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Music, mental health and a real ‘maker’ mentality – key words in everyday life for Carlos Reigelhuapt Landreani, who is exploring new frontiers of using music therapy for mental health and treatment. There are fewer than 100 registered music therapists across New Zealand, and in this episode, the Nicaragua-born registered therapist talks about how he arrived at this relatively uncommon career choice. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Cuba has been under US trade sanctions since 1962 and the past few months have further challenged the Caribbean nation, with tightened economic blockades by America. University of Canterbury lecturer Dr Josephine Varghese and Ambassador Luis Morejon Rodriguez talk to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week, from RNZ's Country Life, Gianina Schwaneke takes us from Italy to Wellington's south coast. Growing and eating great food is central to the Cuccurullo family who've been cultivating tomatoes from seeds first sourced in Capri in the 1960's. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Booker Prize winner of 2022, Shehan Karunatilaka is in conversation with Kadambari Raghukumar about his plans after returning to New Zealand. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Rajni Kumar landed in New Zealand from small-town Punjab about 20 years ago with zero English and no idea what she would end up doing for work. Over the years since, she's grown her thriving seedling business from ground up – NZ Veggies, successfully navigating the landscape and language all at once. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The bombings on Iran come after weeks of negotiations between Iran and US. Iranians living in New Zealand talk to Kadambari Raghukumar about their views on the war that's killed over 1000 people so far. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Born in Japan, Mayu Tangaito traveled across the globe to join the Royal New Zealand Ballet 2012. She’s since become one of the most recognizable faces of New Zealand ballet. In this episode she talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about making a come back after injuries and becoming a mother. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Multi-instrumentalist Esmail Fathi grew up during the early years of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, when most music came under a ban. In Christchurch, today he leads the Persian traditional music ensemble Simurgh—alongside fellow multi-instrumentalist Liam Oliver. In this episode Esmail reflects on a wealth of his memories, at a time of turmoil and transition in Iran. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Enhancing aural and oral health in New Zealand is what's been driving selector, curator and DJ GoldTooth after migrating from the UK. In this episode, GoldTooth talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about growing up as Eelam Tamil immersed in the global sounds of London. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

From Rio Grande Do Sul in southern Brazil, singer and musician Henrique Morales joins Kadambari in this episode of Back to Basics - sounds that he grew up with. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Back to Basics delves into the foundational music artists grew up with, before moving to New Zealand. In this episode, Kadambari Raghukumar is in conversation with Auckland-based, Nigeria-born singer Ch!nonso. From Ijebu Pleasure club to releasing music under his own name, Ch!nonso is now an unmistakable voice in Auckland’s music scene with a style that bridges his worlds. Starting off in church choirs and university boy bands in Nigeria, Ch!nonso was a 2025 APRA Silver Scroll finalist in New Zealand with artist Mazbou-Q's 'Torque'. So, when we go back to basics what were the foundational sounds for Ch!nonso? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

To wrap up the year, some of the conversations on the podcast that took us from Trinidad to Spain and Germany to Zimbabwe - some of our fave Here Now episodes from across the year. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Growing up, Ankur Bassi was certain he would one day play cricket for India, and he worked hard every day to get there. But a freak injury meant it would never happen. So, Ankur found a new dream - as a coach - and a new home, too, at Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club in Wellington, New Zealand. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The Dalmatian community in Auckland has embedded itself in Westie Culture, but it wasn’t always so. The Dallies as they call themselves have faced considerable discrimination, bias and resistance - Phil Vine with this episode. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A marathon in its second year brings Kiwis and Afghans together - former refugees, community members, and allies—who are crossing the finish line not just for themselves, but to keep a vital movement alive, celebrating Afghan culture one stride at a time. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details