Sunday Morning
Episodes
Susie Dent: Why are we mad about 'Linguistic Supersizing'?
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why say 'tired' when you can be 'shattered' - or 'hot' instead of 'sweltering'? Modern English has a fondness for the dramatic, and extroverts may eve...
Susie Dent: Why are we mad about Linguistic Supersizing?
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why say 'tired' when you can be 'shattered' - or 'hot' instead of 'sweltering'? Modern English has a fondness for the dramatic, and extroverts may eve...
Susie Dent: Why are we mad about Linguistic Supersizing?
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why say 'tired' when you can be 'shattered' - or 'hot' instead of 'sweltering'? Modern English has a fondness for the dramatic, and extroverts may eve...
Susie Dent: Why are we mad about 'Linguistic Supersizing'?
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why say 'tired' when you can be 'shattered' - or 'hot' instead of 'sweltering'? Modern English has a fondness for the dramatic, and extroverts may eve...
Susie Dent: Why are we mad about Linguistic Supersizing?
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why say 'tired' when you can be 'shattered' - or 'hot' instead of 'sweltering'? Modern English has a fondness for the dramatic, and extroverts may eve...
Susie Dent: Why are we mad about 'Linguistic Supersizing'?
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jim talks ‘linguistic supersizing' with author and broadcaster Susie Dent, who is the co-presenter and resident word expert on Countdown.
Calling Home: Jack Topzand in Mykolaiv, Ukraine
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jack Topzand has spent the last five months as a humanitarian volunteer in Ukraine.
Xmas Crack: What Kiwis are searching for online this season
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
RNZ's lifestyle editor Lucy Corry joins Jim to discuss what Kiwis are searching for online this year for Christmas; plus she shares her own mouthwate...
How soon until we welcome robots into our homes?
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The recently revealed Tesla Bot Gen 3 has been heralded by Elon Musk as the future of home help.
It’s OK not to be calm in an emergency
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of last month's deadly tower fire in Hong Kong, what safety advice can help people survive in a similar situation?
Penny Ashton: celebrating Jane Austen's 250th birthday
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Poet, comedian and Jane Austen buff, Penny Ashton is marking 250 years since the novelist's birth with a new show, Austen Found.
Useful Science with Bonnie Harrison
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science, including whether lettuces respond to musi...
Ali Hill: The Nutrition Edition
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Ali Hill from Otago University's Department of Human Nutrition is back with us on Sunday Morning. This week she talks potatoes and whether we shoul...
James O’Hanlon: Liars, Cheats and Copycats
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new book by Australian science communicator James O'Hanlon explores the ingenious ways animals use deception to survive, and what it tells us about ...
Calling Home: Jonathon Westphal in Abu Dhabi
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Calling Home this week is Jonathon Westphal. He lives in Abu Dhabi, one of the safest cities in the world, and works at Etihad Airways.
Are your pillows killing your neck?
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you wake up in bed with a crick in your neck, wondering what it was you did in the night to cause it? Well, it could be the shape of your pillow. J...
Sunday Morning Quiz with Jack Waley-Cohen
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Quiz master Jack Waley-Cohen is back with his Sunday Morning quiz. Jack is the mind behind the questions on BBC's quiz show Only Connect, known for be...
Is Ukraine on its last legs, or is Russia?
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The war in Ukraine has been widely described as a positional stalemate as front lines have barely moved for months, and neither side has achieved sign...
Across the Tasman with the ABC’s Angus Grigg
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Angus Grigg is an investigative reporter based in Sydney and is part of ABC's Four Corners team. He joins Jim to discuss the news making the headlines...
How the ‘Seated Salsa’ can help relieve lower back pain
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An estimated 619 million people around the world suffer from lower back pain. The exercise 'Seated Salsa' is being touted as a miracle movement to eas...
Forget the grindset: the power of 'productive quitting'
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Scientist journalist David Robson discusses why 'grindset' mentality can adversely affect our physical and mental health.
Useful science with Bonnie Harrison
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science.
Suzanne Vega on the struggle of making new music
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Folk-rock luminary Suzanne Vega has just released her first album in eleven years, Flying with Angels. Best known for hits like Luka, Marlene on the W...
Calling Home: Angela Steele from Minnesota
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Calling Home this week is Angela Steele. She lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and works as a professional theatre actor.
The five major 'epochs’ of human brain development
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Duncan Astle joins Jim to discuss the human brain's development and its four pivotal 'turning points'.
Sunday Morning Quiz with Jack Waley-Cohen
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Quiz master Jack Waley-Cohen is back with his Sunday Morning quiz. Jack is the mind behind the questions on BBC's quiz show Only Connect, known for be...
Latest news from the US with Karen Kasler
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Statehouse News Bureau chief Karen Kasler joins Jim to discuss the latest news coming out of the US.
Useful Science with Bonnie Harrison
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science.
