Sunday Morning for Sunday 27 March 2022

8:11 Missle strikes bring reality of war to Lviv 

Last week, Kyiv Independent journalist Asami Terajima joined the show from Lviv to discuss the heartbreaking decision she had to make to leave her hometown of Kyiv as tensions continued to mount in the Ukrainian capital. 
The city of Lviv and surrounding region had only endured a few attacks prior to today, and life had continued as normal in many respects, with restaurants open, non-essential shops selling clothes and souvenirs, and even a tourist golf cart still driving around the old town square for those keen on doing a bit of sightseeing.
However, several powerful explosions have struck the outskirts of the western Ukrainian city this afternoon, confiming local suspicions that it was only a matter of time before the war arrived in Lviv. 
Terajima is back with us for an update on the situation. 

8:19 Why you shouldn't wear shoes inside the house  

Eyes are sometimes raised when people are asked to remove their shoes before entering someone else's home. 
Of course, it's customary in some countries (not to mention maraes) to take off one's shoes before entering. But it still riles some people.
However, new research has shown that wearing shoes inside the house is not only gross, but a real health threat.  
Environmental chemists in Australia have spent a decade examining the indoor environment and the contaminants people are exposed to in their own homes. 
Their findings? It's best to leave the filth that accumulates on the bottom of your shoes outside the house - for myriad reasons. 
Professor Mark Taylor is Victoria's Chief Environmental Scientist at EPA Victoria. He explains why you should always be taking your shoes off before going inside. 

8:40 How the math is starting to stack up against Russia 

The math, as they say, appears to be stacking up against the Russian forces - both physically and emotionally - as the invasion of Ukraine rolls into its second month. 
Dr Dmitry Gorenburg is an expert on security issues in the former Soviet Union, Russian military reform, Russian foreign policy, and ethnic politics and identity. 
He says the bulk of the Russian troops were not prepared for the invasion to start with, let alone the resistance they would encounter from the dogged Ukrainian forces and the casualties that would continue to mount. 
On the question of whether the Russians are likely to use nuclear weapons, Dr Gorenburg says it is unlikely unless it was a situation where they were really cornered, pointing out that they are not really a sensible weapon to use if your own forces - or population - are nearby. 
He joins the show to discuss the situation in Ukraine and why it's likely that this confrontation will potentially last for some years. 

9:06 Mediawatch

The government announced the lifting of key Covid restrictions this week after persistent calls to open up the economy. But is Covid itself the problem for business - and not the Covid restrictions? Also two new TV channels on the air - and a new talk radio network promising a new approach. Is it an upgrade on what we had before? 

9:37 I'm Listening To This: Kieran Crowley 

It's been a huge week in the rugby life of Italy coach Kieran Crowley, with the former All Blacks fullback having led the Azzurri to its win in the Six Nations since 2015 (ending a 36-game losing streak) with a dramatic 22-21 victory over Wales in Cardiff.
Crowley, who only took charge last year, likened the reaction to winning the World Cup, with the last-gasp win silencing knockers who had been calling for Italy's removal from the Six Nations after a series of disappointing finishes. 
Prior to his arrival in Italy, where he coached Benetton for five years before linking with the national side, Crowley spent a number of years in North America, where he grew an appreciation for country music. 
He joins the show to discuss Italy's historic win - their first-ever in Cardiff - and introduce a track he's been listening to - Rodney Atkins 'Watching You.' 

10:04 Calling Home: Alan Duncan in Bermuda 

Dunedinite Alan Duncan is currently enjoying his second stint in Bermuda, having previously lived there in the 1980s when he was working for Price Waterhouse Cooper. 
Alan and Canadian wife Linda (and their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels) live in Pembroke, one of the nine parishes of Bermuda, just on the outskirts of the capital city, Hamilton. He works as CFO for Torxx Kinetic Pulverizer Limited, a leader in the waste management and recycling, and the close proximity of the couple's rented Bermuda cottage means he has an enjoyable (and stress-free) commute to work each day by way of a leisurely 10 minute walk. 
Alan's Calling Home this morning.

10:32 My Current Song: Jackie Bristow, 'Livin' For Love' 

New Zealand-born, Nashville-based country singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow's new album 'Outsider' came out to critical acclaim earlier this month, with IndiePulse Music Magazine rating it as a contender for album of the year.  
Delving inside Americana's country soul, Bristow's fifth album was recorded in her adopted home of Nashville and features an all-star cast of soul and Americana musicians. It's her tribute to the music of the American South. 
Bristow's about to set out on a nationwide New Zealand tour to promote the new album, with the opening gig taking place at The Boathouse in Nelson on Friday night. She joins the show to discuss 'Outsider' and introduce the single, 'Livin' For Love.'  

10:40 The simple aspect of life that's tied to wellbeing 

A variety in everyday movements is linked to better wellbeing, according to a study of people with depression or anxiety that was recently published on the ScienceAlert website. 
Researchers at the University Psychiatric Clinics in Basel, Switzerland, found the more varied locations people visit, the better they feel about their emotional and psychological wellbeing - even if their mental health symptoms are still there. 
The findings add to a limited body of research on the effects of everyday activities among those with mental health issues. 
We're joined by Victoria University Psychology Professor Dr Marc Wilson to see if he subscribes to the study's conclusions, and look at two other pieces of research to run past him as well, to do with grief and kindness.

11:11 Dogs may mourn the loss of other household pets 

Nearly 90 percent of dogs that experienced the death of another canine companion living in the same house showed signs of grief, according to a new study published in Scientific Reports. 
Researchers surveyed 426 adults who had at least two dogs and experienced the loss of one of their dogs. They found that in the months following their canine companion's death, the surviving dogs were less playful and more fearful. They also ate less and sought more time and attention from their owners. 
Professor Daniel Mills is a Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine at Lincoln University and a specialist in clinical animal behaviour. He was one of the study authors. 

11:34 Historic station's colourful history brought to life 

The 22,000-hectare Haldon Station in the Mackenzie Country is one of New Zealand's iconic high-country stations. 
Award-winning author Mary Hobbs' new book Haldon: Iconic Station of the Mackenzie, shares the personal, inspirational stories of the owners (and one manager) of Haldon Station since it was first taken up in 1857 right through to the current owners, Han and Jenny Klisser, who have been on the station for the last 30 years.
Using daily journals of the owners dating back to the 1850s, each of the 11 chapters in the book draws the reader into the station's stories from times past, with the author's meticulous research - and impressive use of full colour and historic photos on almost every page - bringing the rich history of Haldon to life.  
Hobbs is with us to discuss how she went about writing the book and the deep love people have had for this incredible station since it was first established 165 years ago