Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett

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. 

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The Mental Health Foundation has more helplines and service contacts -click here for information

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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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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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!

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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. 

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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!

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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. 

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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. 

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On this week's episode, Paula is joined by Bayleys head of insights, data and consulting, Chris Farhi. They discuss what is going on with the property market at the moment, what caused prices to rise and drop, and how close we are to seeing stability. He also shares advice for what sort of property to invest in, how to invest, and what different buyers at different stages need to know. 

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On this week's episode, Paula is joined by celebrity chef and entrepreneur Simon Gault. They discuss his journey in the hospitality industry and how he got his start, the passion of his youth, and how becoming a father changed his life, before sharing advice on healthy eating and how to loss weight. 

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On this week's episode, Paula is joined by former Football Ferns Dr Michele Cox and Maia Jackman to discuss their new book, Murdering Middle Age. They discuss how they got into their careers and the world of female sport, before sharing their advice and what they've learned about middle age, menopause, and loving your life. 

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On this episode of Ask Me Anything, Paula is joined by former Police Commissioner Mike Bush. The two worked together while Paula was the Police Minister, and they discuss their years working together - including an interesting incident in the Solomon Islands - and the purpose of policing, as well as Mike's long career and his big challenges. Mike also shares his advice for people wanting to help their kids stay on the straight and narrow, and what to do if you see a crime taking place. 

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On this episode of Ask Me Anything, Paula is joined by journalist turned author Dylan Reeve to discuss his new book, Fake Believe. He discusses his 20 years following local conspiracy theorists, what's changed in recent years, and what he's learned that could help someone with friends or family stuck down a disinformation rabbit hole. Plus, they discuss his documentary, Tickled, and the impact that had on his career.

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On this episode of Ask Me Anything, Paula is joined by Coast Days host Lorna Subritzky. They talk her experiences in broadcasting and the interesting trips she's had as a travel writer, and get into her ongoing treatment for breast cancer. Lorna shares her advice for those going through treatment, and what friends and family need to know to help their loved ones during this time. 

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On this episode of Ask Me Anything, Paula is joined by multi-talented creative and 'Snapchat Dude' Tom Sainsbury. The two discuss the panini-sized elephant in the room - why exactly did Tom choose to impersonate Paula for all those years? - as well as discussing his upbringing, heading to the United States and practising Buddhism. They then focus on social media and what you can do to rake in the followers. 

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On this episode of Ask Me Anything, Paula is joined by Bree Tomasel. The fun-loving Australian has become a familiar voice and face to Kiwis via her hosting duties on ZM’s Bree & Clint show and Celebrity Treasure Island. They discuss Bree's party trick, how she broke into radio, health issues, and the impact Australia's vote on equal marriage had on her. Paula and Bree then share their advice for those living far away from some of life's important people.

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On this episode of Ask Me Anything, Paula is joined by former Labour Party leader and outgoing Auckland mayor Phil Goff. They discuss raising kids while working in politics, the joy of making a positive impact, and knowing to get out when the goings good. Then they share their advice for making New Zealanders get more involved in local democracy.

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On this episode of Ask Me Anything, Paula is joined by former All Blacks captain Kieran Read to discuss his transition from international rugby to leadership coaching. They discuss growing up with sport, regional rivalries and leadership, before both share advice and their experiences on changing careers in the public eye, the support around for professional sports players, and adjusting to a new normal.

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On this episode of Ask Me Anything, Paula is joined by Alice and Caleb Pearson, the winner's of the second season of The Block NZ who have gone on to make a career out of home renovation. They discuss raising four kids and their experience on reality TV - and if they'd ever go back. They then share their advice for people planning on renovating their home, and how to get the most out of selling your house.

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On this episode of Ask Me Anything, Paula is joined by Newshub reporter and newsreader Oriini Kaipara to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. They discuss Oriini's history-making turn fronting the news, the feedback she still receives for that, as well as prioritising Maori stories and juggling raising her family. They then focus on advice for people starting out on their Te Reo journeys, and how to be respectful while visiting marae. 

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On this episode of Ask Me Anything, Paula is joined by science educator, business owner, Science Digest podcast host - it's Nanogirl herself, Dr Michelle Dickinson. They discuss pregnancy and fertility, being a woman in male-dominated areas, and focus on how we should be educating our kids. 

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On the premiere episode of Ask Me Anything, Paula is joined by Newstalk ZB host, Woman's Day columnist and reality TV star Kerre Woodham. They swap stories and advice on raising children by yourself, parenting teenagers, getting into broadcasting, and focus on how to be bold with your opinions. 

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Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett is an exciting new podcast from the New Zealand Herald. Listen every Sunday from August 28th! 

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