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The Leighton Smith Podcast

Newstalk ZB

After 33 years behind the Newstalk ZB microphone, Leighton can’t give it up completely. There were so many requests to continue his opinionated commentary that the prospect of podcasting was born.

So, without restriction, Leighton continues to serve up on everything you want to hear about and some things you don’t. Stand by to be enlightened, educated and enraged!

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Tuesday · 1 hr 24 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #347 - September 30th 2026 - Rodney Hide (Part 1)
Rodney Hide entered Parliament as a list member of the ACT Party in 1996. He became ACT Leader in 2004, and following the 2008 election he was appointed Minister for three portfolios; Local Government, Regulatory Reform and Associate Minister of Commerce. His degrees in science and economics lent credibility to his commentary in other fields like climate change. It has been interesting following his philosophical journey since leaving parliament in 2011. And ...for the first time we talked for two full hours. As a result we have split the wide ranging discussion into two podcasts… part two next week. And we finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 22 · 1 hr 35 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #346 - September 23rd 2026 - Jim Allan
Prof. James Allan is a highly respected thinker, speaker, debater and a man of intelligence and knowledge. He is also an accomplished author and columnist. Canadian born and educated, he taught law at Otago University for eleven years, moved to ANU Canberra and then to a prestigious position at the University of Queensland, where he remains today. In this podcast, we explore a wide range of issues, both local and international. Our conversation tackles everything from judicial activism to the self destruction of the Church of England, the Middle east and Imran Khan. And we finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 16 · 1 hr 23 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #345 - September 16th 2026 - Alwyn Poole
Alwyn Poole; Education & More. “The first point on how to improve all things education in NZ is that, so long as any government thinks that they are the podium of truth in this area, they will fail and all improvements will be marginal (at best)”. This was written by educational consultant Alwyn Poole. While improvements in education are promising, there is significant room for growth. Alwyn Poole is critical where necessary, but gives praise where warranted. We reveal interesting details regarding a new school, a Covid story you won’t have heard before, and we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 9 · 1 hr 22 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #344 - September 9th 2026 - David Schnauer
New Zealand once ranked among the world’s most prosperous nations. Not any longer. Armed with experience in both Law and Economics, retired lawyer David Schnauer spent a year writing “UNCOMFORTABLE ECONOMICS”. His purpose; to show that New Zealand’s underperformance is fixable. He challenges both politicians and citizens to lift their sights and demand more from our economy. In Podcast 344, David Schnauer is explicit in his assertions but expands on his ambitions for New Zealands future. And, as usual, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 1 · 1 hr 30 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #343 - September 2nd 2026 - Michael F. Spratt
After a casual visit to New Zealand, this small American family couldn’t forget it. Mike and his wife went home, sold up everything and moved here. It’s a journey of discovery, heartbreak, redemption and triumph. They were told they were on a fool’s errand; that the standards they set were financially suicidal. They did it anyway. They planted a vineyard that has beaten the top French wines at their own game. The story has this week been published, written by the owner himself. “Forged In Fire” catalogues a journey, a discovery, and the pursuit of perfection. It’s a story of ultimate achievement in New Zealand Michael F Spratt guests on Podcast 343. P.S. you don’t have to be a wine drinker to appreciate their success. But you may be tempted… And we visit the Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 26 · 1 hr 20 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #342 - August 26th 2026 - Ashley Church
In these times it’s difficult to stay updated with the “good, the bad and the ugly.” In this environment it’s easy to be ill-informed. Independent commentator Ashley Church has been analysing virtually every issue that affects society and our lives. Steeped in a background of politics, economics, business and real estate, he is a talking encyclopaedia. We had an interesting discussion on Net Zero, politics, (particularly TOPs appearance,) journalism, and the coming election. And we visit the Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 18 · 43 min
Leighton Smith Podcast - August 19th 2026 - Shane Jones
As Leighton is on a short break, for this week's episode we dig into the archives for a repeat of his interview with NZ First Deputy Leader Shane Jones from earlier in the year. Back next week with episode #342. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 12 · 1 hr 35 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #341 - August 12th 2026 - 100 Years of ZB
With the celebration of 100 years of broadcasting from 1ZB, we have devoted Podcast 341 to three interviews with the station's past and present management: Bill Francis, Dallas Gurney & Jason Winstanley. Over the years there have been many moments of drama, humour… and sometimes chaos. Find out how a successful radio station ticks behind the scenes. There’s input into today’s political drama from our once National Party MP. As usual, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 4 · 1 hr 32 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #340 - August 5th 2026 - Patrick Basham
Let’s be honest, there’s a lot going on in the world - so much so that it’s difficult to keep pace. Take America for example. A transformation is underway that has not yet been fully recognised for what it is or what it could become. The same may be said of Australia, England, much of Europe and beyond. If that sounds exaggerated, then this week's discussion with Patrick Basham will be of interest. The days of “that will never happen here”, wherever ‘here’ may be - are drawing to a close. As usual, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 29 · 1 hr 15 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #339 - July 29th 2026 - Don Brash
Worries about the outcome emerge in almost every election. This 2026 election has much of the constituency concerned about a result that could lead to the end of the country as we know it. Don Brash, arguably the best Reserve Bank Governor we’ve known, voices his thoughts on the matters he believes are most important. He talks about our appallingly slow productivity growth - and on the country’s GDP per capita. He also reflects on house prices, the long term outlook for government debt, and foreign policy . And he rates the present government on its effectiveness. As usual, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 22 · 1 hr 23 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #338 - July 22nd 2026 - Sarah Irving-Stonebraker
In our culture today there is a strange set of attitudes toward history. On one hand there’s a highly politicised approach to the past, in which people care passionately about history’s symbols and what they represent. And on the other hand, we know less than ever about history. We have largely ceased to think of ourselves as historical beings; "the past has nothing to teach us”. Associate Professor of History, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker rationalises the value of history and how it can improve our approach to life. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 14 · 1 hr 25 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #337 - July 15th 2026 - Salvatore Babones
Salvatore Babones is a quantitative comparative sociologist (explained in the interview), at the University of Sydney. He is an American living in Australia, and in his most recent book displays his knowledge of India. The book is "Dharma Democracy; How India Built the Third World’s First Democracy” He has visited India a number of times and established a relationship with Prime Minister Modi . We discuss the Free Trade Agreements with both Australia and New Zealand, and present some alternative views on them. We also expand the conversation to cover a number of other international issues. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 8 · 1 hr 22 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #336 - July 8th 2026 - J R Bruning
JR Bruning analyses her article, “An Election Agreement that has locked in a Road User Charging Revolution” and asks why this was necessary in the first place. Crucially, how it will affect every one of us? Investigative writer JR Bruning (aka Jodie Bruning) covers a range of topics; sociological studies of ignorance, "non-knowledge” and the production of science and technology. Her primary research focus is on the relationship between governance, policy, and the production of scientific and technical knowledge for public good. We cover “New York’s Deal with the Devil”. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 1 · 1 hr 18 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #335 - July 1st 2026 - Muriel Newman
The New Zealand Centre for Political Research (NZCPR) was established twenty one years ago. Founded by Muriel Newman, the NZCPR is more important now than ever as an independent public policy think tank. In this election year, New Zealand is arguably facing its biggest challenge to date. Certainly the biggest for a long time. Nine years as a politician (and a former Chamber of Commerce President) provides Muriel with political insider knowledge. And in Podcast 335 she displays it with full force. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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June 24 · 1 hr 19 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #334 - June 24th 2026 - Nick Cater
Proven favourite Nick Cater turns up for the first time this year. Unsurprisingly, the Australian economy leads the discussion. We focus on the trio of hopeless politicians at the absolute peak of state power. Nick shares his reaction to Pauline Hanson, and Angus Taylor, the new leader of the Liberal Party. We touch on housing, jobs, tax, cost of living and mass immigration. We discuss AI and the difference it will make to the political landscape. And finally he addresses a most important question; is Australia still the place for Kiwis when they leave New Zealand. His response might surprise you. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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June 17 · 1 hr 18 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #333 - June 17th 2026 - Dr George Friedman
Depending on perspective, it’s not difficult to agree with George Friedman’s interpretations of “how the world turns”. I first met George in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1983 where he was a Professor at the United States War College. It was instantly obvious that the professors knowledge in his field was second to none. George’s most recent book “The Storm Before the Calm” (2020) set the stage for the era we are now navigating. This interview with Dr Friedman on the current Middle East crisis is one of our best discussions of how, when, where and why such events happen and how they play out. Whether or not you agree, the founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures is at his best. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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June 10 · 1 hr 44 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #332 - June 10th 2026 - Dr Ramesh Thakur
Dr Ramesh Thakur is well known on the Leighton Smith Podcast. He is an Emeritus Professor of Public Policy at the Australian National University. He is also a former United Nations Assistant Secretary General, and a Senior Scholar at the Brownstone Institute. Since the birth of Covid-19 he has been tenacious in investigating the truth… and, in our opinion, very successfully. As a contributor to “Canary in a Climate World: Climate Realism vs the Net Zero Myth,” volume three, his chapter exceeds over 6000 words and exposes eleven shared agendas of Climate Change and Covid. He is at his very best. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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June 3 · 1 hr 17 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #331 - June 3rd 2026 - Barry Soper
“Based in the Parliamentary Press Gallery since 1980, Barry Soper has covered every New Zealand Prime Minister since, earning a reputation for his sharp questioning, wit, and deep institutional knowledge of Wellington politics.” Barry’s contribution to New Zealand journalism saw him recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, where he was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He’s had a long and fascinating career and continues it still as Newstalk ZB’s senior political correspondent. His book, ‘One Last Question, Prime Minister’, now in its fourth print, was our excuse to have a most enjoyable conversation in episode #331. And as always, we finish in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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May 27 · 1 hr 4 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #330 - May 27th 2026 - Thorsten Polleit
"Socialism is based on bureaucratic planning. This means a restriction of personal freedom. The dream of equality, a goal even of democratically dressed up socialism, can only be achieved by coercion." Thorsten Polleit shows ways in which democratic socialism moves toward a globally planned state. His book ‘The Global Currency Plot’ looks at the way money is used as a political tool, unpacking the agendas of those who wield political power. Polleit guests on this episode of the podcast to unpack his stance, and of course, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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May 20 · 1 hr 26 min
Leighton Smith Podcast #329 - May 20th 2026 - Leonard S. Hong
Leonard S. Hong arrived in New Zealand at the age of three. His story is one of choosing the right parents, hard work, and applied effort to succeed. At age 29 he has a Master of Science and has completed a Prime Ministerial Scholarship to Asia. He’s worked in Perth and Singapore, and speaks both English and Korean fluently. He is a valuable citizen. But why are he and so many of his friends angry and leaving NZ? Leonard S. Hong in conversation, discusses New Zealand’s economic malaise, the brain drain to Australia, Singapore’s development model, meritocracy, and the future facing young New Zealanders. And as always, we checked the Mailroom with Mrs Producer, and concluded with climate matters. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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