Podcasts about Northland

Southfield mayoral candidate Sylvia Jordan, a daycare owner and former City Council president, joins hosts Vanessa Moss, Allan Lengel, and Jim Nardone to discuss her vision for Southfield, concerns about the Northland City Center development, and issues surrounding foreclosures.The hosts also discuss ethics concerns at City Hall.

Cancer care should be close to home. It's not just convenient, it's necessary for good patient outcomes. We take a closer look at the growing options in the Northland for patients and their families.

New Zealanders are being warned to make sure they're immunised against measles if they're travelling off shore with active outbreaks in a number of countries and a rising number of cases here. Four local measles cases have been connected to the Bluebridge ferry sailing from Picton to Wellington on October the third. Health authorities have contacted about 350 passengers from the sailing to give them health advice. Cases have been identified in Northland, Auckland, Manawatu and Nelson. Health New Zealand public health medicine specialist Dr Matthew Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Brandi Freeman and Amy Warner, co-owners of Club Pilates, to discuss how Pilates fits into modern life, especially for busy professionals, parents, and aging bodies. We begin by acknowledging the real-life challenges of prioritizing fitness while juggling responsibilities. Brandi and Amy share that between the two of them, they manage seven kids — yet still find time to prioritize their own health. They emphasize that motivation ebbs and flows, but creating a consistent routine can transform exercise into a natural part of daily life.We explore the roots of Pilates, originally developed by Joseph Pilates to rehabilitate war veterans. With control and alignment at its core, Pilates combines movement, breath, and mental focus for full-body wellness. Club Pilates offers a contemporary take on classical Pilates, with a strong emphasis on Reformer Pilates — a form that uses resistance machines to strengthen the body while improving flexibility, mobility, and posture. Amy and Brandi explain that this method isn't just for one demographic. They've trained everyone from clients in their 90's to professional athletes, showcasing Pilates' adaptability and universal benefit.Throughout the episode, we hear how Pilates helps people recover from injuries, extend the effects of physical therapy, and prevent pain from creeping in with age. Many of their clients are at the point in life where their previous fitness routines no longer serve them. Pilates becomes a pain-free, effective alternative that still delivers strength and flexibility. Their instructors, each trained with over 500 hours of certification, customize classes to meet each member where they are — whether it's rehab, aging gracefully, or athletic performance.We also dive into how Brandi and Amy turned their shared passion for fitness into a growing business. What began with a conversation in a gym parking lot led to nine Club Pilates studios across Michigan, with Royal Oak being the newest addition and Commerce Township soon to follow. They also speak warmly of their experience joining the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce and how supportive the community has been in helping them launch locally.To wrap, they invite listeners to try a free introductory class — a gentle entry point into Pilates that includes a sample workout and a personalized membership consultation. For those curious but unsure, the message is clear: Pilates is for everybody, and every body.Connect with Club Pilates Royal Oak at119 South Main Street, right downtown Their phone number is (248) 955-4011. Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/Connect with our hosts:Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's episode brought to you by house reps Jeff Shipley and Elena Hayes, Iowa Tire of Fairfield (Smithburg, Ottawa, Fairfield), The Packwood Locker, and Henshaw Trailer Sales of Richland, Iowa. Helping us out today: Andy Krutsinger of the Southeast Iowa Union. We break down first‑round playoff matchups, district tiebreakers, RPI scenarios and standout players across Class A, 3A, 4A and 8‑man football. Highlights include Pekin vs Earlham, Sigourney‑Kyota vs I‑35, Mid‑Prairie, Columbus vs Northland, Waco vs Edgewood‑Colesburg, Linville‑Sully vs Wapalo, Fairfield vs Mount Pleasant, and Centerville vs Mediapolis. Listen for game predictions, key players to watch, and what to expect Friday night as the postseason begins.

The Big Idea for this week was: Pursuit is Essential.-The Bridge is a weekly gathering of students in the Northland of Kansas City who want to see Kansas City changed by Jesus, one student at a time. For more information visit our website at https://discoverchurchkc.com/thebridge/ or follow us on social media at https://www.instagram.com/bridge_kc/ and https://www.facebook.com/BridgeDCKC

-The Bridge is a weekly gathering of students in the Northland of Kansas City who want to see Kansas City changed by Jesus, one student at a time. For more information visit our website at https://discoverchurchkc.com/thebridge/ or follow us on social media at https://www.instagram.com/bridge_kc/ and https://www.facebook.com/BridgeDCKC

When Rachel Hill's son, who has Down Syndrome, left school there were limited options for his employment, education and training.

