Afternoons

It's one of the world's most recognisable icons - used across languages, writing systems, and cultures. The single right-pointing triangle has become synonymous with the play function ... inherently suggesting the start of something. But how did it become the sign for play? Dr Jason Kennedy is a senior lecturer in the department of Animation, Visual Effects & Game Design at Auckland University of Technology and he's been looking into the history of other universal media symbols. He joins Jesse in the studio.

Men's sheds have become familiar community spaces around Aotearoa. These are places where men can learn practical skills, meet new people, and ultimately improve their wellbeing. But my next guest says women who want those same opportunities face a shortage of accessible spaces, tools, and funding. Nikki founded WomenzShed in 2022, and the organisation has now helped more than 500 women develop woodworking skills through workshops in Auckland and Wellington. She chats to Jesse.

Men's sheds have become familiar community spaces around Aotearoa. These are places where men can learn practical skills, meet new people, and ultimately improve their wellbeing. But my next guest says women who want those same opportunities face a shortage of accessible spaces, tools, and funding. Nikki founded WomenzShed in 2022, and the organisation has now helped more than 500 women develop woodworking skills through workshops in Auckland and Wellington. She chats to Jesse.

The future look of Auckland housing is a step closer to becoming a reality after Auckland council voted in a plan to allow intensive housing around central transport hubs. The move is a response to a government requirement for the council to allow for more than 1.4 million homes to be built in in the city. It could see 15 storey apartment buildings being built along side heritage homes in central suburbs like Kingsland and Mt Eden ... some councillors argue it's a sensible plan, while others say it'll ruin the character of the city. Connor Sharp is with advocacy group Greater Auckland, he chats to Jesse about the issue.

The future look of Auckland housing is a step closer to becoming a reality after Auckland council voted in a plan to allow intensive housing around central transport hubs. The move is a response to a government requirement for the council to allow for more than 1.4 million homes to be built in in the city. It could see 15 storey apartment buildings being built along side heritage homes in central suburbs like Kingsland and Mt Eden ... some councillors argue it's a sensible plan, while others say it'll ruin the character of the city. Connor Sharp is with advocacy group Greater Auckland, he chats to Jesse about the issue.

Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan star in the shortest show on radio, where they show they really can make something out of nothing, join them to be part of their delight, or to simply despair. Wallace will also preview what's on The Panel tonight.

For decades, Dr Shanna Swan has studied the relationship between environmental chemicals and human reproduction. Her research has helped drive a global conversation about declining fertility, reproductive health, and the potential effects of chemicals found in everyday products. Dr Swan worked with 6 couples with unexplained infertility to see what might happen if they eliminated as much plastic from their homes and their lives as possible. The Netflix documentary follows them from the supermarket to the bedroom to see if reducing their exposure to plastic might improve their chances of having a baby. The documentary is called The Plastic Detox. Jesse speaks to Dr Shanna Swan.

Afternoons critic Jemima Huston is with Jesse to share what she's been listening to: ABC Unravel: What Became of Jack? ABC What's that Rash?

Afternoons critic Kate Langdon joins Jesse to share her takes on some recent releases. London Falling - Patrick Radden Keefe Whistler - Ann Patchett Yesteryear - Caro Claire Burke

It's time for Mayoral minutes .. where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing ... how they're working to solve them... and what makes their community special. Today we're heading to Upper Hutt - North of Wellington - from where Mayor Peri Zee joins Jesse.