Jono, Ben & Megan - The Podcast - BONUS PODCAST: Rita Ora Surprises Sienna in Studio

Episode Date: December 18, 2025

WOW. It finally happened. For two seasons, Sienna’s dream podcast guest has been global superstar Rita Ora - and in this episode, Rita doesn’t just join the podcast… she surprises Sienna in the studio! After seeing Ben get a Rita Ora tattoo for his daughter go viral on social media, Rita reached out and said she had to do the podcast - leading to an emotional and unforgettable face to face moment. Sienna and Ben chat with Rita about: The epic surprise moment when Sienna is surprised by her idol and dream guest How Rita saw the tattoo online, got in touch, why it made her emotional and whether Ben has made things awkward with her husband Taika Waititi Growing up feeling different - and learning to back yourself Early pop star dreams, broken promises, and pushing through setbacks What Rita has learnt about dealing with fame, nerves, and confidence Juggling music, fashion, TV talent shows, acting roles - and knowing what to say yes to How she manages a hectic global schedule without burning out Plus, plenty of Kiwi chat, including: What Rita loves about being in New Zealand Her favourite Kiwi food and favourite place in the country Her favourite New Zealand entertainers (that aren’t her husband) Whether she has a favourite Taika Waititi movie And, of course… What she’d tell her younger self at Sienna’s age It’s a really special, emotional episode about big dreams and how a tattoo ended up changing everything!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hits Podcast Network My name is Sienna and this is my dad, Ben. Hi. And when I grow up, I want to be a TikTok star. Right. Or a sports player. Okay. Hang on, a signet would be cool.

Yeah, yeah. Even a fashion designer. Right. Actually, maybe an author or own a business. Okay, okay, slow down. Maybe we should talk to some amazing females who inspire you and who you want to be like. Yeah, and we can find out what they did to get what they are. Yes, and let's do it as a TV show.

No, dad. only old people watch TV. This do it as a podcast. Okay, yeah. Yeah, I guess that works, too. This is When I Grow Up. Okay, welcome to the podcast, and this is the day we've all been waiting for. How unbelievable was this?

Just I couldn't even believe it. I looked at her, and I was like, AI. Well, so when we started the podcast together a couple of years ago, we talked about a dream guest. Dream guests on my podcast? I'm sorry, that dad that said Jojo Sioux and meme, if you got to understand. I didn't know the movie. I didn't get the reference. I didn't get the reference.

But I did get the fact that this person you wanted to have on your podcast. Rita Aura. And, oh my gosh, it's been two seasons now. We've done nearly 40 episodes, I think. And we finally got her. Now, this all happened very last minute. We explain how it all went down on the podcast. We surprised you.

Told you you were coming to a new podcast studio here in the building. And I was fucking Jews. I was like, why is you making me wear like air muffs and blindfold? I was like, okay, I guess he's just going over the top. Snuck, Rita. through the building as well to wait outside and we came in to surprise you. You'll hear it all play out. She was incredible.

I could smell something. And I was like, I could smell perfume and I was like, has dad put on perfume? Like, what's he doing? I hadn't put on perfume. And so I was like, okay, dad smells really strong. I talked to my blindfold, Rita was just sitting there. Smelling great. It's feeling great. Yeah. Yeah, so Rachel helped us pull this together.

Anyway, it's amazing. You need to, we need to shush because Rita aura, surprising you is coming up right now. Yeah, I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. I'm here with Redora. We do a podcast when I grow up, my daughter, Sienna and I, and you are her dream guests for the two seasons. So we're going to go on and surprise Sienna.

She's sitting in the studio and she's got a blindfold on, headphones on. Oh, this is exciting. I'm excited. I don't have this. I don't know. I haven't done this for a while. Yeah, okay.

Let's go. Okay, let's go. Yeah. Okay. All right. Okay. Here this thing? I'm here.

You can take you these off. Okay. Oh! What the heck? What? What? Okay. I was going to go, look, I was going to kind of build into that.

But anyway. Yeah. I know. I had to come. I mean... How much bidding did you do? I don't know if I miced up, but you guys are insane. I know.

First of all, your dad bent here. We've got to talk about it for one second. Oh my God. We'll get to him. No, this is what, this is the, the, the, the, the, the, the, how are you even here? Well, this became, like, this became like a viral thing on his leg. Yeah, and I, and it hit my feet. Oh, my God.

