Afternoons

The iPhone didn't start the loneliness crisis around the world. Long before technology, other forces were reshaping our lives. We've exchanged independence, convenience and loosening the neighborhood and community ties for more privacy and control. That tradeoff is what brought us here, say Dr Erik Larson and Andrew Trousdale. They explore the limits of technology, the strain it puts on human connection, and what it might take to rebuild it in an essay on the Substack AfterBabel called "Scrolling Alone".

Afternoon critic Caitlin Cherry shares her thoughts on: Resident Alien (Netflix) The Walsh sisters (TVNZ on demand)

It's time for our expert feature, where we take on a topic and put all your questions to the relevant expert. Today we're joined by funeral celebrant Carla Rotondo Carla is here to talk about funerals, how to give your loved one the best possible send-off and how to truly honour their life and story. If you have a question for Carla, text us on 2101 or email us [email protected].

Every Monday afternoon Jesse hits the clubs. We'd love to hear from you if you're part of a cool club - the quirkier the better. Text us 2101 or email [email protected] Today we're talking to Gabby Ugalde from Aracnation - an aerial arts club.

We get the latest from our man in Australia, Brad Foster, on what's hitting the headlines there.

We're going to talk manufacturing now, because our next guest says, as an industry it gets a bad rap. Especially with young people. And that's an issue because the industry predicts that there will be a manufacturing workforce shortfall of up to 40,000 later this decade To discuss, Catherine Lye from Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, joins Jesse.

A new play about Helen Clark is set to hit Auckland's ASB Waterfront Theatre this April 'Helen Clark in Six Outfits' tracing her journey from a Waikato farm girl to New Zealand's first elected female Prime Minister. The play is written by award winning playwright Fiona Samuel, who wrote last year's Pike River, she tells Clark's story through the lens of her wardrobe, highlighting how often Clark was judged on her appearance, rather than her political shrewdness. Fiona Samuel who was awarded 'the member of the New Zealand order of merit' for services to television and theatre joins Jesse.

A council in Amberley Beach - north of Christchurch - is proposing what could become the country's first planned coastal retreat. The costal adaptation plan gives owners of the towns 109 properties the option to move to a new site further in land. Land the council have already purchased for $3.8 million But as seen at a fiery public meeting last week not all of Amberley Beach's current residents are happy with the plan Jesse talks to Hurunui District Council Mayor Marie Black.

This week's critter of the week is the waka leafhopper. As the name would suggest, these tiny leafhoppers look like miniature waka. They measure under 1cm and are light brown in colour. Endemic to Aotearoa, they live in wetlands and salt marshes in close association with their host plants which are wire rush and oioi (jointed rush). Their unique appearance allows them to blend into their surroundings and avoid notice from predators.

Time for our weekend stuff segment, like the name suggests, we get expert advice on what we might do in the weekend. Today we've got the brilliant Rachael Quin from The Housekeeper to share some cleaning tips. Do send in any questions you might have - 2101 or [email protected]