The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Dame Robin White is well-regarded as one of New Zealand's most significant living artists, and she teamed up with Dame Gaylene Preston for a new project. Grace: A Prayer for Peace traces White's evolution as an artist and her creative output fuelled by the world around her. "We knew one another through our work, but we didn't know that. And then when we ran into one another Rita Angus exhibition - we kind of met in the flesh, but that's when we really knew one another." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi chef Al Brown is well-regarded as one of New Zealand's top foodies, and he's back with a new book for novice fishermen. Fans of Al's work will have seen his love of all things fish in his many cookbooks, restaurants and TV shows, and his book Hooked: Learning to Fish aims to teach Kiwis a thing or two. He says he has a massive love of fishing and lots of positive memories around fishing - and he used that insight to help craft the book. "I started writing it for 12-year-olds, but it kept morphing into more...not just a how-to, but so much more in there for everyone else to use as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fulfillment by Lee Cole. Two half brothers lead very different lives. When they converge on their mother's home in rural Kentucky, the rivalry between them intensifies with potentially terrifying consequences. This is a story about class, privilege, family, brotherhood and ordinary people living ordinary, messy lives - and what it takes to find fulfilment. All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert - who is of course the author of the bestselling Eat, Pray, Love. This is another deeply personal story, about her relationship with Rayya Elias - which was one of co-dependence, serious addictions and a spiral of self destruction. Rayya was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and after her death Elizabeth shone a spotlight on their affair and managed to recover through a determined adherence to a 12 step programme. It's a really brave book, harrowing at times and ultimately fascinating. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Destination Facebook groups are a useful tool to utilise while travelling - and they can help you be better prepared in the face of disaster. Between natural disasters, adverse weather conditions or mosquito outbreaks, online communities can be useful to get perspective from the locals to prepare for all kinds of scenarios. BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton explained further - read more about it here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a sad week. Humanity has not been at its best. A police officer almost lost his life and we got a glimpse into the harsh reality of life in the bush for three young children. A conservative activist lost his life practicing politics in the US. And a trial begun here against a mother who is alleged to have killed her children, drugging them and then placing them in a suitcase and leaving them at a storage unit. And to top it off, a complaint about the comedic ad with Tina from Turner's was upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority. Which may be proof we're losing our sense of humour! It's not just the events themselves that were saddening, but also the way we, the public, responded to them. We have a tendency to react without knowing the full story, we weaponize tragedy politically, and we're easily outraged by a burnout. After shooting a police officer in the head in front of his child, it was baffling to hear Tom Phillips being regaled as a folk hero of sorts. After seeing the conditions these children were living in, and learning how he armed them and took them on his many alleged armed robberies, restricted them from society and family, and took away their rights to education and medical care - he doesn't sound much like a hero to me. If the court orders preventing a lot of information being made public, comments from the police about Phillips receiving help, and the children being in state care tells us anything, it's that this is a complicated story. There are already plenty of questions to be asked - from the police and Orange Tamariki's response to the first abduction through to now, whether the risk to the children was appropriately assessed, and whether the police have responded in their best interests over the last 4 years. But right now, the most important thing to remember is there are young people at the heart of this. Young people who will always be defined by and identified with what has happened. Protecting them, helping them deal with what they have been through, and adjusting to life again, is the most important thing. Our 2 cents on what we think about what's happened and the people involved is utterly irrelevant. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 14 September 2025, celebrity chef Al Brown might just be one of our keenest fisherman, he joins Francesca to talk about his life long love of fishing and how to best prepare your catch. Two of our arts greats, Dame Gaylene Preston and Dame Robin White have joined forces, they join Francesca to talk about their friendship and that new film. Washington DC Bureau Chief for The Guardian David Smith discusses the way forward for America following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and growing political violence while Francesca reflects on a sad news week and questions humanity's response to this weeks events. And can VR help people with dementia? Dr Michelle Dickinson has the latest science. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Sunday Panel, managing director of 818, Chris Henry and journalist and editor, Jo McCarroll, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! How concerned are we about the growing political violence in America following the Charlie Kirk incident? Is there a way back to being able to debate and accept different views - or has that ship sailed? Can information really be suppressed in a global media world? A suppression order has been put in place around the Tom Phillips case, but suppressed information has been reported on the internet. have we lost the ability to give people a fair trial or the privacy they need? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more people are looking into living longer and staying healthier, with the longevity movement encouraging individuals to take control of their health. People can be driven by a fear of becoming dependent or losing bodily function and appearance, and they're aiming to treat symptoms of aging through lifestyle changes, supplements, and medical advancements. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explains the benefits of the movement - and reveals some habits you can utilise to help with the aging process. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike van de Elzen: Chorizo paella with green chili and coriander Cook time: 45 minutes Prep time: 5 minutes Serves: 6 2 tbsp sunflower oil 1 white onion, peeled and diced 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 2 chorizo sausage, sliced 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 cup red wine 1 1/2 cups long grain rice 3-4 cups vegetable stock 2 tsp tomato puree 1/2 tsp salt good Crack of pepper 12 cooked prawns 1 green chili (cayenne or similar) 1/2 cup fresh coriander 1 lemon, cut into 6 Start by pre-heat your oven to 180*c. Place your a deep cast-iron pan onto a element and start by sautéing the diced onions and garlic in the sunflower oil until soft. Add in the chopped chorizo and continue to sauté. Once the chorizo starts to colour up add in the rice. Reduce the heat and continue to sauté for a couple of minutes, before you carefully pour in the red wine. Allow the wine to reduce before finally adding in the vegetable stock, tomato puree and then season with salt and pepper. Place the a lid onto the pan and place it into the oven for 35 minutes. After this time remove and check the rice is just cooked through. If so scatter over the prawns and fire back into the oven without a lid for a further 10 minutes to heat the prawns through. After this time, remove and top with sliced green chili, coriander and lemon wedges. Serve. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine walking through a peaceful forest, listening to birdsong, or watching the waves roll in on a sunny beach. Now imagine doing all of that without ever leaving your chair. New research published in the American Journal of Health Behaviour took a group of older adults living with dementia and gave them this experience in a study exploring the benefits of virtual reality. The study looked at how nature-themed virtual reality sessions could help improve emotional well-being and quality of life for people with Alzheimer's disease. The research team worked with 11 residents at a long-term memory care facility, all diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's. Over five weeks, participants took part in two 20 to 30-minute VR sessions each week. Using a program called Nature Treks VR, they were transported to peaceful landscapes like forests, meadows, and oceans complete with animated animals and plants they could interact with. While nature is known to have powerful calming and restorative effects, many people living with dementia face challenges getting outdoors. Limited mobility, safety concerns, and lack of access to green spaces can make it hard to enjoy the real thing. That's where virtual reality came in offering a safe, indoor way to connect with the natural world. After five weeks of virtual nature sessions, participants reported feeling more positive emotions like pleasure and alertness and fewer negative ones, such as sadness, anxiety, and anger. They also said their overall quality of life had improved. And it wasn't just the numbers that told the story. In interviews, both participants and their caregivers shared heart-warming feedback. Many spoke of how much they enjoyed exploring the virtual environments, how exciting it was to try something new, and how the experiences sparked fond memories from the past. One key moment came when participants recalled special places from their childhoods, or family holidays by the sea showing that virtual nature didn't just offer relaxation, but also helped trigger meaningful memories and emotional connections. The study offers a hopeful glimpse into how technology can be used in care settings not to replace real-world experiences, but to offer new ways to connect, explore, and improve quality of life when the real world isn't always accessible. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards are set to take place tomorrow, with many top TV shows up for an award. Apple TV+ could be in for some big wins, with Severance and The Studio among the leading contenders for an award. The White Lotus, The Bear and The Last of Us are also among the favourites to win. Flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall unpacked the nominees ahead of the upcoming ceremony. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new youth-focused arts festival is set to debut in Auckland next week - and run until the 28th of September. We The Young is Auckland Live's first attempt at creating a festival specifically geared to a youth audience and it aims to make the arts more accessible for young people and their families. One artist involved in the festival is Rutene Spooner and he says the event will be 'something special'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris is standing by his controversial social media comments, according to recent reports. Ferris posted a video this week defending a previous post saying it was unacceptable for people of other ethnicities to campaign to take a Māori seat from Māori. