Sunday Morning for Sunday 17 December 2023

8:10 Calling Home: Brendon Johnston in Ranua, Finland

Calling Home this morning is Brendon Johnston in the far North of Finland just below the arctic circle in a place called Ranua. Brendon lives with his partner Natalie, their two boys, and a howl of huskies. 

8:40 Lucy Corry: Christmas food ideas 

Award-winning food writer, author of Homecooked: Seasonal Recipes for Every Day and RNZ’s Lifestyle & Entertainment editor, Lucy Corry, the Kitchenmaid has some has some excellent ideas for your festive tables this year including, the best roast potatoes and her very special Chilli Chocolate Pretzel Sandwiches. 

9:10 Mediawatch

Major media organisations have been cutting back in the regions for years leaving reporters thin on the ground - and local people short of local news. This week Mediawatch visits Horowhenua to find out who's filling the gaps and how they're doing it. 

9:40 Michelle Wong: Your skincare questions answered by a chemist 

Dr Michelle Wong a cosmetic chemist and science educator with a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and runs the popular Lab Muffin Beauty Science blog. 

She joined us last week to talk about the science of skincare and so many of you got in touch with questions we’ve asked her back to answer them 

10:10 Kevin McCloud: Home truths 

Award-winning broadcaster, host of the BBC television series Grand Designs, writer, environmentalist, and storyteller, Kevin McCloud is coming to New Zealand in February for a series of special evening talks and discussions. 

He talks to Jim Mora about housing, his career and why he prefers New Zealand buildings to those in England. 

10: 45 Ra Charmian: My latest track 

Tāmaki Makaurau-based, husband-wife duo Ra Charmian introduce us to their new single, ‘Papatuānuku He Ataahua Koe’ - which is a stunning te reo Māori interpretation of ‘What a Wonderful World’. 

Band members, Ra Charmian Toia-Booth (Ngāpuhi, Tainui) and Hayden Booth talk to Jim about how, having both lost their dads this year this track has helped them move through their grief. 

11:10 Ruud Kleinpaste: How many bugs are in the average house? 

The Bugman, naturalist, columnist and broadcaster, Ruud Kleinpaste takes a look all the creepie-crawlies lurking in out carpets, pantries and bedrooms. 

11:30 Sam Hollis: What does a film buff watch over Christmas? 

Film buff and regular reviewer for RNZ Afternoons, Sam Hollis shares his top pick for festive film viewing.