And I was like, wait, where is this? And then, you know, I, I messaged my friend Rachel, who messages me, saying, oh, my gosh, have you seen this? I was like, I have seen this. And then, you know, I discovered the podcast and you. She's here. Oh, what they're here. In person. Oh, my God.

Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh my God, I don't He took a tattoo Yeah I've all did it It's embarrassing Because we talked about it

We're like Oh we'd love to get You know You know, just get it out there And then Sena was like Because Tycare You know

It's New Zealand Everybody follows each other Yes He follows me And he was like Oh Senna was like Oh that's a bit weird

But then I think I made it It's a bit weird But then I don't know If he should be worried Or if he should be flattered But at the same time I'm flattered Yeah

I'm also like Do you need me to pay For like a laser removal Oh my God, that's what mom said. Mom was like, I'm sure she could happen. Oh, I mean, your wife must be like, what is happening? Why have you got, hey, look, it's all for this moment right here. Oh, my God, I'm just like, what the heck?

I was expecting it. I was like, it's a bit of extent for a, like a pod, like a studio reveal. I was like, why I'm wearing headphones. Yeah, we told her it was a new studio. That's why she was going to get to see. And I was like, well, I've already kind of sat down and I've seen the studio. I was like, it's not much of a surprise. I'm like, wow, this is awesome.

I mean, you have got a pretty kind of adventurous dad. So I'm kind of wondering, like, did you expect something crazy? I was like, come on, there's something going on. But, like, I was like, okay, it's a podcast review like, there's a new studio. I was like, he's going to be going extreme extents. Well, I've been watching. There we are. Hi.

We are. I'm happy to be here. We are just rolling, I think, are we? Are we rolling? I haven't done any prep. No, I know. You don't need any prep, babes. I feel like you are a natural.

You don't need prep, but remember a couple weeks ago, we're like part of our manifestation. You made me right questions. I know, yeah, remember. So you've got questions to back up if you need them there. So there you go. Oh, you too. I don't do that. I was so cute.

I was like, why is you making me like question? I was like, well, anyway, if we ever got Rita, I was like, let's surprise you with Reda. We even had, um, Dame Justinder I do in our prime minister. And she was like, first thing she said was, sorry I'm not Rita Orra. Oh, no. And then she was annoyed that she was like, oh, I could have got like a temperate, like a piercing or something. Like, why didn't Rita get a tanner? You know, I love her?

She's lovely. Yeah. So, yeah. So, yeah. So, yeah. So, yeah. Now I've sort of set the benchmarked... That's a compliment, tattoos.

So there you go. So you got a tattoo and she didn't, she just got, she just agreed to come on. You know what's awesome, you know, is that I've been doing this quite a while now, you know, and now I'm sort of like a New Zealander, I'd like to say. Yeah, yeah, right. Coming here every year and like just seeing how great family is, like especially coming to New Zealand and like understanding that, you know, you really do do anything for your kids. Like Tyke is the same.

And I was actually pretty emotional seeing you guys, you know, just together. I mean, after I got over the shock, back down. Yeah, I'm like, is this guy, you know, because Rudy was saying, am I okay? Like, is it my, like, do I need some, you know, like, yeah. Do you need some, want to talk to? What to talk to? You know, like, we've done a couple of things over the years together, but he's talking. Yeah, I was like, dad just messaged him.

He was like, I'm too scared after the beer incident or what you're like. Oh, no, that was a silly thing. I think I'm a beer from one time. How sorts have you done now of this podcast? Towards the end of the second series, isn't I'll say, yeah. I think we've done like nearly 40? Yeah, maybe. That's cool.

Hey, how cool is this? My gosh, this is like my dream. It's happened yesterday. Oh, what? Yeah, yesterday. Well, because I thought it'd be cool like this. Rachel, who's here now, lovely Rachel, like, text and said, hey, she got my number and said, hey, Rita, seen it, would love to do it.

Surprise. And then I was like, cool. That all happened 2026. Everyone's checked out for the year. And then they're like, tomorrow. I'm like, tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. I said, let's go. Let's do it.

But you can ask me anything you want now. Oh, yeah. So while you put it down, but you can say off your heart, why do you want to be like, Rita? I did write some notes for this. Well, I want to be like you because you've shown so many girls like me that you can be confident, creative while being yourself and be so successful. You started young, you worked so hard.

