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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Iconic Kiwi creatives team up for Grace: A Prayer for Peace
Dame Robin White is well-regarded as one of New Zealand's most significant living artists, and she teamed up with Dame Gaylene Preston for a new project. Grace:...
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Famed chef and restauranteur Al Brown returns with new book
Kiwi chef Al Brown is well-regarded as one of New Zealand's top foodies, and he's back with a new book for novice fishermen. Fans of Al’s work will have seen his...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: Fulfillment and All the Way to the River
Fulfillment by Lee Cole. Two half brothers lead very different lives. When they converge on their mother’s home in rural Kentucky, the rivalry between them intensifies...
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How can we utilise Facebook groups when travelling?
Destination Facebook groups are a useful tool to utilise while travelling - and they can help you be better prepared in the face of disaster. Between natural disasters,...
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Francesca Rudkin: We need to be more compassionate when dealing with tragedy
It’s been a sad week. Humanity has not been at its best. A police officer almost lost his life and we got a glimpse into the harsh reality of life in the bush for...
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The Panel: Can information really be suppressed in a global media world?
This week on The Sunday Panel, managing director of 818, Chris Henry and journalist and editor, Jo McCarroll, joined in on a discussion about the following issues...
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The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast: 14 September 2025
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 14 September 2025, celebrity chef Al Brown might just be one of our keenest fisherman, he...
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The longevity movement: How are people planning to live longer?
More and more people are looking into living longer and staying healthier, with the longevity movement encouraging individuals to take control of their health. People...
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Mike van de Elzen: Chorizo paella with green chili and coriander (1)
Mike van de Elzen: Chorizo paella with green chili and coriander Cook time: 45 minutes Prep time: 5 minutes Serves: 6 2 tbsp sunflower oil 1 white onion, peeled...
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Explained: Can VR help people living with dementia?
Imagine walking through a peaceful forest, listening to birdsong, or watching the waves roll in on a sunny beach. Now imagine doing all of that without ever leaving...
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Emmys 2025: Severance, The Penguin, The Studio lead nominations
The 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards are set to take place tomorrow, with many top TV shows up for an award. Apple TV+ could be in for some big wins, with Severance...
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We The Young: New youth-focused festival set to debut in Auckland
A new youth-focused arts festival is set to debut in Auckland next week - and run until the 28th of September. We The Young is Auckland Live's first attempt at creating...
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Tākuta Ferris standing by controversial social media post - report
Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris is standing by his controversial social media comments, according to recent reports. Ferris posted a video this week defending a previous...
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'Nervy': Sky Sport commentator unpacks eventful Saturday in NZ sport
Last night was a big one for New Zealand sport, but it didn't quite go the way many Kiwi fans were hoping. The Warriors' NRL finals hopes were dashed after their...
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'Perilous moment for America': Expert speaks on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's death
The Governor of Utah is calling for calm, following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 31-year-old was killed while speaking at an event...
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Andrew Lownie talks new book promised to expose Prince Andrew
Historian Andrew Lownie has written a new book designed to be the final nail in the coffin of Prince Andrew. Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York is...
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'Soak up every moment': Downton Abbey cast members talk about the end of the series
After 15 years, Downton Abbey is set to come to an end. It's taken six seasons, 52 episodes and two films - but this week the third film, Downton Abbey: The Grand...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: Buckeye and Saving Elli
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan. This is set in a small Ohio town at the very end of WW2 when two people become caught up in victory celebrations and have a brief romantic...
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Explained: How can we deal with delayed or cancelled flights?
Megan recently tried to fly to Hawke's Bay, but her travel plans ground to a halt after rolling sea fog stopped the flight in its tracks. Air New Zealand requested...
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The Sunday Panel: How do we get people engaged in voting?
This week on the Sunday Panel, journalist and TV producer Irene Gardiner and Partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about...
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Francesca Rudkin: There's nothing like sport to unite the country
Growing up, my mother used to say that life is 95 percent anticipation. It’s in the wait, the build-up and the preparation where the joy is often found. Often the...
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The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast: 07 September 2025
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 7 September 2025, after 15 years, the end of Downton Abbey is here. Key cast members join...
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Erin O'Hara: How does 'sarcobesity' work?
Sarcobesity refers to the coexistence of diminished muscle mass and increased fat mass, but what does that mean from a health-based perspective? The condition can...
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Mike van de Elzen: Father's Day Beef with Café de Paris butter
Father's Day Beef with Café de Paris butter Cook time: 5 minutes Prep time: 20 minutes Serves: 6 6 x beef steaks Flaky salt Cracked pepper 150 gm unsalted...
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Eggs are off the hook: New study clears them of cholesterol blame
For years, eggs have been breakfast’s most controversial ingredient. Despite being packed with protein and essential nutrients, they’ve carried the weight of dietary...
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The White Lotus headed for France in season 4 - report
Popular murder mystery comedy-drama series The White Lotus is reportedly set to be located in France for the upcoming fourth season, according to new reports. Series...
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Under His Command: Second instalment of Destiny Church doco set to come out
Veteran broadcaster John Campbell investigated Destiny Church in a five-part documentary series earlier in the year - and the second instalment is due to come out...
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Adam Pearse: Can we expect any announcements from NZ First today?
The bulk of New Zealand First's announcements are expected today for the final day of its annual conference. Party members and supporters have gathered in Palmerston...
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'Great for our game': Former All Black on Kiwi side's Eden Park victory
Coach Scott Robertson has praised the All Blacks' response to their bad day in Buenos Aires. The All Blacks have defended their formidable Eden Park record with...
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Francesca Rudkin: I wish Auckland was vibing as much as Christchurch
So, while we were on a break, I went to Christchurch to see my son for his 19th birthday. It was a fleeting visit. I flew down on a Friday and home on Saturday afternoon,...