Diving inside the psyche of lone mass murderers
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When the Aramoana shooting happened in 1990, Bristol-born Paul Mullen was living near Dunedin. The tragic event, which saw many people he knew injured...
Calling Home: Leila Barber from Rome
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Four-and-a-half years ago at the age of 19, Leila Barber bought a one-way ticket to Italy.
Jonathan Drori: The Stuff That Stuff Is Made Of
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan Drori's new book for young readers highlights the crucial - and sometimes surprising - roles of plants throughout history.
Dr Zazie Todd: Perfumes preferred by pooches
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Animal behaviourist and certified dog trainer Dr Zazie Todd joins us once again. This week, Zazie and Jim discuss the scents dogs like, and why cats o...
Sunday Morning Quiz with Jack Waley-Cohen
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Quiz master Jack Waley-Cohen is back with his Sunday Morning quiz. Jack is the mind behind the questions on BBC's quiz show Only Connect, known for be...
Al Gillespie: Solutions in Ukraine?
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Waikato University International Law professor Alexander Gillespie joins Jim to discuss the latest from Ukraine, and the dangers of AI.
The shift to booze-free beverages
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This festive season more people are likely to be reaching for an alternative to beer, wine and spirits. Dr Amy Errmann, a senior lecturer in marketing...
Are Christmas cakes on the way out?
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do people still enjoy Christmas cake? And if you haven't made one already - is there still time?
Ho ho ho: Comedian Chris Parker gets festive
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kiwi comedian Chris Parker is pretty busy. He's hosting The Best Christmas Comedy Show on Earth next Friday. Then, he'll don his stockings next month ...
Can an inside cat be a happy cat?
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us who own a cat in New Zealand let them roam free, but what if we kept them inside? The way we keep our beloved felines can be a touchy subje...
Calling Home: Charlie Panapa from London
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former What Now host is calling home from London where he's become a personal stylist with a focus on sustainability.
Sunday Morning Quiz with Hamish McDouall
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall is with us with a curly question for today's quiz. Hamish was a winner on the gameshow Sale of the Century in 1...
Ella Henry: The Future of Indigenous Education
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thousands of people from all around the world converged on Auckland this week to attend the World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education. The eve...
Is revenge the world’s deadliest addiction?
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alcohol, drugs, gambling, and sex are common addictions but a lecturer in psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine says revenge is the deadliest drug...
Useful Science with Bonnie Harrison
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science.
Harry Enfield and No Chums
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
English comedian Harry Enfield is visiting New Zealand with his Harry Enfield And No Chums comedy show.
Mark Vette: Raising a Zen cat
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Animal behaviourist and founder of Dog Zen, Mark Vette has written a new book, Cat Zen.
Reg Cook: The fastest senior citizen on Earth
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, New Zealand motor racing legend Reg Cook will attempt to set a new, world land-speed record in Bolivia.
The latest from the UK with Christian Smith
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UK correspondent Christian Smith talks to Jim about the big stories making news in Britain including the trouble at the BBC.
Sunday Morning Quiz with Jack Waley-Cohen
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Quiz master Jack Waley-Cohen is back with his Sunday Morning quiz.
Jamie Wall: All Blacks defeated by England overnight
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
RNZ's own rugby aficionado joins Jim for a bit of post-match analysis of the All Blacks v England game, played at Twickenham in the wee hours of Sunda...
Do trigger warnings spike intrigue or deter?
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trigger warnings at the head of articles are becoming more common, but do they change behaviour?
Amelia Thomas: How to talk to your animals
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author, journalist, and naturalist Amelia Thomas says she has taught herself to understand what animals are saying and believes it's a skill we can al...
Useful Science with Bonnie Harrison
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science.
Calling Home: Sue Mead from Brunei
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Originally a radiographer, then flight attendant, teacher-aide and now science teacher, Sue works at a large international school in Brunei's main cit...
Taking a closer look at the Disputes Tribunal
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Enforcement challenges and inconsistent decision-making can leave claimants wondering if Disputes Tribunal is worth the effort.
Mark Reason: All Blacks v Scotland at Murrayfield
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sports commentator Mark Reason joins Jim to discuss the thrilling All Blacks vs Scotland game at Murrayfield, Edinburgh.
What’s next for Andrew Mountbatten Windsor?
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew Lownie is the author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, published earlier this year.
How much caffeine is too much?
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Caffeine can boost alertness, mood, and performance, but how much can we tolerate?
Sunday Morning Quiz with Jack Waley-Cohen
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Quiz master Jack Waley-Cohen is back with his Sunday Morning quiz.
Latest news from the US with Karen Kasler
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We cross to the States for the latest US news from political journalist Karen Kasler.
What's My Book About: George Lockyer
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A retired volunteer firefighter himself, George jumped on his bike to visit fire stations across the country and discovered the history, traditions, a...
Dr Ali Hill: The Nutrition Edition
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Ali Hill, from Otago University's Department of Human Nutrition, returns to Sunday Morning to discuss safe protein powder, tinned oysters and super...
