Sunday Morning for Sunday 22 October 2023

8:10 Professor Al Gillespie: War and peace on the international stage 

In an address from the Oval Office, President Joe Biden set out his case for U.S. backing of Ukraine and Israel, but how did this play out on the international stage and who will be the major players in fostering – or hindering – peace. 

Al Gillespie is a professor of law, specialising in international law related to war, the environment and civil liberties, at the University of Waikato.   

8:30 Will Stone: The Benefits of a cold plunge 

Reported benefits of a cold plunge include relieving sore muscles, helping recovery post-workout, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity. Some also report mental health benefits, like reducing anxiety or depression and improving clarity. 

Author and broadcaster Will Stone dives into the science for us. 

8:45 Pinky Agnew: Why don’t more women propose? 

In a rapidly changing world many of our customs and traditions, particularly those around partnering remain deep-rooted and unchanged.  

Actor, author, social commentator, and wedding celebrant Pinky Agnew joins us. 

9:00 Mediawatch  

Mediawatch looks at how media organisations are copping criticism for the way they are reporting the Gaza-Israel conflict - and asks a BBC  news boss how he's handling it.  

Also: our political reporters got off to a bad start with our new political leaders this week - and how a Rugby World Cup final on the horizon fired up our sports reporters. 

9:40 Dr Sanja Jelic: The link between sleep, inflammation and heart health 

In a busy world, many of us find it difficult to stick to the recommended 7 to 8 hours each night, but a new report has highlighted what happens in the body if we cut that short – even over a short period. 

After just six weeks of shortened sleep, the study found, the cells that line our blood vessels are flooded by damaging oxidants. This results in cells that are inflamed and dysfunctional, an early step in the development of cardiovascular disease. 

Sanja Jelic is the director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at Columbia and professor of medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine at Columbia University. 

10:05 Mark Reason: The latest from the Rugby World Cup 

Mark Reason, Stuff’s senior sports columnist brings us the latest from the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, as England take on South Africa. 

10:30 Calling Home: Jeremy Redmore in Utrecht 

Musician, singer-songwriter, producer and author Jeremy Redmore first rose to fame as the main creative force behind the band Midnight Youth. 

Life has recently taken him to the Netherlands where he is calling home from Utrecht. 

11:05 Claire Cowan: Conjuring fables and fairy tales 

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s acclaimed Hansel & Gretel returns in time for Christmas 2023. We talk to acclaimed composer Claire Cowan about how she brings the magic to the stage. 

11:30 Dr Barbara Barbosa Neves: Recording loneliness in Aged Care

The team behind a unique research project looking into loneliness in aged care homes in Australia has garnered international attention for its approach. 

Study lead, Monash University Sociologist Dr Barbara Barbosa Neves worked with award-winning author Josephine Wilson and with illustrator-artist Amanda Brooks to create an academic paper, but with creative non-fiction and comic book-style art. 

Barbara joins us to talk about the study and how using creatives can help us better understand academic data.