Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett

Epizodai

• Hannah McQueen on where we go wrong when our income goes up 27.06.2026 48min

  After building and selling EnableMe, Hannah McQueen is tackling another challenge through Age Brightly. She joins Paula Bennett to talk about wealth, purpose, business and why New Zealand needs to rethink ageing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 'It's a bit of bullshit' - Petra Bagust on our obsession with independence 13.06.2026 45min

  We've been told success means standing on our own two feet, but Petra Bagust isn't so sure. The broadcaster and Grey Areas podcast host talks about her late ADHD diagnosis, why she's embracing aging, what caring for her parents has taught her about community, and why "nobody is truly independent"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• The time MKR's Colin Fassnidge went crazy in the jungle 30.05.2026 32min

  Colin Fassnidge reckons New Zealand pies are better than Australia's and he's not afraid to say it. The My Kitchen Rules judge and star of Off the Grid joins Paula Bennett to explain why food became his passport to the world and reveal the experience that eventually sent him to therapy. Now he wants more men to reach out for support.   Off the Grid returns to TVNZ 1 for a news season on Sunday June 7.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Barry Soper on the loneliness that comes with being prime minister 16.05.2026 46min

  Veteran political journalist Barry Soper reflects on nearly five decades in the parliamentary press gallery and his time observing 12 New Zealand prime ministers up close, discussing with Paula Bennett the often overlooked loneliness of political leadership and life inside the Beehive. He recalls a very different parliamentary era of all-night sittings, and a rougher political culture, alongside candid reflections on figures like Robert Muldoon and the personal toll of power after office. The conversation also touches on modern politics, media scrutiny, and why leaders such as Jacinda Ardern and Helen Clark continue to shape how New Zealand sees its leaders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Paul Ego is going solo and pushing boundaries 02.05.2026 35min

  Veteran comedian Paul Ego joins Paula Bennett for a candid chat about life on stage, instinct, and why the first joke is usually the best one. After three decades in the game, Ego reflects on finding his audience, the freedom of live performance, and the fine line between pushing boundaries and losing the room. He also shares the story behind his stage name and why he’s never been interested in playing it safe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Laura McGoldrick on parenting like her parents did 18.04.2026 36min

  Laura McGoldrick has built her career in high-pressure, high-visibility environments, saying yes to opportunities and figuring things out as she goes. Talking to Paula she reflects on the path that got her there, from breaking into sports broadcasting to navigating the unpredictability of live TV and the pressure that comes with it. She also opens up about how her perspective has shifted over time, the influence of her own upbringing, and what that looks like now with a young family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• When trauma sneaks up on you with Kelsey Waghorn 04.04.2026 47min

  For Kelsey Waghorn, the Whakaari White Island eruption in December 2019 was only the start of a journey of compounding trauma. The explosion killed 22 people and injured a further 25, Kelsey was lucky to make it out alive. She joins Paula Bennett to talk about the day of the eruption, her extensive hospital recovery, and the trauma that hit out of the blue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• David Seymour on politics, privacy, and being himself 20.12.2025 40min

  Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour sits down with Paula Bennett for a wide-ranging conversation that goes well beyond politics. They talk about growing up, losing his mum young, volunteering, identity, privacy, Dancing With the Stars, being “quirky” in public life, and why trying to be someone else is a waste of time. There’s also talk of leadership, changing your mind, taking risks, and what actually makes public service worth it.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Tom Sainsbury on the deliciousness of small town scandals 13.12.2025 30min

  Paula Bennett sits down with the one and only Tom Sainsbury — comedian, writer, actor, director, and the man who once made a career out of taking the mickey out of her. They talk voiceover work, brand ambassadorships, introvert life, and the unexpected success of Tom’s hit true-crime parody Small Town Scandal, now back with Season 3.  Tom explains how he builds dozens of characters, why Formica tables are comedy gold, and how the podcast is being adapted into an eight-part TV series with an international cast. They also look back on their Give Us a Clue days, compare notes on public life, and unpack the strange parasocial relationship they’ve had since 2017.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Charlotte Lockhart on finding clarity when facing mortality 06.12.2025 41min

  This episode of Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett features entrepreneur and philanthropist Charlotte Lockhart, co-founder of the 4 Day Week Global movement. Charlotte opens up about her life, her years living in the Middle East, and the ideas that helped spark a worldwide rethink of productivity and work. She also speaks candidly about receiving an incurable stage-four breast cancer diagnosis after 17 years cancer-free, and the clarity it’s given her about what really matters. From reshaping workplaces to reshaping her own life, Charlotte shares insight, humour, and hard-won wisdom on how to live with purpose, protect your time, and focus on what counts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• How Melodie Robinson changed the game 29.11.2025 49min

