Afternoons for Friday 12 April 2024

 

1:15 Hugging your way into feeling better and fighting depression

A hug can boost your health, even if you're hugging a robot.

That's according to Dutch and German researchers who found physical touch from both humans and animals reduces pain, feelings of depression, and anxiety in both adults and children.

They re-analysed data from 212 previous studies of touch, and for the first time considered the influence of other variables, such as the types of contact or who applies the contact.

Jacqui Maguire is a clinical psychologist and a big fan of hugging. She talks to Jesse.

1:25 International Day of Human Spaceflight

A day of celebration today for space lovers around the world.

It's a time to celebrate what has become known as Yuri's Flight, the first time in history that a human went into space.

That flight was made by Yuri Gagarin in 1961.

We speak to Ben Bradford about that historic moment and what it changed for the world and humans.

1:35 Should the capital move to Palmerston North?

Windmills, the Rugby Museum, and free parking on Sundays are just some of the virtues of Palmerston North.

So could Palmy be the perfect place to relocate Parliament to?

According to Manawatū Standard columnist Steve Stannard the time is right for Palmy to steal the Capital moniker from Wellington.

So what does local Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith think about this big call? We find out.

1:45 Freaky Friday

Our weekly segment where we ask listeners to share their strange and spooky stories. If you have a spooky tale to share, email afternoons@rnz.co.nz with the details!

2:10 Film Review with Sam Hollis

Today Sam reviews Late Night with the Devil, out in cinemas now and 'STEVE' on Apple TV+, a two part documentary on Steve Martin.

2:20 NZ Live Fraser Ross

Christchurch indie-folk musician Fraser Ross joins the show with his band to perform some songs from his recently released album Thunderhead.

3:08 Chicken Breasts with Bacon & Shallots

Today Julie Biuso has a recipe that is a great seasonal meal.

It starts off in the pan but gets finished in the oven. Julie shares how to maker her recipe of chicken breasts with bacon and shallots.

You can find the recipe here.

3:16 Music 101: Charlotte Ryan

Charlotte Ryan, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's coming up on her show tomorrow and because Friday is new music day - she'll pick us a track to play.

3:25 DIY with Stan Scott

This week builder Stan Scott is back to help with any tips and advice for projects you have on the go at home needing a bit of DIY know how.

You can text your questions to us on 2101 or email jesse@rnz.co.nz.

3:35 Critter of the Week

This week’s critter is found on sandy beaches throughout Aotearoa.

The mōwhiti, or New Zealand sandhopper, is a sand-burrowing, beach-loving amphipod with impressive jumping abilities.

While they prefer to stay home during the day, they’re the life of the party at night, emerging in their thousands and springing around looking for rotten seaweed to eat.

3:45 The pre-Panel