Afternoons

1:08 It's hot! So hot! Is this the new normal?

Summer has well and truly arrived, with the heat a big topic of conversation in the RNZ office. 

MetService has issued a heat alert for Hawke's Bay warning residents to take care as temperatures are expected to hit a high of 34 degrees in Hastings.

Gisborne, Napier and Wairoa will also experience temperatures in the early 30s today.

That seems hot - especially for early December - but is it? 

MetService meteorologist John Law joins Jesse

1:15 Ring your bell! What is electric bike etiquette

Today on Morning Report, there was an interview about electric bikes on the Timber Trail, which led to many listeners giving feedback about electric bike riding in general.

And that, along with the fair-weather cyclists joining the daily commute, got us thinking about electric bike and electric scooter etiquette. 

Some pedestrians say shared pathways are beginning to feel more like busy highways - especially with some riders reaching speeds of up to 40 kilometres an hour.

Sharing paths sounds great in theory, but what about in practice?

Here to help is e-bike enthusiast Richard Graham.

1:25 What does globalisation mean in 2025?

Last week some of the world's most influential economists gathered for the University of Auckland's inaugural International Economics Workshop. 

Much was discussed, but the key question on the table was, in a time of geopolitical tension, where is globalisation heading? 

University of Auckland economics lecturer Chanelle Duley was a co-organiser behind the workshop, and she joins Jesse to discuss. 

1:35 Quirky collectibles: Find out about a 10-million-year-old crab and more!

Over the years, Christine Fernyhough has built an extraordinary private collection of New Zealand objects, spanning everything from the 1860s through to the 1970s. 
Now, in her new book The Albino Kiwi & Other Rarities, she’s selected 75 remarkable pieces to showcase. Among the highlights are a rare albino kiwi specimen, cherished Māori artefacts, quirky vintage collectibles, a 10-million-year-old crab and “Molly,” the stout-legged moa

Writer and collector Christine Fernyhough joins Jesse.

1:45 One long song: Meatloaf!

Time now for one of our favourite features on Afternoons - one long song. It's our chance to play a song as the artist intended - in its entirety. 
Today's tune is quite polarising; some critics called it absurd, "a maudlin, grandiloquent duet", while many listeners seem to have found the beauty in it.
It's known for having a Bruce Springsteen feel with two members of the E Street Band playing on the track and the songwriter and producer both citing Born to Run as an influence. 

Coming in at 8 minutes 24 this is Paradise by the Dashboard Light by the one and only Meatloaf.

2:10 Television Critic: What's good on the small screen

Time to talk about what's good to watch on the small screen now - our critic Philippa Rennie joins me to share her top picks.

Dead Ahead (TVNZ) 
Boots (Netflix)

2:20 Jesse Goes Clubbing!

Monday is club day here at Afternoons because my team is determined that I go clubbing.

So if you have a club you'd like me to join for the day please get in touch, we'd love to hear from you at  afternoons@rnz.co.nz

Manawatu Cactus and Succulent Society's Anastasia Carlson chats to Jesse.

2:30 Expert Feature: Everything you need to know about space

Today we're delving into the great unknown, space, the final frontier. 

So, if there's anything you've always wanted to know about outer space, rockets, space travel, now's the time. Text us on 2101.

Today's expert is Dr Ben Taylor, senior research fellow at the Space Institute and co-founder of Frond Space Systems.

3:10 Feature: A guide to good food - and why you need it

These days it feels like there have never been more wrong ways to eat right.  Everywhere you turn there’s a new rule, a new label, or some flashy food trend trying to get your attention and your money. Dr. Marion Nestle is the OG of cutting through the trends, calling out an industry that’s built to boost profits, not necessarily our health. Twenty years after she wrote the original guide to surviving the supermarket, she’s back. And at 89, she’s taking on everything from ultra-processed foods to grocery delivery apps in an updated edition of her classic: What to Eat Now: The Indispensable Guide to Good Food, How to Find It, and Why It Matters.

3:35 Here Now

Growing up, Ankur Bassi was certain he would one day play cricket for India, and he worked hard every day to get there.  
But a freak injury meant it would never happen. So, Ankur found a new dream - as a coach - and a new home, too, at Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club in Wellington, New Zealand.  
Justin Gregory for Here Now has Ankur's story. 
 

3:45 The pre-Panel

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel.