Podcasts about life and society

** OHH: Episode 166: What's Poppin'! ** _We're back this week with an episode of What's Poppin' - this week we dive into the latest, right before we wrap up 2025. Tune in, and let's get into it! _ Brandy & Monica “The Boy is Mine Tour” The Chocolate Nutcracker review Our picture featured on ABC news Happy Holidays!! Snoop hosts a star studded half time show in AZ New Shows: High Horse - Compton Cowboys featured (Peacock) Bel-Air (Final Season on Peacock) Anjela Johnson Comedy special - Say I Won't Dave Chapelle Comedy special “The Unstoppable Nigger” 50 Cent's Diddy documentary on Netflix Music Box series on HBO New Movies: Marty Supreme w/ Timothy Chalamet and Tyler Okonma, Gweneth Paltrow Avatar Fire and Ash - Nubia the Creator Favorite Christmas Movie - Jake Paul & Anthony Joshua fight (Jake finally got his ass KO'd) Jamie Foxx comes to Compton!! Invited by ChefBoy Beyonce, Venus Williams & Nicole Kidman will co-chair the next Met Gala in May 2026 Venus Williams gets married Andrea Preti Beyonce and Jay-Z expand their home - next album is rock & roll - we suspect In September, Nicole Kidman filed for divorce from Keith Urban. Ya'll know she Australian? *Article in OK Magazine: Three Siblings, One Mic, and the Art of Uncovering Conversations on Pop Culture & Politics *

** OHH: Episode 167: New Music ** We're back with this episode dedicated to all the NEW MUSIC of 2025. Tune in as we track what was in our ears the last year. New Music *Top Artists and Hits of 2025 * K-Pop Demon Hunters, Shaboozy, Elton John, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Kehlani Folded Single, Beyonce Album, Bad Bunny, Drake, Kedrick Lamar & Sza tour, Summer Walker Album, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, Lil Wayne, Pink Floyd, Mariah Carey, Biggest Tour: Chris Brown and Beyonce _ **Year started off with _** * Sexxy Redd / Bruno Mars - Fay Juicy, Wet - SINGLE * Leon Thomas - MUTT single POP * Sabrina Carpenter - Expresso * DRAKE - $ome $exy $ongs 4 U * Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars - Die with a Smile - SINGLE ** R&B** * Lady Wray - Cover Girl / BEST for US single * Thundercat - Upside Down (Candy Crush) - * Leon Thomas - PHOLKS / Just How You Are - SINGLE * Jane Handcock - It's Me, Not You / Stare at Me - SINGLE * Jenevieve - CRYSALIS * Kehlani - Folded * Cardi B - AM I THE DRAMA * Summer Walker - Finally Over It, The Afterparty * Heart of a Woman - SINGLE * Go Girl * SAULT - 10 * TEYANA Taylor - Escape Room * 803FRESH - Boots on the Ground * Mariah Carey - Here for it All * SZA & MoRuf - PT Cruiser - SINGLE * Chris Brown - RAP * GloRilla & Sexxy Redd - Whatchi Kno about me Gospel Say the Name - Deitrick Haddon

** OHH: Episode 168: Politricks ** _since we last had a politricks episode, the government shut down then unceremoniously re-opened. Let's get into this episode will al the frills and trickery that happened in 2025. _ US * End of government shutdown * DOJ released Jeffrey Epstein files, redacted pictures with Trump * Trump Tariffs and long term impact on American people of changing decades long trade policies * Nikki Minaj supporting Trump at recent rally Local * New Dept of Homeless services LA County effective Jan 31 * Running for mayor in city of compton - Andre Spicer * Starting Jan 2026 - landlord responsible and have to provide a working stove and refrigerator * New law - folic acid added to corn tortillas, can cancel contract with contractor for homeowners via phone or text message Global * LA preparing for 2028 Olympics - cleaning house with homeless population

Mihingarangi reports live from the Northcote Saturday Market where they are using recycled materials to build a miniature town centre. 

Whatever Christmas means to you, there is no doubt that the way we celebrate it looks very different to the way it was celebrated a generation or two ago. 

