Podcasts about life and society

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Chris Clarke and Sarah Sparks. First up, today, Labour and National have both made pitches to the nation about how they plan to bring supermarket prices down. Otago University senior lecturer in marketing, Rob Hamlin, gives his assessment. Then, Devonport residents are taking legal action against the government on a set of eight-storey apartments that have been approved for fast-track. And, are school-issued apps required on parents' phones all getting a bit much? Katrina Colombie thinks so. She's the managing director of Smartphone Free Childhood Aotearoa New Zealand. Finally, a one-armed mannequin is stealing the show at a South Taranaki Museum exhibition on the history of healthcare in the region.

Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Andrew Williams, Guyon Espiner and Jenna Lynch. The discuss the harrowing inquiry into police and Oranga Tamariki's handling of the Tom Phillips case, two new political polls that make the major parties look more like minors, the latest pitches to bring supermarket prices down, and the historic opening of Auckland's City Rail Link.

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: for this week's Museum Show & Tell session, Wallace heads to Hokitika. The local museum's collections researcher, Vaughan Bradley, introduces two of their items: New Zealand's oldest working television, and the sealskin hat of James Teer, a survivor of the shipwreck at Auckland Island in 1866.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Kathryn Graham and Phil O'Reilly. First up, damning new inquiry finds authorities could have prevented Tom Phillips from disappearing with his children - or brought them home sooner. Auckland University law professor Carrie Leonetti joins the show. Then, a new ACT Party policy would see a minimum wage freeze, and a lower training wage for workers under the age of 20. E Tū union national secretary Rachel Mackintosh shares her reaction. And in Christchurch, the council is planning to cut down some trees as part of a long-awaited street upgrade for Papanui. But those trees are considered by some, including local RSA president Symon Dynes, to be living memorials of World War II soldiers. Finally hopping on the bus in Hawke's Bay will be a little bit different this week, as drivers and display boards get behind Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori. Hawke's Bay Regional Council public transport committee chair Neil Kirton explains.

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: The internet has made a ruling on the best way to attract a partner, and it is somewhat surprisingly this: stop with the showering, forget the deodorant, and whack on some pheromones. But is there any science to back it up? Queensland University public health research fellow, Samuel Cornell, elaborates.

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Susana Lei'ataua. Then: Labour MP Deborah Russell recently sparked a big reaction for knitting in Parliament, but turns out, not only does the craft have a history in the House, but in politics and activism around the globe. Steve Taylor is a research affiliate at Otago University's Centre for Theology and Public Issues. He joins to explain. 

Spring is finally starting to show itself - and right in the heart of Tamaki Makaurau, Eden Gardens are putting on quite the display...

Dame Juliet Gerrard was New Zealand's Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor for six years from 2018. She served during the Christchurch Mosque attacks, Whakaari/White Island eruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In her new book, she assesses the big policy decisions made during that period. Dame Juliet looks at science communication, in an age of growing misinformation and scepticism. The book is Front Row Seat: How Science Can (and Can't) Shape Public Decision-Making.

Several galleries at The Auckland War Memorial Museum are set to remain closed until 2029 The immediate issue is asbestos - 1000s of taonga have to receive specialist cleaning. The museum is also using the opportunity to upgrade its ageing infrastructure. But there is a bigger issue sitting underneath the surface. Who pays for the upkeep of New Zealand's cultural institutions? And how? Like other museums much of the funding comes from Ratepayers... But as we look at local government reform and 4% rate caps, do we need a rethink? I'm joined now by Museums Aotearoa Chief Exec Jaenine Parkinson

Susana Lei'ataua is joined by Professor Kirsty Ross from Massey University's School of Psychology.

As our population ages, many of our kiwi businesses are facing the loss of much of their hard-fought wisdom as older workers leave. 

Workplaces are increasingly providing practical safety nets for women experiencing intimate partner violence. New research by Women's Refuge shows more women are disclosing that they are victims of family violence at work and receiving their employee entitlements. But it also shows there's more work to be done, with most people unaware of their workplace family violence policies. Amy Williams reports.

"Quiet quitting" started as a workplace trend on social media, describing how people stopped going above and beyond at work and started doing just enough to avoid getting fired. Now social media is talking about people who are "quiet quitting" their marriages, staying together while emotionally checking out. The conversations disappear, intimacy goes, and the relationship becomes more like a partnership for running a household. Alex Beattie helps people navigate separation and divorce because she's been there herself. She says Quiet quitting isn't a failure, it's a signal. She hosts The Divorce Planner podcast. [picture id="4JIGP4Y_Alex_Beattie_png" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Open homes are great to get a feel of the space and see what the neighbourhood is like - so how can we get the most out of a viewing? 

