
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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'The Good Life' author opens up about homesteading in Central Otago
Gillian Swinton grew up watching her grandmother maintain a family farm in Northern Scotland - and used her experience to cultivate the rural lands of New Zealand. Now...
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Author Chris Whitaker reflects on writing journey
Epic thriller All the Colours of Dark was one of the must-read books of 2024 - but author Chris Whitaker's road to success was a long one. Whitaker has suffered...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: 1985: A Novel and High Heels and Gumboots
1985: A Novel by Dominic Hoey. Set in Auckland in the mid 80’s as the title suggests, this is the story of a young man coming of age in a dysfunctional family in...
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Explained: How can we make the most of our spending to earn Airpoints?
One of the perks of using credit cards is the Airpoints rewards - but there's benefits and pitfalls involved. A Platinum AMEX, for instance, will give you points...
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The Sunday Panel: Do we agree with the Vatican asking people not to take selfies with the late Pope?
This week on The Sunday Panel, NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson and journalist and editor Jo McCarroll joined in on a discussion about the following issues of...
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The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast: 27 April 2025
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 27 April 2025, author of smash hit 'All the Colours of the Dark' tells Francesca of the...
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Erin O'Hara: How to tell if your pelvic floor is tight or weak
It’s a subject many would prefer not to think about, but there’s no avoiding the fact that people can struggle with issues with their pelvic floor. A weak pelvic...
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Mike van de Elzen: Chicken Coq au Vin
Chicken Coq au Vin Cook time: 25 minutes Prep time: 30 minutes Serves: 6 6 large bone-in chicken thighs or legs 2 cups red wine 12 baby white onions, outer...
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Scientists discover new colour with lasers
Imagine seeing a colour so vivid, so unlike anything in nature, that your brain has no reference for it. That’s exactly what happened to five people who took part...
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Pink Floyd at Pompeii: Is this an experience worth watching?
One of the most distinctive concert films in rock history, Pink Floyd at Pompeii, has been rereleased to theatres - along with an accompanying soundtrack. Filmed...
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Hīkoi for Health: Doctors launch inquiry to address 'failing' health system
Sick of inaction from politicians around our ailing health system, two Kiwi doctors are taking matters into their own hands. GP Dr Glenn Colquhoun and general hospital...
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Thomas Coughlan: It's been a big week for roads
Works toward improved public transport for northwest Auckland are a step closer after an investment case was endorsed by the Transport Agency, the Minister of Transport...
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Thousands fill the streets to pay tribute to late Pope
There's been an outpouring of support from all over the world as thousands gathered to pay tribute to Pope Francis. The 88-year-old pontiff has been laid to rest...
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'A beautiful farewell': Cardinal John Dew speaks following Pope Francis' funeral
A sea of mourners watched on, as the Vatican bid a final farewell to Pope Francis last night. The 88-year-old pontiff has now been laid to rest at Rome's Basilica...
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Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin: Rebecca Gibney on the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone
In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, actress Rebecca Gibney opens up about her newest TV project and the importance of stepping out of your comfort...
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All Killa No Filla: Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Rachel Fairburn talk true crime passions
While true crime might not be the obvious pick for comedy-based content, a familiar duo have leaned into the genre. In All Killa No Filla, comedians Rachel Fairburn...
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Reb Fountain talks new album and latest tour
Singer-songwriter Reb Fountain is back with a new album blending folk, art-pop and rock - How Love Bends. Released in March, Reb and her band have wasted no time...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: Nobody’s Fool and Northbound
Nobody’s Fool by Harlan Coben. A former detective turned private investigator is stunned when the woman he thought had died 22 years ago suddenly appears in the...
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Get Wise: How can we best handle money while travelling overseas?
The world is getting complicated and new methods to handle cash while travelling overseas are popping up - but which tools work the best? The Wise card has gotten...
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The Sunday Panel: Should we be surprised by Trump's latest statement on Ukraine?
This week on The Sunday Panel, Newstalk ZB host Roman Travers and partner at Freebairn and Hehir lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following...
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Erin O'Hara: How can jump training improve bone health?
Jumping has been found to have plenty of health benefits - and it may even reduce the risk of osteoporosis. New research has revealed jump training is highly beneficial...
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Mike van de Elzen: Hot cross bread, butter and custard pudding
Hot cross bread, butter & custard pudding 6 hot cross buns 4 eggs 500 ml cream 1/2 cup soft brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla paste 1 tbsp butter 1 tbsp icing sugar...
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Can't hear conversations in noisy places? Science has the solution
Have you ever found yourself nodding along in a noisy bar, pretending to understand your friend’s story, but truthfully, you’re just hoping for a quieter moment...
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Fyre Festival 2 officially postponed, no new date set
Fyre Festival 2 has officially been postponed - less than two months before the event was said to be taking place. The organisers have reportedly postponed the event...
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Kiwi plans to run the length of NZ to raise money and awareness for youth mental health
Blake Schimanski has taken on the challenge of running the length of New Zealand - from Bluff to Cape Reinga - within the month of April. Through his campaign ‘Run...
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NASA successfully launches giant balloon from Wānaka Airport
A stadium sized balloon has successfully launched from Wānaka Airport - after several cancellations. The super-pressure NASA balloon will travel the Southern Hemisphere’s...
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Jamie Ensor: Trade and tariffs top of mind ahead of Luxon's UK trip
The Prime Minister departs today for the United Kingdom, before travelling to Gallipoli in time for ANZAC Day. Trade, security and the current geopolitical climate...
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'Exciting': Scientists capture first confirmed footage of colossal squid
World-first video footage of the elusive colossal squid has been captured by US researchers. It lives in the deep Antarctic waters, can reach up to seven metres...
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Easter trading debate: More retailers calling for an end to restrictions
Limited Easter trading hours are bringing extra financial burdens for businesses according to retailers. The Retail Radar survey shows almost 70 percent of retailers...
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Francesca Rudkin: We need to simplify Easter trading hours
If you live in a city, there is something quite special about waking up on Good Friday - to the sound of silence. There are no cars on the road, no hum of traffic...