Once, to many, the ultimate symbol of deviance and defiance, tattoos are now much more firmly in the mainstream. Dr John Miller is a Senior Lecturer in Nineteenth-Century Literature at the University of Sheffield. His book The Philosophy Of Tattoos is a broad and very personal exploration of tattooing from around the world as a unique expression of individual, cultural and national identity.

Catherine Costello was home in NZ over the summer showing her French partner a Kiwi Christmas. They live in Lyon, France, where she works for a company teaching English to French business people. Wellington born and bred, Catherine has, over the past five years or so, established a new life in France.

Claims and counter-claims on post-Gabrielle crime spike; boring old infrastructure surges to the top of the agenda; climate minimisation still has a foothold in the media.

As the West remains resolute in its opposition to the invasion of Ukraine, many are wondering where Russia might look for support. Al Gillespie is a Professor of Law, specialising in international law related to war, the environment and civil liberties, at the University of Waikato.

Vladimir Putin's plans for a swift victory a year ago failed spectacularly. But now, Russia's president appears to be preparing for round two. We gauge the mood inside Russia with former ABC Moscow correspondent Norman Hermant, who has been speaking to Russians including some who have left the country.

The number of people with Parkinson's Disease in New Zealand has been steadily increasing with about 1 in every 100 people over age 60 estimated to get it - and there is no cure ... just a managing of symptoms. Could acting out your dreams foreshadow neurodegenerative disease? Jim talks to Professor Ronald Postuma from McGill University in Montreal about what the research says.

New Zealander Breanna Morris is one of the brightest young female talents in world motorsport. She talks to Jim about racing at the highest level at such a young age and where she wants her talent to take her in the future.

A new study by Alzheimer's researchers has found sleep medications increase the risk of dementia in some people. But the type and quantity of the medication may be factors in explaining the higher risk. Massey University sleep researcher Dr Rosie Gibson talks to Jim about the study and whether the inability to sleep is a cause or a sign of the condition.

As both a solo artist and member of the Police, Sting has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. He says he still finds something new in his songs, as he prepares to tour New Zealand next month.

Dr Ali Hill from the Human Nutrition department of Otago University is back once again to dig into the latest research into how we fuel our bodies. Today she talks to Jim about the dangers of the dry scooping trend and the benefits and potential impacts of cinnamon.