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 big draw': Bill Bailey speaks ahead of 'Vaudevillian' tour
UK comedian and actor Bill Bailey is set to start his next tour of New Zealand in the coming days, and he's spoken of his love for the nation. His brand-new show...
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'Daunting': Paul Henry talks return to TV in NZ's version of The Chase
Paul Henry's been a regular presence on New Zealand screens and he's come out of retirement to take on his most anticipated hosting job yet. He is set to host New...
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Francesca Rudkin: Why are there more musical biopics these days?
Yesterday on Jack Tame’s show, I was talking about the new Springsteen film - Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere - and Jack asked me why there have been so many...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: The Widow and Gone Before Goodbye
The Widow by John Grisham. Simon Latch is a small time, small town lawyer in Virginia, whose marriage is falling apart, his gambling is out of control, and his legal...
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How is the US Government shutdown impacting travel?
The US Government shutdown is continuing on with no end in sight, and it's starting to impact travel. While essential services will continue, air travel and passport...
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The Sunday Panel: Could Kamala Harris announce another presidential campaign?
This week on The Sunday Panel, 818 director Chris Henry and host of The Prosperity Project, Nadine Higgins, joined in on a discussion about the following issues...
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Erin O'Hara: How can we avoid the afternoon energy slump?
We've all faced the afternoon slump, but how can we get through it before the end of the day? The slump refers to the dreaded post-lunch, afternoon period where...
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The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast: 26 October 2025
Listen to the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 26 October. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every...
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Forget fibre - science reveals what will help you poop
We’ve all been told the same advice for decades: 'Eat more fibre if you’re constipated.' From breakfast cereals to bran muffins, fibre has long been the go-to remedy...
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Mike van de Elzen: Spring cola with honey, citrus and lavender
Spring cola with honey, citrus and lavender Cook time: 5 minutes Prep time: 10 minutes Serves: 10-12 drinks 2 oranges, cut in half 3 lemons, cut in half 2...
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'Helps flesh it out': Expert reflects on Pike River's impact following film's release
Pike River, the film based on the 2010 West Coast mining disaster, has officially been released. The film tells the story of Sonya Rockhouse and Anna Osborne’s...
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Trees for Survival targets 1 million more trees by 2030
Since its founding in 1990, the Trees for Survival Charitable Trust has encouraged schoolkids to plant one million trees and shrubs - and it's aiming for a million...
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Ethan Griffiths: What does Luxon aim to accomplish in Asia?
The Prime Minister heads to Asia today, for crucial meetings on trade and the economy. Chris Luxon's first travelling to Malaysia for the East Asia Summit and mark...
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Could the US start a war in Venezuela?
Military tensions are escalating in the Caribbean Sea, as the US deploys the world's largest warship to counter drug-traffickers. The US says it has killed dozens...
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'Public pressure': Why was Dame Noeline Taurua reinstated as Silver Ferns coach?
A refreshed sense of direction for the Silver Ferns amid Dame Noeline Taurua's return as head coach. Netball New Zealand's announced Taurua will resume her duties...
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'The Ridge' sees Kiwi acting veteran Jay Ryan return to NZ shores
Jay Ryan made a name for himself by appearing in New Zealand TV classics like Go Girls and Creamerie, but he's been able to take his skills overseas. He's making...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: Mad Mabel and Perspective
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth. An elderly man is found dead by his neighbour, 81-year-old Elsie. No one suspects foul play - until they discover that in the 1950's,...
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Megan Singleton talks snorkelling experience in Rarotonga
Megan Singleton's been taking in Rarotonga, and she recently got the chance to try out a unique snorkelling experience. She got the chance to try out sea scooter...
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The Sunday Panel: Is the Government deflecting ahead of the upcoming strikes?
This week on the Sunday Panel, Coast day host Lorna Riley and partner at Freebairn and Hehir, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of...
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Mike van de Elzen: Ika Mata
Ika Mata Prep time: 40 minutes Serves: 12 300gm firm white flesh fish Juice of 2 limes Juice of 2 lemons 1 small red onion, diced 1 small cucumber, diced...
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The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast: 19 October 2025
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 19 October 2025, Boy Swallows Universe author Trent Dalton talks about mining his own life...
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Science reveals why cutting onions makes you cry
Anyone who has ever sliced an onion, knows the eye stinging feeling and watering that comes with it. A new study from researchers at Cornell University, published...
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Gravity Let Me Go: Trent Dalton opens up about latest release
Trent Dalton's made a name for himself as one of Australia's biggest authors, and he's back with something that's more personal. He's best known for his 2018 novel,...
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Is your sunscreen safe? Expert weighs in amid recalls
There's concerns among some that sunscreen poses a risk, and the high-profile product recalls in recent months have prompted discussion. Some believe sunscreen is...
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'Noticeable need': New organisation aims to boost NZ screen industry
Several Kiwi industry leaders and screen businesses have teamed up to officially launch Screen NZ International, an industry body designed to boost New Zealand's...
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Adam Pearse: What do we think Labour's economic policy will be?
The Labour Party is set to unveil their economic policy in the coming days, and speculation's growing. Reports indicate a new tax plan will soon be announced -...
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PPTA head addresses Collins' critiques ahead of strike action
An estimated 100,000 workers are set to go on strike this coming Thursday, despite warnings from the Public Service Minister. Judith Collins has penned a letter...
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'Disruption': Minister Judith Collins makes statement ahead of Thursday 'mega-strike'
The Public Service Minister has penned an open letter to New Zealanders before a major mega strike this coming week. An estimated 100,000 workers across the health...
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From the Archives: Jim Bolger on The Sunday Session
In August 2022, former Prime Minister Jim Bolger joined Newstalk ZB's Francesca Rudkin on The Sunday Session to launch his new book 'Fridays with Jim'. Listen to...
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'Helps you face the world': Peta Mathias reflects on life and style in new book
Chef, author and broadcaster Peta Mathias lives a wonderfully full life, full of gastronomic tours of the world's top food destinations. When she's not leading foodie...
