Nights for Monday 2 February 2026

8:10 Epstein files expose power and influence

Millions of new files have been released revealing just how connected Jeffrey Epstein was to some of the world's most powerful and wealthy people.

How damning are these latest revelations for those named in the files, and is the focus on these Epstein files conveniently drawing attention away from the other big issues that are happening in the US?

Peter Field, who is Associate Professor and Head of the School of Humanities at Canterbury University, joins Emile to discuss.

8:35 Sport with Jamie Wall 

Nights sports ace Jamie Wall joins Emile in our Auckland studio to talk about Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the men’s T20 World Cup and New Zealand running sensation Sam Ruthe, the youngest athlete to ever run under a four minute mile.

8:50 European correspondent Christian Smith

Christian Smith joins Emile to discuss the latest news from Europe including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor facing more scrutiny over the release of the latest Epstein files, the Netherlands introducing a freedom tax to pay for more defence spending as the threat of Russia grows, and a call in Britain to loosen restrictions on the party drug MDMA.

9:05 Nights Quiz

Do you know your stuff? Come on the air and be grilled by Emile Donovan as he dons his quizmaster hat.

If you get an answer right, you move on to the next question. If you get it wrong, your time in the chair is up, and the next caller will be put through. The person with the most correct answers at the end of the run goes in the draw for a weekly prize.

9:25 How embracing the hard tasks can actually be good for you

Here’s another buzzword to add to your vocabulary: Friction maxxing.

It’s the idea of pushing back against technology stripping all the friction out of our lives — something that’s become easier and easier to do in modern life.

It’s about deliberately rebuilding a tolerance for so-called inconveniences, the kinds of small frictions that are often just part of sharing a life and space with other people.

Director of the New Zealand Institute Wellness and Resilience, Dr Denise Quinlan and self-described 'recovering pessimist' joins Emile Donovan to discuss whether this new trend has merit.

9:45 Pacific Waves

A daily current affairs programme that delves deeper into the major stories of the week, through a Pacific lens, and shines a light on issues affecting Pacific people wherever they are in the world. Hosted by Susana Suisuiki.

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10:17 The Detail

As more and more discount chain pharmacies open, locally owned and operated chemists worry their customers won't get the high level of care that saves trips to GPs, and EDs. The Detail's Sharon Brett Kelly has more.

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10:45 The Reading

Our reading tonight is Owen Marshall's Manhunt told by Jed Brophy.

A junior officer in the territorials is co-opted into assisting the police in the search for a killer on the run in the Kaimanawa Ranges.  

The operation is being directed by an older police officer who doesn't have much time for the eager young man.

11:07 Nashville Babylon

Every week on Nashville Babylon, Mark Rogers presents the very best in country, soul and rock 'n' roll.

On this week's show there's blues from Otis Rush, a soul cover of a Cream classic, country courtesy of Johnny Cash, rhythm 'n' blues from Chuck Willis plus an all-time favourite from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.