1:08 How NZ’s Big Buddy System is offering positive male role models
Shane Brown, programme lead at Big Buddy
Photo: Big Buddy
There’s been a lot of talk recently about young men and their wellbeing, largely thanks to controversial influencers like Andrew Tate, who pushes messages of masculinity, saying that women belong in the home, can’t drive, and are a man’s property.
You might have heard of online trends like ‘looksmaxxing’ and “red pill blue pill’ all very much aimed at males.
In New Zealand a local charity is doing its best to provide an alternative place for boys to find guidance.
Big Buddy Mentoring Trust takes young boys in search of a role model and gives them mentors who help them create connections – or ‘touch grass’ as they say online.
1:20 Explainer: Everything you need to know about streaming platforms
Photo: RNZ Illustration / 123rf
We have more than 20 video streaming platforms available to us in New Zealand .. and honestly we think it can be hard to keep up witht them all.
HBO Max launches in New Zealand next week, so we thought it would be a good time to find out what streaming platform has what, which offers the best bang for you buck .. and why on earth there are so many different places to watch telly!
To help Jesse is joined by freelance arts and culture writer Karl Puschmann.
1:30 Should our children be in streamed classes?
Photo: 123RF
Do you think children should be sorted into classes based on academic ability?
A recent study from the UK says streaming is beneficial – but with some big caveats.
Proponents say it’s great for pushing the kids in high classes, but objectors say it means kids in the lower levels don’t get the chance to reach their potential.
Joining us to talk through the pros and cons is University of Canterbury’s senior lecturer David Pomeroy
1.40 What impact do films filmed in NZ have on our tourism?
Brad Pitt and New Zealand mountain rescue dog Uber play the lead roles in Heart of the Beast, which was filmed in Otago and Fiordland.
Photo: Paramount Pictures
The trailer for a new survival thriller starring Brad Pitt has just dropped, and it looks good.
Possibly because it was filmed entirely in the South Island.
That got us thinking about what goes into bringing a large international film production here, and what the Kiwi economy and tourism industries get out of it.
Joining Jesse is New Zealand Film Commission’s Head of International Attraction and Inbound Production Philippa Mossman.
1:45 Freaky Friday: The unexplained and unusual
Photo: Unsplash
It’s time for Freaky Friday – your home for spooky tales.
If you’ve had an interaction with a ghost, witnessed some unexplained lights in the sky, experienced a premonition or something soo freaky we don’t even have a word for it, send us a text on 2101 or email us at Jesse@rnz.co.nz
Today we’re joined by Jo.
2:10 Film Review: How does Stephen Spielberg’s latest stack up?
Emily Blunt plays meteorologist and former journalist Margaret Fairchild in Disclosure Day.
Photo: Universal Pictures
Afternoons film critic Kate Rodger is with Jesse to talk about the following movies:
Disclosure Day (in cinemas now)
The Christophers (in cinemas now)
2:20 NZ Live with Casual Healing
Cover image of the Casual Healing album, Driftwood.
Photo: Casual Healing
Time for NZ Live, each week we invite musicians into one of our studios to share their music with you.
Today we’re joined by Nikau Te Huki A.K.A Casual Healing from our Wellington studio.
Over the last year Nikau’s been releasing a series of EPs inspired by the elements: Ahi, Hau, Wai and most recently One.
3:08 Food: Spiced Chicken and Rice
Photo: Allen & Unwin
Friday means food here on Afternoons. This week Olivia Galletly, aka The Hungry Cook, joins Jesse to share her recipe for spiced chicken and rice.
Recipe link is HERE
3:16 Music 101: Kara Rickard on what’s happening in the music world
Journalist Kara Rickard (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Koata, Tainui) has hosted RNZ’s Music 101 since July 2025.
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Kara Rickard host of Music 101 here on RNZ talks about what’s happening on her show and the music scene over the weekend.
3:25 Weekend Stuff: Building a Deck
Photo: 123RF
Stan Smith is with Jesse to chat about building a deck – the do’s and don’t’s, the materials and the regulations.
3:35 Critter of the Week: Orange Coral Fungus
Photo: Clive Shirley/hiddenforest.co.nz
Every Friday Nicola Toki and Jesse chat about a Critter of the Week. A creature that needs some attention! This week they turn their attention to the orange coral fungus. Coral fungi are also known as clarvarioid fungi – and really do look like coral.
3:45 The pre-Panel : Your daily dose of stuff and nonsense
Photo: Sophie Baird
Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan star in the shortest show on radio, where they show they really can make something out of nothing, join them to be part of their delight, or to simply despair. Wallace will also preview what’s on The Panel tonight.
Photo: Sophie Baird