Rnz: Afternoons With Jesse Mulligan

"We only deserve it if we share it." This was the unwritten rule in the home where food writer and entrepreneur Lola Millholland grew up. Her parents always welcomed exchange students, friends, artists and just about anyone who needed a place to stay. While the communal house may have been chaotic and messy, Millholland says she discovered that friendships and non-romantic relationships can provide stability and security that's undervalued. She's written a book about some of the many meals and gatherings in the home where caring for each other is an essential ingredient. The book is called Group Living and Other Recipes.

Back on the job Brad Foster talks about what's happening in Australia. The big news is broadcaster Alan Jones' arrest due to allegations of indecent assault and a high-profile manslaughter trial around the tasing of a 95-year-old.

Pip Adams makes some personal recommendations around books and writing that she found useful when formulating her thoughts around the debate around the bill.

Our technology expert Dan Watson has just come back from a 5-day tramp in the South Island, and he runs through some of the aps and tools he's used on the journey.

We check in with reporter Layla Bailey-McDowell who is deep in the crowd amassing at Parliament today.

Our grandparents used to do the washing once a week. Now New Zealanders use billions of litres of water every year, just on laundry. Katy Gosset looks at whether we're washing our clothes too often.

Every now and again we receive an email from a listener suggesting we speak to a particular person - someone with an impressive story to tell. That's how we came to be in touch with Fergus Morunga. Fergus is 18 years old and is the out-going head prefect at Hastings' Lindisfarne College - among other things he's a film maker, a pipe major, a fundraising champion, a good scholar, an accomplished sportsman and a respected young leader.

On the 3rd Monday of November Timaru echoes with the sound of horns. So much so the first time it happened the police received multiple complaints. But now, 17 years on, the whole community are behind the wee scamps Its Toot for Tucker. The project, organised by the lions club is a collection for local foodbanks Founding member Lynette Doggett joins Afternoons.

10 years ago, four friends working as Stephen Fry's fact "elves" started a podcast called No Such Thing As a Fish.

The humble root vegetable has grown to be part of our national identity. Our expert today is Ruawai kumara grower Warwick Simpson.

So far Jesse has called Whakatane, Motueka and Kurow to name just a few. Where will my producer send him next? Let's find out.

Caitlin Cherry reviews two new TVNZ shows, Matlock and A Remarkable Place to Die.

Craft Gin is experiencing a surge in popularity across New Zealand.

13-year-old Elly Grady's debut children's book is an oral history of her Kereru, Hawkes Bay community.

For the past 20 years hundreds of Kiwi teachers have taken part in a programme that's allowed them to experience life in a Samoan village.

This week's critter is a curious and cryptic insect you've probably never heard of. The native thread-legged bug, Empicorus seorsus, is unique to Aotearoa and is one of only four thread-legged bugs found here. It looks a bit like a moth crossed with a daddy-long leg and a praying mantis. Don't be fooled by its delicate-looking legs because this critter is a powerful predator.

Any and all DIY or building questions will be answered by Stan Scott, builder and solid dude.

Gretchen Lowe has a perfect Friday night mix-up on a pizza. Get the recipe here.

Kate Rodger gives her verdict on the sequel to Ridley Scott's classic Gladiator.

Today we hear from Margaret and her freaky story.