  Melodie Robinson is a force to be reckoned with. The former Black Fern, World Rugby exec and commentator joins Paula to talk ambition, identity and surviving in tough environments. Mel talks about growing up in a complicated household, fighting for basic resources in women’s rugby, breaking barriers at Sky Sport and building a career in male-dominated spaces. She shares her advice on bounce back routines, support networks, leadership and why intentionality matters more than ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Suzanne Paul on wrestling with rejection 22.11.2025 47min

  Suzanne Paul is something of a national treasure. The pocket rocket first burst onto our screens in the 90s, promoting Natural Glow and its "thousands of luminous spheres." In the years since she's become a fixture on our screens and in magazines with a string of successes and a sprinkling of failures along the way.  At nearly 70 she's launched a new podcast 'Fork's Sake' and is showing no sign of stopping. The infomercial queen joins Paula to talk about the difficult childhood that shaped her determined spirit, how she dealt with rejection after rejection and the advice that still guides her every day.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Ali Williams on the problem with Auckland 17.11.2025 48min

  Former All Black Ali Williams sits down with Paula for a surprisingly candid chat about life after rugby, raising a blended family of five and why he thinks Auckland is “the best city in the world” yet held back by stagnant decision making. He shares how a shower conversation sparked Auckland FC, why the club recruits on character as much as talent and how he and Anna Mowbray keep their kids grounded.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Cecilia Robinson on what makes a good leader 10.11.2025 41min

  Entrepreneur Cecilia Robinson has built some of New Zealand’s most successful companies in Au Pair Link, My Food Bag and Tend Health. She joins Paula to talk about the key attribute of a true leader, juggling business and family life, the heartbreak of fertility struggles, and why she’s pushing for a ban on social media for under-16s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Toni Street on creating confidence 03.11.2025 34min

  Broadcaster, mum, and podcast host Toni Street joins Paula to talk about confidence, communication, and what balance really looks like. She shares how she builds self-belief, why she thinks balance is a myth, and the simple habits that help her keep it all together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• The Most Valuable Conversation with Hayley Sproull 02.11.2025 11min

  Today’s episode is a little different and super exciting.  We’re teaming up with ANZ to talk about something really important: financial confidence and KiwiSaver.  But here’s the twist — Paula's not the one asking the questions this time!  The amazing Hayley Sproull is stepping in to interview her about how she thinks about money, the future, and what she's learned along the way.  Book your free KiwiSaver Check-in with ANZ and take a confident step toward your financial future. ANZ New Zealand Investments Limited is the issuer and manager of ANZ's KiwiSaver schemes. See advice statement, scheme guides and product disclosure statements at anz.co.nz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Bill Bailey on comedy, creativity and chaos 27.10.2025 41min

  English comedian, actor and musician Bill Bailey joins Paula Bennett for a wide-ranging chat about his lifelong love of performance, the chaos of early comedy gigs, and why he thinks everyone has rhythm. He talks about growing up surrounded by music and laughter, finding freedom in creativity, and how a teacher’s advice shaped his belief in human potential. And it wouldn't be an episode with Bill Bailey if there wasn't a little chaos: from his wild camping hair disaster to the backyard rooster that turned violent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Pike River’s real-life friendship that inspired the film 20.10.2025 42min

  Two women whose lives were changed by the Pike River disaster open up about the real events that inspired the new film Pike River. Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse share their enduring friendship, the long fight for accountability, and what it means to see their story on screen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Paula Bennett on being the only woman in John Key’s inner circle 13.10.2025 46min

  It's the 100th episode of Ask Me Anything, and we're flipping the script! This week, Paula's in the hot seat as Heather du Plessis-Allan takes over hosting duties to ask the hard questions. Paula opens up about life in John Key’s inner circle, the grief that changed her and what she really thinks of Winston Peters and David Seymour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Jazz Thornton on the fight to save young minds 06.10.2025 49min

  A social media ban for under-16s could do more harm than good according to Jazz Thornton. The mental health advocate joins Paula to discuss what she’s learned from time spent in psychiatric wards with young people, redefining what it means to be resilient, and the personal cost of sharing her own story of survival so publicly. Suicide and depression help services: If it is an emergency and you or someone else is at risk, call 111. For counselling and support: Lifeline: http://www.lifeline.co.nz, call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) Suicide Crisis Helpline: www.lifeline.org.nz/services/suicide-crisis-helpline, or call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) Youth services: Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234 What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm) Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7) Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737 Aoake te Rā (Bereaved by Suicide Service): Call 0800 000 053 For more information and support, talk to your local doctor, hauora, community mental health team, or counselling service. The Mental Health Foundation has more helplines and service contacts - click here for informationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.