Saturday Morning With Jack Tame

Summer Island by Kristin Hannah   Years ago, Nora Bridge walked out on her marriage and left her daughters behind. She has since become a famous radio talkshow host and newspaper columnist beloved for her moral advice. Her youngest daughter, Ruby, is a struggling comedienne who uses her famous mother as fuel for her bitter, cynical humour.   When the tabloids unearth a scandalous secret from Nora's past, their estrangement suddenly becomes dramatic. Nora is injured in an accident and a glossy magazine offers Ruby a fortune to write a tell-all about her mother. Under false pretences, Ruby returns home to take care of the woman she hasn't spoken to for almost a decade. Nora insists they retreat to Summer Island, to the lovely old house on the water where Ruby grew up, a place filled with childhood memories of love and joy and belonging. There Ruby is also reunited with her first love and his brother. Once, the three of them had been best friends, inseparable. Until the summer that Nora had left and ev

"Tucked between North Wales and the serene good looks of the Lake District, gritty, vital Liverpool provides an indelible and grounded dose of "real" urban England. It proved to be one of my favourite destinations on my whistle-stop romp with Trafalgar’s Real Britain tour. Yes, Beatles fans flock to Liverpool to learn about the Fab Four's early days, but the city’s appeal extends far beyond those towering music legends." Read Mike's full article here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With winter well and truly set in, some are dreaming of clearer skies across the sea. Kevin Milne has a trip to London coming up, him and his wife deciding to pop over and visit two of their sons on their home turf.  Although this is a trip to see family, there are a few interesting details that Kevin shared with Jack Tame.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blue Zones are an area of interest for many, geographical locations in which people live longer than average. Some such areas are in Sardinia, others in Okinawa in Japan, Nicoya in Costa Rica, and Ikaria in Greece – all of which have a significant number of people living into their 90s or hundreds.   But why are these people living so much longer than average? Dr Dougal Sutherland delves into the research and reasons behind the extended lifespans of those in Blue Zones.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Saturday 2nd August 2025, Kiwi acting legend Cliff Curtis joins Jack to discuss his starring role in the brand-new series spearheaded by Jason Momoa, Chief of War.   Jack considers the bill that would enshrine the name New Zealand into law.  Dougal Sutherland picks up on Jack's interest in Blue Zones, joining the show to share what contributes to longer life in these areas, and just how realistic it is to achieve in alternative environments.  And hot off judging awards for the best New Zealand pie, Nici Wickes gives in to Jack's sweet side with her personal recipe for pie of the year.  Get the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast every Saturday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plants need a couple of really important chemicals to give them a healthy life and growth.   We all know the top three elements: Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P) and Potash (K), but Magnesium (Mg) should also be in the line-up of important nutrients   A lack of any of the mentioned nutrients will show specific symptoms on the Plants:   A lack of Nitrogen (which supports leaf-growth) makes leaves looks small and weird – often quite yellow, especially the older leaves. Nitrogen is often transported by the plant from old leaves to the younger leaves, to give them some small chance to survive and keep photosynthesis going.   Phosphorus deficiency (important for root growth): Purpling of leaves; you can see that clearly in tomatoes. In severe cases the leaves will start to die around the edges.   A lack of Potash (potassium – stimulates flowers and fruits) often shows up in the form of chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves in the area between the veins). Even the young leaves are struggling and sh

Two Rivers 'Convergence' Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Marlborough    RRP from $22.00   Pungent, ripe, varietal and high energy. Aromas of red bellpepper and apple, fresh citrus peel and white peach, there’s also green mango and cape gooseberry as well as fresh basil. On the palate – youthful, equally high energy with laser-like acidity, flavours of fresh fruits led by citrus, then tropical and white stone fruit. A high energy wine best enjoyed from day of purchase through 2029. Exceptional value.      Food match:   One of the many classic matches with sauvignon blanc is Oysters. Not everyone can do oysters, so steamed mussels work just as well.   These first two are match of contrast – salty food needs a high acid wine.   Another rule with food is that a richly textured food can have a higher acid wine for contrast; a dessert with cream or ice-cream should have a high acid wine like a sweet sauvignon blanc for contrast, as well as weight from the sugar in the wine.  

