achievement, 100 years, I gratefully reflect on that late afternoon in Antarctica. For one of us, it was extraordinary encounter in an otherwise pretty unremarkable life. For the other, it was an unremarkable encounter in an undoubtedly extraordinary life. The extraordinary life. And as I wrapped our filming and he headed off to find his spot for dinner, I shook Sir David's hand and spoke the truest words I could. Thank you, I said. For everything, I said. Thank you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A staple of the folk-rock genre, few people wouldn't recognise the name or work of Mumford & Sons. Following only a year after the release of their fifth studio album, Rushmere, was their sixth album Prizefighter, released in February this year. The album was recorded in ten days at producer Aaron Dessner's studio in New York, and now they're taking it around the world – bringing it to New Zealand's shores as well. They're performing tonight at Auckland's Spark Arena, and compared to the more intimate, slightly introspective shows the band has done in the past, this one is set to be a bit more exciting. “This is the beginning of a major bout of like, quite a few months of touring for us with a whole new production, a new album, and we're quite ambitious for the whole thing,” Keyboardist and vocalist Ben Lovett told Jack Tame. “It's our 6th album, so we're quite like, in a spirit of let's like, leave it all on the floor, let's bring all the new songs out, let's give it a whole new visual aesthetic.” “It's quite exciting really.” Despite only being a year apart in release dates, Rushmere and Prizefighter are quite different records – Rushmere being more introspective and internal, while Prizefighter is more expansive, featuring collaborations with artists like Chris Stapleton and Hozier. “When we talked about getting back together, I think our desire was to make a record that felt like you were kind of pulling the curtain back and just hearing a band in a room together,” Ted Dwane, who does vocals, bass, and guitar for the band, told Tame. “So with Dave Cobb we made Rushmere, and kind of, I think, kind of completed that thought.” And it was Rushmere's release that threw the band's creative doors wide open, answering any questions about where the band was at musically and whether the audience would be along for the ride. “And I think just internally between us, it was an incredibly freeing feeling, y'know, just the feeling of making Prizefighter,” Dawson said. “It felt like the backlog was cleared and we were flowing again.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Early fans of The Black Keys will be delighted by the duo's latest release. ‘Peaches!' is the 14th studio album from the American rock duo, a live-recorded covers album returning to their blues roots. Chris Schulz joined Jack Tame to give his thoughts on the release. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Tucked beneath the rugged Crown Range and richly wreathed in the charm of its gold-rush legacy, my abiding love-affair with Arrowtown is fully renewed with every visit. Long famed for its ravishing fall foliage, autumn's full flush is still on radiant display. The annual Arrowtown Autumn Festival celebrated its 40th anniversary a fortnight ago – no mean feat when so many events and cherished festivals around the country have struggled to continue. I happened to be in town for the tail end of the festivities. "This year's cooler temps have been a boon for leaf-peepers, because the cooler, crisp nights help trees retain their colourful leaves longer, while also producing even more vibrant hues. So even though it's now May, you can still feast on the flamboyantly coloured foliage if you hot foot it to Arrowtown in the next few weeks. The flaming colour palette moves like morning mist through the trees in the Arrow Valley: from mossy green and petal rose, to flaming copper and soft honey gold, all part of the unfolding medley." Read Mike's full article here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe In the early morning of November 29th, 2019, surveillance cameras at the headquarters of MI6, Britain's spy agency, captured video of a young man pacing back and forth on a high balcony of Riverwalk, a luxury tower on the bank of the river Thames. At 2:24 AM he jumped into the river. In a quiet London neighborhood several miles away, Rachelle Brettler was worried about her son. Zac had told her that he had gone to stay with a friend, but then he did not come home. Days later, a police car pulled up and two officers relayed the dreadful news: her son was dead. In their unbearable grief, Rachelle and her husband, Matthew, struggled to understand what had happened to Zac. He had his troubles, but in no way seemed suicidal. As they would soon discover, however, there was a lot they did not know about their son. Only after his death did they learn that he had adopted a fictitious alter-ego: Zac Ismailov, son of a Russian oligarch and heir to a great fortune. Under this guise, Zac had become entangled with a slippery London businessman named Akbar Shamji, and a murderous gangster known as “Indian Dave.” As the Brettlers set about investigating their son's death, they were pulled