Podcasts about life and society

Christine Dawood's husband and 19- year-old son died on board the doomed Titan submersible. Today she refuses to blame anyone for the tragedy. She tells Susie Ferguson the whole story.

The Game Animal Council and Wild Game Recovery Trust have set up a new online platform to simplify the process for hunters wanting to donate wild meat to families in need. The site Hunt and Share include QR codes for labelling and allows meat to be traced from the hills to the plate. The Game Changer NZ project also connects-up hunters, butchers and foodbanks. Wayne Langford, chair of the Wild Game Recovery Trust spoke to Lisa Owen.

A cat rescuer who tames, desexes and rehomes stray felines is worried a bureaucratic battle could put his operation on pause. Tony Hitchcock has run Feral No More from the small Rangitikei town of Marton for the past three years with no issue. But a move to Eketahuna in Tararua is proving problematic for continuing his rescue work. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

The number of babies being born continues to fall, with the latest data from Stats NZ showing more than 1500 fewer babies were born last year. Danni Duncan has actively chosen to be child-free and has built a large social media following documenting that decision. Duncan spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The rising cost of living has some pensioners making tough choices over what they can afford. Field correspondent Charlotte Cook reports.

A charity advocating for older people's rights say they're not expecting much in the way of support for over 65s in this year's Budget. Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Karen Billings-Jensen spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Often described as the green jewel in New Plymouth's crown, Pukekura Park is celebrating its 150th anniversary this month. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

Psychotherapist Megan Turnbull began losing her vision as a result of tumours on her retinas and was blind by the age of three. What started as a hobby about a decade ago has become a weekly donation of candles to her local SPCA op shop. Tess Brunton reports.

The SPCA's calling for nominations for its 2027 Pets of the Year Calendars. It's a fundraiser for the animal welfare group, with proceeds going to medical care, shelter and providing a second chance for vulnerable animals needing homes. SPCA Events and Partnerships manager Elinor Birch spoke to Lisa Owen.

Melodious singing is filling a Palmerston North theatre as 400 women take part in the annual Sweet Adelines competition. It comes with a top prize, the chance to represent New Zealand on the world stage. The Manawatu Overtones are hosting the Harmony Manawatu Convention. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham caught up with chorus members as they put the finishing touches on their preparation.

A YouTube channel is providing some income cream for a fourth generation waikato dairy farmer filming life on the land. Andrew Macky, who runs a 98 hectare family farm at Paterangi with 320 jersey cows, started filming and broadcasting his day to day in 2020. Now, more than 35,000 people subscribe to "The Once A Day Farmer." Waikato dairy farmer Andrew Macky spoke to Lisa Owen.

An Auckland University researcher says raising the superannuation age will increase inequality, especially for Maori and Pasifika. The Director of Auckland University's Centre for Co-Created Ageing Research, Professor Ngaire Kerse, who also works as a GP spoke to John Campbell.

In part two, a reference to the Duke of York will be removed from a commemorative plaque in Nelson, but not all councillors agree. Then, there's no time like a fuel crisis to consider ditching the car for the daily commute. Co-founder and co-director of the Wednesday Challenge, Heidi Hughes, makes the case for wheels and walking one day a week.

A West Auckland foodbank says demand for its services has reached its highest-ever levels. Waitakere Community Outreach food bank coordinator, Victor Davies spoke to John Campbell.

A Northland fish and chip shop got a huge surprise this weekend - with Pierce Brosnan stopping by. Owner Fiona White spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

When money is tight you might reasonably expect shoppers will turn to second-hand stores instead. However, the Director of the Salvation Army stores said they've seen the opposite, describing the drop as 'significant' and a 'shocker'. ANZ card spending data backs that up. Spending for second-hand goods fell 3.2 percent in March and 3.3 percent in April. There are 125 Salvation Army Family Stores across the country, Gareth Marshall the National Director spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Checkpoint producer Johnny Sutherland spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about Neville Sandiford, a 102-year-old who's been named the oldest competitive male player.

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

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

A new online course has been launched for parents navigating how to keep their children safe online. Sheridan Eketone, a parenting coach from the Parenting Place spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

It's that time of year when many companies will be doing performance reviews and the idea of a pay rise gets floated. But with inflation and cost of living pressures - are we dreaming to think there could be any raises in salary this year? New research just out by the job website Seek looks at this and more, to discuss we're joined by Seek country manager Rob Clark

Stats NZ released the latest marriage figures yesterday and they show a continual decline. 17,481 marriages and civil unions were registered in 2025, down 3% from 2024, and that was down from the years prior. The Australasian region - that's us and Aussie - also get married later, with an average age of 36 for men and 30 for women To get his take on why fewer of us are getting hitched - recently-ish married comedian Chris Parker is with Jesse.

Every Tuesday we take a dilemma and ask for your help in solving it. This week we're looking at emoji usage - and what to do if your boss chooses something inappropriate. We always love your reckons - 2101 or afternoons@rnz.co.nz

Do we have a shared culture or a shared story that actually binds us together, and whose version of that story are we really talking about? 

