Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett

We've been told success means standing on our own two feet, but Petra Bagust isn't so sure. The broadcaster and Grey Areas podcast host talks about her late ADHD diagnosis, why she's embracing aging, what caring for her parents has taught her about community, and why "nobody is truly independent"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s episode is a little different and super exciting.  We’re teaming up with ANZ to talk about something really important: financial confidence and KiwiSaver.  But here’s the twist — Paula's not the one asking the questions this time!  The amazing Hayley Sproull is stepping in to interview her about how she thinks about money, the future, and what she's learned along the way.  Book your free KiwiSaver Check-in with ANZ and take a confident step toward your financial future. ANZ New Zealand Investments Limited is the issuer and manager of ANZ's KiwiSaver schemes. See advice statement, scheme guides and product disclosure statements at anz.co.nz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Sonya Rockhouse share their enduring friendship, the long fight for accountability, and what it means to see their story on screen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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’s learned from time spent in psychiatric wards with young people, redefining what it means to be resilient, and the personal cost of sharing her own story of survival so publicly. Suicide and depression help services: If it is an emergency and you or someone else is at risk, call 111. For counselling and support: Lifeline: http://www.lifeline.co.nz, call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) Suicide Crisis Helpline: www.lifeline.org.nz/services/suicide-crisis-helpline, or call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) Youth services: Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234 What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm) Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7) Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737 Aoake te Rā (Bereaved by Suicide Service): Call 0800 000 053 For more information and support, talk to your local doctor, hauora, community mental health team, or counselling service. The Mental Health Foundation has more helplines and service contacts - click here for informationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, discovering his love of kitchens on his OE, and why he believes informality beats fine dining every time. He also opens up about dyslexia and the drive that’s pushed him through decades in hospitality, and the inspiration behind his new book Hooked! Learning to Fish.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ask Me Anything returns for a brand new season! And Paula's first guest is fellow former deputy prime minister, Grant Robertson. Once political adversaries, the pair sit down for a candid conversation about their shared experience as student protestors, the dangers of stress eating and why Grant was never interested in the top job. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the camera and what impact that's had on her life, and get her advice for connecting with children. Plus, Suzy discusses how she got through some of the tough times in her life - including being made redundant at the height of her popularity - and insights into her life, including not knowing her biological father.  Stream Suzy and Friends wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.