5 minute philosopher Have you ever had a hairdo you regretted?
TV presenter and podcaster Petra Bagust ponders life, love and ageing with our probing questions. 100 percent – a spiral perm in my second to last year of high school.
What do you love about yourself – and what would you change?
That I boogie to average supermarket music, and that I gave in and finally got a dog. I love being willing to change my mind. Getting more curious as I age is also a bonus – I dig learning, so tackling new adventures, tastes, people or topics are some things I like about me. I’m done with approaching myself as broken and needing to be fixed, so consistent moves towards wholehearted living is the change I seek.
Most thoughtful gift you have ever received?
My favourite gift is time. A friend recently did spreadsheets with me for an event and it was such a gift, partly because I know nothing about Excel!
What movie would you watch over and over again?
The Princess Bride or
Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
The song I sing most while doing the dishes, Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You.
What would be the first thing you did if you won Lotto?
I’d do something sneaky and super-fun, like a surprise family trip to Italy. I promised Mum I’d take her to Florence as a 21-yearold, so imagine making that happen! On the way home, we’d call into Kenya, Namibia, Zambia and Japan – the countries my sons would love to visit.
When was the last time you were out of your comfort zone?
Yesterday and the day before – recording for my brand-new podcast Grey Areas. It’s a podcast about how to grow up with gusto and gorgeousness. I am really passionate about the conversations we’re having to share wisdom around ageing while having a laugh. I really hope people like it!
The last time you embarrassed yourself was…
Half an hour ago, when I remembered I wasn’t enrolled at university for this semester and my lectures start tonight.
What is always in your fridge?
Everything and nothing, plus cat and dog food. I have two teenage boys who are both over six feet tall – it’s a challenge!