A rural Northland resident who was acutely unwell with an infection says a friend had to drive him to hospital last month because no ambulances were available. Ruth Hill reports.

A balancing act is underway to decide which Roads of National Significance will begin construction next. The Government's funnelling $1.2billion into the programme's 17 projects - which includes highway sections in Northland, Nelson, Hamilton, and Wellington. Transport Minister Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking they're now going through a prioritisation exercise as a Government. He says they have all the investment cases, and they're working out a rough order of sequence. Bishop says they can't build them all at once, noting they want to ensure a regional spread. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There were tense scenes in the Northland town after outgoing mayor Craig Jepson called an unprecedented emergency council meeting.

Health NZ is releasing a new information campaign to encourage parents to immunise their children after the outbreak of measles in Northland. 

FULL SHOW: Was the Barista Flirting… or Just Being Nice?On today’s show: Megan is prepping for the arrival of her parents, and we debate her lawn mowing skills. Producer Troy is caught moonlighting on other radio stations under fake names and voices. We chat about what happened post-surgery… high on painkillers! Thanks to one of us, a technical error led to Northland receiving the same weather report for six years... We read some touching letters from children and social workers ahead of 24 Hours of Handball. We need an official vibes person for our show! Instagram: @THEHITSBREAKFASTFacebook: The Hits Breakfast with Jono, Ben & MeganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know Duluth is the greatest city on earth. Whether you're here for the long haul or just passing through, the Zenith City has something for everyone - and then some. After all, our small town boasts world class attractions, stunning beauty and unmatched outdoor recreation. In fact, there's so much to do, eat and explore that planning out your Duluth day can be simply overwhelming. While that may be a good problem to have, you may want to turn to a professional for help picking the biggest and boldest things to do in Duluth. That's where Jay Gabler comes in, an arts & entertainment reporter for the Duluth News Tribune. The journalist is also an author, penning '100 Things To Do In Duluth Before You Die' for those wanting a challenge - and some help with their Northland bucket list. The book was published earlier this year and in this case, you can judge a book by the cover, as the Minnesota native truly lays out all the things you can - and should! - do in Duluth before you die. We can't think of a more fitting guest for the season seven premiere of For The Love Of Duluth.

Kyla and Louis are the kiwi couple behind Out the Gate Off Road and live full-time in their 1988 Mercedes Unimog. With a background in carpentry and a shared love of adventure, they designed and built every detail of their home-on-wheels themselves. They share favourite Northland locations including Ahipara, Karikari Peninsula and Whangarei Heads, tips for travelling with dogs, and how they manage life, work and CrossFit training on the road. Next, Kyla and Louis want to visit the South Island, then Australia, and one day a road trip across the Americas. Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip todayGet my NZ Map & GuideBook your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itinerary Thank you so much for tuning in and coming along for the ride. If you love the show and enjoyed listening, please take the time to leave a review on Apple or Spotify. I would also love to connect with you, so send me a DM on Instagram, leave me a voice message and I can't wait to see you next time. Until then, keep adventuring :)Follow Out the Gate on Instagram: instagram.com/outthegateoffroad/Subscribe on YouTubeRead the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Get my NZ Map & Guide

Around the motu : Peter de Graaf in Northland

Kerikeri kids have a new place to play -- but this playground in Northland has some special extra features. It's a māra hūpara, which is a playground designed in accordance with Māori principles - and it's also set to teach grown-ups a thing or two about the place they live in. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf has more. 

Act MP and Northland farmer on the government's new methane reduction target. Is he pleased with it, and does it go far enough?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Big Idea for this week was: Be a Good Friend-The Bridge is a weekly gathering of students in the Northland of Kansas City who want to see Kansas City changed by Jesus, one student at a time. For more information visit our website at https://discoverchurchkc.com/thebridge/ or follow us on social media at https://www.instagram.com/bridge_kc/ and https://www.facebook.com/BridgeDCKC

Northland's community is grappling with the imminent closure of its leading hospitality training provider. The shutting of the QRC Te Tai Tokerau will force school leavers to travel large distances to seek qualifications, and leave hotels and restaurants scrambling for staff. With the region's polytechnic also facing an uncertain future, it couldn't have come at a worse time. Peter de Graaf reports.

