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

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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

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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.