
The Sunday Session
9am-12pm Sun

THE SUNDAY SESSION WITH FRANCESCA RUDKIN
9am-Noon
Sink into your Sunday with the best session around.
This is the show that delivers a little bit of everything.
News, opinion, analysis, lifestyle and entertainment – we’ve got your Sunday morning listening covered.
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'A true Renaissance man': Gene Kelly's widow Patricia honours his life and legacy
It's been almost three decades since Singin’ in the Rain star Gene Kelly died, but his widowed spouse is allowing fans to get a look at his legacy. Gene Kelly –...
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Mike Leigh talks 60 years of industry experience - and latest film Hard Truths
After a career spanning 60 years, British film-maker Mike Leigh is considered the godfather of British cinema. He's got experience as an actor, producer, screenwriter...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: Dream Count and One Hundred Years of Betty
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This author is known and loved for her deeply moving and profound works of fiction (for me, particularly, Purple Hibiscus...
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Megan Singleton: Recapping week two in New Orleans
Megan Singleton's coming out of her second week in New Orleans as Mardi Gras season continues. She made it to the Orpheus Parade on Lundi Monday - and recapped a...
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The Sunday Panel: Why did Adrian Orr resign?
This week on the Sunday Panel, Newstalk ZB host Roman Travers and producer, journalist and commentator Irene Gardiner joined in on a discussion about the following...
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Erin O'Hara: Is there such thing as a healthy takeaway?
We've all had busy weeks and felt compelled to order a takeaway meal from the endless options we have available - but one expert is wondering if they're really the...
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New research reveals why some people can wiggle their ears
Can you wiggle your ears? Apparently around 15 percent of the population can consciously move their ears up and down. Now, new research published in the journal...
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The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast: 09 March 2025
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 9 March 2025, godfather of British cinema Mike Leigh joins Francesca to discuss his 60 years...
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Mike van de Elzen: Dried mushroom risotto
Dried mushroom risotto Cook time – 60 minutes Prep time – 20 minutes Serves 6 3 cups dried mushroom 1 onion, peeled and diced 4 cloves garlic, peeled and...
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Michelle Monaghan, Adam Scott join the cast of James Ashcroft’s new thriller
Kiwi director James Ashcroft is working on his latest project for Netflix - and two of TV's biggest names are set to join the cast. Michelle Monaghan of The White...
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‘Saving butts, sinking putts’: Canterbury man launches bid to raise funds for mental health
South Canterbury's Barrie Coleman is on a mission to raise funds for mental health efforts. He began his year-and-a-half-long endeavour of playing at every golf...
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Jason Walls: I feel a little bad for Phil Goff
Former High Commissioner to the UK, Phil Goff, recently lost his job after commenting on Donald Trump's understanding of war history. The Foreign Minister stepped...
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Economist proposes new solution designed to change pension system
The debate over how we fix Superannuation has sparked discussion over the years - and one expert has offered up a solution. Economists have stressed the importance...
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Ex-Cyclone Alfred leaves damage following recent downgrade
Despite relief from Australians after being spared the worst from ex-cyclone Alfred - the storm is still causing havoc. New reports show hundreds of trees are down...
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Francesca Rudkin: It's been a big week for the health sector
It has been another big week for Health Minister Simeon Brown as he outlined his plan to deliver a better health system for New Zealanders. At the announcement...
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'We've given him a backstory': Claes Bang opens up about new historical thriller William Tell
Danish actor Claes Bang has made a name for himself in projects like Bad Sisters, The Northman and Square - and now he's taking on a new type of role. He's recently...
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Divorced, beheaded, live: Six reimagines the stories of Henry VIII's former wives
The lives and legacies of Henry VIII's former wives have often been condensed into a simple six-word rhyme - but a West End hitmaking musical aims to turn that around. The...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: The Comeback Code and How to Say Babylon
The Comeback Code by Jake Bailey. Jake came to national prominence when, only a few days before he was due to make the end of year speech as Head Boy at Christchurch...
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Megan Singleton: Experiencing Mardi Gras in New Orleans
BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton has been spending the last few days in New Orleans - and she's made a few memories during the peak of Mardi Gras season. She's...
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The Sunday Panel: What can we expect following the Trump-Zelenskyy clash?
This week on the Sunday Panel, Coast day host and host of travel podcast Trip Notes, Lorna Riley, and senior PR consultant at One Plus One Communications, Damien...
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Erin O'Hara: Navigating the dangers of processed meat
There's plenty of concerns surrounding the dangers of processed meats - but the issue is receiving more attention following the release of a new book. Processed...
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Mike van de Elzen: Ember-fired tuna with tomato and cucumber salad
Ember-fired tuna with tomato and cucumber salad Cook time: 5 minutes Prep time: 15 minutes Serves: 6-8 300-400gm piece yellow fin or similar tuna 1 tbsp sunflower...
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Human gene found to make mice squeak differently, research shows
Why is it that humans can talk but mice can’t? New research published in the journal Nature Communications found that it might be due to a specific gene. If you...
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Oscars 2025: Expert outlines predictions ahead of ceremony
The 2025 Oscars are set to take place tomorrow afternoon (NZT) and it's anyone's guess as to who's bringing home the gold. This year's ceremony will take place at...
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50 percent of New Zealand workers risking 'severe' burnout, research reveals
Current workplace demands on employees have reached the point where Kiwi companies are 'fracking human resources, according to one researcher. Dr Denise Quinlan...
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Thomas Coughlan: Seymour's nightmare - can the Government fix the school lunch scheme?
The Prime Minister has made his expectations clear to David Seymour, about the repeated short comings related to the school lunches programme. The scheme's come...
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'It's massive': Warriors CEO stunned by fan support ahead of Vegas clash
It's a big day for the Warriors - as the team is set to play their highly-anticipated match in Las Vegas against Canberra. The match will be beamed into 125 million...
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'We desperately need this': Law Society welcomes changes to legal aid system
The legal aid system could be getting a shake up as the Government hints towards reviewing the scheme to ensure victims’ justice is a priority. Minister Paul Goldsmith...
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The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast: 02 March 2025
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 2nd of March, new research reveals more Kiwis are at risk of workplace burnout than ever....
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Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin: Our Kiwi star in The White Lotus
In the first 2025 edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, former CIA analyst turned thriller writer David McCloskey talks his third book and how he captures...