And now you're known across the whole world for your music, fashion, movies, hosting and so much more. It's just so inspiring. Oh, thank you. It's like, I get exhausted looking at your Instagram. I'm like, you're running off, and you're doing, I'm like, wow. I've been trying to take a little break, but I thank you. You know, it's so overwhelming, especially because, like, you know, you're so, you're still so young. And I was your age when I got an internship at a recording studio.

Were you making tea or something? Was that we looked into it? Wow. You're 15, right? 16. Oh, 16. Yeah, so I finished secondary school. I don't know if it's the same for you guys over here in New Zealand, but, like, you finished

secondary school at 16, and then you go on to college. and basically I didn't want to do college because I said I want to make music and my parents were not happy at all but you know it was a brave move I went and I made teas just to get free studio time and you know I feel like when you're 16

that's just kind of when your life begins you feel like you know everything but you kind of don't but you know what I love what I love though but you know I don't hope you don't take this wrong way but like you need to go through the mess

to kind of figure out what you're doing and like you've got such amazing parents obviously who do their own thing as well. Yeah, strange, strange. I almost feel like you won't do as crazy things as I guess you're... He's like, you need to learn from my mistakes. Yeah. So you've got an interesting way to put it. You've got a head stop. Yeah.

You actually are like one of the lucky ones. We taught her about Nippo babies the other day too. Yeah. But now I'm writing on her coat tails. He's like, yeah, can we please make a video? But you get on my... Yeah, I know, I know I need to hear it. But, you know, there's no wrongs, I think, at this point in your life.

I feel like every wrong it leads to a right or you learn a lesson, you know? Look, not me acting like a Buddhist or anything, but I literally don't know, but all I do know is that, like, 16 was when, like, it started happening for me. As we mentioned, you're always busy and always seem to be travelling. Yeah. Do you ever actually stop? Because if you need lessons on stopping and falling asleep on the couch, this one's... I'm your guy. Yeah. He's your guy.

Put a movie on. Like, I'm busy. but then as soon as you stop and watch a movie, that's it. Are you the king of napping? Yeah, well, no, only at night time. He was not nap during the day, but as soon as you put a movie on, he's asleep. Yeah, Tyke is the same. Which is interesting, since he makes movies.

He makes movies, yeah, I was going to say, yeah. I'm like, hello? No. This is your thing. Yeah, I think that, you know, what was the question? I forgot. Do you stop? Do I stop?

Yeah. No, not really. Yeah. I actually don't. Because you're off to New York in a couple of days, I'm asking the Times Square, you know? But I do take my set, my holiday time. seriously. So like I just I don't do like random quick zooms here and there. I'm like okay we're off for two weeks you know I try to not even look at my phone or read a book or just

be present like with people I love you know but you know when I work it's a lot of sacrifice you know I miss birthdays and things like that and so you know you're kind of alone the majority of the time. Well even I imagine your schedules are totally different at times you and but I'm pretty lucky now to know to pick what I think I feel like I should be doing and where my time is, like, well-served, you know. You probably say yes to too many things, including this. Yeah. You really probably didn't need us on top of everything else.

No, I wanted to do this, and it was so easy for me because I'm here on holiday. So I was like, it's only right. I come in and say hi. This is so cool. You're here in New Zealand, and you actually spend a bit of time here over the last few years. So already, I feel like we have something a bit in common if I wanted to be like you. But what do you love about being here? Do you want me to leave last year?

Yeah, no. What do I love by being here? Well, I love the weather. I love the people. I love the lifestyle. I mean, I don't know how many times you've been out of NZ, but the rest of the world, you know, you guys are really lucky here. You've got such great fresh air and views and beaches and mountains and like land.

And, you know, I think for me, like growing up in London in such a crazy busy city, I was just so blown away by how kind everyone is here. And, you know, the family ethics and the culture and, you know, really going. in on the history and yeah i guess for me i'm always learning something when i come here and i'm really grateful to kind of like be here while everyone's asleep yeah true actually you're right and then no one bothers me all day it's awesome this is when i grow up well is there something very key where you found yourself doing that would surprise people back at home like going barefoot into the supermarket or eating a pie yesterday i was talking about something about something

about somebody who had a really great tattoo and I was talking to, I guess. Was it me? Definitely not you. No, I'm right here. I'm right here. I love your tattoo though. Let's see how long it lasts.

