Marcus Lush Nights

What's the annoying question you get asked whenever anyone finds out what your job is?

Plus road tolls and citrus fruits...

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Marcus takes umbrage with a certain kind of New Zealander, and rallies behind a recent environmental cause in the UK.

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Marcus spends a Friday night talking about the things we might be on the cusp of losing, and things we hope will forever stick around.

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Marcus covers off a lot on this episode: the new Taylor Swift album out tomorrow, animal attacks, and why basketballers touch their shoes so much!?

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Marcus talks about universal favourite colours, bananas, and the best and worst concert stadiums in New Zealand.

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It's 49 years since the release of Marcus' favourite novelty song - so we opened the floodgates to hear about the not-so-serious songs you love.

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For Marcus, it's head torches - what is it for you?

Plus a little bit on toothache, and the proposed mega-tunnel for Wellington.

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A Friday-Free-For-All that encompasses ashtrays, dinner choices, the Titanic, and putting your dog in a kennel.

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Marcus checks in on the weather system battering the country, and covers off annoying fuel pumps, World Parkinson's Day, and what TV shows should stay on air.

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In the first hour of this podcast... it's reptile parks, cryptocurrency, and second hand stores.

In the second hour... some of the most amazing stories or rescue and survival from New Zealand's worst modern maritime disaster.

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Marcus talks people with proper noun names, A.S.M.R., and milk tankers,... all while prepping for New Zealand's total solar eclipse slated for July 2028.

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When did you first experience the music of ABBA? 

Also, America is bracing for a solar eclipse, the cost of rebuilding Christchurch's cathedral has blown out immensely, and an entire Australian island has gone cashless.

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A couple more rats have been found at the Woolworths in South Dunedin, Marcus poses a scientific biscuit question, and tries to figure out the name of a particular character on Coronation Street.

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Marcus follows up on the driver navigation app chat from last night, and then gets into stories of getting stuck under bridges because that navigation app didn't take into account the height of you campervan.

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Marcus talks about dog statues of New Zealand and a particular breed of dog that might be on the way out, and then a case of mistaken identity leads to stories from Flock House, an agricultural and farm training school in Bulls.

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With news that Auckland Council might be moving to collect rubbish bi-weekly, Marcus does a little 'rubbish collection nostalgia'.

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Marcus does a deep dive on mnemonics and follows up on Eric Carmen's appearance on the 20 Solid Gold Hits albums.

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The concept of nicotine pouches has seen a mixed response from the public and experts alike. 

Posts have been making the rounds on social media, influencers promoting flavoured products such as “zyn”, “buff”, and “ace” as a method to quit smoking and vaping. 

Public health experts are concerned, Sydney University’s Becky Freeman saying that the “wellness” influencers who promote these products are often unclear that its sponsored content. 

Freeman said that the pouches are being pushed without reliable knowledge as to what their benefits are. 

On the other hand, Action for Smokefree sees the pouches as another tool in the toolbox for helping kiwis kick their smoking habits. 

Director Ben Youdan says there’s a place for more products to get people off of the most harmful nicotine product: the cigarette. 

The sale of nicotine pouches was banned in New Zealand by the Labour Government in 2020, but importing from overseas remains legal as long as they are not sold on. 

Nicotine pouches consist of a small mesh bag of vegetable powder, over which concentrated nicotine was dripped. They were banned alongside snus, a similar product containing tobacco. 

Dylan, a caller on Newstalk ZB’s Marcus Lush Nights, agrees with the second opinion, saying that by recommending them the pouches, he got three full-time smokers to quit. 

He’s been using pouches for three to four and a half years and told Marcus Lush that these have probably been the best thing for his smoking addiction. 

“I went from smoking to vaping, and then to these just because vaping is not... I don’t think it’s a good thing.” 

In the past, Dylan was able to get the nicotine pouches from his local dairy, but due to the ban now has to import them from Sweden. 

While he used the pouches to ween himself off smoking and vaping, he revealed that he’s happy with his continued use of the pouches. 

“One day, if I feel the need to get off it, I can, but yeah, at this stage I’m quite happy taking them.” 

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Julian had a run-in with someone he hired on Student Job Search, there are concerns about the re-introduction of nicotine pouches and how they'll be advertised to young people, and Marcus has some ideas on how mail and cinema will change over the next few years.

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After hearing about the sudden drop in altitude during the trans-tasman flight, Marcus hears about other harrowing plane journeys.

Heads up: Nigel's story about the flight in Northern Australia is not one for the squeamish!!

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Marcus gauges reaction to the Fair Go and Sunday announcement and tries to help punters get home from the Warriors game and the first Pink concert at Eden Park.

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Where is the worst place you've ever lived?

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Marcus talks about pet birds and previews a potential upcoming slimming-down of the TVNZ newsroom.

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Marcus has done something he swore he'd never do. Plus, it's Unique Names Day...

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Marcus talks phone tricks, fun runs, how terrible Auckland airport is, and where the Prime Minister should live.

