Rnz: Afternoons With Jesse Mulligan

The disappearance of 11 years Mike Beckenridge and his stepfather John was initially thought to be a sad story of a murder suicide. Stuff journalist Michael Wright's podcast on the complex and compelling case released this morning.  

They're called The Redheaded Murders, the brutal killing and dumping of up to 14 women along motorways in the American South more than 30 years. The murders remained a mystery, almost forgotten, until Mr Campbell's students from a small high school in Eastern Tennessee got on the case. They identified a serial killer connected to six of the murders. The work of the high school students is featured in a 10 part podcast called Murder 101. At one point it was the most listened to podcast in New Zealand. We'll talk to Mr Campbell and student sleuth Hannah Metcalfe.

Ray Charles was a pioneer of soul, jazz, gospel and rhythm and blues music, and according to Frank Sinatra "the only true genius in show business".

Brad Foster reports on news of the closure of a number of restaurants in Sydney including celebrity chef Kylie Kwong's Lucky Kwong's. He also talks rising unemployment, the start of Vivid Sydney, soccer, immigration and the new Mad Max movie.

Today Catherine speaks to Jesse about Brown Bird by Jane Arthur, Fox Spirit on a Distant Cloud by Lee Murray and Accidental Magic: Book 1 of the Myrtlewood Mysteries by Iris Beaglehole.

Today tech commentator and chief executive of Gorilla Technology Paul Spain speaks to Jesse about longer lasting batteries in microsoft lap tops as well as a new privacy tool to stop all AI work being sent to the internet automatically.

Kevin Ford and his partner Jules are the folk behind Nelsons Obstacle Park - the only permanent obstacle course racing park in the country.

New research out of Antarctica has revealed it's storing more carbon than ever thought. Previously researches believed that Antarctica wasn't a suitable habitat for seaweed. NIWA Marine Ecologist Dr Leigh Tait speaks to Jesse.

Kaiapoi Coastguard is leading the way in swift water rescue with the launch of their brand new boat, the "Extreme 47 Coastguard". Volunteer Coastgaurd and unit skipper, Logan Pryce speaks to Jesse.

On Here Now this week, as Sudan's civil war continúes, diaspora across the world are holding on to slivers of hope.

Everyone has a complaint about something. Being a victim and feeling resentful has become a form of social currency says New York Times opinion writer Frank Bruni. It's driving political division and eroding civility, and the willingness to compromise. He looks at the causes and argues that humility is the antidote in his new book, The Age of Grievance.

Maintaining a long, healthy relationship is never completely smooth sailing, and external pressures can cause stress that couples struggle to work through without support.

For Made in NZ today we're looking to Nelson where an award-winning product called EmGuard is manufactured.

Today Pratik talks to Jesse about The 3 Body Problem, ExMen '97 and Malcolm in the Middle.

A small family run convenience store in Oamaru has taken matters into their own hands when it comes to grocery prices.

RNZ podcast producer and presenter Katy Gosset has a brand new six part series about to launch all about saving money, making budgets go further and expert tips on fiscal responsibility.

New information about one of New Zealands mysterious extinct birds has come to light. Associate Professor Nic Rawlence is the Director of Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory at the University of Otago speaks to Jesse.

This week’s critter is the pūtawa or bracket fungus (also known as white punk, pangu or morepork bread). The fruiting body of this fungus looks a bit like a caramel-coloured flying saucer that crashed into a tree. It's got a great history too!

Builder Stan Scott's back today to help with some handy hints and tips for your DIY projects or repairs around the house. If you have any questions for Stan please text 2101 or email jesse@rnz.co.nz.

Charlotte Ryan, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's coming up on her show tomorrow and because Friday is new music day - she'll pick us a track to play.