Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett

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 typecastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, Paula is joined by RNZ reporter and author of the new book, The Drinking Game, Guyon Espiner. They discuss why he went into journalism and the different fields he has worked in, as well as learrning Te Reo for his daughter, before they dig into both of their relationships with alcohol and drinking, and what people can do to help manage their drink better. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you felt you've been a bit grumpier lately? On this week's episode, Paula talks to psychologist and author Jacqui Maguire about coping with disasters on a personal level, and dealing with living in permacrisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, Paula talks to Newstalk ZB’s Barry Soper who has been reporting on politics for 43 years. In that time, he has covered 11 different prime ministers, from Robert Muldoon through to Chris Hipkins, and outlasted most of them in the hustle and bustle of the Beehive.And while he has left his role as political editor and moved to Auckland, the now-senior political correspondent and new dad has a lot to say about those he has covered during his time - including the most recent person to vacate the top job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, Paula talks with local drag icons Hugo Grrrl (George) and Miss Geena for a Pride Month special. They discuss drag, reality TV and their transition stories, before sharing advice and tips for people looking to be better rainbow allies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the first episode for 2023, Paula is joined by broadcaster and Treasure Island star Matty McLean. They talk his recent wedding, growing support for LGBT+ issues, and his time on Breakfast, before getting advice for how to stand up for yourself - after Matty's last go at Celebrity Treasure Island dragged up some unresolved childhood issues!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special summer bonus episode of Ask Me Anything, Paula is talking to Teina and Lichelle, two teens who have gone through the Graeme Dingle Foundation's Project K programme. After a year where all eyes were on problem teens and what should be done about them, Teina and Lichelle talk to Paula about the issues they've dealt with as teens, how the programme helped them, and what advice they have for parents and teachers dealing with difficult teens in the 21st century. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode - the final for 2022 - Paula sits down with Max Key to talk launching a business. They discuss his time in the spotlight, his social media regrets, and dealing with anxiety, before discussing launching a business and what advice he has for those looking to get into property. New episodes will return in February!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, Paula is joined by broadcaster and founder of The Medicine Gap, Rachel Smalley. They discuss Smalley's time as a journalist and her year in the public service and what she learned there, before digging into her work with The Medicine Gap, highlighting the New Zealanders who are unable to access the medicines they need to treat their conditions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, Paula is joined by Outlander, House of the Dragon and The Hobbit actor Graham McTavish. They discuss his life in Scotland, his decision to move to New Zealand, the big projects he's worked on, and going to fan conventions like Armageddon. He also shares advice for surviving long days on set and other tips for aspiring actors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.