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Marcus talks about plastic shopping bags, fantasy sports leagues, and TV shows starring animals.

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Claudia and Judy are two New Zealanders who have both just turned 21, even though they were born during WWII.

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Marcus talks leap day and the lifestyle of long-term campground living.

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Marcus takes reaction on the news today that Newshub's newsroom is set to shut down later this year.

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Marcus talks about the natural disaster the team at FEMA are most worried about, and marks the 60th anniversary of the Lyttleton Road Tunnel.

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Marcus was delighted to hear something, and wants to know which of NZ's fastest-growing cities you would move to.

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Marcus keeps up with the second T20 match against Australia and takes calls on the demise of retail, whatever beef tea is, and New Zealand's introduction to road cones.

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Marcus marks Supermarket Worker's Day, and settles whether it's acceptable to let a toddler sit inside a supermarket trolley.

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Marcus keeps up with the 1st T20 between the Blackcaps and Australia while covering interesting uses for drones, starter motors, and the nation's favourite confectionery item.

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Marcus talks about the DOC hut having to close because the toilet is too full, and discusses why we're not likely to see another 'It's In The Bag' show made here.

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Marcus talks about his least-favourite roast side vegetable, remembers the Cloverlea Tavern, and pushes hard for a new NRL side for New Zealand.

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A Friday free-for-all covering NZ's new Car of the Year, colour blindness, and the mystery of late fees.

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Marcus talks about replanting the Port Hills (yes to natives and no to kikuyu), athlete's foot, and why you don't hear about berocca anymore.

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As Marcus' show begins, a large vegetation on the Port Hills hasn't been contained, and eyewitnesses give updates as things develop.

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Marcus talks about all the things you can get from the fish and chips shop, that isn't fish and chips.

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Marcus recaps the Super Bowl, and takes calls on train tracks not working when it gets hot, being afraid of smart power meters, and rodents in supermarkets.

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Marcus talks about the Beatles, road works, rats in supermarkets, and Chinese New Year.

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What are the good things and the terrible things about working shifts?

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Marcus covers off a new online food trend, a primary school science project that should make a comeback, one of the key frustrations about a public holiday, and pitches a documentary idea for a budding producer to take up.

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New Zealanders consume a lot of butter, and Marcus sure knows how to get earwormed!

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Marcus talks 'the greatest middle distance race of all time', wallabies in a park in Christchurch, and the making of "We Are The World".

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Marcus talks about supermarket loyalty schemes, a character from a TV show appearing on another TV show, and hedgehogs.

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Marcus has a pet food query, Pamela has a question about her light bulbs, and every single New Zealander has questions about recycling.

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Marcus talks chip sandwiches, vacuum cleaner purchases, pubs with nicknames, and whether NZ will ever go cashless.

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Marcus' listeners check in from all over New Zealand, and from around the world.

To get yourself added to the Marcus Lush Nights listener map, email dan@newstalkzb.co.nz.

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Marcus talks about repelling mosquitoes, why no one has Irish coffee anymore, whether you should be putting salt in your tea, and tartan.

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Marking 50 years since the opening of the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, Marcus talks to people who remember watching the games in person and on TV and people who volunteered as drivers, and discusses the absurdity of wanting to host the event again in the future.

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We're fast approaching cheap corn season, so Marcus checks the state of the nation's corn supplies, corn cooking methods, and how superior corn is to the baked potato. 

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Marcus talks about his useless car jack, and getting stung for fake car parking at concerts.

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Doctors say they may have found cure for restless legs condition that has so many of us tossing and turning at night.

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Marcus almost got scammed (he thinks).

Plus Joe Schmidt is likely to be coaching the Wallabies, and The Warehouse is great (except for the fireworks thing).

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Marcus talks getting mould off tents, and covers the US tourists who tried to freedom camp in the Christchurch red zone.

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Marcus hunts for NZ's worst beach, takes a few more sets of listener predictions, and remembers Pakatoa Island.

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In the first show back for 2024, Marcus collects listener predictions for the upcoming year.

You can still submit yours to dan@newstalkzb.co.nz until the end of this week.

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In his final show for 2023, Marcus talks picking you own fruit, retiring to the motorhome lifestyle, and plans for Christmas.

The show (and the podcast) returns in 2024 from January 15. 

Merry Christmas!!

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Marcus talks owning cats, mishearing ads, buying a lot of eggs, and eating a lot of prawns.

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So we're not getting the new ferries for the Cook Strait crossing... meanwhile, Marcus talks the origins of pizza delivery in NZ, and whether or not you can trust a clairvoyant.

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While waiting for sightings of the meteor shower, Marcus talks NZ speedways and fast-growing towns.

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Marcus talks growing your own Christmas tree, and having a horse-drawn hearse at your funeral.

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Why do we get obsessed with chocolate at Christmas in NZ, when it's the worst time of year for chocolate?

