Kiwi singer-songwriter Cassie Henderson had a busy year in 2025, and she's set to keep the momentum going in the new year.

She's confirmed to play at the 2026 Synthony Festival, alongside Shapeshifter, Kaylee Bell and The Exponents next March.

She says she's also working on her own musical projects, and she's promised 2026 will be another exciting year.

"I have been in the studio all of the end of 2025 - and at the moment as well. So there's a project coming, which is really exciting."

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Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy is set to return to our shores again, with his latest tour taking him across both sides of the Tasman.

He's well-regarded as a master of observational comedy, and he's been a regular presence on the global comedy scene for over 25 years.

He says this tour will look at how the world has changed over the last ten years - and he's promised it'll go deeper than petty grievances.

"It's a very different feel to the show - but actually, a lot of people said to me afterwards that they feel that it was almost cathartic to be talking about stuff which has bothered everyone."

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Meet The Newmans by Jennifer Niven. Del and Dinah Newman and their two sons have been the stars of a reality TV series about their family life for two decades, but in 1964 it feels as though the world is changing and America is falling out of love with them. Their on-screen lives portray a perfect family, but in reality their world is imploding and they all have secrets they’re hiding from one another. As the show limps towards its final episode, Dinah hires a young woman to help write the perfect ending, but it turns out they have diametrically opposed views as to what that should look like. This is a real slice of ‘60s life - nostalgic, still relevant, and very entertaining.

The Winner by David Baldacci. This was first published back in 1979 and has been reissued and is as good as it ever was. LuAnn Tyler is a young, 20 year old mother, with a life which promises nothing when she’s contacted by someone who tells her that he can rig the national lottery and she can win $100m. There are strings attached of course, but the opportunity is too good to turn down and afterwards she leaves the US for a decade, enjoying her newfound wealth. Ten years on though, its time to come home but an enterprising journalist working on a story about the lottery tracks her down and the FBI are on her trail. Baldacci writes terrific thrillers and this is no exception.

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Dolly Parton recently revealed her new SongTeller Hotel in Nashville will be open to the public this June.

Fans can reserve their spots ahead of the opening, and pictures have been revealed - letting prospective travellers know what to expect.

BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton explained what the hotel has on offer, including a themed bar and I Will Always Love You romance packages.

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This week on The Sunday Panel, Coast Day host Lorna Riley and broadcaster and journalist Wilhelmina O’Keeffe joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki led a group of protestors in a demonstration at Auckland CBD. Were the police right to intervene? Should we be worried about his influence?

Prime Minister Chris Luxon is set to head to Waitangi this week, but he won't be there for the day itself. What do we make of this? And why are so many politicians cautious about Waitangi Day?

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On the Sunday Session with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast for Sunday 1 February 2026, Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy is a master of observational comedy, he's heading here this week and talks about pushing the boundaries of a traditional stand up show.

Cassie Henderson is a star on the rise, the Kiwi pop star talks about how she plans to top a huge year in 2025 and the impact The Voice Australia has had on her career.

From today GPs can diagnose and treat ADHD, there are fears it will cause a tsunami of neurodiverse patients. Chair of the General Practitioners Association, Dr Angus Chambers, on how GPs are preparing for the change.

And should we all be going for fart walks to improve our health?

Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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There's a new exercise trend that can help improve digestion, but it comes with extra effects.

'Fart walks' are linked to improved digestion, reduced bloating and improved bowel movements.

Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explained further.

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Cook time: 5 minutes

Prep time: 20 minutes

Serves: 6

Cheesecake

4 leaves of gelatine

250 gm cream cheese 5

00 ml yogurt plain

1 lemon, juiced

½ tsp vanilla essences

4 tbsp honey

4 cups cold water

Base

1/2 pkt digestives

1/2 pkt Biscoff biscuits

3 tbsp butter

5 plums cut in half and stones removed

1 tbsp honey

1 cinnamon stick

6 star anise

Crush the biscuits lightly and add melted butter until combined well.

Press into the base of a 6-inch cake tin and refrigerate, then place the gelatine leaves into a bowl of cold water to bloom for 10 minutes.

Using a mixer whip the cream cheese and yogurt together until smooth. Add the lemon juice, vanilla and honey.

Squeeze the excess water out of the gelatine and place into a small pot on a low heat until completely dissolved. Combine into the cheesecake and whisk until well combined. Pour mixer into cake tin and set for at least 4 hours.

Honey roasted plums

Place the plums into a tin foil along with the honey, cinnamon and star anise, loosely wrap and place into a fire, onto a BBQ or into an oven on 200*c for 5 minutes or until the plums just start to fall apart. Remove and allow to cool.

To serve. Run a hot knife around the outside of the cake tin and lift out Garnish with cooled plums and edible flowers.

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