1:15 Why ultra processed foods are even worse for us than we thought
Ultra-processed foods are becoming so dominant in our diets, they are causing a surge in diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and depression, that’s according to research that has just been released this afternoon.
The findings are in three papers by a group of scientists from around the world, including one from New Zealand and published in the medical journal, The Lancet.
It’s estimated that consumption of ultra processed food here in New Zealand is around 50-60 percent of our diet.
The New Zealander who co-authored one of The Lancet papers is Auckland University Professor Boyd Swinburn. He talks to Jesse.
Professor Boyd Swinburn
Photo: Supplied
1:25 The Epstein Files are to be released – so what happens now?
Photo: AFP / Daniel Heuer
This morning – New Zealand time – the US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly – 427 to1- in favour of the Epstein Files Transparency ACT.
That means the US Justice Department has to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
And while that all might feel a long way away from New Zealand, this is a story that seems to have gripped the world, so we wanted to know more.
Washington DC correspondent Mitch McCann joins Jesse to discuss.
1:35 Honouring Douglas Wright – one of NZ’s most revered choreographers
GLORIA will premiere in 2026 as part of Aotearoa NZ Festival’s 40th anniversary celebrations, restaging Douglas Wright’s 1992 work alongside two new companion works.
Photo: SYMES
A landmark trans-Tasman dance collaboration will honour Douglas Wright, one of New Zealand’s most revered choreographers.
The restaging of his iconic work Gloria is being presented by The New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC) and Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia, for next year’s Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts
New Zealander Raewyn Hill is Founding Artistic Director of Co3 Contemporary Dance – and she joins Jesse from our Wellington studio.
1:45 Heading Off: “Welcome to my Garden”
Brigitte Masse and her partner used the”Welcome to my Garden” scheme while travelling in Europe.
Photo: Brigitte Masse
Time for our weekly travel segment Heading Off.
On this segment last week we focussed on slow travel – and we continue that theme this week.
“Welcome to my Garden” is a network of free guest accommodation across the world where travellers can camp for free in a host’s garden.
The only proviso? You must be a slow traveller.
Brigitte Masse and her partner have just returned from six months of slow travel around the world and say using
“Welcome to my Garden” was one the highlights of their time away
2.12 Music Critic: WITCH and The New Existentialists
Music critic Matthew Crawley is with me now to share some new music from WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc) with Talking Heads cover Once in a Lifetime, and The New The New Existentialists – I Don’t Need The Light
The new Witch lineup (
Photo: Pooneh Ghana
2:20 Easy Eats: Black pepper beef stir fry
Wednesday means we’re halfway through the week, which is often when all cooking inspiration, or indeed motivation, goes out the window,
But don’t worry, we’ve got you! Kelly Gibney is with Jesse to share a perfect mid-week recipe. Recipe is here
You can find more of Kelly’s great recipes here!
2:30 Bookmarks with Gaurav Sharma
Gaurav Sharma
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Time for bookmarks, the weekly feature where an interesting person shares their favourite cultural picks with us and today Jesse is joined by Gaurav Sharma, Gaurav is a Senior Journalist with the RNZ Asia team and a good friend of the show.
3:10 Feature interview: Unapologetic rock star Joan Jett
Beneath the fame, the faux leather, and the decades of trailblazing, Joan Jett is still driven by something simple: the thrill of plugging in a guitar and letting it rip. From her teenage beginnings with The Runaways to her powerhouse years as a solo artist and leader of the Blackhearts, she’s held tight to the same ambition she had at 13; to be onstage in a band, making unapologetic rock music. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are coming to New Zealand for the Summer Concert Tour with Iggy Pop, Hoodoo Gurus and ZED. Joan Jett’s longtime manager, producer, and creative partner, Kenny Laguna will be coming with her. Using his own money and selling records out of the boot of his car, he was there when The Runaways fell apart. They chat to Jesse. Go here for concert tickets.
Joan Jett.
Photo: Supplied
3:35 Stories from Our Changing World
Some of the Dot Ingredients team in the lab at AUT that they are currently working out of.
Photo: Claire Concannon
Time now to catch up with Our Changing World’s Claire Concannon, she’s been talking to an Auckland-based team of chemists that have developed a new way to help oil and water mix.
3:45 The pre-Panel
Wallace Chapman previews tonight’s instalment of The Panel.
Photo: wallace chapman