Kathryn, Neale and Brigitte discuss recent events in politics, including latest polling that suggests NZ First is gaining support.

Political commentators Neale Jones and Brigitte Morten

Tech commentator Mark Pesce looks at the recent concerns about whether AI could wipe out humanity and adds some important caveats. He says AI chatbots are getting better at being persuasive - and that might have more worrying implications for people. Meanwhile Meta Muse - which is only available in the US right now - has become the most popular AI agent out there - but how does it work and why does it feel like the "browser wars" of the mid '90s? Mark Pesce is an author, podcaster and futurist

Tech: No, AI will not wipe out humanity - but...

Stuart is University of Canterbury's Executive Dean of Science, and a Professor in the School of Biological Sciences.

Science with Stuart Parsons

Psychology professor Paul Eastwick discusses his latest book, Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection.

Psychology professor Paul Eastwick discusses his latest book, Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection.

Psychology professor Paul Eastwick discusses his&nbsp;latest book, Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection.

Have dating apps and the manosphere distorted romance?

Australia correspondent Bernard Keane joins Kathryn to talk about Parliament resuming and the tributes made to MP Helen Haines who was attacked last week.

Australia: Parliament's tribute to Helen Haines

The comedians talk about bogans in Upper Hutt, as well as the world manu champs.

Friday funnies with Pinky Agnew and Irene Pink

Robin talks about the local regional council chief executive also being the interim CE for the New Plymouth's district council and what that means for pre-empting amalgamation discussions.

Around the motu: Robin Martin in Taranaki

Kim Pittar of Muirs Bookshop in Gisborne reviews A Splintering by Dur e Aziz Amna, published by Duckworth Books.

Book review: A Splintering by Dur e Aziz Amna

The novel considers motherhood and the decisions it brings, as well as women's rights and the challenges they faced in the 19th century.

Best-selling author Deborah Challinor on her latest novel

The response to the Middle East war from Asia. Financial Times journalist Ed White.

Asia correspondent Ed White

On Sunday, Nick is talking at Auckland Wooden Boat Festival, which begins today.

On Sunday, Nick is talking at Auckland Wooden Boat Festival, which begins today.

On&nbsp;Sunday, Nick is talking&nbsp;at Auckland Wooden Boat Festival, which begins today.

Supergroove's Nick Atkinson on wooden boats

He vowed to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, the world's busiest oil shipping channel.

Lyse Doucet on Iran supreme leader's first statement

New Zealand company ImpacTex is thought to be the country's largest textile recycler.

Out of date uniforms turned into plastic panels

A programme to help New Zealand students become more competent and aware when using AI is being rolled out nationally this week.

New programme to teach students about AI

Film and television reviewer James Croot joins Kathryn to talk about Kiwi comedy Crackhead.

Screentime: Crackhead, Vladimir, Rooster, Saipan

Smart, in-depth and relentlessly curious, host Kathryn Ryan dives into the stories shaping New Zealand and its people. Interviews and expert analysis from around the world and at home. It’s where big ideas are unpacked and everyday life explored.

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