We will start the weekend with dry conditions, however Saturday evening will bring in some showers, that will stick around for some through the end of the weekend.

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Susanne Scott, founder of Firefly Spa in Royal Oak, Michigan, to explore the powerful health benefits of contrast therapy and the story that led her from a 25-year career at Comerica Bank to launching a wellness business. We start by learning how a spontaneous trip to San Diego during the pandemic led Susanne to rediscover her long-lost uncle and experience a traditional Korean spa. The impact of that visit was transformative—both physically and emotionally—and it planted the seed for what would eventually become Firefly Spa.As we dive deeper, Susanne walks us through the science and history of contrast therapy, which dates back to ancient Greece. She explains that contrast therapy is the practice of exposing the body to extreme hot and cold temperatures in succession. It's shown to improve the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, immunity, cognitive function, pain management, and even fat conversion—from harmful white fat to metabolically active brown fat. A key player in this process is the vagus nerve, which helps regulate the body's stress response and supports emotional and neurological health.We discuss why contrast therapy is gaining traction in the modern world: science is catching up to what many cultures have known for centuries. With validation from studies, testimonials from elite athletes and thought leaders like Andrew Huberman, and a cultural shift toward holistic wellness, more people are turning to these natural therapies to trigger healing and balance from within.Susanne breaks down what makes Firefly Spa different: no reservations required, affordable pricing, cold plunge access without restrictions, and daily passes that allow flexibility. The spa also hosts private events for athletic teams, corporate retreats, and even bridal parties. She emphasizes the importance of accessibility and community, offering a welcoming space for anyone looking to boost their health.In addition to Firefly Spa, Susanne has opened "Some Peace & Quiet" in the same building. This space offers massage, sound therapy, meditation, ionic foot soaks, grounding mats, and reiki—all aimed at deep relaxation and detoxification. The goal is to create a complete wellness experience where people can reset both physically and mentally.Susanne's passion for wellness and education is clear throughout, and she invites listeners to come visit Firefly Spa in person or online to experience the benefits themselves.More:Firefly Spa Website: https://fireflyspa.net/Phone: (248)-307-775300:00 - The Benefits of Contrast Therapy00:24 - Meet the Hosts and Guest00:55 - From Comerica to Cold Plunges: Susanne's Backstory02:45 - What Is Contrast Therapy?03:27 - Why Contrast Therapy Is Growing in Popularity04:30 - Health Benefits of Hot and Cold Exposure05:20 - The Role of the Vagus Nerve07:04 - How Cold Therapy Boosts Neurotransmitters08:16 - What Sets Firefly Spa Apart09:25 - Private Events and Team Experiences10:53 - Sauna, Weight Loss, and Fat Conversion11:44 - Some Peace & Quiet: New Services13:04 - Susanne's Experience with the Royal Oak Chamber13:44 - Fishbowl Question: Favorite Cheese14:42 - How to Connect with Firefly Spa  Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/Connect with our hosts:Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In today's episode, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has described protesters outside his Auckland home as 'truly gutless' after one smashed a window, which left glass on his dog; The government has announced 18-and-19-year-olds whose parents earn more than $65,000 a year will be ineligible for jobseeker benefit, There are currently 11 cases of measles nationally, with a new case in Northland over the weekend, and an unrelated case in Queenstown, and new research has found Kiwi kids are at risk of leaving home without the life skills like cooking needed to thrive.

There are currently 11 cases of measles nationally, with a new case in Northland over the weekend, and an unrelated case in Queenstown. Kerikeri High School principal Mike Clent spoke to Corin Dann.

Health New Zealand has confirmed another case of measles in Northland, increasing the national count to 11. This virus, which was once thought of as a thing of the past, is very much rearing its ugly head again. As of September 30, there was over 1500 confirmed cases in the United States, and three confirmed deaths. So what can we do to stop any further spread? Dr Nikki Turner, principal medical advisor for the Immunisation Advisory Centre, she chats to Jesse.

In today's episode, the Government is tightening access to jobseeker benefits for teens. From November next year, 18 and 19-year-olds won't get it if their parents earn over $65,000 per year. A new survey found almost three-quarters of Kiwis back banning social media for under-14s. Health New Zealand is asking the parents of Northland students to ensure their children have had their MMR vaccines as the region battles a measles outbreak. And researchers found a day spent fishing is good for your mental health.

The town of Rawene has dealt with the discharge of a failing sewage plant into their harbour for 40 years, but a new system is only weeks away. Peter de Graaf reports.

