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).

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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 Hits

See 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 Hits

See 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 Hits

See 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 Hits

See 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 Hits

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 13 of When I Grow Up, Sienna and her dad, Ben, chat with two stars of New Zealand’s White Ferns cricket team, Maddy Green and Izzy Gaze. Just weeks ago, the duo helped secure a historic victory, bringing home the T20 World Cup trophy – the first-ever win for New Zealand in T20 cricket, for either women or men. And yes, they brought the trophy into the studio!

Episode Highlights

• Overcoming Adversity: The White Ferns entered the World Cup after a tough losing streak of 10 matches in a row. Maddy and Izzy share how the team turned things around, rebuilt their confidence, and stayed mentally strong even when the odds were stacked against them. They also discuss the challenges of competing in a sport where a career can be unpredictable and short-lived.
• The Thrill of Victory: Maddy and Izzy recount the surreal moments of winning the World Cup, from the final ball to the epic celebrations that lit up social media. They dive into the outpouring of support and how they’re planning to use the prize money.
• Being Part of the Change: Both players took unique paths to the team. Maddy, a hard-hitting batter, came up during a time when cricket players had to juggle other jobs, while Izzy, a wicketkeeper and batter, joined the team in the era of full-time professional contracts. They reveal what it’s really like to travel the world playing the game they love and how their victory has inspired the next generation of young girls to pick up a bat and ball.

Packed with inspiring advice for future sports stars and heartfelt reflections on playing cricket professionally, these two world champions also share the lessons they’d tell their younger selves.

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 Hits

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 12 of When I Grow Up, Sienna and her dad, Ben, sit down with pop sensation Benee—the New Zealand-born artist whose music has taken the world by storm! Sienna, a huge fan, dives deep into Benee’s journey, from her early days to her rapid rise to fame.

Episode Highlights:

• Blowing Up Big Time: Benee shares what it felt like to see her music go viral, with millions of fans and even celebrities like Jennifer Lopez dancing to her songs on TikTok! She talks about her experiences performing for major US talk shows, supporting Olivia Rodrigo and being invited onto Elton John’s radio show.
• Having a Quarter-Life Crisis: Benee opens up about dropping out of university after just two weeks to pursue music full-time, with the full support of her family. She emphasizes the importance of not holding back when it comes to chasing your dreams.
• Real Talk: Despite her struggles with dyslexia, Benee has succeeded as a songwriter, and she’s candid about her mental health journey, offering a relatable and inspiring perspective for young people.

Packed with advice for aspiring artists and insights into her creative process, Benee shares what she’d tell her younger self and more in this inspiring episode!

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 Hits

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Sienna interviews rising star Amie Donald, best known for her role as the demonic doll M3gan in the global box-office sensation of the same name and as Maya Monkey in Netflix’s popular series Sweet Tooth. 

Sienna, who dreams of becoming a child actor like Amie, dives into Amie’s experiences, challenges, and advice for young aspiring actors.

Episode Highlights Include:

• Landing the Role of M3gan: Amie shares the audition process for the role of M3gan, how it transformed her life, and what it feels like to see the movie's worldwide success, including fans dressing as M3gan for Halloween!
• Behind the Mask and the Viral Dance: Amie describes the challenges of filming in a restrictive latext mask as M3gan and how they created the iconic M3gan dance (which wasn’t originally in the script) that became a massive TikTok sensation.
• Action on Sweet Tooth: Amie talks about doing her own stunts as Maya Monkey on Sweet Tooth and the incredible CGI effects that her character's tail can do!
• Balancing Stardom with School: From learning lines to staying on top of schoolwork, Amie reveals what it's like to juggle the demands of being a child actor, her friends’ reactions, and not being nervous delivering lines on high-pressure international sets.

Join Sienna and Amie (and of course Sienna’s Dad Ben) for an inspiring conversation about the world of child acting and the excitement (and hard work!) that comes with 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 Hits

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sienna dreams of becoming a star netballer like Silver Fern Goal Shooter Grace Nweke. 

Grace joins Sienna and Ben to share her inspiring journey, which began with her family's immigration to New Zealand and finding the sport of netball which has evolved into a remarkable sports career.

Episode highlights include:

• Grace's insights on handling the immense pressure of joining the Silver Ferns at just 18 years old and how she overcame feelings of intimidation while competing on the international stage.

• Strategies for dealing with major setbacks, including injuries, and the importance of maintaining motivation and rekindling a love for your career during challenging times.

• Believing in yourself! As Ben tests Grace to make a pressure netball shot in the podcast studio with scrunched up newspaper and a rubbish bin!

Finally, Grace reflects on her journey and shares what advice she would give her younger self at Sienna's age.

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 Hits

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.