Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett

Former NZSAS soldier Mark Law has lived the kind of life that barely sounds real. He completed SAS selection at just 18, survived a terrifying parachuting accident, worked armed security around diamond operations in Angola, hunted deer from helicopters and nearly died from a flesh-eating disease.

But he is best known for what happened on December 9, 2019. After Whakaari White Island erupted, Mark and his colleagues flew to the island and helped rescue 12 victims as authorities decided no official rescue mission would be sent.

On Ask Me Anything, Mark joins Paula Bennett to reflect on his remarkable life, what happened on Whakaari, the aftermath of the disaster and the lessons he has learnt about risk, resilience and staying calm under pressure.

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Award-winning journalist Charlotte Glennie joins Paula Bennett to reflect on a remarkable career that took her across Asia and into some of the world’s biggest stories.

She opens up about the eight-metre fall in Croatia that nearly killed her, the long recovery that followed, reporting on the aftermath of the Boxing Day tsunami, and why those experiences have stayed with her.

Charlotte also discusses the future of journalism, declining trust in the media, AI, and why she still believes deeply in the power of telling human stories.

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At 18, Paul Wood was convicted of murder and sent to prison. Eleven years later, he left with undergraduate and master’s degrees, before going on to earn a doctorate in psychology.

Dr Wood joins Paula Bennett to discuss the environment that shaped his early life, the reality of maximum-security prison and why education became his path out. He also shares what psychology tells us about changing habits, escaping a victim mindset and building a life driven by purpose rather than regret.

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Dame Sophie Pascoe joins Paula Bennett to discuss life beyond elite swimming, the challenges of motherhood with a disability, and the severe depression she experienced after the Tokyo Paralympics were postponed.

She reflects on the teammates who recognised she was struggling, the simple question that helped save her life, and why her son ultimately became more important than another gold medal.

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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.

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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"

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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:

Youth services:

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 information

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New Zealand music icon Suzanne Lynch joins Paula to talk about how trusting her gut – and knowing when to say yes or no – has shaped a career that took her from teenage stardom in The Chicks to touring the world with Cat Stevens. She reflects on childhood mischief, the magic of the sixties, and the work ethic that’s kept her grounded for six decades in music.

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Chef, author and fisherman Al Brown joins Paula to talk food, family and finding joy in the simple things. Al discusses growing up on a farm, discovering his love of kitchens on his OE, and why he believes informality beats fine dining every time. He also opens up about dyslexia and the drive that’s pushed him through decades in hospitality, and the inspiration behind his new book Hooked! Learning to Fish.

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Ignore the fear and just try it. That's the message from broadcaster, author and te reo translator Stacey Morrison as she joins Paula in celebration of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Stacey shares her own “ugly, awkward, embarrassing” public learning journey, and why intent and aroha matter more than getting every word perfect. 

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Ask Me Anything returns for a brand new season! And Paula's first guest is fellow former deputy prime minister, Grant Robertson. Once political adversaries, the pair sit down for a candid conversation about their shared experience as student protestors, the dangers of stress eating and why Grant was never interested in the top job. 

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For the final guest of the season, Paula is joined by 'That Guy' Leigh Hart. They dig into his intriguing childhood and early years dabbling in a variety of careers such as building the Channel Tunnel, and the troubles he got up to while overseas, before eventually breaking out on Sportscafe and Moon TV. And Leigh shares his advice for controlling your own brand and career, and how he's kept a handle on the various different fields he has worked in.

Leigh's new show is Paid to Talk - live Fridays 3-4pm on Radio Hauraki, and as an extended podcast on iHeartRadio and all platforms. 

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This week, Paula is joined by children's entertainment legend, and recent King's Birthday honoree, Suzy Cato. They dig into Suzy's career in front of the camera and what impact that's had on her life, and get her advice for connecting with children. Plus, Suzy discusses how she got through some of the tough times in her life - including being made redundant at the height of her popularity - and insights into her life, including not knowing her biological father. 

Stream Suzy and Friends wherever you get your podcasts. 

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This week, Paula's guest is Dr Ivor Popovich, an intensive care doctor in Auckland. He has worked across different hospitals and specialities for the last 10 years and will fully qualify as a specialist in August, but he has had first-hand knowledge of the state of our health system in that time. 

He has written a book - A Dim Prognosis: Our Health System in Crisis – and a Doctor’s View on How To Fix It - and joins Paula to discuss his career journey and what he thinks our health system needs. 

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This week, Paula's guest is Silver Fern turned commentator, broadcaster and Breakfast co-host, Jenny-May Clarkson. She discusses her new memoir, Full Circle, and her life story - from her rural upbringing, losing two of her brothers, her time with the Silver Ferns, moving into broadcasting, becoming a mum to twin boys in her 40s, and how she came to claim back her Māori identity. 

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This week, Paula's guest is celebrity chef and businesswoman Nadia Lim. They discuss her successful career as a chef, author, farm owner and founder of My Food Bag, and how Nadia has capitalised on the opportunities in her life to get where she is today - and what she has learnt from the risks she took and the mistakes she made along the way.

Easy Weeknight Meals - 10th Anniversary Edition is in bookstores this week. 

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This week, Paula's guest is motivational speaker and author Jake Bailey. They discuss his cancer diagnosis nearly 10 years ago and the viral speech that followed it, and how that has shaped his life since - and why he is ready for that part of his story to no longer define him. And Jake offers advice he has learned for overcoming adversity - and how to not only be resilient, but how to thrive during difficult times.

Jake's new book, The Comeback Code, is available now. 

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This week, Paula's guest is Matilda Green, who has recently started as the fill-in host on The Hits Drive show. They discuss 10 years since she appeared on The Bachelor and found love with her husband-to-be, Art, and how that experience has changed her life. She shares advice for living your life on social media, and how to get a handle on people's perceptions and misconceptions of you. 

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This week, Paula's guest is Australian author, Trent Dalton, who returns to Auckland for a special talk about his acclaimed career, including Boy Swallows Universe. 

They discuss how his life story influenced his debut novel, what his family thinks about being a part of his fiction, meeting his idol Eddie Veder, and he shares his advice for being optimistic and why he doesn't think it's naive to view the world with positivity. 

Details for Trent's talk and other events at the Auckland Writers Festival, head to writersfestival.co.nz. 

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This week, Paula's guest is comedian and TV host, Guy Williams. They dig into his ADHD diagnosis, why his family is full of a lot of performers, his time spent on our screens, and his new standup show, If You Mildly Criticise Me I’ll Say It’s Cancel Culture and Turn To The Alt-Right.

And Guy digs into his TV show, New Zealand Today, why he likes visiting small towns, and how he approaches interviews with people he doesn't agree with. 

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This week, Paula's guest is award-winning actress Rebecca Gibney. They talk about her career in New Zealand and Australia, her favourite roles, receiving Australian TV's highest honour, and her new show on Three, Happiness. And Rebecca shares advice she's learnt from decades in the TV industry, and why at 60 she is not slowing down. 

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This week, Paula's guest is celebrity chef and TV presenter, Manu Feildel. They discuss his upbringing in France and his early days as a chef and in the hospitality industry, and his breakout role as a judge on My Kitchen Rules - including his best tip for trying to impress the judges. He also shares tips and recommendations he picked up filming his new show, Off the Grid, that saw him and Colin Fassnidge travel New Zealand in a campervan. 

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This week, Paula's guest is former broadcaster and author Ali Mau. They discuss her career and her life lived in the public eye, before discussing her new memoir, No Words, and the revelations she made about being sexually abused as a child, and how that has informed her advocacy for survivors and her new charity work.

WARNING: This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse.

SEXUAL HARM

Where to get help:

If it’s an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

If you’ve ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

• Call 0800 044 334

• Text 4334

• Email support@safetotalk.nz

• For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nz

Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.

If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it’s not your fault.

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WARNING: This episode discusses mental health, depression and suicide.

This week, Paula's guest is former police negotiator turned mental health advocate Lance Burdett. They discuss his career in the force, and why he believes his experiences with depression helped him in his role. And they discuss advice for surviving with anxiety in anxious world, an area Lance has focused on in his new book, Anxiety is a Worry. 

Suicide and depression help services:

If it is an emergency and you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

For counselling and support:

Youth services:

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 information

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Paula's guest is comedian and co-host of TVNZ's Endangered Species Aotearoa, Pax Assadi. They discuss his role on the show and how he makes the difficult subject matter funny and engaging - something Assadi has been doing his whole career. He also shares his experience of being raised by his immigrant parents and how things have changed since he was a child. 

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This week, Paula's guest is Theophila Pratt. Born Honey Faithful in the Christian community of Gloriavale, Theophila never fit in, changing her name at 16 and eventually leaving at 18.

She has shared her story in a new book, Unveiled, in hope it will help the women in Gloriavale and bring those in power to account.

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This week, Paula's guest is Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson, who last month returned to work after treatment for breast cancer. She discusses the turbulent period for her party and how her diagnosis and treatment clashed with all of this, and she gives insights into how she got through it all - including getting advice from Nikki Kaye. 

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Paula's back for a new season, and her guest this week is multi-hyphenated entertainer, Hayley Sproull. They discuss Hayley's many gigs - including her upcoming role as host of the NZ International Comedy Festival Gala - and how she handles all these jobs. Plus, Hayley discusses how being honest has become a key part of her brand, the state of the local comedy industry, and if she thinks she could win Taskmaster again. 

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This week, for the last episode of the year, Paula is joined by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to discuss his first year in office and what he's learned in the country's top job. He also discusses where his values come from, how he keeps being PM separate from his family life, and how he copes with criticism. 

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This week, Paula's guest is celebrity chef, Chelsea Winter. They discuss how Masterchef changed her life, life in the public eye, and her move towards plant-based diets and the backlash she got for that. Chelsea shares her advice for having a stress-free Christmas when it comes to those big family meals.

Her new cookbook, Tasty, is in stores now. 

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This week, Paula's guest is Scott Cam, the host of The Block Australia. They discuss the latest season, airing now on Three, and his thoughts on how contestants have changed over the years, before Scott gives his advice for those planning their own home renovations. 

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Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence and suicidal thoughts.

This week, Paula's guest is boxing champion Mea Motu for an emotional interview as Motu discusses her experiences with domestic violence, why she got out for her children's sake, and why years later she learnt to put their feelings first in order to forgive her ex-husband.

FAMILY VIOLENCE
How to get help:
If you're in danger now:
• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.
• Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you.
• Take the children with you. Don't stop to get anything else.
• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.
Where to go for help or more information:
• Women's Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)
• Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)
• It's Not Ok: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450
• Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children.
• Crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)
• Ministry of Justice: For information on family violence
• Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services
• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women.
How to hide your visit:
If you are reading this information on the Herald website and you're worried that someone using the same computer will find out what you've been looking at, you can follow the steps at the link here to hide your visit. Each of the websites above also has a section that outlines this process.

Suicide and depression help services:

If it is an emergency and you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

For counselling and support:

Youth services:

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 information

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Paula's guest is the CEO of Cassiobury, Rhiannon McKinnon. They discuss her pathway through the business community and moving to New Zealand, including her time as CEO of KiwiWealth, before getting her advice for the next generation of CEOs and business leaders. 

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This week, Paula is joined by her longtime friends, adventurers and humanitarians, Sir Graeme Dingle and his wife Jo-anne Wilkinson.  They discuss their many adventures together, Sir Graeme's mountaineering and the important work they are doing through the Graeme Dingle Foundation.  They also share their advice on how to improve the lives of our young people, how we can better support those who are struggling and why boot camps might not be the answer.

Sir Graeme's book, The Promise on One Tree Hill, is out now.

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This week, Paula's guest is a familiar name - Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper. He's Ask Me Anything's first returning guest, but Soper has a story to tell after a year of health difficulties. He discusses what he went through after heart surgery last year, and gives his insights and advice on being a parent, his expectations ahead of his seventh child arriving in January, and his thoughts on the coalition government. 

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This week, Paula's guest is Antonia Murphy, known for running the ethical brothel 'The Bach' in Whangarei from 2017 to 2019. They discuss how Murphy got into this line of work, and what the whole experience taught her about sex work, consent, and the lives of the women she came across. She also discusses her advice for moving on after losing a child.

Madam, Murphy's memoir, is out now. 

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This week, Paula's guest is All Black great turned mental health advocate Sir John Kirwan. They discuss his thoughts on the current state of rugby, his views on ambition and a need for society to move away from extremes, and his latest business ventures. He then shares his advice on talking about and addressing your mental health. 

Suicide and depression help services:

If it is an emergency and you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

For counselling and support:

Youth services:

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 information

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Paula's guest is RNZ journalist Susie Ferguson. They discuss her new memoir, Bloody Minded, and get a range of advice from Susie, including from her experiences reporting from war zones, going public with her endometriosis diagnosis and subsequent hysterectomy, and being a woman in a man's world. 

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This week, Paula's guest is broadcaster and mental health advocate turned farmer, Matt Chisholm. They both discuss their mental health struggles and learning to identify when things are wrong, before Matt shares advice on moving to rural life and what we can learn from farmers. 

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Warning: This episode contains frequent strong language. 

This week, Paula's guest is 'Coffin Confessor' Bill Edgar. They discuss his unique career  and what it involves - from airing secrets at funerals, to cleaning out people's homes, to even burying cash. He also shares his advice on dying and what he has learned from his clients over the years.

Edgar's new book, The Afterlife Confessional, is in bookstores now. 

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This week, Paula's guest is long-time radio host Jay-Jay Feeney. They discuss her relationship with ex Dom Harvey know they are working together again and being an oversharer, before discussing Feeney's decision to leave radio, what prompted it, how she knew it was time, and reinventing yourself as an older woman. 

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This week, Paula's guest is actress Antonia Prebble. They discuss her early career, her transition to adult characters, and working on comedy Double Parked, and get advice from Antonia on how to avoid being typecast

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This week, Paula's guest is multi-talented entertainer, Eric Idle. They discuss his 60-year career, spanning Monty Python, musicals and live shows, his cancer diagnosis, departed friends, and life in America. And Eric shares his advice for sticking around and how he's kept going in his career over the decades.

Eric brings his new stage show, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Live, to New Zealand next month. 

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Paula's back for another season, and her first guest is SportsCafe-ish host, Ric Salizzo. They discuss his return to New Zealand and bringing the iconic sports comedy show back as a podcast, as well as his adventures in the US and in journalism. He then shares advice for turning ideas into action, how to identify talent, being ahead of the game, and the importance of backing yourself. 

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This week, Paula's final guest of the season is broadcaster Ryan Bridge. They discuss the closure of Newshub and his move to Newstalk ZB, his wedding to his long-time partner, and get advice on dealing with negative feedback, the balance between a private and public life, and holding his own opinions.

Ask Me Anything will return in September. 

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This week, Paula's guest is Sonia Gray, broadcaster and host of the award-winning  neurodiversity podcast, No Such Thing as Normal. They discuss Gray's career, being comfortable sharing her own neurodiversity story and her motivation for advocating for the community, before sharing her advice for parents going through the same battles she experienced. 

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This week, Paula's guest is Property Academy Podcast co-host and resident economic for Opus Partners, Ed McKnight. He shares advice for getting on the property ladder, including how to maximise the 'no-cash method', where to buy and what sort of homes to look at, and what to know about maintenance. Plus, he discusses his former life studying opera and the lengths he went to get a first job. 

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This week, Paula's guest is Theresa Gattung, fresh off receiving her Dame Companion honour. They discuss the recognition and Theresa's long career in business, and why more progress is to be made on getting women a seat at the top table. And Theresa shares what she has learned about romance and dating in the modern era through her new venture, Compatico. 

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This week, Paula's guest is broadcaster, journalist and former The Project co-host, Kanoa Lloyd. They discuss her career, her time on The Project and its end, battling stress, and her young family. Kanoa then shares her focus on finding meaningful outcomes in life and how she has adjusted to her new routine. 

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This week, Paula's guest is radio host turned author, Matt Heath. They discuss his varied career - including his time as a columnist that caused trouble for Paula - before digging into his new book, A Life Less Punishing, and what he learned about living a more tranquil life. 

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This week, Paula's guest is award-winning Newstalk ZB newsreader and Straight Up podcast co-host Niva Retimanu. They discuss Niva's early days in Invercargill, losing her parents at a young age and dealing with her grief, plus her and Paula's shared passion for costumes and secret nicknames. Then she shares her advice for Pacific youth and journalists on how to excell and thrive in your career. 

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This week, Paula's guest is Wavewalker author Suzanne Heywood. At 6, Suzanne and her younger brother were taken on a round the world sailing voyage by her parents. What was meant to be a three year trip ballooned to a decade, with Heywood and her brother eventually ending up in New Zealand forced to fend for themselves. 
Suzanne joins Paula to discuss about the epic story she details in her book, and how she managed to escape, plus her advice for parents who might be thinking of similar trips.

Suzanne will be taking part in the Auckland Writer's Festival, running May 14 - 19. 

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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 14 - 19. 

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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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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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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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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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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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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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On this week's episode, Paula is talking to psychologist Nigel Latta. They discuss the state of society and some of his dream projects to investigate, before talking his new show, You've Been Scammed, and advice for how to avoid falling victim. Plus, a surprising political revelation from Paula! 

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For Paula's next guest, she's talking to Dr Lucy Hone, the author of Resilient Grieving. They discuss their personal experiences with grief, including how the loss of Hone's daughter changed her perspective on grief, and share advice for those struggling to grieve as well. 

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For Paula's latest guest, she is joined by Te Kahukura Boynton, aka ‘the Māori Millionaire’. They discuss how Boynton got into personal finance and set her goal of becoming a millionaire at 25, before sharing advice she's picked up over the years to help others do the same thing. 

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For Paula's next guest, she's talking to homegrown drag talent Anita Wigl'it. They discuss growing up religious, the power of drag and getting into the world of RuPaul's Drag Race, before Anita shares advice on how to stay positive in the face of adversity, after getting through trauma and hatred. 

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On this week's episode, Paula is talking to the queen of unscripted TV, Dame Julie Christie. They discuss Julie's start in the industry, dealing with criticism and being made a dame, before getting into her advice on her work ethic, from how her childhood shaped her outlook, to her regrets over her work-life balance. 

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On this week's episode, Paula is talking with former Prime Minister - and her old boss! - Sir John Key. They discuss their time in politics and how that impacted on Key's family before discussing his advice for success and finding your ambition. 

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Paula's back for another season, and this episode she is talking goal setting with Sir Michael Hill. They talk his legendary career and his love of violins before digging into how setting goals 30 years at a time has transformed his life - and how it can help you as well. 

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For the last episode of the season, Paula is joined by Married at First Sight Australia expert John Aiken. He dishes on his time living in Australia before digging deep into his 10 years on the reality TV hit, what he's learned from the contestants, and gives advice for those just starting to date or deep in their relationships. 

New episodes of Ask Me Anything will return in June. 

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On this week's episode, Paula is talking with reality TV star, businesswoman and 'kindness warrior', Cassie Roma. They discuss Roma's life in the US and her plans to return there, her coming out and experiencing homophobia, before Roma shares her advice on surviving the business world and life without compromising yourself or your beliefs. 

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On this week's episode, Paula is chatting with singer, actress, Lady Killer and entertainment icon Tina Cross ahead of her new role in Wicked. They discuss her lengthy and varied career and her latest role, and share advice on how the 64-year-old star is still thriving even as she nears that pension!

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