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.
Subscribe to the Sunday Session Podcast
-
Revealed: What inspired Julian Dennison to become a DJ?
Kiwi actor Julian Dennison's built up an impressive acting resume between Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Deadpool 2, and How to Train Your Dragon, but he's about to...
-
Whitcoulls Recommends: Joan's top non-fiction books of 2025
Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy. This is by the author of the Booker Prize winning The God of Small Things - about her life growing up in India, the forces...
-
Megan Singleton: Are Christmas market cruises worth it?
Everyone loves a Christmas market, and travel expert Megan Singleton's examining an unconventional method to explore some of the best overseas. Megan's explored...
-
The Sunday Panel: Do we feel optimistic about the economy ahead of the new year?
This week on the Sunday Panel, NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson and Resident Economist at Opes Partners, Ed McKnight, joined in on a discussion about the following...
-
'It's been awesome': Dai Henwood talks latest projects and hosting Best Foods Comedy Gala
Comedian Dai Henwood's ticked plenty of boxes over his three decades in the business, but next May, he'll take on a new challenge and host the Best Foods Comedy...
-
The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast: 14 December 2025
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 14 December 2025, Kiwi Hollywood actor Julian Dennison is trying out a surprise new career,...
-
2025 health trends: Separating fact from fiction
Social media and the internet is full of health advice, but what's real, practical and helpful, and what's hogwash? Many popular health habits have been exposed...
-
Mike van de Elzen: Cider, star anise and pineapple roasted Christmas ham
Cider, star anise and pineapple roasted ham Cook time: 60 minutes Prep time: 10 minutes Serves: 8-10 3kg free range cured and smoked Christmas ham 2 x 330ml...
-
Research reveals unexpected tip to stop seagulls stealing your chips
I’ve already talked this year about research that shows staring at a seagull will prevent it from stealing your chips, but as beach season starts again - here is...
-
Could Avatar: Fire and Ash be James Cameron’s last?
James Cameron’s third instalment of the hugely successful Avatar franchise could be his last. The Hollywood director's latest film - Avatar: Fire and Ash - premiered...
-
Kiwi entrepreneur reveals why new startup will help bring AI forward
New Zealander Harry Mellsop has raised US$4.3 million for his start-up, Antioch, which he says brings artificial intelligence into the physical world. He explained...
-
Ethan Griffiths: Have Willis and Richardson hit an impasse?
The war of words continues between Finance Minister Nicola Willis and former Finance Minister Ruth Richardson. Richardson - the chair of the Taxpayers' Union - has...
-
'Pretty excited': Kiwibank economist predicts economic growth for 2026
New Zealand's economy is set to expand next year, as several key indicators point to economic recovery. Kiwibank's latest bi-annual report forecasts a 2.4 percent...
-
'Not a bad plaintiff': Legal expert unpacks Reddit's case against Aussie social media ban
Reddit's launched a High Court challenge to Australia's pioneering social media ban for under-16s. The country's new law, which sets a mandatory age limit of 16...
-
Francesca Rudkin: Willis v Richardson, I'm all for it
It’s a stunt, performative politics, a farce, a side show, a distraction from the HYEFU and quarterly GDP results being released this week… goodness me, the thought...
-
The Sunday Panel: Is Andrew Coster exaggerating Mark Mitchell's knowledge of McSkimming?
This week on The Sunday Panel, Director of 818 Chris Henry, and Director of Capital Ben Thomas joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day -...
-
Megan Singleton: tips before the road-trips
As many get away for the holidays, most people forget about the simple checks before they leave home for awhile. Blogger-at-large Megan Singleton shares one of her...
-
Joan Mackenzie: the best kid’s books for Christmas
With Christmas coming around the corner, now's the time to gift a great book to someone, especially children to spark the love of reading. Joan Mackenzie shares...
-
Tips to eat more mindfully to improve your digestion
Mindful eating is when we become fully connected with all the sensations experienced when eating and drinking including sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. Why...
-
Castaway: The pressure of recording 'Nondual', and performing Pretty Little Liars live in studio
Pop rock band Castaway released their sophomore EP Nondual in October - the popular tracks resulting in regular airplay on many mainstream radio stations. Three...
-
The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast: 07 December 2025
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 7 December 2025, for years it was believed Suzanne Vega's 'Luka' was about a young boy,...
-
Mike van de Elzen's Christmas sides and salads for the holiday season
This week, we continue with part two of our four-part lead-up to Christmas, focusing on sides and salads. Mike van de Elzen has chosen two of his favourite classic...
-
Could Garlic Be the Next Big Thing in Mouthwash?
Garlic is famous for many things, boosting flavour, warding off vampires, and making your kitchen smell incredible (or incredibly strong). But new research suggests...
-
Reaction to Netflix's US$83bn bid to buy Warner Bros Discovery
Netflix is acquiring Warner Bros Discovery in a blockbuster US$83bn deal – plus debt. As part of the deal, Netflix takes the TV and movie studio and other assets,...
-
Francesca Rudkin: The Kiwi on the world stage this week... but not for good reasons
Sometimes I wonder what the world thinks of us. Not in an insecure way – as in, we need the world’s admiration to validate how wonderful we are. But when I see...
-
American folk rock artist Suzanne Vega on album success and returning to NZ
American folk rock artist Suzanne Vega launched onto the global music scene back in 1987. Almost 40 years on, Suzanne is still making music. Her latest album ‘Flying...
-
What Andrew Coster alleged in his first interview after Jevon McSkimming revelations
Andrew Coster has given his first interview on TVNZ's Q&A with Jack Tame since resigning from the public service. The former Police Commission resigned as head...
-
Drug Foundation still has concern as roadside drug testing set to begin
In just over a week, roadside drug testing of drivers will begin in Wellington, with the aim to roll it out nationwide by mid-2026. So how will it work? And how...
-
Master Builders boss calls for a National Building Register
Master Builders are calling for a National Building Register to better protect homeowners. This is in response to the Government preparing to shift to a proportionate...
-
Francesca Rudkin: Why are we in such a retail frenzy?
Audio file FR EDITORIAL 301125.mp3 Transcript So, did you get yourself a bargain on Black Friday or some kind of good deal in the last 10 days that may also...
