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Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett

Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett

NZME 119 Episodes Jun 27, 2026

Paula Bennett, former deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, hosts a podcast where she interviews Kiwis from diverse backgrounds to learn about their life journeys and share their stories, advice, and guidance. The show aims to provide listeners with insights and lessons from people who have overcome challenges and achieved success. New episodes are released fortnightly on Sundays.

Episodes

Hannah McQueen on where we go wrong when our income goes up Jun 27, 2026 2936 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 Jun 13, 2026 2750 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 May 30, 2026 1977 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
Barry Soper on the loneliness that comes with being prime minister May 16, 2026 2808 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 c
Paul Ego is going solo and pushing boundaries May 2, 2026 2100 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
Laura McGoldrick on parenting like her parents did Apr 18, 2026 2190 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
When trauma sneaks up on you with Kelsey Waghorn Apr 4, 2026 2867 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 i
David Seymour on politics, privacy, and being himself Dec 20, 2025 2412 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 r
Tom Sainsbury on the deliciousness of small town scandals Dec 13, 2025 1805 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 character
Charlotte Lockhart on finding clarity when facing mortality Dec 6, 2025 2474 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 aft
How Melodie Robinson changed the game Nov 29, 2025 2954 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
Suzanne Paul on wrestling with rejection Nov 22, 2025 2848 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 si

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