Michael Rooke
As the undisputed infomercial queen of New Zealand, Suzanne Paul is used to having her face splashed on screens, selling the latest must‑have product with that unmistakable sparkle. Her quick wit and charm have made her not just a household name, but a trusted one.
While brands adore her and audiences admire her, Suzanne’s glowing reputation has also drawn the attention of some more sinister figures.
A troubling online trend
The 69-year-old has noticed a troubling trend: AI-generated videos using her image to rip off unsuspecting Kiwis.
“A woman messaged me the other day to tell me that she bought some gummy bear supplements off me for her weak bladder and that she wanted a refund,” she explains. “I told her I’m not selling supplements, but she said, ‘It’s you, I’ve seen you in the video.’ And I had to tell her that she had been scammed. It’s scary what they can do with your likeness.”
Suzanne is no stranger to the perils of the online world. It wasn’t long ago that she lost access to all her social media accounts in a hacking attack. While it’s one thing to be targeted, she says it’s another to know people are being hurt because they trust her, especially as she is powerless to stop it.
“It’s happened to me a couple of times, and I put the message out telling people it’s not me and not to buy the product. But it’s a worry moving forward in this future with AI.”
Their unexpected friendship
But that doesn’t mean she is ready to abandon the digital world altogether. It is, after all, an Instagram message that led to her most exciting venture yet – her new podcast Fork’s Sake. And with it, an unexpected friendship with her co-host, performer Andrew Papas.
“At first, when he messaged me, I thought he wanted me to be a guest on his podcast, and I thought, ‘I’ve got nothing else to talk about,’” she laughs. “But I have a thing where I say yes to everything, then worry about how I’m going to do it later.”
What followed was an unexpected creative match. Each week, the pair interviews a well-known Kiwi about their favourite food memories as they dig into whatever delicious creation Andrew has cooked. Not one to step foot in a kitchen, Suzanne brings the drinks.
Despite nearly four decades between them, their chemistry is genuine. Andrew says the secret is simple: mutual respect.
“Suzanne has had so much experience in her life and career, but she gives me the time of day, and she trusts me, and that means a lot,” he explains.
Suzanne chimes in, “I think it works because I’m marvellous, wonderful, funny and tell great stories!”
Juggling work and family life
While the banter is effortless, beneath it sits a real friendship, and one that has been a lifeline for Andrew as he navigates one of the busiest seasons of his life.
Alongside the weekly podcast, Andrew is currently touring the country with the jukebox musical & Juliet, which means long stretches away from his wife, The Hits breakfast host Megan, 41, and their two young children, Bastian, five, and Aiya, three.
It’s a big shift for the hands‑on dad who treasures his mornings alone with the kids while Megan is on air. But he can happily head off knowing his family is behind him all the way.
“They know that Dad’s off to his show,” the 32-year-old tells. “I FaceTime them from the dressing room and they’ll say, ‘What are you wearing? Why have you got all that makeup on your eyes?’ It’s very cute.”
A steady voice
In the tougher moments, Suzanne has become a steady voice.
Andrew shares, “I was telling her about how I was feeling overwhelmed. And she said, ‘You’ve got this – just sparkle and shine.’ And it was just what I needed.”
That endorsement from Andrew is a much-needed boost for Suzanne as she races towards the finish line of her upcoming book – a self-help style guide shaped by the wisdom she has collected during her rollercoaster life.
Fans should cherish every word when it is released because it will be the last time she ever puts pen to paper.
“What a mission it is!” she laughs. “Every time somebody’s like, ‘What did you do on the weekend?’ I say, ‘Writing the book, like I do every weekend.’ I’m sick of saying it and people are sick of hearing it. But I’ll be proud of it when it’s done.”
Listen to Fork’s Sake on the iHeart app or wherever you stream podcasts.
