Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett

Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett

Paula Bennett's life journey has had plenty of ups and down - going from a teenage solo mum in Taupo all the way to deputy Prime Minister - but it's taught her a lot along the way. One thing she has learned is it’s never too late to learn something new. In Ask Me Anything, Paula will be talking to Kiwis from all walks of life, to learn how they got to where they are, and to share stories, advice and guidance the rest of us can learn from. New episodes out every Sunday.

Episodes

May 4, 2024 35 mins

This week, Paula's guest is local entertainment icon Jason Gunn. He discusses why he quit radio, the impact of his mum's death and the changing face of local television, before digging into advice for how to best communicate with kids, whether that's through the TV, reading to them, or as a grandparent.

Jason Gunn's 'Jason Mason' series is available for purchase, and he will be at the Auckland Writer's Festival that runs from May ...

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This week, Paula is joined by doctor turned comedian Adam Kay. They discuss his bestselling book turned TV and standup show, This is Going to Hurt, his motivation for writing it, becoming a father and a BAFTA winner, and his advice for people considering a career in medicine, and what governments need to do to improve healthcare. 

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This week, Paula is joined by former squash World Champion and Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy. They discuss her new memoir, Dame Suzy D: My Story, her acclaimed career, and her experiences on Celebrity Treasure Island, before discussing her experiences as Race Relations Commissioner and the backlash she faced in that role. 

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April 13, 2024 33 mins

This week, Paula is joined by legendary broadcaster Judy Bailey to talk her new book, Evolving. They discuss Judy's incredible career and her advice for those getting older, and why retirement doesn't mean the end of your life. 

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This week, Paula's guest is AM host and journalist Lloyd Burr to discuss his background, coming out as gay - with support from Barry Soper - and losing two jobs in a row. Then, he and Paula share their experiences with getting bariatric surgery, what pushed them towards it, and if others should consider that. 

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This week, Paula is joined by ordained minister, ZB's Sunday at Six host and Media Chaplaincy lead chaplain Reverend Frank Ritchie. They discuss the changing face of religion as the country celebrates Easter, before Frank shares his advice and experiences after fighting for his daughter's Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome to be taken seriously. 

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March 23, 2024 37 mins

This week, Paula is joined by HeadQuarters owner and formal Auckland Mayoral candidate, Leo Molloy. They discuss his early life and losing his dad young, his life as a jockey and moving into hospitality, and explains why he isn't as controversial as people think he is - and he's actually holding his tongue more often than people think!

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This week, Paula's guest is broadcaster Jack Tame. They discuss interviewing politicians, current media cuts, and his recent wedding, before digging into his advice for travellers based on his love for adventurous holidays. 

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This week, Paula is joined by Sex.Life co-host and somatic sexologist Morgan Penn to discuss her hit podcast, why she got into sexology, and shares her advice and tips for sex - from why people need to be better at communicating, to what older women need to know.

Sex.Life is live now wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Former boxer and founder of Buttabean Movement, Dave Letele, joins Paula for the first episode of her new season to talk about his life growing up, his entry into sport, and how he shifted to being a community leader and how others can do the same. 

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In this summer bonus episode, Paula is joined by Amanda Luxon, wife of new PM Christopher, for an intimate chat about finding herself in the public eye, her 30 years of marriage, how they've made it work moving around the world, her thoughts on social media, the title 'First Lady', and people's obsession with her arms.

 

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For Paula's last guest of the year, Paula is joined by actor, comedian and writer, Chris Parker. They discuss his upcoming tour, his first year of marriage, how things have changed for gay teens, and his many successes in 2023, before diving in to how to survive and thrive in a tough industry likes the arts.

New episodes of Ask Me Anything are back in 2024. 

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This week, Paula is joined by Margo and Rosa Flanagan - AKA Two Raw Sisters - to discuss their growing business empire and how they found themselves as plant-focused food pioneers. They also discuss how health issues prompted them to revisit their relationship with food, and share their advice for how to embark on your own food journey and find what works best for you. 

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November 25, 2023 37 mins

This week, Paula talks with Crimson Education founder Jamie Beaton. They discuss his background and entering the world of education, and finding his multi-million dollar business in his teen and how he got there. Then, he shares his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and offers his thoughts on the tragic death of his friend, Jake Millar. 

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November 18, 2023 46 mins

This week, Paula is joined by comedian and tv host, Dai Henwood. They discuss how comedy is Dai's zen moment - providing him a break from cancer, how he's helping others with their cancer journey as well as sharing advice on how to find your calm and live life to the fullest, regardless of what you are going through.

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This week, Paula is joined by New Zealand's iconic footwear designer and businesswoman, Kathyrn Wilson. They discuss where her love of shoes came from, how she got Beyoncé to wear her shoes, as well as sharing advice on how to thrive as a New Zealand business with international pressure, particularly with competition from fast fashion.

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This week, Paula is joined by Topham Guerin co-founder, Sean Topham. They discuss his time as a Young Nat and entering the world of politics, how the agency was formed, his famous, election-winning clients and the backlash he's faced, as well as sharing advice on how businesses and individuals can adapt their companies and brands to the digital world. 

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October 28, 2023 41 mins

This week Paula is joined by one of New Zealand's favourite actresses, Robyn Malcolm, to discuss her new show, After the Party, and how she took charge to co-create the show and character. She also discusses her varied career, putting political differences aside, things she would change about her past, and the best acting advice she ever received. 

Warning: This episode does include discussions of eating disorders. 

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Paula is back for another season, and she is kicking things off with Newstalk ZB drive host Heather du Plessis-Allan. They discuss the recent election, Heather's childhood spent in a Christian commune in South Africa, parenting, and her husband's recent health scare, before digging into how to hold people to account. 

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For the last episode of this season, Paula is joined by broadcaster and host of The Traitors, Paul Henry. They discuss his varied career and his thoughts on the nation before digging into advice on how to live authentically and with confidence. 

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