*Episode 172: What's Poppin * Travel Airlines: Spirit Airlines, Jetblue going bankrupt TV Shows: Virgin River new season (netflix), long standing Netflix show about a small town Imperfect Women (apple tv) - Keri Washington - whodunnit with best friends The Testaments - Spin off of the Handmades Tale The Miniature Wife (Peacock) Miami Grand Prix - F1 series (Apple TV) - many celebrity appearances Euphoria (HBO) has premiered season 3 - this will be the final season Movies Michael - (27% rotten tomatoes, but viewers disagree) first ever biopic that crossed the $400 million mark globally in the first 10 days Nia Long and Colemond Domingo and Jafar Jackson Diana Ross relationship - rumors of grooming Michael? Dirty Diana about her. Devil Wears Prada 2 - opening day 32.5 million. Upcoming Movies: I Love Boosters (crime comedy), Set It Off 2 ?? Women in Billboard Awards - Keke Palmer hosted, Teyana and Kelly Rowland teleprompter mishaps technical difficulties 1st Black Female GRAMMY Board Chair Honored at Billboard Women in Music 2026 - Dr. Chelsey Green Baby, This is Keke Palmer podcast - with Nia Long as guest spilling tea, not getting paid same amount as Colemon Domingo and she had larger role that was in her contract. Taye Diggs, digs on him from Best Man cast Nia been using neck cream since she was 20 Whats the 411: Meg the Stallion no longer with Klay Thompson due to infidelity/cheating (who cheated first??) North West LA PopUp - Kanye and his wife Bianca showed up Kim K. & Lewis Hamilton going strong Brandy received star on the Walk of Fame! Jada Pinkett and Will Smith - recent interview with Jada, Jada and August, Jada and Bilal lawsuit, he sued for defamation now wants Jada to pay legal fees Lauren Hallsey South Central - sculpture art installation

_getting tired of the same old boring news about politics? Well here is a fun escape where we keep you informed - real talk in real time! Listen in as we discuss "politricks" _ *Episode 173: Politricks * WAR - in Iran 25+ billion in the hole Voting Rights Act - Section 2 gutted On April 29, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Louisiana v. Callais, effectively gutting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) by severely weakening protections against racial gerrymandering and discriminatory voting maps. The decision mandates a higher burden of proof for voting discrimination, making it harder to challenge maps. White House Press Correspondents Dinner Background: Allen is a resident of Torrance, California, described as a tutor and computer programmer who worked for C2 Education. He holds a master's degree in computer science from California State University-Dominguez Hills. Actions: He is accused of attempting to breach a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel on April 25, 2026, while armed. Weapons: Authorities recovered a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a Rock Island Armory 1911 .38-caliber pistol, and three knives. Premeditation: Investigators found that Allen traveled by train from Los Angeles to Washington D.C., checking into the hotel on April 24. Minutes before the attack, he sent a note to his family outlining his intent to target administration officials. Was this staged? Inconsistencies in CCTV footage appear tampered. Trump Ballroom June Primary election Scientists Missing - almost 10 came up missing doing research for extraterrestrial, prestigious people don't want it exposed

_fishing for a new tune to listen to? We got you! tune in as we dive into NEW MUSIC _ *Episode: 174: New Music * New theme song for OHH - AI created by Nana Coachella - Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, & Karol G Kehlani - Kehlani (Album) ft. Brandy, Usher, TPain, Missy Elliot, Lil Wayne, Big Sean Lizzo - BITCH (Album) Jay Worthy - Once Upon a Time: the soundtrack (Album) Durand Bernarr - Bernarr. (Album) GIVEON - Beloved Act II (Album) Bring that Body - The Dream Fallin' - Chris Brown ft Leon Thomas R&B Tour - Raymond & Brown tickets on sale It's OK - Bryson Tiller Flight Risque (Remix) - Jenevieve, Freddie Gibbs, Salimata Shape of a Woman - Lady Gaga (devil wears prada 2 soundtrack) Drake and Rihanna - supposedly releasing albums on same day - May 15

Just days after they were rounded up off the North Island's central plateau, Kaimanawa horses are in training for their new homes and are warming up to human contact. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

New figures from Stats NZ show the number of marriages and civil unions in New Zealand has fallen again, down 3% in 2025 to just over 17,500. Kirsty Ussher, Wanaka and Queenstown-based celebrant and planner, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Melbourne artist Ryan McNaught has announced he's taking his blockbuster LEGO Star Wars exhibition overseas for the first time, and it's coming to Wellington. Wellington NZ chief executive Mark Oldershaw spoke to John Campbell.

In 1982 teenager Roxanne Sharp was killed in the woods of St Tammany Parish, which is about 48km north of New Orleans in Louisiana. At the time police struggled to solve the case due to a lack of evidence and witnesses willing to come forward. Fast forward 44 years and the decades old case has finally been solved with four men arrested, something police are crediting to a six-part podcast called 'Who Killed Roxanne Sharp'. Vice-president of Northshore Media, Charles Dowdy, who produced the podcast, joins Jesse.

