Sailing obituaries were already being drawn up for Dean Barker before American Magic had even ended its inglorious finish to the Prada Cup challenger series. But is it too soon to suggest his time on the helm of a Cup yacht is over? 

RNZ: Sunday Morning

Is this the end for Dean Barker?

Large crowds of spectators have been gathering around the Waitemata Harbour to watch America's Cup races - from both the land and the water. Among them is the locally-built 102ft superyacht Pacific Eagle, which Jim visited this week. 

The unlikely story behind New Zealand's homegrown superyacht

The story of a strange summer (so far); John Banks booted often racist blurts - and the talk radio dilemma; housing coverage highlights homeowners - not the 'have-nots; Rātana gives politicians and media a swerve.

Mediawatch for 31 January 2021

Hydrogen sulfide's reputation may be on the cusp of getting a facelift thanks to new research out of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine which suggests the foul-smelling gas may protect ageing brains cells against Alzheimer's. 

Could 'rotten egg gas' guard against Alzheimer's disease?

Dr Gary McLean is a professor in molecular immunology at London Metropolitan University and an international authority on coronaviruses. Prof. McLean is back on Sunday Morning today to discuss vaccines and other assorted Covid matters.

Covid-19 update with Professor Gary McLean

Just as Asia has led the way in coping with Covid-19, financial commentator Jeffrey Haley is also picking the continent -- particularly China, which has never exported more than it did last year -- to lead the way in the world in 2021. 

Financial commentator: 'China is the engine room of growth'

It's the festive season and people are looking forward to indulging, so that means lots of wine and cheese. And It turns out that this might not be all bad, with research showing that consumption of wine and cheese can boost your brain. 

How wine and cheese can boost your brain

It's nothing new to see Christmas songs entering the music charts at this time of the year, but a UK company recently recorded a world first with the release of 'Raise the Woof' - a Christmas song scientifically designed for dogs. 

The world's first ever Christmas song for dogs

In his new book, The Socrates Express, Eric Weiner goes in search of life lessons from dead philosophers. He joins the show to discuss the book -- which highlights philosophers and the specific lessons we can draw from their teachings.

Eric Weiner: Life lessons from the Dead Philosophers' Society

As the Covid year got longer, we heard about Long Covid, and the people who get through the illness phase okay, but for whom health issues still linger. Entrepreneur Jenene Crossan was one of those unfortunate cases. 

Battles continue for NZ Long Covid sufferers

Washington DC-based Kiwi artist Emma G has remained busy as always in 2020, despite everything that has been going on around her. Emma's new song, 'You Can Count On Me This Christmas' is her 10th release of the year.

My Xmas Song: Emma G, 'You Can Count On Me This Christmas'

Tree Beings is an adventure through the secret world of trees and a reminder of how essential they are to our world. Author Raymond Huber joins the show from his base in Dunedin.

Discovering the true power of trees

Dr. Anna Dare was at Toronto's Sunnybrook Hospital when we caught up with her earlier this year. Now, she is at New York, working at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, having travelled from the Covid-19 frying pan into the fire.  

From the Covid-19 frying pan into the fire

What a year it has been in America. Joining us to assess it is our US correspondent Karen Kasler, who looks back on 2020 and warns that many of the problems the US has faced this year aren't going to go away anytime soon.

'We've never seen year like this in modern American history'

News, discussion, features and ideas until midday.

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RNZ: Sunday Morning

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