Also, Marcus talks about electric planes, and cleaning ovens.

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Marcus briefly talks about the impending demise of the Commonwealth Games and terrible Christmas chocolate, before bringing up the Morris Minor Million.

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Marcus talks about seeing the Aurora Australis after the show last week, driving while holding things, and also mending your own clothes.

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Marcus isn't a fan of Secret Santa at the office, and has a bit to say about the work end-of-year party.

Plus, explaining leap years gets tricky.

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Marcus talks about Evel Knievel, Tory Whanau, and Hobbiton.

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Should you pay for customer support?

A refuse transfer station is on fire in Albany, and we might be getting what La Paz has had for decades!

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Marcus talks unique sandwiches, the demise of ice cream, and inventing advent calendars.

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Is it too early to talk about how early to put up your Christmas decorations?

And who has picked up on pickleball?

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Did anyone brave a mall today?

Has Wanaka calmed down about its impending McDonalds?

And where can you get a really good serving of lamb shanks?

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Talk of turkey leads to a wide-reaching conversation about other wild fowl in New Zealand.

Plus, which NZ town will be the next to view the Golden Arches?

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How much is too much to pay for cheese?

Plus Marcus learns how to anger every chef in New Zealand, and we continue to toss the coin of Deputy Prime Minister-ship.

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Marcus looks ahead to the new episodes of Doctor Who, and talks about the psychology of having spare pairs of glasses.

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Let's review that debacle in the Newmarket Westfield carpark.

Plus Marcus actually likes the supermarket self-checkout!

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Why is there so much Christmas junk for sale?

Plus, Marcus talks the F1 in Las Vegas, paying exorbitant prices to see comedians, and working in call centres.

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How do you ensure you don't mistakenly take the wrong luggage?

And can we admit that, even if we don't like it, a congestion charge on Auckland's motorways might be the behaviour-change catalyst we need?

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Marcus covers the beginning of NZ v India semi-final in the Cricket World Cup, while also talking about having multiple dishwashers.

Just your classic Wednesday!

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Marcus talks Cup Day, coalition chaos, changing your vote, congestion charges, and chiming church bells.

Try saying that five times at pace!

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When does loving and caring for your pet go too far?

Also, it's the tenth of November, so we're talking about the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

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With NZ set to face Sri Lanka in a must-win cricket world cup match that looks like it might get rained out, Marcus asks what might be seen as an obvious question.

Plus, how good are thermoses, and how do you spell 'lion'?

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Is adventure tourism still big for New Zealand?

Why is bean salad even a thing?

And who is making their own limoncello?

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How did the Melbourne Cup go (and why are people still doing those office sweepstakes)?

Plus rediscovering classic movies, and deciding whether or not Winston knows how to compromise.

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Marcus hears about the isolated islands the callers have visited, and their different-than-normal reasons for going there.

Fun fact: the alternative title for this podcast is 'Swimming in gin'.

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The official results are in, and NZ First is now a required third player in a government coalition.

Also, duck nests and Riccarton Mall turns 58.

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Today is World Devil Egg Day... who knew that was a thing?

Also a bit more of a mop-up on fireworks.

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You know it's November when two things get talked about: fireworks, and supermarket giveaways going wrong.

That aside, the A&P show in Blenheim this weekend sounds like it'll be a ripper.

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Today marks 50 years of colour TV broadcasting in New Zealand.

Marcus was 8 when that happened - and plenty of people had a lot to say about those first shows that weren't in black and white.

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While marking 50 years of colour TV in New Zealand, Marcus got a call from Tom the TV repairman who had plenty of stories to tell, secrets of the industry to share, and thoughts on how fast things have changed.

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How has NZ handled the result of the Rugby World Cup final?

Marcus has a particular set of people who he thinks need to check themselves for the influence they have on fans of the All Blacks, especially when they lose.

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Another day, another biscuit off our shelves - and where did you watch the 1995 RWC Final?

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Someone ran across the Auckland Harbour Bridge, snow is hitting parts of the lower South Island, the outgoing Sports Minister is going to France for the RWC Final, and The Project is leaving our TV screens.

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It's time to admit to the things you do while driving that you know you probably shouldn't (even though there's no law saying you can't).

Also, a Netflix documentary has Marcus interested in a particular Australian small town, and a divisive spread marks a century on shelves.

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What is New Zealand's most hated garden tool?

Plus, how will we handle it if the RWC final this weekend doesn't go our way, and Marcus has a song stuck in his head...

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You won't be surprised at which is Marcus' favourite holiday, and you probably won't be surprised at the return of one of Marcus' favourite pre-long-weekend driving topics...

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Probably no surprises as to which is Marcus' favourite public holiday, but Marcus is surprised at people who make their own condensed milk!

Also the day before a long weekend is the perfect time to bring up Marcus' most-loved driving topic...

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What are the things that NZ used to (and still does) manufacture locally?

Plus Marcus compiles a list of the household items that are likely in their last decade of common use.

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