'It's a bit of bullshit' - Petra Bagust on our obsession with independence

Former NZSAS soldier Mark Law has lived the kind of life that barely sounds real. He completed SAS selection at just 18, survived a terrifying parachuting accident, worked armed security around diamond operations in Angola, hunted deer from helicopters and nearly died from a flesh-eating disease. But he is best known for what happened on December 9, 2019. After Whakaari White Island erupted, Mark and his colleagues flew to the island and helped rescue 12 victims as authorities decided no official rescue mission would be sent. On Ask Me Anything, Mark joins Paula Bennett to reflect on his remarkable life, what happened on Whakaari, the aftermath of the disaster and the lessons he has learnt about risk, resilience and staying calm under pressure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning journalist Charlotte Glennie joins Paula Bennett to reflect on a remarkable career that took her across Asia and into some of the world’s biggest stories. She opens up about the eight-metre fall in Croatia that nearly killed her, the long recovery that followed, reporting on the aftermath of the Boxing Day tsunami, and why those experiences have stayed with her. Charlotte also discusses the future of journalism, declining trust in the media, AI, and why she still believes deeply in the power of telling human stories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 18, Paul Wood was convicted of murder and sent to prison. Eleven years later, he left with undergraduate and master’s degrees, before going on to earn a doctorate in psychology. Dr Wood joins Paula Bennett to discuss the environment that shaped his early life, the reality of maximum-security prison and why education became his path out. He also shares what psychology tells us about changing habits, escaping a victim mindset and building a life driven by purpose rather than regret.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Sophie Pascoe joins Paula Bennett to discuss life beyond elite swimming, the challenges of motherhood with a disability, and the severe depression she experienced after the Tokyo Paralympics were postponed. She reflects on the teammates who recognised she was struggling, the simple question that helped save her life, and why her son ultimately became more important than another gold medal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After building and selling EnableMe, Hannah McQueen is tackling another challenge through Age Brightly. She joins Paula Bennett to talk about wealth, purpose, business and why New Zealand needs to rethink ageing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Colin Fassnidge reckons New Zealand pies are better than Australia's and he's not afraid to say it. The My Kitchen Rules judge and star of Off the Grid joins Paula Bennett to explain why food became his passport to the world and reveal the experience that eventually sent him to therapy. Now he wants more men to reach out for support.   Off the Grid returns to TVNZ 1 for a news season on Sunday June 7.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.