Sunday Morning

New Zealander Dr Andrew Read is the director of its Institutes of Life Sciences at Pennsylvania State University. He works at the forefront of international research on Covid and specialises in the ways infectious diseases work, He joins us to explore the emergence of the JN1 variant, its worrying ability to target lung cells and what this means in a world of semi-immune populations.

Film buff and regular reviewer for RNZ Afternoons, Sam Hollis shares his top pick for festive film viewing.

The Bugman, naturalist, columnist and broadcaster, Ruud Kleinpaste takes a look all the creepie-crawlies lurking in out carpets, pantries and bedrooms.

Tamaki Makaurau-based, husband-wife duo Ra Charmian introduce us to their new single, 'Papatuanuku He Ataahua Koe' - which is a stunning te reo Maori interpretation of 'What a Wonderful World'. Band members, Ra Charmian Toia-Booth (Ngapuhi, Tainui) and Hayden Booth talk to Jim about how, having both lost their dads this year this track has helped them move through their grief.

Award-winning broadcaster, host of the BBC television series Grand Designs, writer, environmentalist, and storyteller, Kevin McCloud is coming to New Zealand in February for a series of special evening talks and discussions. He talks to Jim Mora about housing, his career and why he prefers New Zealand buildings to those in England.

Dr Michelle Wong a cosmetic chemist and science educator with a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and runs the popular Lab Muffin Beauty Science blog. She joined us last week to talk about the science of skincare and so many of you got in touch with questions we've asked her back to answer them.

Covering news all over the country is a struggle for media companies dealing with rising costs and falling income. But some local outlets are surviving - and even thriving. Mediawatch's Hayden Donnel finds out who's doing the business in Horowhenua - and how they're doing it.

Award-winning food writer, author of Homecooked: Seasonal Recipes for Every Day and RNZ's Lifestyle & Entertainment editor, Lucy Corry, the Kitchenmaid has some has some excellent ideas for your festive tables this year including, the best roast potatoes and her very special Chilli Chocolate Pretzel Sandwiches.

Calling Home this morning is Brendon Johnston in the far North of Finland just below the arctic circle in a place called Ranua. Brendon lives with his partner Natalie, their two boys, and a howl of huskies.

Dozens of elite Russians have died in suspicious circumstances over the past few years in what the Sydney Morning Herald has called "a global murder mystery." Waikato University's International Law professor Alexander Gillespie is the author of the multi-volume series The Causes Of War and A History Of The Laws Of War. He speaks to Jim.