Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett
Episodes
Tom Sainsbury on the deliciousness of small town scandals
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 takin...
Charlotte Lockhart on finding clarity when facing mortality
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett features entrepreneur and philanthropist Charlotte Lockhart, co-founder of the 4 Day Week Global mo...
How Melodie Robinson changed the game
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 su...
Suzanne Paul on wrestling with rejection
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ali Williams on the problem with Auckland
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Cecilia Robinson on what makes a good leader
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Toni Street on creating confidence
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Broadcaster, mum, and podcast host Toni Street joins Paula to talk about confidence, communication, and what balance really looks like. She shares how...
The Most Valuable Conversation with Hayley Sproull
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is a little different and super exciting. We’re teaming up with ANZ to talk about something really important: financ...
Bill Bailey on comedy, creativity and chaos
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
English comedian, actor and musician Bill Bailey joins Paula Bennett for a wide-ranging chat about his lifelong love of performance, the chaos of earl...
Pike River’s real-life friendship that inspired the film
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 So...
Paula Bennett on being the only woman in John Key’s inner circle
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ho...
Jazz Thornton on the fight to save young minds
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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&r...
Suzanne Lynch on a lifetime of saying yes
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 car...
Al Brown on keeping it simple, on the plate and in life
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, discover...
Stacey Morrison on why speaking te reo Māori isn't about perfection
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
Grant Robertson versus Paula Bennett
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ask Me Anything returns for a brand new season! And Paula's first guest is fellow former deputy prime minister, Grant Robertson. Once political advers...
Leigh Hart on becoming 'That Guy', his eclectic path to stardom, and the one time he crossed the line
28 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 vari...
Suzy Cato on connecting with children, surviving redundancy, and her private struggles
21 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
A doctor's insight into NZ's health crisis with Ivor Popovich
14 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to reclaim your own identity with Jenny-May Clarkson
07 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Paula's guest is Silver Fern turned commentator, broadcaster and Breakfast co-host, Jenny-May Clarkson. She discusses her new memoir, Full ...
How to embrace opportunities with Nadia Lim
31 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
How to overcome adversity with Jake Bailey
24 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
How to manage perceptions with Matilda Green
17 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 appear...
How to embrace optimism with Trent Dalton
10 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Paula's guest is Australian author, Trent Dalton, who returns to Auckland for a special talk about his acclaimed career, including Boy Swal...
How to embrace the chaos with Guy Williams
03 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
How to take risks and embrace change with Rebecca Gibney
26 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Paula's guest is award-winning actress Rebecca Gibney. They talk about her career in New Zealand and Australia, her favourite roles, receiv...
How to find the best food in New Zealand with Manu Feildel
19 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Ali Mau on her new memoir and her advocacy for sexual abuse survivors
12 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to cope with anxiety with Lance Burdett
05 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
WARNING: This episode discusses mental health, depression and suicide. This week, Paula's guest is former police negotiator turned mental health advoc...
How to find the funny in tough subjects with Pax Assadi
29 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Gloriavale survivor Theophila Pratt shares her story of resilience
22 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Paula's guest is Theophila Pratt. Born Honey Faithful in the Christian community of Gloriavale, Theophila never fit in, changing her name a...
Marama Davidson on her breast cancer journey and returning to politics
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
How to handle the hustle life with Hayley Sproull
08 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 he...
How to be Prime Minister with Christopher Luxon
14 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 lea...
How to entertain this Christmas with Chelsea Winter
07 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to master The Block and home renovations with Scott Cam
30 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
Mea Motu on surviving domestic violence - and choosing to forgive
23 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence and suicidal thoughts. This week, Paula's guest is boxing champion Mea Motu for an emotional intervi...
How to be a great CEO with Rhiannon McKinnon
16 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Paula's guest is the CEO of Cassiobury, Rhiannon McKinnon. They discuss her pathway through the business community and moving to New Zealan...
How to live an adventurous life with Sir Graeme Dingle and Jo-anne Wilkinson
09 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Paula is joined by her longtime friends, adventurers and humanitarians, Sir Graeme Dingle and his wife Jo-anne Wilkinson. They discuss th...
How to get through a health crisis with Barry Soper
02 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, bu...
How to run an ethical brothel with Antonia Murphy
26 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 g...
How to talk about your mental health with Sir John Kirwan
19 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, hi...
