Rnz: Afternoons With Jesse Mulligan

Zenno Astronautics is an Auckland and US-based austronautic company which has already sent its technology into space via Elon Musk's SpaceX.

The email to actor Lucy Lawless came out of the blue. Would she like to do a documentary about legendary CNN photojournalist, Kiwi Margaret Moth? After years in warzones all over the world, even after a sniper's bullet in Sarajevo shattered her jaw, Moth felt compelled to show the world the reality of war until she died of cancer in 2010. Her best friend and heir to her estate called to ask if the former Princess Warrior would tell the story of a warrior of courage under fire. Lawless immediately said yes and makes her directorial debut with the documentary, Never Look Away.

For today's Music Feature we're diving deep into one of the most seminal, influential, and straight-up cool albums in rock history. Released in 1972, 'Exile on Main Street' was the 10th album released by the Rolling Stones following the success of 'Sticky Fingers' the previous year. At the time a young Jimmy Barnett was finding his feet as a lighting director, dreaming of working with "the greatest rock and roll band in the world". The album made a deep impression on him, and he would later go on to tour with the Stones. Jimmy joins Jesse to talk about his time with Mick and the gang, as well as why 'Exile on Main Street' is such a firm favourite of his.

Brad Foster provides a rundown on what Australians can expect in tonight's Federal Budget, with a particular focus expected to be on the ongoing challenges of cost of living. He also reports on Australia's most expensive house coming on the market, surfing in Western Sydney, women's rugby league, and plenty more.

Today Dominic talks to Jesse about The Secret History by Donna Tartt.

Today owner and managing director of Vertech IT services Dan Watson talks to Jesse about some tech tips for travelling internationally.

Dunedin Wildlife Hospital has treated more than 3500 patients since it was established in 2018 including hoiho/yellow-eyed penguins, kakapo and northern royal albatross. The hospital gets council funding but also relies on donations to operate. Last week hospital manager Jordana Whyte spoke on behalf of the hospital trust at the Dunedin City Council annual plan hearings, asking for $75,000 in bridging funding. Jordana talks to Jesse about the hospital, its history, and the notable critters they've treated over the years.

What would you say in a love letter to a tree? A research project examining the connects the inhabitants of a city have with its trees is uprooting from Melbourne and heading the Christchurch. Arbor-Amor: love letters to a city's trees began as a simple concept across the ditch. Trees were given email addresses and residents asked to send their concerns about branch removal, protruding roots or watering needs. What happened next is fascinating - letters of love, loss, comfort and difficulties were sent - with heartwarming stories of connection and creativity. Dr Catherine Phillips is a lecturer at University of Canterbury and research team member at PlantCities. She speaks to Jesse.

The Stroke Foundation wants mandatory standards introduced to reduce the amount of salt in processed foods, which it says will save thousands of New Zealand lives lost or impacted by strokes each year. The foundation says many people are consuming much more than the recommended 5-gram daily intake daily with most of the salt content hidden in the everyday foods we eat. It is calling on the government to regulate the industry and to make it easier for people to eat less salt. Jess Winchester, general manager of marketing and fundraising at Stroke Foundation of New Zealand, joins Jesse.

Tucked away in west Auckland, a bird rescue centre has been attracting people with experience from around the world keen to help rescue injured NZ avians.

Harlan Coben is an accidental novelist whose success is no accident. It comes from hard work, deep empathy and unreserved respect for the joy of reading. 

Our expert today knows a thing or two about books - and he should too, seeing he has 1 million of them - yes you heard that right. 

What can you make out of fresh air? Quite a lot actually. 

Claire Chitham reviews the latest on TV

When Lauren Keenan (Te Ati Awa ki Taranaki) first started writing, she was told to set her stories overseas otherwise they wouldn't get published. 

We've all become amateur aurora experts over the past couple of days - with a rare solar storm causing dazzling displays in the sky over North and South Islands. 

While the prevalence of rare disorders in New Zealand might be up for debate, the impact of a rare disorder diagnosis is not - it's life-changing. 

Would you rather be stuck in a forest with a bear... Or a man?

With mother's day looming large on the horizon Jess Daniell's got two amazing recipes to share either of which could be a lovely thoughtful gift for the mother or mother figure in your life.

Today Kate talks to Susana about Planet of the Apes