Microsoft becomes the second $4 trillion company   All fuelled by the increased revenue from the Cloud Computing business, which provides compute for AI services. This is a huge win for Microsoft – the company that was absolutely written off in the mid 2000s and was expected to go the way of Yahoo. Microsoft is still second place to Amazon Web Services in the Cloud category. Their CFO announced they'll spend $30 billion on its AI infrastructure investments in the next quarter.   Apple was the first US company to hit $1 trillion in 2018, first to hit $2 trillion in 2020, first to hit $3 trillion in 2022, so by that math, it should have hit $4 trillion in 2024, but Nvidia beat them. Nvidia only became a $1 trillion company in 2023 – two years ago!   For context, $4 trillion would be like giving all 5.3 million New Zealanders USD $750,000 (NZD $1.2 million).    Apple says Trump’s tariffs will cost it another $1 billion   That's on top of the $800 million the tech giant spent on tari

The Assassin   A retired assassin reunites with her estranged son, but her dangerous past catches up with them, forcing them to go on the run together while uncovering a dark conspiracy that threatens their relationship (ThreeNow).    Outrageous  In the 1930s, 6 sisters refuse to play by the rules, and their often-scandalous lives make headlines around the world. Their tales involve betrayal, scandal, heartache, and even imprisonment (Neon).    Murder in a Small Town   Karl Alberg moves to the idyllic coastal town of Gibsons to become the new police chief and soothe a psyche that has been battered by big-city police work. Unfortunately, the gentle paradise has more than its share of secrets, and Karl needs to call upon all the skills that made him a world-class detective in solving the murders that, even in this seemingly idyllic setting, continue to wash up on his shore (TVNZ+).    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It Was Just An Accident   What begins as a minor accident sets in motion a series of escalating consequences. A co-production between Iran, France, and Luxembourg and explores political repression in Iran and morality.     Bank of Dave 2: The Lone Ranger   Dave Fishwick takes on a dangerous and formidable opponent than the big banks: Payday Loan Companies. Dave recruits Jessica and Oliver to his cause. Together they embark on a journey that will bring down an entire industry of predatory corporations.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An apple pie, plain and simple, with no sugar added – these are a real favourite served with ice cream, cream, and cinnamon.   Makes 6 individual pies      Ingredients  1 kg apples, granny smith   1 cup water    2 x 400g blocks sweet short pastry   Ice cream to serve    Cream to serve   Cinnamon to serve      Method  Set the oven at 200 C fan bake with an oven tray already in the oven to heat up. Grease large-sized (Texan) muffin tin.    Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing, and placing with 1 cup of water into a saucepan with the lid on and gently cook for about 15 minutes. They should retain their shape without turning into pulp.   Drain in a colander, reserving the juice which can be reduced to a syrup by simmering it for 5-8 minutes. Cool the apples completely before you start filling the pies. Please note apples do not need added sugar, as they are sweet enough.   Now roll your pastry out