A homeless Auckland man who had a severe stroke while living under a bridge this winter was later discharged from Auckland City Hospital in just a gown, and taken to a nearby charity that provides support for people in hardship. The stroke left him with slow speech and movement, needing a walker to get around. Lifewise found housing for him, but is concerned someone with major ongoing health needs was brought to them at short notice, when they are not funded to provide wrap-around care. Amy Williams has the story.

Winter can feel like one long game of pass the parcel when it comes to sickness. One person gets a cough, then someone else gets the flu, the kids are off school, a colleague calls in sick, before you know it, everyone seems to be unwell This flu feels particularity bad - with reports of people waiting 20+ hours to be seen in hospitals, while octors becoming increasingly disillusioned by the health system But just how bad is it? Are more people actually getting sick, or are we just hearing more about it? Dr Luke Bradford spoke to Susana Leiataua.

Papatoetoe's night patrol volunteers are calling for more funding and better equipment as they try to plug the gap left by stretched Police resources The Counties Manukau Community Safety Patrol Trust says its volunteers are patrolling into the early hours ... observing incidents and reporting concerns to Police and other agencies. Patrol team leader Bella Tamotu spoke to Susana.

A Tauranga group is using art as way for people to connect and challenge the stigma around dementia Artful Mind pairs local artists with people living with Alzheimer's and dementia - to see what they create together The works are then shown and sold at Dementia Tauranga's annual awareness exhibition. Dr. Bronwyn Copeland is a Tauranga based geriatric psychiatrist and artist, she spoke with Susana.

It's time for Mayoral minutes, where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing, how they're working to solve them and what makes their community special. Today we're heading to the Horowhenua Mayor District. Susana spoke to Mayor Bernie Wanden.

All over the world, people just aren't having babies anymore. Journalist and author Anna Louie Sussman says years of society putting economic growth and individual success ahead of shared wellbeing has made it harder for young people to imagine a future where they want to have kids. Anna has been reporting on population decline and reproductive issues for more than a decade and choosing not to have kids has become a vote against the future. Her new book is called "Who Gets to Have Kids? Creating a Family in an Age of Uncertainty".

It's time for Shower Thoughts, our weekly segment where we answer unshakeable questions...

A charity says the high cost of living is forcing some older people to go with little food. Hamilton's St Vincent De Paul has made pensioners the focus of their service after noticing the elderly have been falling through the cracks. Waikato, Bay of Plenty reporter Rachel Moore reports.

As we've known for a while now, El Niño is on its way - and experts are warning it could make this summer's grass-pollen season particularly rough.

Forget rugby and netball, New Zealand is about to host a very different kind of global sports competition for the first time. Preparations are underway in Cromwell for the World Gold Panning Championship, bringing together the best sifters from Aotearoa and around the globe. Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd has the story.

The Kapiti District Council approved the $16.2 million construction budget for the Otaki pool complex at a meeting last week. As well as a manu pool, the three-metre deep pool will also be used for water safety training, diving lessons, and aquatic exercise classes, as well as waka ama. Otaki Pools manager Shelley Ashton joins us now.

A dedicated crew of volunteers who have spent thousands of hours helping families in need by mending curtains are now turning to the public in an appeal for help. With their shelves looking bare, the Rotorua Curtainbank's are calling for donations to replace their dwindling supply of curtains. Co-ordinator Judy Gregor spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Anisha Satya from Country Life joins Jesse to let us know about their show this weekend. Country Life is the RNZ show that puts the spotlight on rural New Zealand and shares the stories from rural New Zealanders. It's on air tonight at 7pm and again tomorrow morning at 7am and of course always on rnz.co.nz.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Simon Wilson and Jo McCarroll. First up, Coastguard Tautiaki Moana is celebrating new rules that make lifejackets compulsory on all small vessels. Then, a Panel debate that's carried through the week: how much milk is it appropriate to drink from your workplace fridge? A primary school teacher got in touch to say her school is in the midst of a crackdown on that exact thing. After the headlines, Queensland is undergoing major reform on e-bikes - and now, they're only available to over 16 year olds. Bicycle Queensland chief executive Matthew Burke is outraged.

Hospitality New Zealand has called for greater protection for late-night venues from noise complaints, if the venue was there before neighbours moved in. It's on of 13 reccomendations they have made in a report into their ambition for the industry, which has been under pressure. Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Kristy Phillips spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

At the end of September over 200 guinea pigs and their owners will descend on Taupo for the 2026 NZ National Guinea Pig Show. They'll be graded by an international judging panel flying in from England and the Czech Republic. Andy Lawrie, President of the New Zealand Cavy Council, who is also entering 21 of his own guinea pigs, joins Jesse to tell us more about the event.