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says this has caused some tension within the party, as some fellow MPs have raised concerns about these comments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last night was a big one for New Zealand sport, but it didn't quite go the way many Kiwi fans were hoping. The Warriors' NRL finals hopes were dashed after their 24-8 loss to the Panthers and the All Blacks suffered a historic 43-10 loss to the Springboks in Wellington. In better news, the Black Ferns are into the semi-finals at the women's Rugby World Cup after beating out South Africa. Sky Sport commentator Jeff McTainsh says the Black Ferns played an 'excellent' game of rugby. "They came out in that second half and scored some wonderful tries and just played that brand of rugby that has seen them dominate the women's rugby landscape for so many years." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Governor of Utah is calling for calm, following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 31-year-old was killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Thursday. The alleged killer 22-year-old Tyler Robinson is now in custody. Governor Spencer Cox says the U.S must end a chapter of violent division. The Guardian's David Smith says Cox's voice adds to others all calling for unity. "These remarks were welcomed by others who are making that case, who are just sick of the divisiveness, the default to the anger, the hatred." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Historian Andrew Lownie has written a new book designed to be the final nail in the coffin of Prince Andrew. Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York is the result of four years of research and interviews by Lownie and it aims to examine the lives of Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. He says the book also addresses the whole royal institution, including the way Andrew's various scandals were handled. "The fact is, the Queen protected him, complaints were made about him and nothing was ever done - and indeed, people who did complain were penalised." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 15 years, Downton Abbey is set to come to an end. It's taken six seasons, 52 episodes and two films - but this week the third film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, hits cinemas and spells the final chapter for the worldwide phenomenon. Ahead of the release, three long time cast members, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery and Joanne Froggatt discussed what the end of the series meant to them. "It's for the fans, it's a beautiful tribute to Maggie - but it really is for the fans out there. And that just felt so good to give that one last story to everybody out there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buckeye by Patrick Ryan. This is set in a small Ohio town at the very end of WW2 when two people become caught up in victory celebrations and have a brief romantic encounter, which results in complications which haunt them down through generations. As secrets are exposed some people find that things are not what they had seemed, and that the world they thought they knew was in fact a lie. I loved this book. Saving Elli by Doug Gold. In Nazi occupied Amsterdam, near Anne Frank's house, another Jewish girl was hidden. Her name was Elli. Her father was executed at Mauthausen concentration camp and her mother fled for her life. To save Elli, Resistance couple Frits and Jo Hakkens risked everything, concealing her in a secret space above the ceiling. With shrewd cunning and unflinching courage, they outwitted the Gestapo, survived relentless searches and faced betrayal from those they once trusted. This is an extraordinary story which has a New Zealand connection. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Megan recently tried to fly to Hawke's Bay, but her travel plans ground to a halt after rolling sea fog stopped the flight in its tracks. Air New Zealand requested that the passengers line up and get booked on new flights, but Megan checked on her Air NZ app and found a way forward - on a flight that left later that day. She revealed her latest travel hack - so everyone else could be prepared. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Sunday Panel, journalist and TV producer Irene Gardiner and Partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Auckland by-election had a noticeably low voter turnout - should we be concerned about this? Is there any alternative? Over in the US, President Donald Trump raised some eyebrows over his decision to name the Department of Defence to the Department of War. What should we read into this? Does it display a worrying mentality, or is it attention seeking? Matthew Hooton recently wrote an opinion piece suggesting Luxon's facing a 'leadership crisis' and National's losing faith in his. Is this just stirring - or does he have a point? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 7 September 2025, after 15 years, the end of Downton Abbey is here. Key cast members join Francesca to talk about saying goodbye to the Crawley's and the Downton world. Biographer Andrew Lownie's explosive book 'Entitled' has been referred to as the final nail in the coffin for Prince Andrew. Andrew Lownie tells Francesca about the content of the book and reveals just how much the Queen knew about her sons behaviour. The All Blacks have defended their fortress Eden Park, former All Black Ant Strachan with his take on the victory over the Springboks. John Campbell talks about his investigation into Destiny Church and why he's continuing to look into Brian Tamaki and his followers. And got a delayed or cancelled flight? Travel blogger Megan Singleton has got the ultimate hack for you. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up, my mother used to say that life is 95 percent anticipation. It's in the wait, the build-up and the preparation where the joy is often found. Often the actual event is a let-down. That was not how I felt at 9pm last night. Well done to the All Blacks. But I loved the leadup to last night's win at Eden Park. I was excited when I got up yesterday morning and I found myself looking for things to do to help make the day go faster. Even for those who aren't fans, surely there was a little curiosity about how things were going to turn out at the fortress last night. It was the most anticipated All Blacks game of the season. A battle against our greatest and most respected foe, at a venue with an impressive legacy. The All Blacks and the Springboks were playing for The Rugby Championship, but, as the general sense of excitement around the country indicated, there is so much more than that - this is one of the great rivalries in sport. We heard about it all week - Ardie Savea's 100th test and all the stats around Eden Park's history. As much as John Kirwan was right, the team should focus on the match in front of them, and forget the history - there's no doubt the All Blacks were invigorated by everything that came with the occasion. One of the best things about sport like last night is that it's a distraction. 2025 hasn't quite been the cracker we'd hoped it would be and the spring weather has packed up - we needed a good night of entertainment. There's nothing like a game of sport to unite a community or country, it's a good feeling. The Tour de France got me through the short days of winter and over the last few weeks the US Open has got me dreaming I can still play tennis, the Warriors keep us guessing week after week, and the whole family has an opinion on F1 at the dinner table. I've come to realise I generally love sport more than who wins or loses. If the game is good and fair and gives us a thrill then I'm happy with that. It's just a smidgen better when it's a Kiwi team who wins. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarcobesity refers to the coexistence of diminished muscle mass and increased fat mass, but what does that mean from a health-based perspective? The condition can impact overall metabolic health, which comes with additional health implications and concerns. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Father's Day Beef with Café de Paris butter Cook time: 5 minutes Prep time: 20 minutes Serves: 6 6 x beef steaks Flaky salt Cracked pepper 150 gm unsalted butter 1 tbsp tomato ketchup 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp capers, chopped 1/4 cup onions, finely diced 1/4 cup parsley, chopped 1 tbsp thyme leaves 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 anchovy fillets 1/2 tbsp brandy 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire 1/2 tsp paprika powder 1/2 tsp curry powder 1/2 tsp seasalt Crack of pepper Shoestring fries 1 pkt watercress Preheat a oven to 180*c. Cut the butter into small dice and place into a mixing bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients starting from the top to the bottom. And mix to combine. Laying out a 30 cm piece of greaseproof paper, spoon the butter mixture across the paper about a third of the way up. Gently roll the paper over to form a cylinder. Then wrap again in cling-film to help roll tight. Store in fridge to harden. Season the steaks with a good amount of salt and pepper. Either cook the steaks in a hot cast-iron pan or place into a BBQ. Cook to required wellness, I would go medium rear or 54*C. Remove the butter from the fridge and slice circles through the cling-film and paper, peel off wrapping and serve one round of butter on top of each steak. Serve the steak to Dad with good amount of shoestrings and watercress. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, eggs have been breakfast's most controversial ingredient. Despite being packed with protein and essential nutrients, they've carried the weight of dietary guidelines that linked them to high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease. But a new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has cracked that myth wide open. The world-first study investigated the independent effects of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat on LDL cholesterol levels. The results: it's not the cholesterol in eggs that's the problem, it's the saturated fat in other parts of our diet, like bacon and sausages. In this controlled trial, researchers assigned participants to diets with varying combinations of cholesterol and saturated fat. In one group, participants consumed two eggs per day as part of a high-cholesterol but low-saturated-fat diet. In another, participants ate high-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol meals. A third group consumed both high saturated fat and high cholesterol. What they found was surprising: LDL cholesterol only rose in diets high in saturated fat regardless of dietary cholesterol intake. But when cholesterol came from eggs in the absence of excess saturated fat, LDL levels actually dropped slightly. This is an important finding because it challenges long-held assumptions in nutritional science. For decades, dietary cholesterol (often from eggs) was lumped in with saturated fats as a heart health hazard. But as this study demonstrates, the two have very different effects on the body. Eggs contain around 186 mg of cholesterol per yolk, which historically raised alarms. However, they are very low in saturated fat (about 1.6 grams per large egg). Saturated fats found in processed meats, butter, and fried foods are the true drivers of increased LDL cholesterol, which is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. The study reaffirms a growing body of evidence that dietary cholesterol has minimal impact on blood cholesterol in most people, especially when consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet. The key takeaway isn't just that eggs are safe, it's that context matters. A couple of eggs at breakfast is fine. A couple of eggs alongside bacon, sausages, and buttered toast? Not so much. It's the overall pattern of your diet, not individual foods, that makes the biggest difference to your heart health. So feel free to enjoy your poached, scrambled, or sunny-side-up eggs. Just remember: it's the saturated fat, not the eggs, that's more likely to scramble your cholesterol. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Popular murder mystery comedy-drama series The White Lotus is reportedly set to be located in France for the upcoming fourth season, according to new reports. Series creator Mike White had indicated he wanted to get the series away from the usual beach resorts shown in the previous three seasons. Flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall speculated ahead of the new season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran broadcaster John Campbell investigated Destiny Church in a five-part documentary series earlier in the year - and the second instalment is due to come out tomorrow. Following the release of Under His Command, more people have since come forward to share their experiences with Destiny Church. Campbell says it wasn't his intention to make a second part, but more people sought him out to share their perspectives. "When the first series went to air, a lot of people watched it and thought - okay, that was fair and reasonable and actually, he honoured his commitments to protect people and all that kind of stuff. So a lot of people kind of tracked me down." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The bulk of New Zealand First's announcements are expected today for the final day of its annual conference. Party members and supporters have gathered in Palmerston North along with surprise guest Stuart Nash, a former Labour Minister. NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse says up to 1000 people are expected for Winston Peters' address this afternoon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coach Scott Robertson has praised the All Blacks' response to their bad day in Buenos Aires. The All Blacks have defended their formidable Eden Park record with a 24-17 win over South Africa, led by two first-half tries. Former All Black Ant Strachan says this match was a 'test for the ages'. "It's great for our game, because you want to keep promoting the high-level product, which it is." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, while we were on a break, I went to Christchurch to see my son for his 19th birthday. It was a fleeting visit. I flew down on a Friday and home on Saturday afternoon, but my goodness – Christchurch turned it on. The weather was stunning, the views of the Alps made you want to drop everything and run for the slopes. People were out-and-about. The city was humming – Friday lunch time around Oxford Terrace and Cashel St was bustling – but in a relaxed way. There are wonderful new precincts filled with interesting shops and eateries and new architectural landmarks. Eating was my son's first priority, and once that was taken care of we spent the days cruising second-hand book and vinyl shops from the central city to glistening Lyttleton. I can't say what it's like to live in Christchurch 2.0. I can't begin to imaging what it's been like living through the rebuild, and there's clearly still plenty of recovery work to be completed, but from a visitor's point of view it felt alive, thriving and positive. My uber driver told me tourism was starting to build again and I can see why. My few days on the mainland were a stark contrast with my journey into Auckland's city centre yesterday. Now, I am a proud Aucklander and I have pushed back at the complaints about central Auckland. I enjoy shopping and going to events in the city, but goodness, it's hard sometimes. Yesterday we attended the University of Auckland's Open Day. The campus was busy and it was uplifting and exciting to see so many young people on the cusp of new adventures. But all the positively was drained from us when we went to head home. We'd parked in Victoria Street Carpark in the heart of the city. When it came to leave at 12.05 we think someone forgot to put the carpark full sign out so cars kept flooding in, and with only one lane taking cars both up and down the full carpark building, traffic came to a grinding halt. Stuck on the 13th level, we didn't move for more than 40 minutes. Finally, at around 1pm, we exited the building. There may have been another reason, maybe a technical glitch somewhere, but when I asked the AT man who was directing traffic I was sternly instructed to get moving. I suspect he'd coped a bit of abuse from a lot of angry customers and was under a bit of pressure. Here's the crazy thing is – the parking cost us $2.50. How good would that have been if we could have exited the building! It seems finding affordable and efficient parking, and good access to the city when events are on, is becoming harder. These kind of issues are unhelpful for a city centre with a reputational problem. Nor does it motivate people to come back. We don't know exactly what impact of the CRL will have on moving people around the city when it opens next year, but fingers crossed it helps – a lot. Aucklander's also deserve a thriving inner city which makes us feel invigorated, rather than frustrated. Yesterday we sorted out my daughter's degree and her future in a shorter period of time than it took for us to get out of a carpark building. Now, that's just nuts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cut Throat Trial by S.J Fleet. I assume that the author's name is a pseudonym as they've published previous books under the moniker of The Secret Barrister – I believe they're a practising lawyer who in those books delivered some witty and interesting commentary on the state of the UK justice system. This novel is set in a courtroom, where three teenagers are on trial for the murder of an elderly man. I didn't know this until I read the book, but a cut throat trial is where there are more than one defendant and they each try to blame the others. The three boys each have their own lawyer, and there is of course a prosecutor, a jury and an arrogant and entitled judge so it's a pretty full court. The story unfolds beautifully as the evidence is laid before the jury, but what might seem straightforward becomes less so, and after their verdict is delivered things are not necessarily what they seem. I really loved it. The Vanishing Place by Zoe Rankin. It's set on the West Coast of the South Island, where a young girl walks out of the bush one day into a very small town where local people realise that they've seen her before – many years ago. She has the same face as another girl who lived there 20 years before and the local policeman makes the connection, works out who she is and then secrets start to unravel. I believe this is the first book by a local author and it's twisty, thrilling and gripping. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Orleans was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago, and the damage didn't stop there. The levies around the city broke in the days after the Hurricane, flooding parts of the city and destroying countless buildings. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton has visited the city many times since, and says it's succesful recovery to a vibrant, musical city has been outstanding. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Sunday Panel, Coast Day host Lorna Riley and Senior PR Consultant at One Plus One Communications, Damien Venuto, joined in on a discussion about the issues of the day - and more! Should the taxpayer be covering the Covid inquiry legal costs? It is usual for the crown to cover legal costs of ministers and previous ministers – but should we be covering these costs? And how do we get central Auckland as vibrant and exciting as Christchurch? Is the rest of the country moving ahead faster than Auckland? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara covers in detail whether we need supplements and are multivitamins good for you? What are some of the supplements that can make a difference? How do we know what we need? How much is needed? Erin breaks it down and gives her advice on what's best for your body. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi indie rock band The Beths have released their 4th studio album titled 'Straight Line Was A Lie.' Lead singer Liz Stokes and guitarist Jonathan Pierce joined Francesca Rudkin to discuss their new release. Stokes said that she hit a writers block during the making of this album, which makes it's release even more special. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asian greens and Chinese greens are terms used for any number of leafy green vegetables that find their origins in Eastern Asia. These are typically a staple of Asian cooking and have been incorporated into other diets worldwide. Mike Van De Elzen from Good from Scratch joins Francesca Rudkin to discuss the use of Asian Greens in your cooking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scientists have debated over two main theories of how lightning starts for years. Some say it's due to a build up of static electricity between particles in clouds, whereas others say cosmic rays are involved in the process. Dr Michelle Dickinson joins Francesca Rudkin to breakdown these two leading theories. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new documentary on musician Shayne Carter titled 'Life in one chord' has been described as one to watch in the cinemas by flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall. He told Francesca Rudkin that, "the need for volume in a Shayne Carter documentary is very important, and it's also beautifully filmed.' The documentary will be shown in cinemas around New Zealand next week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for (DAY DD Month YYYY), a few years ago, author Lee Child walked away from his Jack Reacher series but this week he hints a return might be on the Reacher might be on the cards. Kiwi indie rock band The Beths are having a great run at the moment, lead singer Liz Stokes and guitarist Jonathan Pearce chat about their new album and the bands growing success. There's been an increase in stimulant overdoses, NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm talks about what's driving the increase. while Francesca questions how Auckland can become as vibrant as Christchurch. And do you really need those vitamins and supplements you're paying a fortune for? Erin O'Hara let's us know exactly what works and what's a waste of money. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the late 90s Lee Child's name has been synonymous with Jack Reacher. The books selling over 100 million copies worldwide and Reacher becoming one of the most loved and enduring fictional characters. Lee has now handed over the Reacher series to his brother Andrew but has released his first ever autobiographical collection, giving insight behind the scenes of his novels. He told Francesca Rudkin that he has compiled a series of limited-edition personal introductions and turned them into a collection, creating a treasure trove for Jack Reacher fans. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The women's Rugby World Cup has entered round two in England. The Black Ferns face Japan in their second cup match tomorrow morning. Former rugby player Alice Soper is in England for the tournament. She told Francesca Rudkin that the competition has exploded in popularity in recent years. 'The last time England hosted this tournament was in 2010. They had sold 30,000 tickets total to the tournament, and now, It's over 400,000' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ Herald political reporter Jamie Ensor joins Francesca Rudkin to review this weeks' top local politics stories. Is it normal for the taxpayers to pay for the legal advice the government received during COVID? Will New Zealand follow suit with Australia and remove the Iranian ambassador following recent anti-semitic attacks? And what does the Government's new Business Investor Visa do for foreign investors? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.