Afternoons for Wednesday 23 July 2025

 

1:15 Paying tribute to "Prince of Darkness" Ozzy Osbourne

Paul Martin, from the alternative metal band Devilskin, joins Jesse to talk about Ozzy Osbourne's influence and what the Black Sabbath rocker was like when he met him. 

1:25 The people openly judging books by their covers

General advice is to never judge a book by its cover, but our next guests' job is literally to do that.

Chloe Blades is one of the judges for the 2025 PANZ Book Design Awards, she tells Jesse what makes a cover stand out from the rest.

1:35 The WW2 logbook with a fascinating story

The Airforce Museum in Christchurch regularly receives donations of WW2 memorabilia. 

But a recent donation stood out, a log book belonging to Sergeant Charles Kronk.

It had a big gash in the top, probably damaged in service.

But that wasn't what made it interesting... find out what was as he chats to Jesse.

1:45 Heading Off: Keeping it local and discovering the delights of Māngere.

 Louisa Tipene Opetaia & Ama Mosese were recommended to me by our news reader Marama T-Pole.

They run a tour company focused on showing off South Auckland's Māngere, or as they put it "an underappreciated cultural gem."

2.12 Music Critic: Babe Martin 'Sundog' and Awning 'Pure & Simple'

Babe Martin has been described as having a "voice like velvet" and critics say she is a performer on the rise. 

2:20 Easy Eats: Parsley, pistachio and parmesan crusted salmon

Wednesday afternoon means easy eats and today Kelly Gibney's mouthwatering recipe is parsley, pistachio and parmesan crusted salmon.

Click here for the recipe. 

2:30 Bookmarks with author Gina Butson. 

Gina Butson worked as a lawyer for many years but seems to have always harboured a love for fiction writing. 

She's had short stories published in a variety of local outlets, she's won the Salient Creative Writing competition, and last year was named Highly Commended in running for the Sargeson Prize. 

Gina has released her debut novel. It's called 'The Stars Are A Million Glittering Worlds'. 

She shares her picks for books, films, music and podcasts with Jesse.

 

3:10 From Maroon 5 to therapist: Ryan Dusick shares his story

Ryan Dusick achieved the teenage dream, starting a band in his garage with his mate Adam Levine that reaches superstardom. But as Maroon 5's original drummer, Dusick crashed and burned just as Maroon 5 soared. 

After being forced out, he spent nearly a decade lost in depression and addiction. But Ryan Dusick found a way back, earning a master's in clinical psychology and becoming a licensed therapist. 

Now, he helps others rebuild when their dreams fall apart with a book and podcast called Harder to Breathe.

3:35 Stories from Our Changing World: The Lanternfish

Claire Concannon speaks to Victoria University of Wellington's Professor Jeff Shima about a small deep-sea fish that could play a massive role in both the oceanic food web, and carbon storage.

Lanternfish are about anchovy sized, with light-producing organs on their bellies and sides, and, importantly, they are incredibly numerous.

3:45 The pre-Panel

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel.