Afternoons

1:10 49.5 degree temperatures in Australia - How would you cope?

We begin today in Australia, which is currently experiencing a record-setting heatwave. And it's not just the high temperatures, it's also the longevity - eight consecutive days above 40 degrees Celsius. 

The hottest day was recorded in the South Australian town of Ceduna, which reached 49.5 degrees on Monday, to put that in some perspective, New Zealand's highest air temperature for 2025 was 35.6 degrees in Kawerau in early December - that's 15 degrees cooler than Ceduna!

It is hard to imagine how you cope in 49-degree heat, so here to share what it's like to live in such sweltering temperatures Jesse is joined by the Mayor of Ceduna Ken Maynard.

1:20 Why it matters if the ocean around NZ gets warmer

Scientists say the ocean around NZ is warming twice as fast as the global average; now a new research project out of the University of Auckland is going investigate some of the effects of that. 

The nine-million-dollar project aims to determine how changes in ocean temperatures drive huge shifts in our weather. 

Project lead Melissa Bowen joins Jesse.

1:30 Who will be the next All Blacks Coach? Dylan Cleaver weighs in. 

It's been just over two weeks since Scott Robertson was sacked as the All Blacks Coach.

We're now in prime speculation territory: what really happened, and who is going to pick up the reigns?

Jesse is joined by sports journalist and author of a great Substack newsletter - The Bounce - Dylan Cleaver.

1:45 The benefits of being a hands-on grandparent

A study out of Netherlands has shown that being a hands on grandparent is good for your brain. 

Researchers found that grandparents who had some childcare responsibilities scored higher on cognitive tests than those who didn't. We chat to some grandparents about what they love about spending time with their grandchildren.

2:10 Group Chat: When private becomes public with The Beckhams, Kanye West and Blake Lively. 

A lot has been happening in the world of pop culture over the last few weeks, and for my next guests, the notifications on their group chats have been going off!

Jesse is joined by film critic Kate Rodger, Culture 101's Perlina Lau and Afternoons' Senior Producer Olivia Wilson. 

2:30 NZ Sports History with Duane Kale.

It's time for New Zealand sports history and today Jesse is joined by our most successful male Paralympic swimmer Duane Kale.

Duane won four golds, a silver and a bronze medal in the pool at the 1996 Atlanta Games - the only games he competed in. 

After retiring from competitive swimming, he moved into sports governance and administration, and late last year he was appointed the Chair of Sport NZ.

3:15 Solving the World's Problems: Simon Wilson on the climate crisis

Time to solve some of the world's problems. Simon Wilson is here to help put some wrongs to right and today he's focusing on a huge issue; how we prepare ourselves better for the climate crisis.

3:20 History with Dr Grant Morris  

For many of you summer might mean beach time, BBQs, camping and evening strolls. For Dr Grant Morris summer means road trips with a twist - a history road trip.

3:35 Classical Cupid - Find your match!

Time to talk Classical Cupid now, our chance to celebrate classical music and your chance to be matched with music that suits your profile. 

Earlier in the week we asked for you to send us a dating profile of yourself and a description of the music you like .. our friends at RNZ Concert then select the tunes they think will fit the bill and help sparks fly. 

Today our selector is RNZ Concert producer Anna Van Der Leij and the man looking for sparks to fly is listener Oliver. 

3:45 The pre-Panel 

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel.