Scientists have debated over two main theories of how lightning starts for years. 

Some say it's due to a build up of static electricity between particles in clouds, whereas others say cosmic rays are involved in the process.

Dr Michelle Dickinson joins Francesca Rudkin to breakdown these two leading theories. 

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The new documentary on musician Shayne Carter titled 'Life in one chord' has been described as one to watch in the cinemas by flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall.

He told Francesca Rudkin that, "the need for volume in a Shayne Carter documentary is very important, and it's also beautifully filmed.'

The documentary will be shown in cinemas around New Zealand next week.

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On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for (DAY DD Month YYYY), a few years ago, author Lee Child walked away from his Jack Reacher series but this week he hints a return might be on the Reacher might be on the cards.

Kiwi indie rock band The Beths are having a great run at the moment, lead singer Liz Stokes and guitarist Jonathan Pearce chat about their new album and the bands growing success.

There's been an increase in stimulant overdoses, NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm talks about what's driving the increase. while Francesca questions how Auckland can become as vibrant as Christchurch.

And do you really need those vitamins and supplements you're paying a fortune for?  Erin O'Hara let's us know exactly what works and what's a waste of money.

Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Since the late 90s Lee Child’s name has been synonymous with Jack Reacher. 

The books selling over 100 million copies worldwide and Reacher becoming one of the most loved and enduring fictional characters. 

Lee has now handed over the Reacher series to his brother Andrew but has released his first ever autobiographical collection, giving insight behind the scenes of his novels. 

He told Francesca Rudkin that he has compiled a series of limited-edition personal introductions and turned them into a collection, creating a treasure trove for Jack Reacher fans.

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The women’s Rugby World Cup has entered round two in England. 

The Black Ferns face Japan in their second cup match tomorrow morning. 

Former rugby player Alice Soper is in England for the tournament. She told Francesca Rudkin that the competition has exploded in popularity in recent years.

'The last time England hosted this tournament was in 2010. They had sold 30,000 tickets total to the tournament, and now, It's over 400,000'

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NZ Herald political reporter Jamie Ensor joins Francesca Rudkin to review this weeks' top local politics stories.

Is it normal for the taxpayers to pay for the legal advice the government received during COVID?

Will New Zealand follow suit with Australia and remove the Iranian ambassador following recent anti-semitic attacks?

And what does the Government's new Business Investor Visa do for foreign investors?

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Donald Trump’s vowing to fight the ruling that many of his imposed trade tariffs are illegal. 

The US Court of Appeals has ruled Trump went too far when he declared national emergencies to impose the sweeping import tariffs. 

The tariffs remain in place until mid-October to allow a Supreme Court appeal. 

Waikato University international law expert Al Gillespie says it's a 50-50 chance whether or not Trump's appeal will be accepted by the Supreme Court.

He says that although Trump has a balance that favours him in the Supreme Court, the American judges are independent people. 

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Almost three New Zealanders die from preventable drug overdoses every week. 

That is twice the number of people that die from drowning. 

New Zealand Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm said that the number of overdoses highlights New Zealand's shortcomings on tackling substance abuse.

'We're losing so many New Zealanders to preventable overdose, and we have very little little in place to prevent overdoses'

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In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear the heart-wrenching but uplifting story of Timoti te Moke - who turned his life around and is now a doctor and role model to so many.

And Francesca speaks with Dr Rachel Clarke about the fascinating world of organ donation - and the case that sparked interest around the world. 

Plus we all know Bret McKenzie from Flight of the Conchords fame. But he's gone on to produce music for Hollywood blockbusters and he talks with Francesca about his new album Freak Out City. 

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session. 

Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Richard Burton was a global icon best remembered for his memorable film roles and his passionate - and drama-filled - romance with Elizabeth Taylor, but a new release reveals where it all began.

The new biopic Mr Burton will be out in theatres next week and it tells the story of Richard Burton's tumultuous early life - and the school teacher who helped propel him to global stardom. 

Kate Burton, daughter of Richard Burton and actress in her own right, says many didn't know about her father's early life beyond being born in Wales.

"I think it's an amazing achievement - I think they tell the story of my father beautifully, I think a lot of people don't realise where my father came from. The know that he came from Wales, but they didn't know how poverty-stricken his life was as a young person." 

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