The Tour de France is reaching its final legs, with drama, gruelling climbs, and triumphant podiums all playing out across the world.  Craig Geater is up close and personal with the professional cycling world, a bike mechanic with over 20 years of experience working with the Tour de France.  He’s worked with some of the sport’s greatest riders and most successful team, and his currently the head mechanic for Australian outfit Team Jayco AlUla.  Geater joined Jack Tame to break down what it’s like working on something as grand as the Tour de France, his time as Lance Armstrong’s personal mechanic, and the unique nature of the competition.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taking care of babies can be complicated.  With so many new tasks and new things you have to teach to a child, it can be tough sometimes to try something a little bit different.  Since she gave birth, Kate Hall has been using Elimination Communication, otherwise known as infant potty training, and she joined Jack Tame to give an update on how that’s working.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fifth studio album from British singer-songwriter Billie Marten, ‘Dog Eared’ is an album filled with nostalgia.  The title comes from the practice of dog earring books, Marten having a fondness for marking up the books she reads – underlining passages, scribbling ideas in margins, and folding corners.   It tells the story of who she was as she wrote and recorded the album, each song touching on a different childhood memory.  Estelle Clifford joined Jack Tame to give her thoughts on the release.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Few British cities can match eye-catching York and its wondrous layers of history. Northern England’s walled city was founded by the ancient Romans, was conquered by the Vikings and also boasts a trove of medieval riches. The city’s storied history is woven into virtually every brick and beam. All these ingredients underpin York’s star-power, serving up a stirring sense of Ye Olde England, when tripping the UK. But it’s so much more than just a living museum." Read Mike's full article here. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Forsaken by Matt Rogers   In the twilight of his career, Logan learns he has been a vessel for furthering government interests, not a rogue hitman for a band of vigilantes. The revelation destroys him.  But when Jorge Romero – an investigative reporter and Logan's oldest friend – is brutally and inexplicably murdered, Logan allows his fury to deliver him from despair.  With an ally in Alice Mason, a homeless witness with a target on her back, Logan goes to war. Against whom, he isn't sure, but he knows powerful forces are at work behind the scenes.  Now, to deliver justice, Logan and Alice must confront their demons and win a savage battle that could destroy their lives... even if they survive.     Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson   In seven days Jet Mason will be dead.  Jet is the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Woodstock, Vermont. Twenty-seven years old, she’s still waiting for her life to begin. I’ll do it later, she always says. She has tim

On the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Saturday 26 July 2025, a man with up close and personal access to Tour de France, Kiwi bike mechanic Craig Geater joins the show to discuss his 21 years of experience on the Tour, his former years as Lance Armstrong's personal mechanic, and what it's like to travel behind his Jayco Ulula crew as they ride the mountains.  Jack considers the unstoppable force of a viral moment.  Francesca Rudkin gives her thoughts on whether the new Fantastic Four film meets expectations.  Mike Yardley shares the sights and sounds of ancient British city York.  And Estelle Clifford shares her favourite tracks from Yorkshire-born musician Billie Marten's new album Dog Eared.  Get the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast every Saturday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Times are tough, many businesses unable to survive the cost of living crisis and downturned economy.  Cultural institutions and smaller businesses alike are closing up shop, and Kevin Milne is dismayed by the loss of Kiwi enterprises.  One in particular, the colourful Matakana ceramics firm Morris & James, is particularly saddening for him.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of Kiwis making withdrawals from their KiwiSaver due to hardship is on the rise.  In the year to June, more than 50,000 were made, compared to 18,000 five years ago.  Early withdrawals can have compounding effects on someone’s financial future – so what other options are there?  Lisa Dudson joined Jack Tame to delve into the topic and offer up some other ideas.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week we started to look at the jobs bugs do on Earth. This topic was launched by some teachers during the Blake Inspire sessions, out there in Nature. It became a bit of a game to question what their role is in ecological systems – especially critters that are usually perceived as a pain in the bum.  Gardeners often complain about almost every creature that inhabits the soil; holes and tunnels, little hills of clay, and messy poos in vegetable gardens, lawns, and orchards are often not seen as beneficial; but many certainly are!   These insects are the larvae and pupae of Crane Flies. Soil cleaning and dead wood in the soil – recyclers maintaining soil health.   Pollinators are everywhere: butterflies, flies, native bees, wasps, parasitic wasps, hoverflies, beetles, thrips – it’s a huge gig on the planet!   These laay eggs in their hosts. Population control.  Geotrupes spiniger – the Paua dungbeetle, introduced in New Zealand to put dung back into the soil. It not only puts