Useful Science with Bonnie Harrison
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science.
Martin Pistorius’ remarkable return from silence
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When he was 12 years old, Martin Pistorius was stricken by a mysterious neurological illness, known as Locked-in Syndrome.
Frances Cook: How much is too much to spend?
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Financial journalist Frances Cook joins Jim to explore the nitty gritty of giving yourself permission to spend.
ABs vs Ireland: Update from Chicago's Soldier Field stadium
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
RNZ's Jamie Wall joins Jim from Chicago's Soldier Field stadium just before kick-off in the All Blacks' clash with Ireland. It's the first game in the...
Is the Internet dying?
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With bots and AI-slop rampant, the Dead Internet Theory might be becoming more fact than fiction.
The latest from the US and UK with Rich Preston
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BBC presenter Rich Preston joins the show again - from Washington DC - to give us the latest news from across the UK and US.
Sunday Morning Quiz with Jack Waley-Cohen
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Quiz master Jack Waley-Cohen is back with his Sunday Morning quiz.
Useful Science with Angie Skerrett
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Angie Skerrett is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science - including a possible benefit of greying ha...
Overpaid, oversexed, over here: Olivia Spooner on 'The American Boys'
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In her latest book, The American Boys, Olivia Spooner has written a wartime love story inspired by the arrival of the US troops in Wellington in 1942....
Michelle Ang: The journey from The Tribe to Star Wars
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Actor and director Michelle Ang is back on home turf for this weekend's Armageddon Expo - a chance for fans to meet voice behind Omega in Star Wars: T...
How China became the world's manufacturing superpower
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The quality of China's manufacturing industry has given cause for concern to Western manufacturers, who are being left in the dust when it comes to au...
Best Song Eva: Dave Dobbyn
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sir Dave Dobbyn has written more Kiwi classics than most of us can count - but what is his pick for Best Song Eva?
Calling Home: Jason Doyle from Dubai
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jason Doyle, his wife Shayna and two young children moved to Dubai in August last year.
Jarrod Haar: the changing pathways to employment
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Traditionally parents have preached the great benefits of a qualification so their children won't be blown around by harsh economic winds and consi...
Sunday Morning Quiz with Jack Waley-Cohen
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Quiz master Jack Waley-Cohen is back with his Sunday Morning quiz.
The latest from the UK with Christian Smith
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, the ongoing scandal surrounding Prince Andrew and the brazen burglary of the Louvre jewels.
Calling Home: Caleb Carter from Guangzhou, China
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Originally from the Coromandel Peninsula, chef Caleb Carter now works in a top-end restaurant in a city of 12.5 million.
Are science and faith compatible?
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Two engineers set out to explore whether the universe has a cause in their new book God: The Science, The Evidence.
Useful Science with Bonnie Harrison
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science.
How effective is the Disputes Tribunal?
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy joins Jim to talk about the tribunal's powers.
Michael Connelly: Lincoln Lawyer fights AI company in new book
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The eighth novel in the Lincoln Lawyer series will be released next week.
Gardening with Lynda Hallinan: Thyme to talk herbs
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former NZ Gardener editor, author and all-round gardening guru Lynda Hallinan joins Jim to talk about her favourite herbs - how to grow them and how t...
Enfacement: 'baby filter' could unlock childhood memories
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A study has found that when adults see a childlike version of their face, they recall more detailed childhood memories.
Sunday Morning Quiz with Jack Waley-Cohen
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Quiz master Jack Waley-Cohen is back with his Sunday Morning quiz.
US Correspondent Nick Harper
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We get the latest from the US from our correspondent Nick Harper in Washington DC.
To see or not to see: Taylor Swift reveals new Ophelia video
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TV and film critic Sarah McMullan unpacks Taylor Swift's dazzling new video for 'The Fate of Ophelia'.
What’s next for the economy?
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
RNZ's business reporter and former market analyst Jeffrey Halley is with Jim to discuss the outlook for the economy.
How cats have helped write some great books
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them explores the special bond between renowned writers and their feline companions.
Happiness in life might not be U-shaped after all
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Victoria University Psychology Professor Dr Marc Wilson joins Jim to discuss happiness; a recent study out of Germany challenges commonly held beliefs...
John Bishop: A quarter of a century of stand-up
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
British comedian John Bishop joins Jim to talk about his soon-to-be released biopic Is This Thing On?, and his upcoming tour to NZ.
The case for Lucy Letby
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning NZ feature documentary maker Charlotte Purdy joins Jim to talk about the Lucy Letby case and what her research uncovered.
Latest news from the US with Nick Harper
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feature Story's Nick Harper joins Jim to discuss Trump, Gaza, US crime and the US government shutdown.
Sunday Morning Quiz with Jack Waley-Cohen
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Quiz master Jack Waley-Cohen is back with his Sunday Morning quiz.
Local body elections wrap
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who's in and who's out? RNZ's Alexa Cook joins Jim to discuss election results across the motu.