Weekend stuff with Lynda Hallinan

On Monday we spoke with the director of 'The Age Of Disclosure' about his new documentary on UFO's .. which are now officially known as UAP's or Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena. Loads of you got in touch with your own theories, and stories. Including Peter Hassall, he's the author of 'The NZ Files' - a history of UFO sightings in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The irony of course is that despite it being the season when people come together to break bread and party, it's also an increasingly stressful time for many. And what do you do when you're stressed? You call Chris Parker. Chris is withe Jesse to share his Christmas survival guide.

Wallace Chapman and producers Tessa Guest and José Barbosa preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Andrew Clay and Denise L'Estrange-Corbet. First up, a Tauranga-based social services organisation is being stretched to the brink by the number of people living in hardship. SociaLink chief executive Lix Davies gives the lowdown. Then, does the introduction of bigbox retail like IKEA mean the death of local 'block of shops' retail in New Zealand? Butcher and local retail advocate, Reuben Sharples, joins the show.

In part two, New Zealand's Yoga Teacher of the Year, Hamish Kenworthy, celebrates the rising popularity of the practice.

RNZ Producer Angie Skerrett has been looking at times when things haven't quite gone according to plan.

We hear from Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson, along with ACT Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour.

Time for some more Christmas messages from political party leaders. We hear from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters and Te Pati Maori co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

We've got some Christmas messages from the political leaders at Parliament to bring you throughout the programme. First up we have the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and Labour leader, Chris Hipkins.

It's time to talk about the topics clogging up your group chats, the conversations offering respite from Christmas chaos. It's our last chat of 2025 so we've got the whole gang together, Culture 101's Perlina Lau, film critic Kate Rodger and Afternoons Senior Producer Olivia Wilson. Today they talk about: the BBC versus President Donald Trump, voice messages and highlights of 2025.

As diagnoses of autism and ADHD rise, more people are thinking about how their homes can better support neurodivergent needs The aim of neurodivergent-friendly design is to help reduce stress and improve mood and focus. Eddie Page is an Australian architect and co-founder of firm Maxwell & Page. He speaks to Jesse.

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

Tonight's question: Is advertising actually a good idea?

Our executive producer pops along with some sage reflections on the nature of sport and success in this his final show of the year

Enthusiasts from as far as Australia, joined a convoy of the little cars from Christchurch to a working farm station in Canterbury's Avoca Valley, for the annual Great Honda City road trip The event's creator, Jared Campbell spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A foundation born out of tragedy is helping young sportswomen compete on the world stage. Tania Dalton is a former Silver Fern who died in 2017, aged 45, after suffering a brain aneurysm. Her husband Duane set up the foundation in her memory. He spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

For more than 40 years, Bernard Egan has been tasked with the job of being Santa's helper. Listening to Christmas wishes and taking notes from kids back to Santa. He spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The concept of 'Last One Standing' or 'Backyard Ultra' events is simple but some might say, brutal. Participants run a 6.71km loop once an hour starting on the hour and they must complete the loop within an hour. This goes on hour after hour, day after day, until one runner is left standing. The West Coast is the latest region to host a 'Backyard Ultra' event, organiser Maggi Forsyth joins Jesse.

Wallace Chapman and producer Tessa Guest preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Nalini Baruch and Richard Pamatatau. First up, the stories of bravery surrounding the Bondi terror attack are still coming through. One man who kicked away the rifle of one of the gunman is a refugee who's been waiting for Australian residency for 13 years. His lawyer, Alison Battisson, joins the programme. Then, are New Zealanders for, or against cycleways? The result of a new national survey might surprise you. Cycling Action Network spokesperson Patrick Morgan shares his take.

In part two, RIP to the short-lived Road Cone Hotline, which will shut down before Christmas. Newsroom journalist and road cone correspondent for The Panel, Fox Meyers joins the show. Then, they head to Alexandra, where 89 year-old Shirley McIntosh has achieved the incredible feat of knitting a tablecloth out of old teabag strings.

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then, resident linguist Rory O'Sullivan brings along the latest news in language, accent, and questionable word choices.

