Afternoons for Tuesday 19 August 2025

 

1:10 "That's not my ..." The moment Gareth Morgan realised a video of him was fake

There's a deep fake of Gareth Morgan doing the rounds on social media, and it is so sophisticated, even Gareth Morgan was taken aback. 

We talk to the former economist and investment manager about how he realised he was the victim of a deep fake and what can be done to shut them down.

It comes after our discussion a couple of weeks ago about internet scams, and the revelation that at least two-thirds of New Zealanders have been targeted by one. 

1:20 We need you! The Auckland University student's plans to help dementia research

People over sixty are wanted to hang out with a tiny robot called iRobi and play some games.

University of Auckland Master of Robotics and Automation Engineering student Zahra Ally is developing a new game to assist people with cognitive decline or early symptoms of dementia, and she needs help.  

She chats to Jesse.

Please email zall683@aucklanduni.ac.nz.if you're keen to help!

1:35 The Global Treaty on Plastic fell apart - so what happens now?

The latest attempt to finalise a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution fell apart on Friday.

Countries that produce oil want to focus on waste management, and countries with higher ambitions want to cap plastic production. 

Environmental Law Associate Professor Dr Nathan Cooper from the University of Waikato talks future solutions with Jesse.

1:45 Tech Tuesday with Tim Batt

Today our tech expert discusses the worrying rise of AI chat bots and what you can do to stay safe from their dangers. 

2:10 Book Critic: The implications of AI on writing

Pip Adam has been reading and thinking a lot about how AI could affect writing. She shares books that offer insights to AI and that show how important human writers are. 

Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI - Karen Hao

Blame it on the Rain (no more poetry 2025) - Hana Pera Aoake

Show you're working out - Liz Breslin

2:20 Update on Oz with Brad Foster

A chance to find out what's got people talking across the Tasman, from the Wallabies triumph on the rugby field to 1800 Qantas staff's big win in court. 

2:30 Music feature: Celebrating The Boss aka Bruce Springsteen.

This week marks the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen's breakthrough album 'Born to Run' 

The album was a much-needed commercial success for the then 25 year old from New Jersey, the album raced up the charts and is now considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time

Music journalist Josh Ellery joins Jesse with a selection of his favourites from The Boss's iconic album.

3:10 Feature interview: Why is Gen Z having less sex?

 While that might not sound bad, the reason why and the fallout can be. One in four adult Gen Zers hasn't had sex, and Carter Sherman says the loss of intimacy is fueling loneliness, anxiety, and porn addiction.

She's a reproductive health and justice reporter at The Guardian.  Gen Z experiences intimacy mostly online, through platforms like TikTok and dating apps. Sherman has spent the past several years talking to hundreds of teens and young adults. She says porn, online isolation and political pressure have come together to change the way young people experience sex and intimacy.  

Her book is called The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generation's Fight Over its Future. She spoke to Jesse.

3:30 Spoken Feature: Thrift - Feeding a crowd on a tight budget

What's the best way to feed a lot of people for not much money?

Katy Gosset gets some tips from the Bowling Club, a Dunedin eatery that serves up 700 low-cost meals every day.   

3:45 The pre-Panel

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel.