Summer Times

9:10 A bitter pill - weight loss drugs explained

European weight loss drugs are proving to be popular.  But for many they come at a hefty price.

New Zealand is now producing its own weight loss drug.  Calocurb has been developed at Plant and Food Research in Auckland, from a hop extract taking advantage of the bitter taste of hops

To tell us more about how they work, Anna is joined by Professor of Cell Signalling at the University of Auckland, Peter Shepherd.

 

9:30 Anyone for tennis history?

The ASB Classic is one of New Zealand's longest-running international sporting events, and it has a decent history behind it.

Here to tell Anna more is Rohan, CEO of Tennis Auckland and the ASB Classic.

 

9:45am Josie Shapiro: Good Things Come and Go

Best-selling New Zealand writer Josie Shapiro was too shy to show anyone her work - but luckily she got over that.

Her second novel Good things Come and Go has been met with rave reviews.

Named by The Listener as one of the best books of 2025, it follows three 40-year-olds who come together after twenty years to find that their lives aren't turning out quite as expected.

Anna speaks with Josie.

 

10:10 On the road with Nigel Hampton

Nigel Hampton KC joins Anna to soundtrack his perfect road trip.

Nigel's selections:

Johnny Cash - Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down

Cleo Laine - He Was Beautiful

Leonard Cohen - Anthem

Don McLean - Vincent

 

11:10 Museum Stop: Faraday Museum

Rather than looking, our museum stop today is all about doing.

Set inside Napier's original power station, the Faraday Museum of Technology makes science, tech and history come alive through hands-on experience.

Manager Sharyn Phillips joins Anna to chew it over.

11:25 General Director of NZ Opera, Brad Cohen

Opera has long been associated with a few airs and graces, and has a reputation for not being as accessible as other music. That's something Brad Cohen, the General Director of NZ Opera, has made his mission to change.

The NZ Opera have an exciting year ahead with an Auckland production of Bluebeard's Castle on the horizon. This will be the final chance to see the production in New Zealand.

Brad joins Anna in-studio to discuss further.

 

11:40 Aotearoa's best hidden swim spots with Nicola McCloy

It's time to grab your togs and towel.

Swimming enthusiast Nicola McCloy returns to the studio to share more of the country's best and hidden swimming spots.

They're all detailed in her book, An Insider's Guide to New Zealand's Best Beaches, lakes, Rivers, Pools and Hot Springs.