We're not the first to look around us and think the world is a mess. Just look at what Odysseus had to contend with in The Odyssey ..based in the distant past sure, but many of his problems are actually a lot like ours today, which goes to show monsters and distractions have always been a problem. Author Ryan Holiday says stoicism could be the answer, that the ancient stoics believed we can't always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. Holiday's successful books, and podcast The Daily Stoic, try to offer guidance in an uncertain world. Now he's bringing those insights to Auckland next month with a live tour.

A slice of kiwi history has been dug out of the Footrot Flats archive ready for a new home. 50 years after Murray Ball created the iconic cartoon, an original artwork he did for Water Safety NZ in the 80s is being sold to raise funds for the organisation. Murray Ball's son, Mason Ball spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The family of a woman killed by a truck driver are calling for stronger accountability for preventable deaths on the road. Jade Evans and her unborn child were killed when a truck driver drove through a stop sign. The driver pleaded guilty to careless driving causing her death and was sentenced to two months community detention. He's lost his licence for 12 months and must pay reparations of $8000 to the family. Jade's mother, Kathryn Stothers spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

After almost 40 years, local government reform is likely to return the remote settlement of Whangamomona back to its spiritual home, Taranaki. Taranaki-Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

The developers behind the Waiwera Thermal Springs north of Auckland say they aim to honour the special place Waiwera holds in the hearts of many New Zealanders. The $58 million project to redevelop what was once one of the country's largest water parks has now been granted resource consent by Auckland Council and is aiming to open to the public in 2028. Joint managing director of Waiwera Thermal Springs Craig Mitchell spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

If you're holding onto Nana's 'good' china looking for a cash cow, you're out of luck. Auctioneers and estate houses say there's no market for once-treasured, now over-supplied porcelain. But there is still money to be made from strange, quirky and historical items, which are more likely to sell online to a new generation of bounty hunters. Charlotte Cook reports.

The New Zealand whitebaiting season opened yesterday and runs until the end of October, and has seen many whitebaiters flock to the great outdoors. Rob Roney, president of the West Coast Whitebaiters Association spoke to John Campbell.

Episode 179: New Music _This week we have a ton of new music to share with you! tune in - there's certainly something you'll want to add to you playlist! _ Masego - Fix Your Face (album) Syd - Beard (album) Steve Lacey - Oh yeah? (album) Victoria Monet - Reach Out (song), Frequency of Love (album coming Oct 2) Tyla - A*Pop (album) Jorja Smith - What are the odds (album) Erykah Badu & The Alchemist - Before the World Blows (album) Larry June - Who Coppin (album) Nipsey Hussle & Bino - Prolific Beyonce - Morning Dew (donk) - single Cardi B music video - Aha Upcoming shows to be excited about Mya coming to Blue Note LA - Erykah Badu & The alchemist - Emajanet show at Hollywood Bowl Raymond & Brown tour Rihanna been outside - should we expect new music (finally?!) Beyonce teasing rock n roll album AI songs China Styles Maladie - Gospelize Fight for Me - SitonicSA Funke artist Celebrating myself How are you - - Glady Knight announced retirement from music to focus on family

Episode 178: What's Poppin _We're back this week! Right before the end of summer 2026, tune in with us as we catch up with all the tea happening _ • Rest in Peace - Michael Wright, Hayden Panettiere, Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, Samuel Monroe, Jr. o Lil Nas X - mother (Tameka Hill) passes away 8/29 • Devastating flood in Nepal, at the border of China - at least 362 confirmed death toll. • Recent 25th anniversary of Aaliyah's passing on August 25, 2021 . Recent tea is that the pilot (who should have never taken off with the heavy load of luggage for a small plane), was on probation for possession of cocaine. • Wendy Williams former executive producer blindsided her with an upcoming Peacock series called “Clap if you care” • Gary, Indiana out of power for 13 days - they blame NIPSCO(NiScource) • The Tea o Keke Palmer - new podcast & pilate/yoga classes (have you listened?) - was recently spotted out on the town with Diddy's sons? Should we be outraged? - Diddy's lawyers recently stated their concerns that he will be sexually assaulted in prison. o Joe Budden - recently proposed to his long time girlfriend - o Chris Brown to pay housekeeper 13mil for dog attack from proceeds of RnB Tour o Miss USA - Miss Virginia - black woman, Justus Kelly wins crown, first mom to win crown o RHOA reunion tour - Nene & Porsha • TV/MOVIES o Beauty in the Black, season 3 o The Pastor's Wife - Netflix documentary o The Odyssey o Practical Magic 2 - Sept. 11th o Spider Man: Brand New Day (now the 4th highest grossing film, surpassing Titanic) o Tony - story of a young anthony Bourdain o Snowfall spinoff - The Drop - The Snowfall Saga • Football Season returns • Lebron goes to the 76ers as a free agent • All the recalls on food!! Rice, Eggs, Iceberg Lettuce, Blueberries • OHH Published articles in USA News, News of America, and OK Magazine, Press Announcement o USA News - The OG's of Podcasting o News of America - The Sibling Podcast you need on rotation o Press Announcement - Oliver Happy Hour Announces 2026 Podcast Milestone

Episode 180: Politricks _can you believe what's been happening politically? or have you tuned out? we don't blame you -tune in to hear about what's been politricking _ Lake Ontario renamed Lake America Canada tariffs Vanity projects at White House/Washington, D.C. Cattle Farmers Nolan Wells case Ongoing investigation, concerning situation from AL Carmelo Anthony case - CA Race for Governor Xavier Becerra - will be the Democratic nominee - do you have any excitement for him? Concerns about his lack of action as Secretary of Health and Human Services with child sex abuse claims while in detention facilities Democratic Party - faces internal conflict with Democratic Socialists of America Hakeem Jeffries - recent meeting with Jared Kushner. Los Angeles County Races LA City Mayor - Nithya Raman vs Karen Bass Race is heating up, there is significant slander for Mayor Bass. Compton Mayoral election

Just over half of New Zealanders are open to the idea of leaving a gift to charity in their will - but while new research shows 52 percent are interested, the number who follow through is only six percent. It is more to do with not knowing how to do it, than reluctance, according to Giving in Aotearoa NZ research. Community Foundations of Aotearoa NZ comissioned the research, and Chief executive, Eleanor Cater spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

When ski-mad Mike Wilwert takes to the slopes this week, every metre he skis will benefit families who need to be close to medical care at Christchurch Hospital. A few years ago Mike was diagnosed with blood cancer and spent almost a year at Ranui House, which provides free and subsidised accomodation for families travelling to Christchurch for medical treatment. Now he's giving back in the best way he knows house - through skiing. Mike Wilwert spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Local consignment store Re-Circle is among a group of stores encouraging people to buy and sell pre-loved items. Store founder Henrik Støvring spoke to John Campbell about Oxfam's Secondhand September initiative.

Think of six people you know. Chances are, one of them is a narcissist. Narcissism seems to be a topic on everyone's lips right now. Clinical psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula is one of the world's leading experts on narcissism. Her work has struck a chord with people trying to make sense of relationships with someone who craves attention and admiration and puts themselves at the centre of everything. It's a subject so widely experienced that Dr. Ramani is going on tour, with a live show coming to Auckland in April at the Bruce Mason Center.

The Heretaunga Women's Centre in Hastings is the oldest purpose built facility for women and children in Australasia. And like so many shelters and food banks right now, it's doing it really tough, with an overwhelming number of women needing help and not enough money or resources at hand. Plus many in the community are still recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle. Joining Jesse to discuss what they're seeing on the ground is Heretaunga Women's Centre Marketing Coordinator Jacqui Earle and Centre Manager, Deidré Venter.

Mike Gilligan is a former farmer from Dargaville who has devoted his retirement to keeping Northland's tiniest patients warm. Peter de Graaf reports.

Many of us yearn to have more balance in our lives, to tune in and be guided by our energy levels. For Dr Jessica Gerbic it's been her career's work as a clinical psychologist she's helped hundreds of people tune in to their mauri - how it ebbs and flows and she's identified 12 stages of mauri she uses to guide her patients through to better, more balanced, brighter lives.

There is hot competition for a special new gong at this year's national high schools choir festival, The Big Sing. The Pasifika Award has been added to a coveted competition, with seven choirs vying for the category. The winner will be announced tomorrow night. Keiller MacDuff reports.

Checkpoint producer Johnny Sutherland spoke to Lisa Owen about Morgan MacAllister-Robb - a truck driver turned pet chauffeur who reunited a cat found in Christchurch with its owner in Blenheim 2.5 years after it went missing.

Volunteering is becoming a luxury fewer people can afford, according to Volunteering Northland. It has about 1000 people on its books, but says that doesn't reflect the reality of who's now able to help out. It's stressing organisations that rely on people donating their time. Community connections co-ordinator for Volunteering Northland, Verena Pschorn spoke to Lisa Owen.