Afternoons for Friday 7 February 2025

 

1:15 How AI could transform healthcare 

This week the University of Otago is hosting a visit from Distinguished Professor John Hirdes all the way from Canada. 

His work has led to significant improvements in the lives of older people in Canada, including better outcomes and reduced mortality. 

John joins Jesse today to discuss how Artificial Intelligence will transform the assessment, clinical practice, and service delivery of older persons health. 

1:25 There's a reason whale song strikes a chord with humans

Most of us are familiar with whale song, but new research suggests that the structure of the song - the individual parts that make up the whole - has similarities to human language.

While we don't know what the songs mean, the distinct patterns mirror the way that humans communicate.

Dr Emma Carroll is a marine biologist from the University of Auckland and she joins Jesse today. 

1:35 Is bouldering our new favourite pastime? 

If you have a fear of heights, Celine Dam might have a way to help you conquer it.

Bouldering is an indoor and outdoor sport that is rapidly growing in popularity.

You don't have to climb as high as you do with other climbing sports and it's very social - in fact, bouldering enthusiast Celine says for her, it has taken the place of coffee dates!

1:45 Freaky Friday

It's the home for all your spooky stories, unexplained encounters, and earie coincidences.

If you have a Freaky Friday story to share, email us on afternoons@rnz.co.nz and one of our producers will be in touch.

Today, Jared shares a tale that begins at a Meditation centre in Brisbane. 

2:10 Film Review: 'The Haka Party Incident', 'Companion', 'You're Cordially Invited' 

Afternoons film critic Dom Corry is back with your weekend film recommendations.

Today he reviews 'The Haka Party Incident', 'Companion' and 'You're Cordially Invited'.

2:20 NZ Live: Tessa de Lyon

It's been a busy time for Wellington-based musician Tessa de Lyon. Last year she put out two albums, 'Bright Black Night' with her band Mystery Waitress, and 'Tessa's Album', her solo debut. 

From coping with family members battling mental health issues to recovering from toxic friendships, 'Tessa's Album' is deeply personal. 

She performs selections today live from our Wellington studio. 

3:08 Food: Eggplant with Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Julie Biuso is back with a summer veggie recipe that is sure to become a staple. 

Get the full recipe for her Eggplant with Cucumber and Tomato Salad 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 Weekend Stuff: Gardening with Lynda Hallinan

If you're going to be in the garden this weekend, don't miss Lynda Hallinan's tips. 

3:35 Critter of the Week: Intertidal spider

All around our coastline, remarkable little spiders are toughing it out in unlikely locations. But perhaps no spider is living in a stranger habitat than the intertidal spider Desis marina.

This species lives inside the holdfast of kelp in the intertidal zone – the area on the beach between high and low tide. 

The spider creates a waterproof silken burrow inside the kelp and can survive up to 19 days underwater.