Afternoons

When we think of harmful emissions, we think it's fair to say most of us picture clogged motorways not busy hospitals. But environmental damage from anaesthetic gases is a thing; one hospital with 15 operating theatres will emit the equivalent to driving two million kilometres in a petrol-powered car. It's a problem that saw an Auckland University professor leap into action, inventing a device that captures almost all of the gases released during surgery. That device has just had a successful trial - for more about this Professor Saeid Baroutian chats to Jesse.

A couple of weeks ago we spoke to the Drug Foundation after the Government announced that Police will begin roadside drug driving tests. Police will test for four types of drugs - cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and meth - using an oral-fluid testing device. As more information about the testing device has been released, so has commentary. While everyone can agree we don't want impaired drivers on our roads, questions have been raised about the decision to test for the presence of drugs rather than impairment. University of Otago Professor Joseph Boden talks to Jesse.

Where are you planning to live when you retire? Stay in your own home as long as possible? Move in with family maybe? Or are you keen to move into a retirement village? Global property firm JLL recently released their 2025 report on the state of New Zealand retirement villages, and it has found that in the next 8 years demand is set to out strip supply by over 11 thousand places. That's a deficit that's only expected to grow as our population ages. WSP fellow and Deputy Director at the Helen Clark Foundation Kali Mercier joins Jesse to discuss.

Friday afternoon means it's time to talk about the endandgered critters that are endemic to New Zealand. This week Forest and Bird Chief Executive Nicola Toki and Jesse are looking at the Olearia Owlet Moth.

Martin Bosley from Yellow Brick Road shares Skye Gyngell's delicious recipe: Mussels with Fennel, Crème fraiche and Saffron

Troy Kingi joins us for NZ Live to celebrate his new album, Night Lords.

Dominic Corry is in our Auckland studio to talk movies, and this week he's looking at: Wake Up Dead Man - A Knives Out (new in theatres this week) After the Hunt (Prime Video) Die My Love (new in theatres this week).

It's time for Freaky Friday, the space for all your weird, spooky, and strange experiences. If you have one you'd like to share please reach out via text - 2101 - or you can email us, [email protected]. Neville in Paraparaumu joins Jesse to share his spooky tale.

Jesse spoke with Matthew Stott, a recipient of one of the University of Canterbury's 2025 Research Medals. He's been described as the "Indiana Jones of microbiology," Stott studies extremophiles, life forms that thrive in some of the planet's most extreme environments.

Lynda Hallinan joins Jesse to share her gardening tips.