Health New Zealand is asking the parents of Northland students to ensure their children have had their MMR vaccines, amidst a measles outbreak in the region. Dr Sharon Sime from the National Public Health Service spoke with Corin Dann.

This week on the Sunday Panel, Chelsea Daniels from the Front Page podcast and TV producer, journalist and commentator, Irene Gardiner, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! From Monday, the starting age for bowel cancer screenings will be lowered from 60 to 58 in Northland, Auckland, and the South Island. The rest of the North Island will follow in March 2026. Do we think the Government could have done more with this? Do we need to loosen up royal traditions? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts say better staffing numbers will be key to improving bowel-cancer screening. The screening age is set to lower to 58 for Northland, Auckland and the South Island today, with the rest of the North Island to follow in March. More than 120,000 people will qualify for screening in the first year of this change, and the Government aims to boost colonoscopy capacity to lower the age screening age further. But colorectal surgeon Frank Frizelle says there's plenty of capacity to expand it, but more resources are needed. "The Government is walking very cautiously in this line, because it's worried that its resources won't be able to deliver. To me, it doesn't seem to match up." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Zoe George and Max Burt. First up, more than five thousand children are waiting for learning support in schools. The Panel hears from Paul Barker, principal of Kaeo School in Northland about why the wait list is so long. Then, with the news of the Carter Holt Harvey Tokoroa mill closing due to clean imports, is it time to get back into the swing of buying local?

Trevor Pumnea, Executive Director, Northland Arboretum, talks about the latest happenings at the Arboretum. Trevor gave an update on the new Bike Park that was installed last spring, he discussed the possibility of Forest Ice Skating coming this winter to the Arb, weather permitting. Trevor listed a number of classes and events that were taking place at the Arb that the public could take part in, and he invited the public to their annual fundraising Haunted Trail Weekend and Low Scare Trunk or Treat event. He also discussed memberships and volunteer opportunities available at the Arb.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to cancer more patients are starting treatment within the government's 31 day target time according to new figures. Nationally 86.3 per cent of patients started treatment within that time frame up from 83.5 percent last year. The government's gunning for 90 percent by 2030. A breakdown of districts though shows wait times have acutally got worse in eight areas in the past three months. Head of Cancer Services at the Cancer Society Southern, Craig Watson speaks to Lisa Owen.

The region at the heart of a current measles outbreak has seen the biggest slide in child vaccination rates in in the country. The number of Northland children fully immunised at 24 months of age has dropped about four percent to just 62.3 percent in the past three months with the region lagging way behind other areas. That's despite an overall improvement nationwide. Health target data released today shows 82 percent of two-year-olds have had all their vaccinations up from 76.5 percent last year. There's currently four confirmed measles cases in Northland and one unrelated case in Queenstown. Health Minister Simeon Brown says there's a pop up vaccination clinic operating in Northland and the government's partnered with Hauora Maori organisations to raise immunisation rates. Childhood vacinations also dropped in Whanganui, Nelson Marlborough and Canterbury. Maori paediatrician and chairperson of the National Immunisation Taskforce Dr Owen Sinclair spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Health Minister is celebrating shorter wait-times, faster treatment and more timely access to care for patients. New figures from April to June this year, show the government's progress towards its five key health targets for 2030 with shorter stays in emergency departments just shy of its milestone. But there are some targets falling well short of where the government hoped they would be. Child immunisation rates are among them with Northland significantly lower than other regions and the opposition says it highlights why adopting targets when it comes to healthcare is problematic. Political reporter Tu Whenuaroa Natanahira has this report.

The Government's revealed progress is being made towards their mental health and addiction targets. The latest data shows 80.3% of New Zealanders are accessing specialist mental health and addiction support within three weeks. However, that percentage is carried by eight of the 20 regions, leaving behind Northland, Gisborne, and Canterbury. Clinical Psychologist Dr Dougal Sutherland told Mike Hosking the access to specialist services was a positive surprise, as it's not necessarily what he'd heard. He says he's cautiously optimistic about the progress, but there is still room for improvement. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland, Northland and the Chatham Islands will be exempt from earthquake prone building rules because of the areas' low seismic risk, under changes announced by the Government yesterday. Auckland mayor Wayne Brown spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Building and Construction Minister says new earthquake building rules are more nuanced. Changes to the rules will remove Auckland, Northland, and the Chatham Islands from the regime. Coastal Otago, including Dunedin, will be classified as a medium seismic hazard area, and will remain within the earthquake-prone building system Building Minister Chris Penk says the rules are ultimately designed to protect life. He told Mike Hosking under the current system some owners were unable to afford the upgrades. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health officials are working to prevent a widespread measles outbreak in Northland - after four confirmed cases in the region. Ngati Hine Health Trust CEO Tamati Shepherd-Wipiiti spoke to Corin Dann.

