Nights for Wednesday 23 July 2025
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The art of mimicry
9:25 PM.Why do we mimic? We may not be as effective as chameleons but humans have a number of tools at our disposal when we want to fit in. Read more Audio
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To pee or not to pee
8:20 PM.Is it true that women have to pee more often than men? Anecdotally, the evidence would appear to suggest yes but have you ever wondered why? Read more Audio
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Are RSAs fit for purpose in 2025?
8:10 PM.The Royal New Zealand RSA has relaunched itself, saying it wants to better reach young veterans, tell their stories, and most of all stay relevant. Read more Audio
08:10 Are RSAs fit for purpose in 2025?
Photo: Supplied
The Royal New Zealand RSA had a relaunch at Parliament last night. It says it wants to better reach young veterans, tell their stories, and most of all stay relevant.
The relaunch includes a renewed national support network, a bolstered online presence, and a new membership and communications system.
It comes amid dozens of RSA clubs around the country shutting their doors due to poor finances, and a group of self-styled 'Rebel RSAs' forming to fight the national organisation.
Simon Strombom, founder of the New Zealand Remembrance Army, one of the largest veterans charities in the country, talks to Emile about the need for change.
Photo: 123RF
8:20 To pee or not to pee
Is it true that women have to pee more often than men? Anecdotally, the evidence would appear to suggest yes but have you ever wondered why? Do women have smaller bladders than men? Or are there other factors at play?
Michelle Spear, Professor of Anatomy at the University of Bristol talks to Emile about what influences our ability to hold on - and what we can do about it.
Photo: 123RF
8:30 The House
Phil Smith reports on today in Parliament.
8:35 Midweek Mediawatch
Colin Peacock joins Emile for a debrief of the week's media news.
Tonight: Sky TV's $1 deal, free-to-air sport and coverage of the government's policy to outsource more surgeries to private hospitals.
Kelly Jackson of the Central Pulse and Ellie Bird of the Tactix tussle for the ball, 2025. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz
9:08 Nights Quiz
Do you know your stuff? Come on the air and be grilled by Emile Donovan as he dons his quizmaster hat.
If you get an answer right, you move on to the next question. If you get it wrong, your time in the chair is up, and the next caller will be put through. The person with the most correct answers at the end of the run goes in the draw for a weekly prize.
9:25 The art of mimicry
Jonathan R Goodman is a social scientist, currently posted at the University of Cambridge. Photo: SUPPLIED/Tim Gibson
Many of us will have friends who went to London or Canada and came home with a bit of an accent, whether they realise it or not.
We may not be as effective as chameleons but humans have a number of tools at our disposal when we want to fit in.
Jonathan R Goodman is the author of 'Invisible Rivals: How we evolved to compete in a cooperative world'. He speaks to Emile about the art of mimicry and how to tell friend from foe.
Photo: SUPPLIED/Yale University Press
9:45 Pacific Waves
A daily current affairs programme that delves deeper into the major stories of the week, through a Pacific lens, and shines a light on issues affecting Pacific people wherever they are in the world. Hosted by Susana Suisuiki.
10:18 The Detail
Tonight on The Detail: The Refugee Family Support Category is supposed to allow refugees to reunite with family. Instead, it's a waiting game which could take another decade to clear.
Rohingya muslim refugees in the Kutupalong camp in Bangladesh. Photo: Helen Manson/Tearfund NZ
10:48 The Reading
David McPhail reads part one of 'Fainting and the Fat Man' from Vincent O'Sullivan's story collection 'The Families'.
11:07 Pocket Edition
Tony Stamp talks to British reggae legend Dennis Bovell, who helped create the sub-genre, lovers rock in the 1970s, wrote the hit single Silly Games for Janet Kay, and went on to produce albums for a wide range of artists.
Tony Stamp. Photo: RNZ
