In this episode, Sienna tells her dad Ben she wants to grow up and start her own beauty brand — just like Rowena Bird from Lush. Rowena’s journey started with literally mixing products by hand and somehow grew into helping build one of the biggest and most loved ethical beauty brands in the world. Sienna and Ben chat with Rowena about: What she was like as a kid and how she got into beauty Starting out as a beauty therapist and working with The Body Shop Selling products from the boot of her car and how the bath bomb was born in a garden shed The good bits, the hard bits, and the “what are we doing?” moments of building Lush from scratch Whether the famous “secret Lush master plan” is actually real 👀 Big mistakes, bouncing back from setbacks, and random career twists like becoming a balloon pilot Skincare and confidence tips for teens How to grow a global brand without losing what matters What advice she’d give young people who want to build something of their own And what she’d tell her younger self It’s a funny, honest chat about doing things differently — and changing the world one glittery bath bomb at a time! Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Sienna tells her Dad Ben she wants to grow up and be a leader like Dame Jacinda Ardern. From growing up in a small town in Morrinsville, to becoming New Zealand’s youngest Prime Minister, leading the country through major news events, and balancing life as a mum while running the nation, Dame Jacinda Ardern has achieved a lot. During it all, Jacinda has always aimed to show that kindness and strength can go hand in hand. In this conversation, Sienna and Ben cover: The opportunities Jacinda had growing up in a small town full of fibreglass cows, discovering a passion for politics, and lessons from her family - including one grandmother who wasn’t a fan of her political party! Becoming New Zealand’s youngest leader, why putting yourself forward for challenging jobs should be encouraged more, the sadness she still carries with her after leading the country through tough events, and what she misses most about being Prime Minister. Balancing motherhood with leadership and how she became the “cringe” mum earlier than expected. Getting nervous around meeting people like Oprah, and the Queen’s special phone call during COVID lockdowns. How Clarke captured the behind-the-scenes footage for her documentary - and how awkward it is to watch herself on the big screen in a room full of others. The one Kiwi food they find unusual overseas, whether she really likes fishing with Clarke, and how she feels about being called a Dame or Cindy. The work Jacinda is doing now brings her purpose, advice for teens wanting to make a difference and what she would tell her younger self. It’s an insightful, inspiring and fun conversation about leadership, kindness, and showing that you can make a difference in the world from anywhere - while staying true to yourself. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Sienna tells her Dad Ben she wants to grow up and be an actor - just like The White Lotus star Morgana O’Reilly! From growing up in a creative household surrounded by dance studios, to making her TV debut at age eight, Morgana has built an impressive career across New Zealand, and around the world. From hilarious comedies like Mean Mums, to the iconic Neighbours, the spooky Housebound, and most recently the global hit The White Lotus, Morgana shows that following your passion and seizing every opportunity can take you worldwide. In this conversation, Sienna and Ben cover: Growing up in a creative family and discovering a love for acting Early TV roles, including Shortland Street, and deciding to pursue acting full-time The audition process, handling rejection, and lessons learned from every role Funny, surprising, and challenging experiences on set, including Mean Mums and Neighbours Landing a role on The White Lotus, filming in Thailand, and working with international stars Tips for remembering lines, overcoming nerves, and embracing theatre, TV, and film Quickfire questions on dream co-stars, set bloopers, and acting tricks The advice Morgana would give her younger self It’s a fun, inspiring, and insightful chat about chasing your dreams, taking risks, and finding joy in the journey. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Sienna tells her Dad Ben she wants to grow up and be a chef with bestselling cookbooks - just like Chelsea Winter! Chelsea’s life changed completely when she took a chance on MasterChef New Zealand. Winning the show launched her into a career writing bestselling cookbooks and inspiring Kiwis in the kitchen. In this conversation, Sienna and Ben cover: Growing up on a farm and discovering a love for cooking The bold leap from a regular office job to competing on MasterChef New Zealand Behind-the-scenes stories from the show - the pressure, surprises, and funny moments Life as a full-time chef and author, including her latest cookbook Nourish How she encourages kids (and parents!) to cook and eat healthy Advice for teens dreaming of a career in cooking and what she would tell her younger self Hilarious kitchen disasters, guilty pleasures, and family food debates It’s a funny, heartfelt, and inspiring chat about taking risks, staying grounded, and finding joy in what you do. Chelsea shows that cooking doesn’t have to be fancy - it can be simple, full of love, and that grabbing opportunities can change your life. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Sienna tells her Dad Ben she wants to grow up and help people - just like mental health advocates Genevieve Mora and Jazz Thornton from Voices of Hope. From overcoming their own personal struggles to building a global movement, Genevieve and Jazz have used their experiences to inspire and support young people everywhere. In this conversation, Sienna and Ben cover: Overcoming personal challenges and the support that helped them through Meeting each other and taking the leap to start Voices of Hope, turning personal pain into a platform for change What it’s really like running a mental health movement and sparking conversations worldwide Their most inspiring “pinch yourself” moments, including meeting celebrities like Lady Gaga and the Jonas Brothers Daily strategies for practicing self-kindness and handling tough or negative thoughts Tips for teens navigating mental health, social media pressures, self-confidence, and advice they’d give their younger selves It’s an inspiring, heartfelt, and at times funny conversation about using your voice, loving yourself, and showing that even the hardest moments can be transformed into something powerful. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Sienna tells her Dad Ben she wants to be an athlete - just like Silver Fern and dual-sport star Maia Wilson. From teenage prodigy representing New Zealand in both basketball and netball by the age of 18, Maia has become one of the country’s most inspiring athletes - admired not just for her talent, but for her honesty, resilience, and leadership. This conversation covers: Growing up tall and talented, and balancing school and sport while making New Zealand teams as a teenager Dealing with harsh comments about her body at 15 — and how Maia learned to embrace her body and prioritise her mental health. Choosing between a basketball scholarship in the US or a netball contract in New Zealand - and why she chose netball Life as a pro athlete: training, pre-game rituals, handling pressure on the court, and bouncing back from setbacks like injuries or being dropped from the team Coping with personal loss and family challenges while performing at the highest level Becoming a leader in her team and an inspiration to young girls, all while staying grounded Quickfire “This or That” with Sienna - what’s worse: early morning training or hanging out with Ben? Whether shooting for gold on the netball court or juggling life off it, Maia shows what it takes to chase your dreams while staying true to yourself. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Sienna tells her Dad Ben she wants to be a reality TV star - just like Below Deck star Aesha Scott. From Tauranga to screens all over the world, Aesha has become one of New Zealand’s biggest reality TV exports, known for her signature humour, energy, and Kiwi charm on the Bravo’s global hit Below Deck. With over a million Instagram followers, appearances on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, The Amazing Race Australia, and her own brand ventures, Aesha has built a career by grabbing every opportunity - all while staying unapologetically herself. In this conversation, Sienna and Ben cover: Growing up in Tauranga and how family challenges helped shape her positive outlook on life The bold impulsive leap from a New Zealand office job to working on superyachts overseas How Aesha feels she actually manifested her dream job on reality TV What life really looks like behind the glamour of Below Deck - filming, working, and surviving the drama Becoming an international fan favourite by just being herself Lessons she’s learned about fame, money, and happiness along the way The moment Aesha realised she’d truly made it - getting recognised everywhere in America, despite no one knowing how to pronounce her name! It’s an inspiring and very funny chat about taking risks, staying grounded, and how being yourself can take you worldwide. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on When I Grow Up, Sienna tells her dad Ben she wants to be a singer-songwriter - just like Riiki Reid. In 2025, Riiki has been all over the radio, streaming charts, and has just dropped her first full-length EP Drench but Sienna and Ben uncover more about the story behind one of Aotearoa’s most exciting new artists. From growing up in Wellington with a love of dance and performing at mall talent shows, to sharing stages with Lorde, Six60, LAB, and Sir Dave Dobbyn, Riiki shares her journey from cringe first songs to radio success. This conversation covers: Growing up in a creative family and finding her voice through singing at home and performing in talent quests Writing her first songs at an early age and how journaling fuels her creative process Making the leap from University to music full-time How connection, kindness, and enjoying the process keep her grounded in the industry full of rejection Riiki’s most embarrassing on-stage moment - in front of a member of Linkin Park! And the Instagram message from Lorde that led to an unforgettable moment on stage It’s an inspiring (and very funny) chat about finding your voice, chasing what you love, and never losing the fun in what you do. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of When I Grow Up, Sienna and her Dad Ben chat with one of New Zealand’s most fearless exports - Hollywood stuntwoman, actor, and director Zoë Bell. From growing up on Waiheke Island to the bright lights of LA, Zoë’s story is just like a movie. She’s doubled for some of the biggest stars and pulled off jaw-dropping stunts in Kill Bill, Thor, Catwoman, and Iron Man 3 - all while working with legends like Quentin Tarantino, Lucy Lawless, Brad Pitt, and Leonardo DiCaprio. But behind all the action is a down-to-earth Kiwi who’s worked hard, taken risks, and kept getting back up - even after breaking her back!This conversation covers: Growing up in New Zealand and discovering her adventurous streak early Landing her first stunt job in a totally unexpected way Making the leap from Xena: Warrior Princess to Hollywood Being Uma Thurman’s stunt double in Kill Bill and how working with Quentin Tarantino changed her life Facing her fears on her most dangerous stunts and bouncing back from serious injuries The viral lockdown fight video that brought female actors together An embarrassing moment while directing Brad Pitt What she’d tell her teenage self - and advice for young girls chasing big dreams This episode is packed with laughs and wild stories as Zoë proves that with courage and a bit of Kiwi grit, you can literally leap into your dreams. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of When I Grow Up, Sienna sits down with her Dad Ben and health superstar Dr Libby—because Sienna wants to be just like her! Teens, take note: if you’ve ever wondered how to eat, sleep, and handle stress without losing your mind, this episode is packed with advice just for you. Dr Libby is all about helping people, especially teens, understand their bodies—how food, sleep, stress, and hormones affect energy, mood, and overall wellbeing. She’s written 13 books, spoken to huge audiences, and shared tips online that help people feel better, live healthier, and get more out of every day. This conversation covers: ● Teen health tips: what to eat, why sleep matters, how to handle stress, and what’s really going on with hormones ● How screens, social media, and stress mess with sleep and moods ● Growing up in nature and how it shaped her approach to food and health ● How she went from thinking about journalism to choosing a career helping people through science and turning it into a career that impacts people all over the world ● Quick-fire food advice: snacks that actually work, busting common myths, and the one thing teens should do before bed ● How to handle self-care, believe in yourself, and deal with life’s pressures without losing perspective ● What she’d tell her teenage self - and whether Ben can actually figure out what a biochemist does! Dr Libby’s story shows that even from a small town, curiosity and kindness can lead to a career that genuinely helps people. For teens listening, it’s proof that understanding yourself, your body, and your choices can set you up for a healthy, energized life. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of When I Grow Up, Sienna and her Dad Ben sit down with media powerhouse Lucy Blakiston—someone Sienna says she wants to be like! They find out how a small-town Kiwi built a global platform that millions of people—and some seriously famous fans—turn to every day. Lucy co-founded Sh*t You Should Care About (SYSCA) while at university with a simple goal: make news fun, engaging, and easy for younger audiences to understand. From Blenheim, New Zealand, she turned her tiny blog into a global media powerhouse, even catching the attention of Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Madonna, Bella Hadid, Harry Styles, and Joe Rogan! This conversation dives into: ● How a university lecture and a group chat with friends sparked the idea for SYSCA and filled a gap in news for young people ● How COVID-19 turned a small passion project into a worldwide community with some of the world’s biggest fans. Including where she was when Ariana Grande started following her page! ● Running a massive platform solo while staying real and authentic by balancing serious news with fun content, fandoms, polls, and pop culture—plus the genius “Harry Styles Trojan horse” strategy ● Teenage years, grief, mental health, and how being underestimated in rooms can actually be a women’s superpower ● Tips for young creators on overcoming fear, embracing your cringe, and putting yourself out there ● Behind-the-scenes of her daily routine, creative process, and connecting with fans across the world ● What Lucy would tell her teenage self—and Ben’s guide to getting noticed online without embarrassing Sienna! Lucy’s story proves that even from a small town, you can build something huge, reach a global audience, and even get noticed by celebrities. If you know what you want to do, don’t let your age, your location, or anything else stop you - just go for it! Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of When I Grow Up, Sienna and her Dad Ben sit down with singer-songwriter Frankie Venter to hear the story of a young artist who knew from the very start that music was her calling - and went all in to make it happen. At just 18, Frankie is already a phenomenon, with millions of streams, social media views, and thousands of fans hanging on every note and post - and Sienna wants to be just like her. She’s performed at major events like Rhythm & Vines, supported Six60 and Kaylee Bell, and even shared the stage with Coldplay in front of a sold-out Eden Park crowd. And this is only the beginning. This conversation covers: ● Growing up in a small New Zealand town with no TV and discovering her love for music after watching a Taylor Swift video ● Posting videos online at 11, writing her first song at 13 in a tent, and entering competitions from a young age that kickstarted her career ● Making the huge decision to leave school to pursue music full-time, despite all her family not being on board at first ● Behind-the-scenes of life as a young performer - writing, recording, promoting, and performing across New Zealand and internationally and moving to Auckland to chase bigger opportunities ● Career highlights, like the unforgettable moment singing with Coldplay in front of 50,000 people, plus the mind-blowing gesture Chris Martin made for her. ● Frankie’s personal and authentic style, the goals she’s still chasing and the power of connecting with fans on social media ● What she’d tell her (still) teenage self, and whether Ben can tell the difference between Frankie and his daughter Sienna! From humble beginnings to stages with some of the world’s biggest artists, Frankie Venter’s story is a masterclass in passion, courage, and chasing your dreams - proving that age is no barrier to making a mark on the world. If you know what you want to do, go out and grab it. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The Hits See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of When I Grow Up, Sienna dreams of one day playing professional rugby, representing the Black Ferns, and winning World Cups and gold medals - just like Stacey Waaka. Together with her Dad Ben, she sits down with Stacey to hear the story of one of New Zealand’s most inspiring athletes. From growing up with a huge whānau in the Bay of Plenty to performing on the world sports stage, Stacey’s journey is full of perseverance, courage, and determination. She’s overcome injuries, faced setbacks, and made bold choices to follow her passion - playing Sevens, Fifteens, and even Rugby League - all while proudly representing Aotearoa. This conversation covers: ● Growing up with a large whānau on a farm, moving between New Zealand and Australia, and the role being active and playing sport played in her early life ● Surviving a serious school bus accident as a teen, and the lessons it taught about courage and helping others in a time of need ● The journey from dreaming of playing netball to discovering rugby, navigating school competitions, trials, and big life decisions ● Life as a Black Fern - managing nerves, injuries, and the intense physical, mental, and emotional demands, plus standout moments on the world stage ● Staying motivated, fearless, and positive, while finding joy in the game and inspiring the next generation ● What she would tell her teenage self - and whether Ben could handle handing out oranges for the Black Ferns! From overcoming challenges to achieving at the highest level, Stacey’s story is a powerful reminder that with dedication, resilience, and heart, you can chase your dreams - and enjoy the journey along the way. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The Hits See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of When I Grow Up, Sienna and her Dad Ben sit down (over Zoom) with Emma Watkins - formerly the Yellow Wiggle, now Emma Memma - as Sienna dreams of following in her footsteps as a children’s entertainer. From dancing around the house as a kid to performing for millions of children worldwide, Emma’s journey is full of perseverance, passion, and fun. Together, they talk about performing, rejection and chasing your dreams. In this conversation, we cover: ● Emma’s early love of dance and advice for teens who want to perform, dance, or create their own path ● Overcoming a serious high school dance injury that unexpectedly led her toward a career in children’s entertainment ● Auditioning, handling rejection, and learning to never give up ● Joining The Wiggles, putting on the yellow skivvy for the first time and navigating negative public scrutiny ● Life behind the scenes as a Wiggle — the intense schedule, celebrity fans, and surprising moments including almost crashing the Big Red Car! ● Why she decided to leave The Wiggles and embrace the next challenge with such positivity and ignore those who questioned her decision ● Creating Emma Memma, making sign language a core part of her work, and the joy of entertaining millions around the world ● What Emma would tell her teenage self… and whether she’d take “Ben Hen” on tour with her! From overcoming setbacks to creating new opportunities, Emma’s story is a reminder that the path to your dreams is rarely a straight line. Whether you’re a teen figuring out what you want to be or simply love a story about persistence, this episode is full of laughs, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes insights into life as a children’s entertainer. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The Hits See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the first episode of Season 2, Sienna and her Dad Ben, sit down with one of New Zealand’s greatest athletes, Dame Valerie Adams - someone she hopes to be like! With Olympic gold medals, World Championship titles, and a career that has inspired a nation, Dame Valerie’s story is nothing short of legendary. What makes this conversation so special is Valerie’s honesty about the challenges she faced growing up - from struggling to fit in as a teenager, to finding her purpose through sport, and building resilience through setbacks and injuries. This conversation covers: ● Growing up with very little and feeling out of place as a teen because of her height ● Finding her purpose through sport and the mentors who guided her ● Handling setbacks, the effort it takes, and what it’s like competing on the world stage at the Olympic Games ● The achievements from Olympic Glory, becoming a Dame, having a Barbie doll made in her honour and where she keeps her medals! ● What Dame Valerie would tell her younger self and will she help Ben move rocks at home on the weekend!? This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, you can achieve extraordinary things - and you don’t need to have it all figured out when you’re young (or at any age). Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna | The Hits Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The Hits See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Like most teenagers, Sienna Boyce is still figuring out what she wants to be - an actor, scientist, rugby player, singer, chef… maybe even a TikTok star. So, she’s teamed up with her Dad, Ben Boyce, to chat with incredible women from New Zealand and around the world who’ve built inspiring careers. Each episode dives into their journeys - from humble beginnings to big achievements - and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. The goal? To give Sienna (and young people everywhere) the confidence to dream big and discover what’s possible. And the best part? It proves that even the most successful people didn’t have it all figured out when they were young either! Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warning: Due to Urzila's job of making adults laugh, this episode may not be appropriate for younger ears as our episodes usually are. If you have a tween it should be fine, but any younger and you may want to listen through on your own first In Episode 17 of When I Grow Up, Sienna and her Dad, Ben, sit down with the hilarious Urzila Carlson to chat about her incredible journey in comedy. From her humble beginnings in South Africa to touring the globe and making audiences laugh on hit TV shows like 7 Days in New Zealand, The Masked Singer in Australia, and even starring in her own Netflix special, Urzila's story is nothing short of inspiring. Taking a Chance: Urzila shares how comedy wasn’t part of her life plan—it all began as a dare from her workmates to try stand-up. That one bold move changed everything, setting her on an unexpected path to becoming a world-class comedian. What You Grow Up With Doesn’t Define You: Growing up with little money in South Africa, Urzila faced challenges, including some frightening experiences that motivated her to seek a better life. Despite these hardships, she has always found ways to stay positive, laugh at herself, and embrace the lessons life throws her way—including the confidence it takes to stand up on stage. Failing to Succeed: Comedy doesn’t come easy, and Urzila talks candidly about learning through failure. She explains how the times she didn’t succeed on stage helped her refine her craft, her commitment to writing every day, and the importance of practicing relentlessly before performing. Her authenticity and ability to connect with audiences have become her superpowers, proving that embracing both the highs and the lows is key to success. This episode is packed with belly laughs and unforgettable stories—don’t miss it! About The Show: Sienna Boyce is 14 years old and constantly tells her Dad, Ben Boyce, what she wants to be when she grows up – an actor, scientist, rugby player, singer, chef or politician. Each episode of ‘When I Grow Up’ aims to showcase inspirational females from around Aotearoa and shine a light on them, what it takes to do their job and learn about their story of how they got to where they are so that Sienna can help make up her mind. This is a podcast to help the teenager in your life dream big. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Episode 16 of When I Grow Up, Sienna and her dad, Ben, chat with Kiwi musician Paige about her incredible journey and the celebrity fans she's won over. Paige proves that you can make it from anywhere—her music, created and shared from New Zealand, has caught the attention of stars like Billie Eilish, the Jonas Brothers, Lizzo, and even Lewis Hamilton. Billie Eilish Following Her: Paige shares a hilarious story about the moment she discovered Billie Eilish was following her on social media—it happened in a rather embarrassing and unexpected location, where she was literally caught with her pants down! She recounts Billie sharing her music, attending a concert with Billie’s mom, and even meeting Billie Eilish in person. Putting Yourself Out There: From performing songs in her bedroom as a child to taking the stage with the Jonas Brothers, Paige talks about how putting her music online opened up doors she never imagined. She offers fantastic advice for anyone nervous about sharing their work and reveals her unique approach to handling online haters. The Path to Success: Despite her high-profile fans, Paige emphasizes that success takes hard work. She discusses the ups and downs of her career, from balancing a day job to conquering stage fright—like the time she performed with her teenage idols, the Jonas Brothers. Paige also highlights those magical moments that make it all worthwhile, like hearing her song on the radio for the first time while at KFC. Packed with valuable insights, laughs, and inspiration, this is a must-listen for anyone learning to embrace life’s challenges and chase their dreams. About The Show: Sienna Boyce is 14 years old and constantly tells her Dad, Ben Boyce, what she wants to be when she grows up – an actor, scientist, rugby player, singer, chef or politician. Each episode of ‘When I Grow Up’ aims to showcase inspirational females from around Aotearoa and shine a light on them, what it takes to do their job and learn about their story of how they got to where they are so that Sienna can help make up her mind. This is a podcast to help the teenager in your life dream big. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Episode 15 of When I Grow Up, Sienna and her dad, Ben, sit down with the inspirational Jess Quinn. At just nine years old, Jess faced a life-altering diagnosis of aggressive cancer that led to the amputation of her leg. Despite the challenges, Jess has used her journey to motivate others and normalise being different. Facing Life-Changing News: Jess opens up about the moment her world changed. Once a sporty and active Kiwi kid, Jess had to come to terms with the devastating reality of cancer and the amputation that followed. She reflects on the struggle to navigate everyday life post-surgery—like the feeling of exclusion in sports and the insecurity of wearing long pants year-round to hide her prosthetic leg. Finding Self-Confidence: Jess shares how she overcame her insecurities and embraced what makes her unique. One powerful moment was her decision to wear shorts in public for the first time. From going viral on social media with a photo shoot to delivering a moving TED Talk, Jess used her story to inspire people worldwide. She even embraced new challenges, like competing on Dancing with the Stars. Body Positivity and Social Media: Jess dives into the challenges young people face today, including the pressures of social media, body image, and unrealistic beauty standards. She shares her thoughts on overcoming the need for perfection in a photoshopped world and offers tips for stepping back to focus on mental health. Jess reflects on the lessons she’s learned and what she would tell her younger self in this heartfelt episode full of valuable insights for anyone learning to embrace life’s challenges. About The Show: Sienna Boyce is 14 years old and constantly tells her Dad, Ben Boyce, what she wants to be when she grows up – an actor, scientist, rugby player, singer, chef or politician. Each episode of ‘When I Grow Up’ aims to showcase inspirational females from around Aotearoa and shine a light on them, what it takes to do their job and learn about their story of how they got to where they are so that Sienna can help make up her mind. This is a podcast to help the teenager in your life dream big. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Episode 14 of When I Grow Up, Sienna and her dad, Ben, sit down with Entertainment Reporter Kate Rodger for an in-depth chat about her fascinating career. With years of experience under her belt, Kate has traveled the globe, interviewing some of the world’s biggest stars, including Tom Cruise, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Taylor Swift, Margot Robbie, Will Ferrell, and countless others. Getting Starstruck: What’s it really like being in the same room as some of the most famous faces on the planet? Kate shares her stories about the nicest, most genuine celebrities she’s encountered and reveals which interviews left her feeling emotional—even to the point of tears. Behind the Scenes of Celebrity Interviews: Kate takes us behind the curtain of high-stakes celebrity junkets, explaining how they work and what it takes to deliver in such pressure-filled environments. She also reveals her strategies for preparing, staying calm, and overcoming nerves before stepping into the spotlight. A Night at the Oscars: Ever wondered what it’s like to work at Hollywood’s most glamorous event? Kate spills the details about her time covering the Oscars and how she managed to sneak her way into one of the industry's most exclusive nights. This episode is packed with laughs, fascinating insights, and advice for anyone dreaming of a career in entertainment reporting or just curious about life in the spotlight. Also surprisingly Kate shares her surprising movie-related pet peeve and how Ben cheekily played a prank on her that unwittingly got under her skin! About The Show: Sienna Boyce is 14 years old and constantly tells her Dad, Ben Boyce, what she wants to be when she grows up – an actor, scientist, rugby player, singer, chef or politician. Each episode of ‘When I Grow Up’ aims to showcase inspirational females from around Aotearoa and shine a light on them, what it takes to do their job and learn about their story of how they got to where they are so that Sienna can help make up her mind. This is a podcast to help the teenager in your life dream big. Follow The Podcast on Socials: TikTok: Ben | Sienna Instagram: Ben | Sienna | The HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.