Afternoons for Tuesday 20 June 2023

1:15 'Road vac' designed to deal with pesky dust clouds on gravel roads

 An engineering graduate has created a new solution to the billows of dust which kick up when you drive down a gravel road.

David Pethybridge is developing 'RoadVac' - it's exactly what it sounds like - a trailer unit, which moves over the road and suctions up dust.

Tonight he will pitch the idea to 'E Tipu IFAMA World Conference' in Christchurch, as one of 10 finalists in the Food, Fibre & Agritech Challenge.

David Pethybridge talks to Jesse.

1:25 WW II footage available to the public for the first time

A collection of wartime footage capturing military life in New Zealand during World War II has been made available to the public for the first time.

It was shot between 1942 and 1943 by Academy Award-winning US Marines cinematographer Norman T Hatch, but much of it has never been seen since.

Now it has been retrieved and archived by Ngā Taonga following a joint effort by filmmaker Steve La Hood and the Kapiti United States Marine Trust.

Richard Benge, chair of the Kapiti US Marine Trust talks to Jesse.

1:35 The best places to go 'aurora spotting' in Aotearoa

There is a bright side to the pitch black, freezing cold nights of winter - especially if you live down south.

Conditions are perfect for the natural phenomenon known as the Aurora Australis, or, the Southern Lights.

Tūhura Otago Museum director Ian Griffin is about to kick off a speaking tour around the prime locations, to help people know where to go for the best view.

He talks to Jesse about why this year is a great year for aurora spotting!

1:45 Relationships with Hannah Korrel

 

2:10 Book Critic: Anna Rankin

Today Anna talks to Jesse about Vivian Gornick's The Romance of American Communism.

2:20 Update on Oz with Brad Foster

Brad Foster provides an update on the indigenous Voice to Parliament, the Greens and Opposition blocking the government's Australian Housing Future Fund, and asks when airline tickets will ever come down in price.

2:30 Music feature: John Coltrane

Here's one for the jazz lovers today! We're exploring the music of one of the most acclaimed figures in jazz history. Christchurch based saxophonist, composer, and educator, Jimmy Rainy talks to Jesse about the music and life of John Coltrane and also play some music live in the studio.

3:10 Feature interview: Professor Michael Banissy

A hugged person is a healthier person. Touch is one of our most underestimated senses says social neuroscientist Professor Michael Banissy. Physical connection  helps forge strong social ties, increases longevity and fosters positive mental health. But touch has also been used and abused in inappropriate ways. And while we need scrutinize touch and consent, Professor Banissy makes the case for rethinking the role it plays in our lives. His new book is called When We Touch: Handshakes, hugs, high fives and the new science behind why touch matters.

3:30 Spoken Feature: BBC Witness

After being ridiculed by the English fans and media following his dismal performance in the 2010/11 Ashes series, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson proved himself on home ground in 2013 by destroying England's batting order. Uma Doraiswamy hears how after taking 37 wickets and being named player of the series, he bowled himself to redemption and into the history books.

3:45 The Panel with Allan Blackman and Cindy Mitchener