You've got to keep me updated until you finally decided to lazy. But no, it was a cultural tattoo and I was just really loving the art behind it and how every single one is unique to them. And I was like, oh yeah, I feel like that was a good spot, A. And I said A. Oh, yeah. And I think that was the first time Tyke looked at me,

went, you just literally said A. I was like, that's a good tattoo, eh? I feel like I'm saying it, right? And anyway, so that's when I realized, uh-oh. I'm going to need to get out of here. So that, I think, is the most New Zealand-y thing I think I've done so far. Well, New Zealand is so proud of Tyca, unlike Dad. It must be so cool to see that when you're here.

It's really cool because I think people really do look and are like, whoa, they are really shocked to see him out and about. Yeah, do you get mob? Like, even walking through the office just to get you here today, you know, people, oh, go, you know, like, that's pretty cool. I wouldn't say mobbing here is a thing, to be honest. They're pretty chill. Yeah, right. You know, the rest of the world, I feel like is a bit more intense here. They're like, hey, we are.

You know, it's like, oh my gosh, hi, hi, hi, hi. but they kind of just say hi and buy. And maybe a couple photos here and they're usually the kids, but it's really chill. Maybe it's now because they kind of know that I'm just going to be around. They're like expecting to see me. You know what I mean? Yeah, but apart from that, it's pretty cool.

Well, let's go back to the start. Your family left Kosovo to move to London to start your life again, and you actually lived on one of the last flights, right? Yeah. Wild, right? That's really wild. Yeah, that was one of the last fights at Kosovo. 1991 we moved there.

I mean, I was born in 1990. I don't know, what year were you born? 2009. Oh, shut. I know. I know. Oh, just shut up. All my these jokes and references are lost on there.

Yeah, exactly. But the 2000 references, I feel like are pretty kind of there. Yeah. I reckon. Not that I will relate or can relate. But yeah, I moved to London when I was just turning one. And then we basically just lived there and my parents were kind of trying to figure it out. And yeah, my life just was started in London.

I mean, it still is in London. Well, when you're at school, you were made. feel different because where your family came from? Correct. I think that I've been a big advocate on the stereotype of, let's say, an immigrant or a refugee. You know, I feel like back home, especially in the UK, there may be this kind of misperception of an immigrant or refugee. And, you know, obviously you read stories. And, you know, there are also a lot of people who have benefited and have changed the entertainment industry, which is my industry, coming from, you know, second generation or even first

generation immigrant families. And I think that for years, ever since I can remember, actually, since I kind of became public, I've been really boldly expressing the acceptance of that not being a factor of somebody's persona or who they are as a human being and allowing them to evolve and become a person that they could be incredibly beneficial. for like the future of children or even sort of anything you know and i've always just been really passionate about those kids being one of them more i i knew what that felt like to need somebody that was like hey you can be anything you want to be especially when you know you don't or are not from that country you know and also that just not being a talking point yeah true you're right

and having the ability to just sit in that on that table with the rest of people and that just not being a factor and anyway so i i love to understand women especially like you and then when i grow up like i love the concept of this podcast because i've also been into interviewing women that have businesses or like our authors or our teachers that really you know necessarily aren't from the place that they work in but make such a huge impact and a difference um and so yeah i guess that's kind of where i'm at like i'm really just passionate about that that's awesome that's really interesting. Well, as a kid, you loved music and performing. I do. As you were saying, your parents weren't totally convinced that being a pop style

was a sensible plan. Well, at least yours weren't trying to embarrass you with Gen Z slang. Yeah, I'll try that. I do all sorts of your costumes. Did you know that was what you wanted to do from when you were little? I've learned that you do anything for the plot. This is apparently what the Gen Z is saying. For the plot. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Is that right? Doing anything for the plot? Yeah. So the plot, my plot, was, you know, trying to prove everybody wrong. and I kind of knew I couldn't fail. I think that's really the goal. You know, Steve Jobs once said,

if you have a plan B, you'll never really achieve your plan A. And I know it's a scary thing to think about because, like, obviously you won't make money monthly or you won't sort of have a consistent income and some people have kids and families and all of that. But, you know, dream-wise, it's really about throwing it all in the bag when you can and seeing what happens

but that is really scary it's super scary but that's what I did well you did all the things we learned about you know that you got to a musical theatre school when you were young got on the same one Amy Winehouse

yeah yeah yeah and I remember yeah Billy was I saw her recently at Glastonbury on this last one and I fanned out because like that was my whole pop style like childhood growing up listening to Billy Piper

who's at Ledge but yeah I think I just realized that okay if I don't make this work. I'm going to be in big, big trouble. I mean, my parents weren't happy. You know, they didn't like financially help me. But, you know, I definitely, I worked in a sneaker shop. I made like 80 pound a week. And I spent them all on sneakers. And you made tea for the recording studio? I was just hustling. You know, I really was. And

my parents were like, just go to school and they come, you know, I was living at home, but I really had to make my own money. Then you sang a song and it was a demo and you ended up being noticed by Jay Z's label. And suddenly you're moving from a London flat with your sister to Brooklyn at 18. That sounds like a crazy life-changing experience. Oh, it was. Yeah. It was wild. It was like being on a roller coaster. You know, when somebody at that level calls you, you know, you go running. And so I did. I didn't care what it took, whatever. My parents were like, please look after her. You know, I had to find a like scramble, a lawyer like out nowhere, whatever. And anyway, I made it work and, you know, it changed my life. It was,

again really scary you know they put me up in a really great flat I had just everything at my disposal you know and it was it was such uh it's like winning a golden ticket you know like on those TV shows you know American Idol whatever you're like you're going to Hollywood it was like literally like that wow but then it wasn't the dream that you know that I was sold to be frank it was a lot of empty promises and you know big big powerful people promising you things and you having to feel like you, why hasn't it happened yet, kind of situation? But yeah, it was a wild experience, but that co-sign changed my life forever. Yeah, well, you don't just do music.

You do fashion, act, host shows, judge competitions. How do you decide what to say yes to? Oh, my gosh. Tattoes. Yeah, sometimes you need a tattoo. Did you really say yes to that? I mean, that. I really need to get my legs.

I'm quite white. Sorry about that. Anyone in my position, if somebody got that, will come. Because if they don't come, they may not have a heart in their body. Because I was just like, I have to go. Like, I have to. I have to fill up my whole leg if we get another series. You're going to have to just figure out who's in town and go tattoo them really quickly.

And at least. Oprah was in town last. We should I have a, oh, anyway. Was she here? Yeah, she was actually here. Awesome. I know that you mean a lot to see in us. Yeah.

She loves, yeah. There we go. Not saying I don't want to compare anyone, but I know that it was special. No, no, no, we're tattooing, but I wasn't allowed. I'm the best. And then everyone comes. Exactly. If I would get a tattoo, it would be you.

I can't get a tattoo. I would tell you not to. But you're flattered. But I'm flat. So how do I say it? I basically just figure out what I love. If I don't love it, I won't do it. Because, you know, I think nowadays people can really see through that.

They can smell like if you're faking it. Yeah. They really can, you know, and everything out now that people can see on social media and stuff, it's like, you know, you got to know what you want to do and, like, really love it, you know. Yeah. Fashion is a huge part of who you are. Yes. When did that become more than just something fun? When it became a description of, like, my music, I used it as a character to help promote and sell my music.

It was like, visually, I was like, okay, cool, so now they can hear something, but what are they looking at? And, you know, I grew up copying Madonna and how she would dress, and, you know, I felt like maybe people would want to do that with me. And so fashion was kind of an expression outside of music, but it's another form of a language that you don't need to, you know, understand. It's your own interpretation of, like, what and who you are, which is why I love fashion so much, you know. That's cool. I mean, you talk about Madonna for me and one of your idol, you know,

must be cool when someone like, Sierra wants to be, like, yeah, you know, you're all over the world. Right, I'm sure you look at people and you're like, well, I want to wear that one day. I don't know if you've gone to concerts and, like, everyone's dressed like the person. Yeah, it's cool. Because this is such a cool environment Yeah, isn't it?

Tyler the creator was the most recent one And all the kids that were looking like him And like the wig And I was like, whoa That actually influenced I just didn't realize he had such an impact On such a young generation You know, I love him

You've been a judge on so many big shows Like The Voice and the Mask singer What's the best part of doing those? Meeting people like you? Honestly, meeting You haven't made it through though I'm sorry, you haven't made it through That's the judging part

Thank you. Your time ends now. Do you do? Do you do music? I do. I do musical theatre. Oh, cool. Yeah. Amazing. That's something I studied in. We actually, like, where you missed a musical theatre class on the weekend, because we went down, the two of us did some interviews for Avatar,

and we got James Cameron to sign her note for a teacher. Oh, so I had to miss a rehearsal, you know, I'll do that. He's like, hey, I'll do that. You should photocop. Like, you should literally just, like, scan that and put it absolutely everywhere. Exactly. That's the coolest thing ever. Yeah.

You just had signature and just, like, paste it on to, like, things. So I'm going to get your mortgage or anything. Sorry, Dad, I can't do the dishes. Signed James Cameron. He's a legend. He is. So that was pretty cool. Well, you've been acting, too, like, in Descendants and 50 Shades of Grey movies.

Now, Dad won't let me watch those. So can you explain what happens in those? It's definitely naughty. It's a colour chart. You know, when you go to the paint shop and there's, like, lots of shades? Yeah. It's definitely one of those. Imagine.

Could you imagine if, like, that was the plot, the storyline? It's like, hey. So how many different... You just giving him an idea for the next Instagram. You're going to use that. I'm like your shirt of grey you're wearing on that. That's what I mean. It's lovely.

It's lovely shade of grey. It was my first kind of experience with a big budget movie, 50 Shades. I'm not any that much, but it was my first time kind of like being a part of something huge. And then Descendants too, which is great. And then Descendants was iconic because like for me that was all the things I loved, dressing up, singing, acting. And all the kids like know me now. You know, I play the Queen of Hearts and way younger than you.

new and they're like oh my gosh so you know I love doing movies definitely things I want to do more next year planning on doing some really big surprises I love playing a villain yeah that's cool it must be fun yeah probably more fun being a villain actually it is so much fun

yeah like it is my I think it's my alter ego but I'm not I'm the nicest person in the world you get to be like yeah everything you're not yeah and I grew up watching like RuPaul's drag race and things and so like I take a lot of inspiration from you know the girlies that dress up and you know drag and the idea of just being something else

yeah well you always seem so confident but when you were younger did you ever feel nervous or unsure and how did you deal with that all the time i still am nervous i was nervous today are you like yeah well yeah i'm like meeting you and having this whole thing you up together well you cover it very well you're just like you know you're like is this gonna go off is this you know why i didn't even know what was happening so i couldn't be nervous you're so cute I still get nervous I've had I've suffered a lot with anxiety

and panic attacks when I was your age and then getting older I kind of went to I worked on it I did therapy I did all that stuff and even at 25

I went away for like two weeks which was 10 years ago now oh my god crazy and I like really honed in on like the tools that you need and you know with the with the perception of fame people are like you know

all your dreams come true and you know there are incredible perks do not get me wrong but there's a lot of pressure and a lot of attention followed by a lot of scrutiny with a lot of judgment um and so you know you have to understand like what's real and what's not real in life and i think that's what i've been working on and i'm feeling really confident in my body now you know i've kind of looked back and i've still got a lot of work too i don't think we ever really kind of like accomplished things even when we grow up but i feel like i have a good set of tools now, you know, and my family and my friends and all my family here now in Enzi and all my friends, you know, everyone's really focused and humbled and knows the difference between what's real and what's not. But it takes a long time. I do feel like it never, the work never stops with working on yourself. Do you know what I mean? I mean, you know, you've been doing this a long time too. Not to your level, but. And all the people you meet, you know, all the people you meet, you know, you look at and you're like, you compare.

and you think, you know, I don't exactly necessarily compare my artistry, but there's moments as women where it's like, oh gosh, we're being put up against ourselves, and it's horrible. So you have to understand the difference between, like, keeping that outside and what's allowing your home, you know? Yeah, period. Period. This is When I Grow Up.

We're going to do a Kiwi quiz. Yeah, okay, let's do it. What is the best Kiwi snack or food you've had here? I mean, I love it. a good boil-up. I mean, they're really good. And I've had a hungie. Oh, awesome. Yeah. Oh, my gosh. I mean, it is so yummy.

Yeah, it's good. I think we've had it now for a few Christmases. So, yeah, I'm excited to have that, yeah. What is the first place you tell your friends to visit when they come to New Zealand? Bethel Beach. Oh, yeah, nice, yeah. Because it's so incredibly stunning. And if you come for the first time, and you see those mountains in the sea and, like, whoa. It is. And then there's another place where It feels like there's a lot of dunes. I can't remember the name of it. And there's like a lake at the bottom.

Is that Berthels? Oh, so sorry. Yeah, Bithels. Just let's go. Bithels. But, I mean, it really, it was super. It impacted me so much the first time I came. I was like, and it's quite, you know, like you go to those beaches sometimes.

You can be the only one on there, you know? Yeah. I'm like, where is it? Yeah, it's New Zealand. You guys have bought. They've seen it too many times. Yeah, it's fine. What is your favorite one in Tyke's movies?

Oh. Oh, there's so many good ones. There is a lot of good ones. Boy was the first time I started to understand him when we were friends. Because we've been friends for a long time. And that's when I was like, oh, okay. You know. But I think, you know, everything has its moments of Taika, you know,

like the humour with the sort of friends that he has and him and Jermain's relationship. and, you know, becoming obsessed with Flight of a Concord. And, you know, that is so iconic. And then obviously what we're doing in the shadows, it's such an international thing. But I just love the New Zealandness of everything that he does. Yeah. It's great he still has that.

Yeah. Yeah. And, like, again, it goes to show his roots and everything he represents and what he's passionate about. And, you know, I think you've got really respect the person that you're with, do you know what I mean? And give them that space. And, you know, I respect him so much as a father and a man and a filmmaker and a friend.

Like, he really does show up in so many ways for different people. That's cool. I've made things awkward, though, with him now. You have. I mean, just don't look at him in the eye. He's like, I'll see you about that next time. Not that I run into much, but next time I do it, blah. This is awkward.

Sorry, man. He said, send Ben my love and also, like, what is happening? Yeah, yeah. Maybe get a tiger tattoo. You should. I'm a leg or something like, yeah. And then you can have him on the show. Exactly.

Okay. Who is your favorite Kiwi entertainer that's not your husband? Ooh. What about you? I want to know in your world first, who you kind of love. Kiwi and international. That's really hard, actually. Yeah.

Well, you listen to a lot of music. Yeah, let's not listen to a lot of music. They don't have to be Kiwi. Let's start just like generically who you. Well, obviously you. Oh, well, thanks. I listen to... We listen to a lot of Gracie Abrams.

We listen to a lot of Gracie. Sabrina. You know, I've got a lot of stuff I listen to it. Then we listen to a lot of musicals at the moment. We do. Lehmus soundtrack is embedded in my mind. Really? Yeah.

Whatever a musical that like I'm doing, it's in the car. So Le Miz? Le Miz. That's hard, that's a hard one. And long too, isn't it like three and a half hours long? It's a school version. Oh, okay. Okay, so outside of musicals, Kiwi, give me a Kiwi favorite that you love.

Kiwi favorite. I know you're mates with Lance Savali, who's awesome. We love. Lance is family. He is incredible. In Cread and also a ledge and so funny and like a great, great guy. I wish him nothing but success, you know. Lord as well.

Lord is so. We've the same birthday. You do? I hung out with her. I hung out with her. Well, it's sad. Fun fact. It's not that fun fact.

That took it. Me and Tina Turner of the same birthday. Not that it's competition. I don't know. No, she knows. Exactly. Do you know who Tina Turner is? Yeah.

Oh, thanks goodness. She's not the car lady. I know it's the other one. There's Tina from Turner's. It's one. It's fun and that reference. She's an icon. She's an icon, too.

You know, I met Lord a few times in the industry, but, you know, we saw each other at Glastonbury. There's this, like, one secret. Do you know what, Glastonbury? It's a festival, major festival. Oh, yeah, okay. Anyway, you have to go one time. You're not going until you're, like, 25. Yeah, but when you do go, you let me know.

Okay. And we'll make sure you're all, you know, hooked up. Okay. Anyway, we go there, and there's this, like, sort of when the, all the shows are over, you know, there's these, like, nightlife. It's like the afterlife, right? And there's like, I mean, I'm talking like 60, ages, from small to huge. It's a massive festival.

And anyway, you go in this like thing and this little tunnel thing and you go into this party, whatever. Anyway, Lord was in there. And I saw each other in Tycoon and I was like, oh my gosh, look, the two kind of most famous New Zealanders in one place. If you both go down right now, New Zealand's like, what are we doing? New Zealand is going to sink. No, I'm kidding. No, but it was really cool to see them both there. And there's a picture of them actually together I took because I was like so in awe of both of them being it. But she's so cool, so lovely.

