Sunday Morning for Sunday 9 November 2025

8.10 Latest news from the US with Karen Kasler 

We cross to the States for the latest US news from political journalist Karen Kasler.

Karen is the Statehouse Bureau Chief for public radio and television in Ohio and she’s with Jim to discuss Zohran Mamdani’s election as Mayor of New York city – and whether voter opinion is swinging to the left. 

 

8:25 Sunday Morning Quiz with Jack Waley-Cohen  

Quiz master Jack Waley-Cohen is back with his Sunday Morning quiz. 

Jack is the mind behind the questions on BBC's quiz show Only Connect, known for being both hard — and at the same time totally obvious.     

Wake up your brain and have a go!  

 

8:30 How much caffeine is too much? 

Caffeine is everywhere — in coffee, tea, energy drinks, vitamin-charged lemonades, chocolate, chews, and even inhalers. It can boost alertness, mood, and performance, but how much can we tolerate?  

Jim talks to Dr David Juurlink, toxicology professor at the University of Toronto and consultant at the Ontario Poison Centre, about modern caffeine consumption.  

 

8:45 What’s next for Andrew Mountbatten Windsor? 

British historian and author Andrew Lownie joins Jim again, this time to discuss developments for the former prince, including the request by Democrats in US Congress for him to answer questions about Jeffrey Epstein.  

Andrew Lownie is the author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, published earlier this year.  

 

9:00 Mediawatch 

On Mediawatch this week: several surveys have shown trust in news and journalism is in decline here - but what could build it back? Also: reactions to the downfall of the former Prince Andrew.  

 

9:35 Mark Reason: All Blacks v Scotland at Murrayfield

Sports commentator Mark Reason joins Jim to discuss the All Blacks vs Scotland game at Murrayfield, Edinburgh, which took place in the wee hours of Sunday morning (NZT).

 

9:40 Taking a closer look at the Disputes Tribunal 

With low fees and no lawyers required, the Disputes Tribunal is designed to make justice accessible. But enforcement challenges and inconsistent decision-making can leave claimants wondering if it’s worth the effort.  

Professor Bridgette Toy-Cronin is the Dean of Law at the University of Otago and Director of the National Civil Justice Observatory. She joins Jim to discuss how accessible and effective New Zealand’s civil justice system really is.  

 

10:10 Calling Home: Sue Mead from Brunei 

Sue Mead has been living in Brunei for 25 years. Originally a radiographer, then flight attendant, teacher-aide and now science teacher, Sue works at a large international school in Brunei’s main city, Bandar Seri Begawan.

Sue spends her spare time exploring the jungle, quietly hoping she'll come across a snake. She has also built a relationship with the Penan people, one of Asia's last semi-nomadic tribes.  

 

10:45 Useful Science with Bonnie Harrison 

Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science including how what we eat makes us attractive to others, and the rising trend of "dumb homes".

 

11:05 Amelia Thomas: How to talk to your animals

Author, journalist, and naturalist Amelia Thomas says she has taught herself to understand what animals are saying and believes it’s a skill we can all develop.  

Amelia says 'noticing' is the first and most crucial step to being able to communicate with animals. Simply taking enough time to stop, observe, and listen has transformed her relationship with her pigs, dogs, cat, and pony. 

She's with Jim to talk about her book What Sheep Think About the Weather: How to Listen to What Animals are Trying to Say and to discuss the communication lessons she has learned. 

 

11:40 Do trigger warnings spike intrigue or deter? 

Trigger warnings at the head of articles are becoming more common, but do they change behaviour?  A recent study has shown they’re more likely to intrigue than dissuade people from reading further.   

Research lead and lecturer in psychology at Adelaide’s Flinders University, Dr Victoria Bridgland is with Jim to discuss the research and the arguments for and against trigger warnings.