Freaky Friday is the home for all of your terrifying tales and eerie coincidences. So if you've spent a night in a haunted house ... seen an unexplained moving object ... or experienced a seance gone wrong we want to hear from you. Text 2010 or email Jesse@afternoons.co.nz

Lynda joins Jesse to talk about the pros of autumn, turns out there are some silver linings about making an autumn to-do list and getting stuck into it. Cut your losses in the vegetable patch; If you are replanting, sow peas and plant brassicas. Lawn a disaster? Kill it now and resow it. Anything you hate in your garden? Get rid of it!

Wallace Chapman and producer José Barbosa preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.

We are officially entering school ball season which means the giddy excitement of choosing partners, dresses, suits, make up, party limos and tans. But all of that also means a lot of money and that's after buying the actual ball ticket! An article in the Herald this morning says tickets to Orewa College's upcoming ball were $230 a ticket but after a backlash from parents are now $195. Orewa College isn't the only school dealing with this issue. Here to explain what it's like to hold a school ball, is Principal of Massey High School in Auckland, Alastair Fairley.

Wallace Chapman and producer José Barbosa preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Anna Rawhiti-Connell and Mike Yardley. First up, so-called coalition cracks are back in focus after Winston Peters' office released internal emails in an OIA where Prime Minister Christopher Luxon suggested showing "explicit public support" for US strikes on Iran. Political analyst Grant Duncan unpacks the latest. Then, Northland locals are decrying a proposed $4.50 toll for the new expressway. Business group board member Julian Smith explains.

This weekend marks the start of the New Zealand Comedy Festival, and gosh couldn't we all use some laughter right now? Tony Lyall is one of the comedians performing, his show is called "Crowd Work Comedy Kia Carnival", he joins Jesse to talk about crowd participation.

Professor Kirsty Ross from Massey University's School of Psychology joins Jesse to discuss issues and how to solve them. Please get in touch if there are any topics you would like us to cover at afternoons@rnz.co.nz

Sustainability experts say environmental damage from cruise ships far outweigh any economic benefits for local businesses. Studies have found cruise passengers spend less money than other tourists and the ships themselves cause pollution. But business leaders say cruise ships bring tens of millions of dollars. Felix Walton has more.

A rule for the rich and a different rule for everyone else. Green MP Ricardo Menedez March is calling out what he sees as a double standard around strict english tests for immigrant bus drivers, but zero language requirements for people on the so called Golden Visa. Green MP Ricardo Menedez March spoke to Lisa Owen.

40 South Auckland factory workers are in limbo with the mattress company they work for in voluntary administration. Australian mattress makers, A-H Beard have been in business for 126 years. Workers at the Wiri factory were told to take their belongings and leave yesterday. E Tu representative Mat Danaher spoke to Lisa Owen.

We've all seen the child who eats three foods on repeat, refuses anything green, and can't abide by food touching other food. But social historian Dr. Helen Zoe Veit says picky eating isn't some timeless childhood phase, and it's not simply hardwired biology. She argues it's something modern culture helped create, driven by a century of shifting family life, anxious parenting advice, and a food industry built around ultra-processed convenience. And that's the good news. Veit says if pickiness is shaped by the world kids grow up in, it's not permanent. With the right approach, children can learn to eat differently. Her new book is Picky: How American Children Became the Fussiest Eaters in History.

Scott Radnitz is a professor at the University of Washington who has written on conspiracism, and he joins Jesse Mulligan.

A 12 year old boy in Lower Hutt has made a remarkable discovery, finding a rare native Hochstetter's frog while playing in a creek near his home. Rumi Lourie and his mother Sadaf spoke to John Campbell.

Coming up on Thrift, ready or not, retirement comes to all of us but how prepared are we? Katy Gosset takes a look.

On Tuesdays we play You're the Judge - we put a dilemma to you and ask for your help to solve it - today's one is about not posting photos of your children on social media, and what you can do if you can't convince the grandparents to do the same. We love to get your reckons - 2101 with your thoughts.

For years we've been told marijuana can treat everything from anxiety to chronic pain, often with more confidence than evidence because cannabis as an illegal drug is so hard to study. Now, the U.S. is reclassifying cannabis in a way that could finally make real scientific research easier. It's moving from a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin, to Schedule III, closer to drugs like Tylenol with codeine. That change could open the door to much more real research. Dr. Margaret Haney is a neurobiology professor at Columbia University and runs its Cannabis Research Lab. For decades, she's argued marijuana has been sold as medicine without the kind of rigorous testing every other prescription drug is required to go through. Even with the limitations, her work has shown the dangers of cannabis use disorder and the impacts weed can have on the teenage brain.

Christchurch's One New Zealand Stadium opened to a full crowd over the weekend, with the Crusaders christening their new home with a win. Inkster Company owns major venues in the city, including The Church Pub, OGB's and Paddy McNaughtons. Its co-owner Nick Inkster spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Despite missing the top of his beak, Bruce the kea is the alpha male at Christchurch's Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Professor Ximena Nelson explains how Bruce's innovative behaviour has challenged their perceptions of what's possible.