into a different and more dangerous London than the one they'd always known, and came to believe that something much more nefarious than a suicide had claimed Zac's life. But to their immense frustration, Scotland Yard seemed unable—or unwilling—to bring the perpetrators to justice. In a bravura feat of reporting and writing, Patrick Radden Keefe chronicles the Brettlers' quest, peeling back layers of mystery and exposing the seedy truths behind the glamorous London of posh mansions and private nightclubs, a city in which everything is for sale, and aspirational fantasies are underwritten by dirty money and corruption. London Falling is a mesmerizing investigation of an inexplicable death and a powerful narrative driven by suspense and staggering revelations. But it is also an intimate and deeply poignant inquiry into the nature of parental love and the challenges of being a parent today, a portrait of a family trying to solve the riddle not just of how their son died, but of who he really was in life. Click by Sarah Bailey Melbourne is gripped by fear after a backpacker's body is found with a cryptic note, and two more women vanish without trace. When photographs begin to arrive in the inboxes of the media and police, it's clear the killer isn't hiding - they are performing. Journalist Oli Groves, founder of a fledgling digital news site, knows the story could make or break her. Rookie detective Penelope Kibbs, still trying to prove herself, is desperate to stop the violence before more women are lost. But they soon realise the danger runs deeper than one killer - and closer than they want to believe. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we losing our words? Some new psychology research suggests that we are gradually speaking fewer words each year. Psychologists looked at data from over 2000 people between 2005-2019 that sampled sounds and speech from people's everyday lives. Researchers found that, over time, people are talking less and less. By 2019 on average, people spoke about 12,800 words per day – this was down from an estimated 16,000 words per day in 2007. On average this is a drop of about 300 words per year. Between 2005 and 2019, this represents a 28% drop in daily spoken words At first glance, losing 300 words a day doesn't sound like much. But across years and decades, it reflects many conversations that simply aren't happening anymore. Why this happening? The timing overlaps with the rise of texting, social media, emails, etc – we can't establish a direct cause but looking at younger and older participants: People under 25 lost about 450 words per year People over 25 lost about 310 words per year Younger people lost around 44% more words per year than older adults This suggests technology may play some role, but it does not explain everything. The decline affected everyone, pointing to broader social changes such as: Fewer casual public interactions Different work patterns Less shared physical space More solitary or screen‑based time Why does this matter? Spoken conversation is not just information exchange. It plays a key role in things like social connection and wellbeing. Speaking less means connecting less, which may link to the wider issues of loneliness, social isolation, etc. The good news: 300 words a day is not hard to regain. Practical Implication: Small conversations matter more than we think. An extra 300 words could be: A short hallway chat A few minutes checking in with a colleague Asking a neighbour how they're going A longer, more thoughtful answer to “How was your day?” These everyday moments add up. If loneliness and disconnection are growing problems, the solution may start with something surprisingly modest: speak a little more—on purpose. One extra conversation a day could help slow the slide into silence, for individuals and for society as a whole. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems pomegranates are now planted all over New Zealand. Some people encounter some troubles when these fruits ripen around this time of year. Here are some things that might be the causes of those troubles and how to prevent them: Cold and wet summers, resulting in a pretty mediocre ripening of the fruit from late summer till now-ish. The fruit can split or rot inside. A hot, sunny site with good drainage might reduce such troubles. Splitting of fruit is often caused by irregular watering or huge rainfalls followed by long, dry conditions. Regular watering might reduce those fruit-splitting troubles. Splitting fruit can also be the result of some fungal diseases (such as Anthracnose) when the fruit becomes quite black in colour. Botrytis is a grey mould that can start causing mishaps too – keep the foliage dry as much as you can. Temperatures of the site may also change the development of that fruit. If it's often too cold, the fruit may not ripen in a nice, sweet way. A lovely intense warm area often ends up with sweet fruit. Plant them in a warm sheltered spot; prune them in winter, so that the next generation of foliage will thrive with good airflow. Be aware that it sometimes takes two or even three (four!?) years for the pomegranates to start producing fruit in “full swing”. Sometimes birds are getting into the developing