Features

This month's downloadable classic from RNZ Concert is proving pretty popular. It gives you all the best bits from Bizet's L'Arlésienne, played by the Auckland Philharmonia.

British comedian and actor Eddie Izzard likes to say he is a really boring person who has lived an interesting life.  That may not have been the best pitch to the publishers for his first book - but it worked. Audio

Back in 1987, the first episode of iconic TV series Gloss went to air. Peter Elliott, who played the scheming Rex Redfern, looks back on New Zealand's answer to Dynasty. Video, Audio

It's a long way from US narco-ganglands to growing organic food in NZ, but Adán Tijerina has made it. The community-minded Wellington entrepreneur shares his story with Lynda Chanwai-Earle. Audio, Gallery

The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Colin McCahon and AC/DC all influence Sydney artist, and Buddhist, Nell, who also includes crucifixes and emoji in her work. Audio, Gallery

Elizabeth Moss has appeared in two of the most successful TV series of the past 15 years –​ West Wing and Mad Men. This year, she adds The Handmaid's Tale and the new series of Top of the Lake to the list. Audio

While US president Donald Trump may not have created the racist anger that led to death and injuries at a protest in Virginia last week he has surely emboldened it, says journalist and author Jared Sexton. Audio

Mediawatch looks at the coverage of Labour’s new leader and asks two news bosses if it's gone over the top. Audio

Shae Sterling honed his craft filming fast cars but has made a name as a top-notch music video director for Stan Walker, Maisey Rika, TEEKS and Louis Baker. Video, Audio

Guitarist/singer Gussie Larkin takes us on a guided tour of a busy and exciting time for any band – the week before their album is unleashed on the world. Video, Audio

Jennifer Brea was doing a PhD at Harvard when she fell ill with a fever which turned into years of illness. She tells her story of battling ME in a new documentary, Restless. Video, Audio

Over 1,000 Filipino workers have gained residency in New Zealand. Why have they come? Who have they left behind? And how are they coping in the cold?

An NGO says unexploded World War Two bombs in Palau are now more volatile than ever before.

Stewart Islander, historian, natural science writer and illustrator Sheila Natusch MNZM died last week. She spoke to RNZ several times in recent years.

Mediawatch asks TVNZ’s news boss why he's picked - once again - the one person guaranteed to raise questions about balance and bias as the moderator for important pre-election debates. Audio

Charlotte Yates is known for tributes to poets Baxter and Tuwhare, and the trio When The Cat’s Been Spayed. Nick Bollinger finds an unquenchable romantic streak in her new songs. Audio

This beautiful but isolated stretch of the South Island is grappling with large-scale hardship. How can the West Coast re-invent itself? Audio

Stephen Donald became a rugby legend when he kicked the All Blacks to victory at the 2011 Rugby World Cup at Eden Park. He reflects on the ups and downs of his career in the biography Beaver. Audio

Two people who earn their living as dairy farmers face off against two who argue current farming models need changing in a two-part discussion about the challenges facing NZ farming. Audio

There’s turbulence, magnificence and pestilence this week at the Proms with giant works by Brahms, Beethoven and Handel, and listen out for our own Simon O'Neill in the 'Ode to Joy' on Tuesday.

Nick Bollinger tunes in to the London excursion of Americana king Jim Lauderdale, and wonders why he isn’t a household name. Audio

Evading armed security guards; trawling Craigslist for vintage cars and coralling wayward tractor tyres are all in a day's work for music video director Shae Sterling. Video, Audio

Manchester Orchestra is an indie-rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. William Dart gives a resounding thumbs-up to their most recent recording. Audio

"Nothing is less convincing than a New Zealander looking up from a butter chicken pie made by a Cambodian baker, complaining about immigration” – writer and broadcaster Ali Ikram. Audio