How to own your health issues with Susie Ferguson
12 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to make the rural move with Matt Chisholm
05 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Paula's guest is broadcaster and mental health advocate turned farmer, Matt Chisholm. They both discuss their mental health struggles and l...
How to find dignity in death with 'Coffin Confessor' Bill Edgar
28 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Warning: This episode contains frequent strong language. This week, Paula's guest is 'Coffin Confessor' Bill Edgar. They discuss his unique career ...
How to know when to quit with Jay Jay Feeney
21 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How not to be typecast with Antonia Prebble
14 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Paula's guest is actress Antonia Prebble. They discuss her early career, her transition to adult characters, and working on comedy Double P...
The key to career longevity with Eric Idle
07 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Paula's guest is multi-talented entertainer, Eric Idle. They discuss his 60-year career, spanning Monty Python, musicals and live shows, hi...
How to be ahead of the game with Ric Salizzo
31 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 icon...
How to hold your own opinions with Ryan Bridge
29 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to support the neurodivergent with Sonia Gray
22 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to get on the property ladder with Ed McKnight
15 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to succeed in business and find love with Theresa Gattung
08 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to find meaningful outcomes with Kanoa Lloyd
01 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to have a less punishing life with Matt Heath
25 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 troub...
How to be straight up with Niva Retimanu
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Inve...
How to find your own path with Suzanne Heywood
11 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to connect with kids with Jason Gunn
04 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
How to fix healthcare with Adam Kay
27 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, hi...
How to move on from bad times with Dame Susan Devoy
20 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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:...
How to enjoy ageing with Judy Bailey
13 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
Should you consider bariatric surgery with Lloyd Burr
06 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 losin...
How to fight for your family with Rev. Frank Ritchie
30 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
How to rock the boat with Leo Molloy
23 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Paula is joined by HeadQuarters owner and formal Auckland Mayoral candidate, Leo Molloy. They discuss his early life and losing his dad you...
How to live adventurously with Jack Tame
16 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Paula's guest is broadcaster Jack Tame. They discuss interviewing politicians, current media cuts, and his recent wedding, before digging i...
How to improve your sex life and relationships with Morgan Penn
09 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 he...
How to be a community leader with Dave Letele
02 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, hi...
How to be in the public eye with Amanda Luxon
13 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ey...
How to thrive in your industry with Chris Parker
16 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 mar...
How to heal through food with Two Raw Sisters
02 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
How to be an entrepreneur with Jamie Beaton
25 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Paula talks with Crimson Education founder Jamie Beaton. They discuss his background and entering the world of education, and finding his m...
How to find your calm with Dai Henwood
18 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to survive in business with Kathryn Wilson
11 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 to adapt to the digital age with Sean Topham
04 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to take charge with Robyn Malcolm
28 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 charg...
How to hold people accountable with Heather du Plessis-Allan
21 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to live authentically with Paul Henry
22 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 thoug...
How not to be scammed with Nigel Latta
15 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
How to grieve with Dr Lucy Hone
08 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 to be financially independent with Te Kahukura Boynton
01 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For Paula's latest guest, she is joined by Te Kahukura Boynton, aka ‘the Māori Millionaire’. They discuss how Boynton got into personal finance a...
How to be positive with Anita Wigl'it
24 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
How to have a good work ethic with Dame Julie Christie
17 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to be ambitious and find success with Sir John Key
10 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
How to set goals with Sir Michael Hill
03 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 vi...
How to make relationships work with MAFS star John Aiken
01 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 b...
How not to compromise yourself with Cassie Roma
25 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
How to thrive as you get older with Tina Cross
18 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 di...
How not to drink with Guyon Espiner
11 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 jo...
How to stay positive in the face of difficult times with Jacqui Maguire
04 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 disas...
How to talk to politicians with Barry Soper
25 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 di...
How to be an LGBTQ+ ally with Hugo Grrrl and Miss Geena
18 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to stand up for yourself with Matty McLean
11 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to talk to teens - and what they want from adults
07 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Fou...
How to start a business with Max Key
17 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 s...
How to advocate for change with Rachel Smalley
10 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 an...
How to become an actor with Graham McTavish
03 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to navigate the property market with Chris Farhi
26 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to lose weight and stay healthy with Simon Gault
19 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
How to tackle middle age with Maia Jackman and Dr Michele Cox
12 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to respond to crime with Mike Bush
05 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 Minist...