Podcast Critic: Homing and Better Known

Freaky Friday

If you have a freaky, ghostly, or mysteriously unexplained tale to share then do get in touch. 2101 on the text or Jesse@rnz.co.nz Today we're joined by Sarah in Kaiwaka.

Celebrating 40 years of Prego restaurant

It feels like every week there's another headline about another hospitality business shutting it's doors .. so we thought it was timely to celebrate one that's still going strong. Prego is an Italian restaurant that has become an Auckland institution - sitting proudly on Ponsonby Road for 40 years this year. At the 2026 Lewisham Awards last weekend, Prego picked up the trophy for Outstanding Local Establishment in Auckland central. Here to share how they keep their customers coming back for more Jesse is joined by Brandon Lela'ulu, general manager of Prego and three-time Lewisham Award-winner himself.

McLaren Racing marks its 1000th Formula One Grand Prix

This weekend marks a remarkable milestone in motorsport history, with McLaren Racing reaching its 1000th Formula One Grand Prix. The team - founded by Auckland-born racing driver Bruce McLaren - made their F1 debut in the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix In a full circle moment. this weekend's race will also take place at the Monaco circuit, one of the most iconic race tracks in the world. Currently the team is sitting 3rd in this season's rankings, behind Mercedes and Ferrari. Bruce McLaren's daughter Amanda joins us.

Explainer: What's behind the lightning storms?

Overnight a lightning storm hit the country which saw over six thousand lightning strikes - six thousand! Which got us thinking about lightning and how little we understand it. You've probably seen the flashes, and maybe even counted the seconds until the thunder arrives, but where does it come from? How does a cloud create a bolt that's hotter than the surface of the sun? And why does New Zealand seem to get fewer dramatic lightning storms than other places? To answer those questions and more Jesse is joined by MetService Meteorologist Lewis Ferris.

The pre-Panel: Your daily dose of stuff and nonsense

Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan star in the shortest show on radio, where they show they really can make something out of nothing, join them to be part of their delight, or to simply despair. Wallace will also preview what's on The Panel tonight.