An extra half hour of The Panel with Emile Donovan, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Mark Leishman. Then: why is Northland such a hub for banana growers? Emile talks to a boutique banana grower to learn the secrets of growing commercial bananas.

A new deal has been struck to boost Northland's berry production. Ngapuhi Asset Holding Company Chair Nick Wells spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Thrill seekers have a new place to play in the Bay of Islands. It's hoped the mountain bike jump park, which opened at Waitangi on Sunday, will also attract more visitors to Northland when they're needed, outside the busy summer season. Peter de Graaf reports.

In this episode of The ROCC Pod, we sit down with Shawn Thornton, founder of Smart Biz IT and former tech leader at Amazon and Ford, to unpack the growing importance of cybersecurity and compliance for small and mid-sized businesses. We open with a real-world horror story—Shawn walks us through how one of his Michigan-based clients was completely taken out by ransomware. Two facilities, thousands of hacked printers, a wiped customer database, destroyed emails, inaccessible websites—no backups, no recovery, over a million dollars in losses. It's a sobering introduction to the stakes of not being prepared.After the wake-up call, we shift to get to know Shawn a bit more personally—his passion for barbecuing, cold smoking cheeses, and his undying loyalty to the Detroit Lions. The conversation is easygoing, but the subject matter stays serious as we transition back to the business of IT and compliance.Shawn breaks compliance down in simple terms—it's about proving that you're protecting your customer and business data. Whether it's strong passwords, verified backups, multi-factor authentication, or employee training, these small habits can be the difference between continuity and catastrophe. He emphasizes that compliance isn't just about avoiding trouble; it can actually become a revenue driver. Companies looking to secure government contracts, enterprise partnerships, or venture funding all need to demonstrate cybersecurity maturity. Compliance is no longer optional—it's a credential.We talk about what Smart Biz IT offers: full-service IT support with a lens focused on compliance. From help desk and cloud backups to risk assessments and documentation, Shawn's firm is helping businesses not only stay safe but grow. He shares another example of a client with a seven-figure deal on the table—except they couldn't move forward without a SOC 2 attestation. Now, with Shawn's help, they're on track to be ready in time.The episode closes with Shawn reflecting on his move into entrepreneurship, the unique value Smart Biz iT brings to the market, and his great experience since joining the Royal Oak Chamber. We also get to learn that his favorite day of the year is NFL's opening Sunday, and fall—complete with smoked meats and fantasy football—is his favorite season.Contact Shawn: https://smartbizit.com/Or call: (248) 206-910000:00 – Ransomware Nightmare: A $1M Recovery00:53 – Introduction to the ROCC Pod01:12 – Meet Shawn Thornton: Tech Pro & BBQ King03:19 – What Is Compliance, Really?04:33 – Why Compliance Matters to Small Businesses06:04 – Common Cybersecurity Mistakes07:49 – Ransomware Case Study: Lessons Learned10:48 – Full-Service IT With a Compliance Focus12:53 – Turning Compliance Into Revenue13:46 – Shawn's Background: From Amazon to Smart Biz iT14:03 – Experience Joining the Chamber15:00 – Favorite Day of the Year: NFL Kickoff Sunday17:10 – Contact Info and Final Thoughts Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/Connect with our hosts:Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Peter reports on the sentencing of a man convicted of manslaughter after his dogs killed his friend, mayoral races in Northland and the return of a much loved woodchopping tropy. 

