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.

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

Paul Ego is going solo and pushing boundaries

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

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.

Laura McGoldrick on parenting like her parents did

For Kelsey Waghorn, the Whakaari White Island eruption in December 2019 was only the start of a journey of compounding trauma. The explosion killed 22 people and injured a further 25, Kelsey was lucky to make it out alive.

She joins Paula Bennett to talk about the day of the eruption, her extensive hospital recovery, and the trauma that hit out of the blue.

For Kelsey Waghorn, the Whakaari White Island eruption in December 2019 was only the start of a journey of compounding trauma. The explosion killed 22 people and injured a further 25, Kelsey was lucky to make it out alive.
She joins Paula Bennett to talk about the day of the eruption, her extensive hospital recovery, and the trauma that hit out of the blue.

Paul Ego is going solo and pushing boundaries

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