I love Lord's music. I really wish I was going to Lord, but I have to get a musical theatre. To keep out the theme of, well, not regrettable, but unusual tattoos, that's my Lord's signature one

that she signed. Oh, he's just got all the tattoos on. So, yeah, and got done next to my daughters as well. Well, she wasn't coming on our podcast. She hasn't given on the podcast, so you're all right, yeah.

And look, yours is a lot bigger. Yeah, exactly. If I was to get your tattoo, I would face it right across his big point. I should have brought out that Lord's story. I'm sorry, I ruined it. But yeah

For me who I love The like crowded house And who else do I love I mean look Everyone is awesome Artist wise And it's just When I did the football match actually

It was like the female Rugby The rugby World Cup Yeah yeah It was one of the best days ever Like meeting all those girls And like seeing them kind of come together It was so cool

Every podcast We actually got a guest to write a little note to the younger self. Just something that you would tell your younger self, some advice, anything can be as short or as long as you want. Should I write it and then you guys can say it later or do you want me to say as I write it?

Either or you read it or you decide. Do you want to read it? If you can read my writing. Whatever happens, you will always be alright. What's meant for you is already yours. That's so nice. You know in moments we're like, why didn't I get that?

Why didn't I get that role? Or like, why didn't I sing that song or why didn't I write that song? Like, this is all me actually now going into my wider denies. But yeah, and then something else came. And then I was like, oh, okay, that's why. So it was kind of like, it was meant to be. What was, yeah.

I guess. At the time, though, you don't know. And you're like, oh. And then something comes up, you know, and you're like, oh, okay, cool, I get it now. So, yeah, I guess that's my little, my little two cents. Oh, that's awesome. Well, thank you so much for being. Oh, my God.

I honestly did not expect this to happen. No, no. I only took a tattoo for you to come home again. That's basically not an only thing though. That's huge. And also it's pretty dark, bro. It was like, yeah, yeah. This was the note, so you know, so you know, that's on a post on a post on a note.

I'm obsessed with this. And then I ended up, yeah, getting it to the same size and to the post. So who else have you got tattooed on you? Well, that's, yeah. Oh, no, Dwayne Johnson. Dwayne Johnson signed my bum. Dwayne signed your bum. Yeah, I'm a big fan of Dwayne the Rock Johnson.

I know, me too. He's the best. Yeah, so I got him just on. So you've tattooed that on your butt cheek? Well, it's kind of above my thing, so it's not so, yeah. I want to see it. What? Yeah, being the rock, he's quite big.

I'm sorry. Yeah, but I met the rock and I'll probably never meet him again. He did the same thing, you got a tattoo. I love heart tattoo of the rock on my bum. And then he had to Zoom with him and then he showed him. Yeah. What happened? Yeah, well, he was like, oh my God, I've seen this.

Someone had seen the round of it. No, I told you the power of social media, guys. And then we managed to meet him. And he was like, hang on the second. and why do I know you? Because we've met him over Zoom. And he was like, the tattoo. That's what got me here.

See, keep it up. And then, you know, so, hey, it's, it's work. I'm just happy you didn't do it on your head. No, yeah, true. Because that's when I would have been like, oh, no. We love you, but not that much. Well, thank you. I'm really happy I was able to come.

Thank you so much. You're honestly so inspiring and I'm just so happy that you're here. Oh, come on. Let's talk. Thank you, Rita. So how incredible was that, real aura? That was so incredible. I feel like, did that just actually happen or not?

No, I feel like I feel like it just was a dream. Yeah, she incredible. She was so lovely, so generous with her time as well. My gosh, I know. She hung out with us. Really incredible. I loved how we were just talking about it just as she left and you were like, I didn't even know what to say when she said, what are you like?

Your brain went blank. I just, no, you know when someone asks you like, what's your favorite food? And you go, well, I don't know. Well, imagine if you're a dream guest on your. your podcast is sitting right there and asks you like who your favorite artist is I was like you like what I could not think honestly I had to think okay one of the songs yeah I looked at and I was like you play in the car as well but hey incredible thank you so much to Rita that is incredible that was honestly amazing thank you so much yeah and wow it happens yeah it happened

thank you dad thank you to everyone who helped that happen yeah well Rachel reader everyone Tyker for not making things too weird with me and him now we haven't won an Oscar anything I feel like we're thanking people I know. Thank you, everyone like you. We're so grateful for that. Don't forget to like and subscribe and wow, wow, wow. Wow. Just wow. That's all I, we can label this episode as wow. Wow. Wow.