fruit in autumn… just be aware that some netting might avoid that. Sap-sucking insects (scales, mealybugs, and aphids) really love the softer skins of the developing fruit. Some simple organic sprays (oils, neem oils, etc) will give these sucking bugs a run for their money. I have heard of rodents climbing the shrubs and trees – a good rat trap would be handy, especially when baited with Selena Gomez Oreos! LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wine Trinity Hill Marsanne Roussanne 2024, Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay RRP from $40.00 Marsanne and Roussanne are classic grapes of the Rhone that are now cultivated in New Zealand. These varieties can make white wines and are often used in red blends as well, such as a Chateauneuf du Pape, or even a white Chateauneuf du Pape. A distinctive profile that is both fresh and fragrant with scents of quince and citrus and some stone fruits like white peach and apple. It's framed by a layer of fruit spice, lees, and a distinctive mineral saline suggestion. It has a silky touch at first, then a surge of acidity and mineral, lees and fruit. Matured in French oak barriques and puncheons. The season Rather excellent for Hawke's Bay and most of the country, delivering wine of concentration and power and allowing the winemakers to use a little more new oak if desired to add complexity and enhance flavours. The food A wine like this needs food that is less complex to allow the voice of the wine to speak louder. A shellfish dish in a creamy sauce, a ballotine of chicken filled with sausage, prosciutto, and pistachios or a mild cheese and spinach. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Saturday 2 May 2026, Ted Dwane and Ben Lovett from Mumford & Sons joined for a chat ahead of tonight's show at Spark Arena – part of their Prizefighter tour. Jack is in awe of marathon runner Yomif Kejelcha. It's pie season and Chef Nici Wickes has an autumnal triumph – beef, black pepper, mushroom, and red wine. Dougal Sutherland uncovers some alarming new research into how much less we're speaking. Francesca Rudkin reviews the highly anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2. Plus, American blues/rock duo The Black Keys have released their 14th studio album, Peaches! Music reviewer Chris Schulz joins Jack to share his favourite tunes. Get the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast every Saturday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the big internet infrastructure tools have revealed major production security issues A lot of these are not household names, but just this week we've seen critical patches released to fix things that would, could, or have, caused real world harm. There's a bug on Linux that allows an unprivileged local user to gain root/admin access. Another on the CPanel server application that also allows unauthenticated remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized administrative access. That means they could take your server down, or post malicious content on your site. If you're a business owner with a hosting provider, I'd check in with them to make sure both their Linux backbone and WHM/CPanel software is patched – both are major players in the market. These security issues come after Anthropic shared their incredibly power Mythos model with selected partners One of those was Linux (see above!) It's unclear if it was the AI that found the exploit, but this is the type of thing Anthropic said it could do. OpenAI is also launching its own "Cyber" model to select security partners before a public release. It's amusing because Sam Altman openly mocked Anthropic for the move to 'create marketing' around the hush hush model. The Pentagon has made its AI partnerships On the list are Nvidia, Microsoft, and AWS. They'll be able to deploy their models onto classified networks for "lawful operational use". What constitutes “legal use” is what got Anthropic designated a supply chain risk – it didn't want to be used for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. The DoD says 1.3 million personnel have used their "GenAI.mil" application, which gives access to a range of models in a classified setting. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should I Marry A Murderer? A fiancée turned key witness reveals how she stayed engaged to a man accused of murder while gathering evidence against him in this documentary series (Netflix). Celebrity Treasure Island Kiwi celebs go all out in a brand-new location, with more unexpected twists, turns, challenges and drama than ever. Who will take home $100K for their chosen charity? Ready? Tīmata! (TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+) LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The newest season of Celebrity Treasure Island is officially underway. One week in, there's already been injuries, eliminations, and tears – but why would someone decide to compete? Kevin Milne is wondering just what is motivating these Kiwi celebrities to sign up for the beach-based challenges. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is all my favourite flavours packed into one pie. It's rich and warming and perfect for a hearty dinner. Serves 4-6 Ingredients 2 tablespoons cooking oil 1 large onion, diced 1 large carrot, diced 500g rump steak, chopped roughly 2 heaped tablespoons plain flour 1/3 cup red wine 1-1 ½ cups stock or water 2 bay leaves ½ teaspoon each sea salt + coarsely ground black pepper 200g Portobello or brown mushrooms, chopped roughly 2 sheets flaky puff pastry (or one each of short and puff) 1 egg, lightly beaten for egg wash Method Gently fry onions and carrots in oil in a medium saucepan for 5-7 minutes. Remove from saucepan. Add a splash more oil. Liberally toss the steak in flour, then brown in 2-3 batches. Add all the veges and meat back into saucepan, pour over the wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Pour in stock and add in bay leaves and seasoning, then cover and cook for 40 minutes or until the meat is very tender. Add mushrooms and cook for a further 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cool filling. Heat the oven to 180C fan bake and place a tray in to preheat. Roll out the pastry and line a 23 cm pie dish with it, nudging it into the corners. Spoon in filling, heaping it higher in the middle. Brush edges with egg wash, then then cover with a pastry lid, pressing/pinching it together with the bottom pastry layer to seal. Make a few slashes in the top (to allow the steam to escape when cooking), then brush beaten egg all over and bake for 45-50 minutes on a preheated tray. Allow to cool for 10 minutes then serve in hearty wedges. Nici's note: Follow these golden rules for pie-making: preheat a tray to cook your pie on to ensure cooked pastry, always cool the filling before assembling, cuts or holes in the pastry lid allow steam to escape and ensure a crisp pastry shell. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For all of my life it has been a mythic barrier. For all your life it has been a mythic barrier. In the same way we cannot fly... In the same way we cannot leap over buildings... many thought it simply impossible. Physiologically, there simply has to be a limit. Was this it? Or, with the perfect conditions, the perfect new nutrition, the perfect shoes, and the perfect athlete, would someone do it? Would a human-being run a competitive marathon and the break the two-hour barrier? There is good reason that in all sporting competitions, the sub-2 has stood as such a seductive record. Running is as primal as sporting competition gets. True caveman stuff. There is no sport with a lower barrier to entry. It's not like lacrosse or ice hockey or cricket, anyone who is physically able to put one leg before the other can theoretically compete. Before this week's London marathon, an Ethiopian runner called Yomif Kejelcha was asked by reporters what kind of time he wanted to run. He was an elite and experienced middle-distance runner, but he'd never run a competitive marathon in his life. He knew he'd be fast. He figured he'd try and stick with the front group. But that was where his ambition ended. The rest, of course is history. At the start of the race, the world marathon record was two hours and 35 seconds. Fluid, graceful, strong, Yomif Kejelcha didn't just beat the time. He didn't scrape in by a second or two. He ran the course a full 54 seconds faster. Extraordinary. And yet, he didn't win. Between the first-ever race over an official marathon distance in London in 1908, and the first ever sub-2-hour time, it took 42,979 days or 3,713,385,600 seconds. For the second sub-2-hour time, it took eleven. Having run a time that for many was unthinkable just two hours earlier, having paced the vast majority of the course with the London Marathon defending champion, Yomif Kejelcha ran across the finish line eleven seconds later. The fastest debut in marathon history. A time that would've shattered the world record. And yet only good enough for silver. Sometimes proving yourself wrong, still means losing the race. Despite it all, Yomif seemed positively philosophical. “I'm not upset. I'm not angry. I'm very, very happy because I broke two hours.” he said. But it was a striking response from a competitor condemned to the history books as the Buzz Aldrin of marathon running. I cannot say I would have been so gracious. And there, I think, is the lesson for all of us about the benchmarks against which we compare ourselves. In what appeared from the outside to be the ultimate moment of sporting cruelty, Yomif Kejelcha chose to compare himself to the clock not the man. And at the end of the day, of the two of us, he's the one running a sub-2. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 Miranda Priestly navigates her career amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing and reunites with Andy Sachs to face off against a former assistant turned rival. The Weed Eaters Jules is on a New Year's Eve trip with her new boyfriend and his two stoner friends in the wops of North Canterbury when they stumble across a long-abandoned stash in an old shed. After a quick session and an accidental murder, the marijuana turns them into enthusiastic cannibals. To cover the evidence of their murder, they decide to keep toking so they can devour the body. What will happen when the meat runs out? Who will be the next victim? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.