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.

 

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 &ldquo;quirky&rdquo; in public life, and why trying to be someone else is a waste of time. There&rsquo;s also talk of leadership, changing your mind, taking risks, and what actually makes public service worth it.
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Paula Bennett's life journey has had plenty of ups and down - going from a teenage solo mum in Taupo all the way to deputy Prime Minister - but it's taught her a lot along the way. One thing she has learned is it’s never too late to learn something new.

In Ask Me Anything, Paula will be talking to Kiwis from all walks of life, to learn how they got to where they are, and to share stories, advice and guidance the rest of us can learn from.  New episodes out every Sunday.

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

Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett

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Save time searching; subscribe to the SME Stream where you can listen to relevant, timely, business-related content today. 

 

Looking for actionable business insights all in one place? 
We're here to help you find a way with a curation of the &lsquo;best bits&rsquo; from top business podcasts. 
Save time searching; subscribe to the SME Stream where you can listen to relevant, timely, business-related content today.&nbsp;
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Going from a teenage solo mum in Taupo all the way to deputy Prime Minister was a journey with plenty of ups and downs along the way, but it taught me a lot. Now, with a mid life crisis reinvention under my belt, I want to share some of the advice I’ve learnt along the way – and I’ll be bringing some of my friends along to share their stories and teach me a thing or two as well.  

Going from a teenage solo mum in Taupo all the way to deputy Prime Minister was a journey with plenty of ups and downs along the way, but it taught me a lot. Now, with a mid life crisis reinvention under my belt, I want to share some of the advice I’ve learnt along the way – and I’ll be bringing some of my friends along to share their stories and teach me a thing or two as well.

David Seymour on politics, privacy, and being himself

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.

Paula Bennett sits down with the one and only Tom Sainsbury &mdash; 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&rsquo;s hit true-crime parody Small Town Scandal, now back with Season 3.&nbsp;
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&rsquo;ve had since 2017.

Tom Sainsbury on the deliciousness of small town scandals

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.

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&rsquo;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.

Charlotte Lockhart on finding clarity when facing mortality

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.

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&rsquo;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.

David Seymour on politics, privacy, and being himself

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