The Children's Minister is attributing a reduction in youth reoffending to boot camps, even though they haven't started yet. The Government says serious and persistent young offending has dropped by more than 14% since June 2023. Northland experienced the greatest decrease at 40%. Minister Karen Chhour told Mike Hosking there have been significant developments. She says they've learnt a lot from the military-style academy pilot, which has informed other programmes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My uplifting story of the week involves charter schools. Charter schools are the little idea that could. Or maybe they are the big game-changing idea that could. We heard this week of the first public school wanting to explore the charter route. It's in Northland and it's being driven by the realisation that what they currently do doesn't work for their kids. And that is the genesis of the charter school thinking. Remember, charter schools go back to a previous Government, before Labour took to them in 2017. So this isn't new. But the basic premise was one size does not fit all and a lot of kids may well benefit from different styles and approaches to learning. I have been a fan from day one. Not because charter schools are magic bullets, but rather the simple premise that what we have demonstrably doesn't work for everyone. You can't hide from the facts and the truth and our pass rates, our success rates, are shocking. The unions simply bleat for more resource. Even if it is a partial answer, it isn't close to being the whole answer and their myopic view that there can only be one way is a very large part of the overall handbrake that has prevented real change and advancement. The Northland school, I thought, gave excellent insight. They have good people, they work hard, but they are simply not getting the cut through, so they need to try something different. They didn't used to be “for” charter schools, but just their ability to accept change needs to be admired and encouraged. Chris Hipkins as Education Minister in 2017 killed them. Not because they weren't working, but because he is beholden to the unions and there was no way they were ever going to get a chance to prove them wrong. So what we have seen this time round is no shortage of demand for schools. In fact, more schools are demanding it than there is money allocated. We see the first public school, or at least the first public school prepared to admit they want to look at change, which leads surely to a growing sense charter schools might at last have their time. Some may well turn out to be brilliant, lives may well get changed and the recognition of a decent idea may well be widely accepted. It seems the momentum is on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's critter is small but very fierce! The Northland Tusked Weta is around 2 cm in size, they are a beautiful orange-brown colour with bands along the back. These little critters live in small tunnels of trees during the day, plugging up the entryway with their own special mix of saliva and wood dust. This can make them incredibly hard to find, if they are not out and about munching on other small creatures during the night. Forest and Bird Chief Executive Nicola Toki talks to Jesse about the endangered critter.

In this episode of The ROCC Pod, we dive deep into the world of emotionally intelligent AI with Christine Chubenko of CodeBaby. Jon hosts solo while Lisais away, and together with Christine, we explore how AI is reshaping business efficiency, customer interaction, and our daily digital experience.We begin by learning about CodeBaby, a platform that powers emotionally intelligent avatars capable of handling repetitive customer service tasks on behalf of businesses. These avatars go far beyond the likes of "Clippy" — they can smile, laugh, and emulate human responses, allowing businesses to provide 24/7 assistance that reflects their brand tone and values. Christine emphasizes that users maintain full control over their data and avatar behavior, which can evolve over time as the business grows or shifts.Christine shares examples from retail and healthcare. In stores, avatars answer common customer questions, freeing up human staff to focus on higher-priority tasks. In medical practices, avatars or even holograms can offer patients a safe space to ask questions — particularly beneficial for older patients who may hesitate to speak directly to doctors. ("But they're so busy!")As we discuss the broader AI landscape, Christine explains her career roots in computer science and AI, dating back to the 1990s. While the foundation of AI has remained rooted in pattern recognition and statistical models like k-nearest neighbor, the scale and sophistication of modern AI have exploded. She debunks the myth that AI is sentient — emphasizing that despite the human-like responses, these systems are still just machines built by humans with clear limitations and no true consciousness.We explore how AI is already part of our everyday lives through Siri, Alexa, social media algorithms, smart appliances, and personalized streaming suggestions. Christine argues that AI's role is to reduce tedious tasks — not replace humans entirely. Jobs that require emotional nuance, tactile presence, or creativity (like nurses or preschool teachers) remain well out of AI's reach. Meanwhile, automation can fill gaps where businesses struggle to hire, like in food service or basic admin roles.Christine also breaks down what makes AI emotionally intelligent: prompt engineering. It's not just about asking a question; it's about asking it the right way, setting the tone, and defining the persona you want the AI to emulate. For instance, telling ChatGPT to answer as a cardiovascular surgeon or in a humorous tone drastically alters the output.To close, Christine encourages listeners who are curious about AI to simply sign up for a tool like ChatGPT and ask, “Where do I start?” That simple first step leads to powerful learning. She reminds us that while AI may seem intimidating, it's just another tool — and it's one we can all learn to wield effectively.More:Email Christine: cchubenko@codebaby.comCodeBaby Website: https://www.codebaby.com/ Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/Connect with our hosts:Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

Northland fisherman Cliff Barnes has had more brushes with death than most of us have had hot fish dinners. His stories have been told in a new book by retired journalist David Hastings.