In breaking news early this morning, President Joe Biden stepped down as the democratic candidate in the election race. It comes following mounting concern around Biden’s age and competence to serve another term as President, as well as a campaign from the party itself for the President to step back. 

Now, only three and half months out from election day the democrats must pick a new candidate, likely to be Vice-President, Kamala Harris. 

Producer Evie spoke to Geopolitical Analyst from the University of Otago, Geoffrey Miller, about what happens next and what effect this will have on the democrats chances of staying in office. We also talk about what impact the result of the election will have here in Aotearoa, as well as on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine.

Last week Associate Minister of Health, David Seymour, laid out his expectations for Pharmac for the upcoming year. 

Some of what was in his letter of expectations has caused much public discourse - particularly the point in which Seymour says Te Tiriti o Waitangi shouldn’t be considered in decision making at Pharmac. 

Te Pāti Māori has called for Seymour to step down from his role as Associate Minister of Health, and one of Pharmac’s directors, Anthony Jordan, has resigned from his role, saying the removal of Treaty principles from Pharmac did not align with his own morals and ethics. 

Given the overwhelming evidence of poorer health outcomes for Māori, producer Evie spoke to the ACT party’s Simon Court about the reasoning behind these expectations, and the party’s feelings about the backlash.

Absolute chaos when the serato/turntable/laptop shits itself - but tons of great music.

This week's show featured new music from Primal Scream, The Linda Lindas, Sampha, and Gum.

Listen back to the eclectic selects from both Jenn and the bFM listeners. Thank you to Martin, Belinda, Gary, Mark, Emily, Johnny, Dej, Peter, Keva, and all our anonymous requesters this week.

Spoilt Creatures is the debut novel by British author Amy Twigg. Set in 2008, it follows the story of Iris, a newly single woman who joins a women’s commune after she meets the beguiling Hazel, intrigued by the possibility of a world away from men.

Author of The Mercies, Karen Millwood Hargrave, called it ‘a simmering debut, heady with the possibilities of language and the righteousness of female rage’.

Beth spoke to Amy about Spoilt Creatures and its themes. You can pick up a copy at Time Out Bookstore or another independent bookstore near you.

Currently showing at Melanie Roger Gallery are the works of Matt Ellwood, James R Ford, and Cameron James McLaren. 

In this exhibition, the artists, each presenting new and stylistically diverse work, explore the act itself of making.

In his Fourth Estate series, Cameron James McLaren explores the role of media and photography, directly sourcing documentary photography from newspapers. 

Sofia caught up with Cameron about his work in the show and his practice.

It has been two years since the Supreme Court of the United States decision to overturn Roe v Wade. This effectively reversed a recognised constitutional right for Abortion in the United States, paving the way for states to set up bans.

Wire Host Caeden spoke to the University of Auckland’s Liz Beddoe about what the impact in the United States has been, and if there still could be potential ramifications here in Aotearoa.

Beth had a kōrero with author Amy Twigg about her debut novel, Spoilt Creatures.

Sofia spoke to poet Jenny Rockwell about her new collection, Vultures. 

She also had a kōrero with artist Cameron James McLaren about his work in an exhibition currently showing at Melanie Roger Gallery with Matt Ellwood and James Ford.

And for Stage Direction this week, Sofia speaks to producer Charlie Underhill about Te Ao Hou, a new show by Massive Theatre Company at Te Pou theatre. 

Jenny Rockwell has represented Aotearoa at international poetry slams and gained a sizable following on social media for her poetry readings. 

Her debut collection, Vultures, is a coming-of-age story told in a Southern Gothic mode following her personal journey from growing up in the church to embracing queer joy and defiant love. 

Sofia spoke to Jenny about Vultures and her practice.