Just hours after throwing down a challenge urging National MPs to be bold and not just follow the polls, Simon Bridges has revealed his next steps after leaving parliament.

The departing veteran politician has signed on to host Stuff's first digital audio show, and says he is ready 'to have some fun”.

The newly retired Bridges is excited to be hosting the audio show, saying it is something he has always wanted to do.

'...it's a great way to have some fun, possibly be a bit deep and meaningful from time to time and have a creative outlet.”

However, he is staying tight-lipped about the balance of his time, declining to comment on speculation he will be leading the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

Moving into the media is a big change for Bridges, who joined the National party in 1992 as a 16-year-old.

When Bridges announced in March he was quitting politics after 14 years in Parliament, including two as Opposition leader, he has been a member of the National party for 30 years.

Bridges is tight-lipped about his new show but, as a keen follower of news, he says he hopes listeners will find it entertaining and thought-provoking.

'In terms of the content, what I would say is, it won't be what people necessarily expect from me. People have one sort of view of me, but I'm hopeful it will be unexpected and refreshing.

'I know for myself, [the media] is how I get my news, and form my views and get a sense of the world we're in, and so I hope other people will get something out of [my show] as well,” he says.

Bridges is Stuff's first big signing since launching its new audio division headed by Chief Audio Officer Nadia Tolich.

'Simon is incredibly smart, very funny and a great networker. He is going to shine in this new role,” says Tolich.

'Let's just say it will definitely be unexpected.”

Bridges confirms he will also take on a second media role that will allow him to express himself through writing.

'I really enjoyed writing my memoir, National Identity, and so I want to keep that going,” he says.

'As with the audio, I found the writing to be a really fun, interesting and a creative outlet for me. If that's not what life's about, what else is it about?”

Bridges reflected fondly on his time in politics but says he's excited about his new career.

'I wouldn't say I'm sad or particularly emotional, but there's a lot I will miss about Parliament and the people. I'm not one to do too much looking back. There's a lot I will miss even though I'm excited about the future.”

In his final speech to Parliament on Wednesday, Bridges urged MPs to be bold and not simply follow the polls, saying 'timid” oppositions would end up governing timidly too.

'I make this plea, please, please, let's not be quite so poll and focus group driven. They will make you nice, and beige, and timid. In short, wishy-washy.”

-Stuff/David Skipworth.