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
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Mr Burton: New film reveals the origins of iconic actor Richard Burton
Richard Burton was a global icon best remembered for his memorable film roles and his passionate - and drama-filled - romance with Elizabeth Taylor, but a new release...
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Flight of the Conchords' Bret McKenzie unveils new album 'Freak Out City'
Kiwi musician and comedian Bret McKenzie, best known for his work with Flight of the Conchords, is set to release his second album next week. Freak Out City is a...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: Summer Island and The Surrogate Mother
Summer Island by Kristin Hannah: Kristin Hannah is the author of several extremely popular books, including The Nightingale and The Women. They’re historical fiction,...
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Japan's tourism changes: Tax free shopping ends, visitor caps to take effect by 2026
Japan is making significant changes to its tourism landscape, with new measures taking effect by late 2026. Japan will end tax-free shopping benefits for foreign...
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The Sunday Panel: Can Labour turn things around ahead of the election?
This week on the Sunday Panel, broadcaster and journalist Wilhelmina Shrimpton and director at Capital NZ, Ben Thomas, joined in on a discussion about the following...
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Erin O'Hara: Is the new FibreMaxxing trend safe?
Consuming more fibre can be good for your health, but is TikTok's new FibreMaxxing trend the safest way to go about it? FibreMaxxing encourages people to load their...
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Research reveals how the first potato came to be
Did you know that the humble potato owes its very existence, and its global success as a food staple to an ancient genetic mash-up? A recent study in the journal...
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Mike van de Elzen: Pea and ham soup with cheesy toast
Pea and ham soup with cheesy toast Cook time: 60 minutes Prep time: 10 minutes Serves: 6 1 smoked pork hock 1 carrot, peeled and quartered 1 onion, peeled...
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Jane Austen Wrecked My Life: Camille Rutherford talks new role in unconventional rom-com
2025 is a big year for Jane Austen fans, as it marks 250 years since the English novelist's birth. A line up of events have been taking place throughout the year...
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The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast: 10 August 2025
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 10th August 2025, Flight of the Conchords star Bret McKenzie speaks ahead of the release...
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Weapons: New horror release aims to reveal mystery
The new 2025 mystery horror film Weapons is out in theatres, meaning film fans will finally get a chance to unravel what was happening in the trailers. The film's...
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CatVideoFest: How cute animal clips went on to fund a good cause
The SPCA is riding the tail of a global cat film sensation. CatVideoFest is a 75-minute compilation of small felines doing silly things. It's reached our cinemas...
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Jamie Ensor: What can we expect ahead of Chlöe Swarbrick's address?
The Greens claim they're leading the opposition, while they push a radical tax shakeup. The Party's AGM continues in the capital today, which kicked off with a rally...
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Thousands protest in Tel Aviv as Israeli Government looks to expand Gaza war
Israeli protestors have taken to the streets of Tel Aviv angry over the Israeli Government's plan to occupy Gaza City. Latest opinion polls show around 70 percent...
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NCEA changes: Labour’s Chris Hipkins says opposition can learn from communication errors
Labour's leader believes lessons can be learnt from a lack of communication from his party on NCEA changes. Education Minister Erica Stanford reached out to Labour's...
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Francesca Rudkin: Willow-Jean Prime was arrogant to ignore Erica Stanford
When it comes to politics, a pet peeve of mine is opposition members of Parliament who seemingly do little for 3 or 6 or 9 years and then come into power and seem...
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The Story of a Heart: Dr Rachel Clarke talks about organ transplants in latest book
Dr Rachel Clarke is a palliative care doctor with the NHS in the UK, and she's utilised her experience to write several books about the medical industry. Her bestselling...
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Books: The Girl with the Suitcase and No, I Don’t Get Danger Money
The Girl with the Suitcase by Lesley Pearse. Mary and Elizabeth meet in London during WW2, and soon after find themselves in an air raid shelter where they’re hit...
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Travel safety: What can you pack in your checked bag?
Every day, thousands of items are confiscated from travellers everywhere, meaning it's important to remember what you can and can't pack before your next flight. Weapons...
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The Sunday Panel: Will charging tourists extra boost the economy?
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...
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Erin O'Hara: What are the health benefits of sunshine?
Research indicates the weather outside plays a role on what's going on on the inside - which is why sunny weather comes with health benefits. Sunshine is linked...
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Mike van de Elzen: Lime Tart
Farm Lime Tart Cook time: 55 minutes Prep time: 20 minutes Serves: 2 tarts 1 x sweet shortcrust pastry 1 egg, lightly beaten Zest and juice of 7 limes 1...
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The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast: 03 August 2025
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 3rd August 2025, screenwriter and actress Sophie Henderson reveals the lengths she went...
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Research reveals seeing an ill person could potentially mobilise immune system
Have you ever instinctively taken a step back when someone sneezes near you on the bus? It turns out that your body may be doing more than just helping you avoid...
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NZ International Film Festival: Which films should Kiwis check out this year?
The red carpet's being rolled out for New Zealand's International Film Festival. Thirty international titles direct from Cannes Film Festival in France will be showcased...
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Sophie Henderson draws on theatre experience for new film Workmates
Kiwi screenwriter Sophie Henderson's been behind many New Zealand-produced hits, and she's drawn on her personal experiences for her next film. Henderson's latest...
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NZ Beer Awards: Expert reveals how Kiwi beer measures up
The 2025 New Zealand Beer Awards recently took place, with the best in local beer being celebrated and appreciated by experts. 25 trophies were handed out - selected...
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Adam Pearse: How will Trump's new tariffs impact NZ?
The Prime Minister believes the United States' tariff hike of 15 percent was a blunt and late decision. The US announced the increase for New Zealand exporters,...
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Online Gambling Bill: 33 NZ sporting bodies unite to oppose law change
The Government's newly introduced Online Casino Gambling (OCG) Bill has been met with backlash from some on New Zealand's leading sporting bodies. The legislation...
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Conservation Minister says increased tourism fees will help fund biodiversity, infrastructure
The Government says it's charting a course towards more growth on conservation land. It's upped entry fees to $40 dollars for overseas visitors looking to visit...
