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. 

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

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 fortnightly on Sundays.

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&rsquo;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.&nbsp; New episodes out fortnightly on Sundays.

Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett

How to embrace optimism with Trent Dalton 

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.

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.

Barry Soper on the loneliness that comes with being prime minister

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.

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&rsquo;s never been interested in playing it safe.

Paul Ego is going solo and pushing boundaries

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.

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.

How to embrace optimism with Trent Dalton

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Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett

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