2.5 million passengers will travel through Auckland Airport in its busiest five weeks of the year. Travel can be a great joy but also a legal minefield; who covers costs with a cancellation, what if you get bumped from a flight that is over booked, and what's the deal if the replacement flight is more expensive. Jessica Walker from Consumer NZ spoke to Lisa Owen with tips for travellers.

The classic summer festival is the latest loser in the cost of living crisis, with another iconic event announcing it's downfall today. Splore is part of a growing list of struggling festivals with big names like WOMAD and One Love also on pause. But with many young people still crying out for a summer experience, some smaller events are hoping they'll pick up punters let down by the big festivals. Evie Richardson reports. 

The Danes have hygge, a cultural inclination to try to make things cosy. In Finland, they have a very different cultural trait called sisu, a quiet, inner strength drawn from surviving hardship. Dr. Elisabet Lahti has spent years studying this Finnish concept, and in 2018 she put it to the test, running 2,400 kilometers across New Zealand to research sisu and promote nonviolence. She's the founder of the Sisu Lab and says anyone from any country can learn to have courage in the face of adversity.

As vigils for victims are held and more information about the alleged gunmen of the Bondi Beach attacks is revealed, Sydney residents are still reeling from the event. Brad Foster joins Jesse to offer a local perspective.

This week Katy Gosset looks at the property market, and meets two friends who have pooled resources in order to make owning a home a reality.

If the Gold Coast theme parks are a little too spendy for you right now .. and you can't face the crowds at Rainbow's End .. fear not .. an Auckland dad might have the solution for you. Bjorn Burton, has listed his designer playhouse for sale - with the standard features... a sandpit, slide, climbing ramp - but wait for it, it also has a twenty-metre roller coaster, something he designed and made himself. Bjorn chats to Jesse.

An 81-year-old Gisborne great grandmother has joined the DJ line-up for this years' Rhythm & Vines festival Molly Pardoe aka DJ SuperGran will debut with a ten minute set.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Alan McElroy and Jennie Moreton. First up, Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams says council staff are copping serious threats from members of the public over increases in water rates. Then, a bowling club at Auckland's Point Chevalier has had it's existence threatened by a lack of clarity about who owns the land.  

In part two, a bowling club at Auckland's Point Chevalier has had it's existence threatened by a lack of clarity about who owns the land. Then, the panel heads to Dunedin to meet a conservationist who's swapping the New Zealand summer for an icy boat ride to Antarctica.

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

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then, fashion critic Emma Gleason comes along to advise on what's best to wear this festive season.

Professor Kirsty Ross is Head of the School of Psychology at Massey University and joins Emile Donovan to share some tips.

A Northshore woman's at risk of losing her guide dog after several encounters with out of control dogs have left her working dog fearful and potentially unable to do its job properly.

NZ Post chief operating officer Brendon Main talks to Lisa Owen about the 10 million parcels being delivered in the two weeks leading up to Christmas Eve.

A family-run business is making sure pets get where they're going safely - transporting more than 100 animals at a time on a bus that runs from Auckland to Invercargill. Morning Report producer Rayssa Almeida jumped on board.

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

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: Invercargill is getting creative in finding ways to encourage rangatahi to get outside. Active Southland chief executive Vanessa Hughey-Pol explains the plan.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Anton Matthews and Marian Hobbs. First up, the horror of the attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach is still setting in. Eyewitness Tiffany Salmond recounts her experience of events, before Holocaust Centre chair Deborah Hart gives reaction from the local Jewish community. Then, Australian gun control advocate Simon Chapman gives his analysis of tightened rules announced this afternoon. And back home, plans to protect 174 significant trees across Auckland have been scrapped by the government. City councillor Richard Hills joins The Panel.

We all love to receive gifts - especially at this time of the year - but there is joy to be had in giving too. And the latest results from a study of over 200 children suggests that that joy can be experienced from a very young age. Professor Annette Henderson, director of the Early Learning Lab at Auckland University joins Mihingarangi to explain what this can mean for children and their parents.

At 50, Katherine Leamy packed her bag and headed off on a big international trip with nothing more than a backpack weighing 5 kgs. 

At 97, Maureen Maclean is one of several seniors to sign up for a 31-day New Year yoga challenge at their local studio in Hamilton. 

Experts are warning there could be further drownings at notorious black spots this summer.