Up Again With James Dann

Josh and Ben chat with Tamsin from Scorpio Books about Anne Tyler Book: Red Head By The Side Of the Road.

Lawrence Arabia joins us in the studio to tell us what he's been up to this year, what he's planning for the next few months, and what to expect from his show at the Gym in the Arts Centre tomorrow night. Plus, he plays us a wonderful Christmas song, "Jingling Christmas Eve".

Jay from Sadhana is in the studio for a special Sink or Swim, with music from two bands - Big Beach Ocean Surf King and Piha Rescue - who are playing tonight at "No Surf Til Christmas". Have a listen back and see who you think should be sinking or swimming.

Wrapping up some of the highs and lows of the media in 2017, including the StuffMe merger being declined, and some of the best performers locally.

We're talking to David from Twisted Frequencies, the 5-day outdoor dance festival being held in Takaka's beautiful Cobb Valley for New Year's Eve.

James and Nick talk about THE LAST JEDI, which they both went to see last week. James is a bit down on it, while Nick is a bit more positive. Minor spoilers. They also talk about HERCULES RETURNS.

Daniel Nielsen from ARA is in the studio to talk about the media, including the celebrification of RNZ, and whether the digital bubble is about to top.

We've got Jay on the line for a surf report, and then for sink or swim this week - What's Happening with their tune "Hot Buttered Buns".

We're talking to Lisa Marriot, one of the authors of "Sugar, Rum and Tobacco", about the regulatory options for reducing New Zealand's sugar consumption.

Laura from Otakaro is in the studio to explain what Otakaro is, what her role there is, and what is happening with the launch of Evolution Square tomorrow.

Marytn is on the line from Wellington with this early 80's punk dub crossover from Annie Anxiety.

Rachel form Scorpio Books is in the studio with 3 picks for Christmas, "Rock the Boat", "How to mend a Kea", and a new maze book from Gecko Press.

We're talking films with Nick Paris, including getting hyped for THE LAST JEDI by rewatching THE FORCE AWAKENS, and James runs through his top 20 films of 2017.

We're talking to Mike Berridge from the Malaghan Institute about the health risks from our sugar-laden diet, and what we can do about it, as he described in the recent BWB Text, "Sugar, Rum and Tobacco".

Johnny from Neat Places is in to talk about some of the neat things around town, and a wrap up of some cool 2017 things.

Jay has the surf report ahead of a cracker weekend, weather-wise, and also another Sink or Swim tune.

We're got some of the crew from Summer Club in the studio to talk about the last few weeks at Smash Palace.

Nick Paris is in the studio, to talk about the DISASTER ARTIST, and also the rumours about Quentin Tarantino's role in the Star Trek series.

A special Christmas treat, with Yumi Zouma popping in to the studio for an acoustic live to air. Also, Josh talks cricket and Charlie talks about the World Cup draw.

There is little to no surf again, so James and Jay talk about this week's Sink or Swim - Spicoli's Theme, bu Jimmy Buffett, from the movie FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH.