The Leighton Smith Podcast
After 33 years behind the Newstalk ZB microphone, Leighton Smith continues his opinionated commentary in podcast form. Without restriction, he serves up his views on everything you want to hear about and some things you don't. Listeners can expect to be enlightened, educated, and enraged.
Episodes
Leighton Smith Podcast #350 - October 21st 2026 - Shane Jones
In Podcast 350, the NZ First Deputy Leader presents the case for both himself and the party. Even Mr Jones confesses the he can be a little aggressive at times. Or as he puts it, “brutal at times”. However, honest communication is always welcome and constructive. His manner of delivery always conveys a genuine eloquence, but policy is the important factor. “We have to ensure that the b
Leighton Smith Podcast #349 - October 14th 2026 - John Banks
In podcast 349 we continue our series featuring long-serving politicians who know the game inside out, and have a real contribution to make. This week we chat with political veteran John Banks on politics and principles for living. He has dedicated most of his life to politics, devoting a lengthy term to Parliament in Wellington and to the Mayoralty of Auckland. His contribution this week includes
Leighton Smith Podcast #348 - October 7th 2026 - Rodney Hide (Part 2)
When we arranged the interview with ex politician Rodney Hide, we didn’t preplan a list of issues. That could have led to an early conclusion. Instead we breezed through two hours with ease. That evolved into two separate podcasts, including analysis of the election and its major implications for New Zealand. Also, there is separate commentary on the U.S. Supreme Court and climate change, wit
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 h
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
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 P
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
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 the
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,
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 iHe
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 f
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
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
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 Profess
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
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 resear
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)
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
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
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 “C
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 M
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,
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 m
Leighton Smith Podcast #328 - May 13th 2026 - Oliver Hartwich
An inventive way to encourage the understanding of the stupidity in New Zealand's governance... Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the New Zealand Initiative, has authored a novella, ‘The Martian Audit: Or, How New Zealand Repelled an Invasion Through Procedural Complexity’. It’s a satirical work in which Martian invaders are held off and eventually sent packing by the country’s p
Leighton Smith Podcast #327 - May 6th 2026 - David Bell
The International Health Reform Project (IHRP) is aiming to restore a rational framework to the polarised debate surrounding the World Health Organisation (WHO). Their intent is to rebuild international health governance on a basis of ethics, evidence, and sovereign responsibility – publishing a report on the subject called ‘The Right to Health Sovereignty'. David Bell, a member of IHRP, dis
Leighton Smith Podcast #326 - April 29th 2026 - Rodney Hide
I’ve known Rodney Hide for a long time; through his career in politics and beyond. I’ve seen changes in his life, both personal and professional. He is still making adjustments, because he’s a man who pursues philosophy and knowledge, and isn’t afraid of making corrections. It’s been over a year since we did a podcast. Our pre interview chat led to a story that then opened a wide ranging discussio
Leighton Smith Podcast #325 - April 22nd 2026 - Guy Hatchard
"The science behind the risk of myocarditis following mRNA vaccination’, "A wake up call - The adverse health effects of forever genetic compounds” and "Biotech cannot be allowed a right to secrecy”. These are all commentaries by Guy Hatchard PhD, published in the month of April. And after the failure of the Royal Commission on Covid-19, where to from here? As he observes; “You can’t help bu
Leighton Smith Podcast #324 - April 15th 2026 - Lars Schernikau
It is no exaggeration to say that New Zealand has a major energy crisis. Energy policy is at the base of everything. Energy is only about 6% to 8% of GDP but without energy, there is no GDP. Energy is the economy and "if you don’t have everything right we are running into big trouble in every single area.” If you think coal is bad and the Greens should be running the country, you
Leighton Smith Podcast #323 - April 8th 2026 - George Friedman
George Friedman, from Geopolitical Futures guested on Podcast 318, five weeks ago.As the Iran war has developed into a longer and much more serious event, it was appropriate to muster his knowledge and expertise for an update.Knowing that there were threats for ever greater expansion of the conflict, we endeavoured to cover different results for each possibility.We take a look at energy shortage a
Leighton Smith Podcast #322 - April 1st 2026 - Louise Clegg
“The phrase ‘unintended consequences’ rarely passes the lips of our most senior lawyers, judges, or academics. Like many in the professional classes, lawyers have become cheerleaders for most fashionable progressive causes, abandoning the caution and prudence that once defined the discipline. Worse, they have become enforcers - shutting down dissenting voices inside and outside the profession”. Da
Leighton Smith Podcast #321 - March 25th 2026 - Ramesh Thakur
"The Right to Health Sovereignty concludes that the restoration of trust in international health governance depends onrediscovering the moral foundations of medicine and public health, and the sovereign responsibility of the nation state. An International Health Organisation built on sovereignty and ethics would preserve the benefits of cooperation while upholding the freedoms of individuals and n
Leighton Smith Podcast #320 - March 18th 2026 - Patrick Basham
In the 13 years since I first interviewed Patrick Basham, Director of the Democracy Institute in Washington DC, he has shown himself to be an outstanding analyst and commentator. He is erudite on many fronts. His opinions on the war with Iran may not please you. But whether you’re a Trump supporter or a critic, his rationale is provocative. Don’t miss it. And we finish up in The Mailroom with your
Leighton Smith Podcast #319 - March 11th 2026 - Robert MacCulloch
The recent announcement by the Reserve Bank focused on the availability of cash and ATM’s, and commercial bank branches. The Reserve Bank is currently seeking feedback on these possible changes from the public. Professor Robert MacCulloch, (who once worked at the Reserve Bank), is forthright in his commentary. His thoughts on cash, CBDC’s, and privacy versus government control are invaluable. As a
Leighton Smith Podcast #318 - March 4th 2026 - George Friedman
Media around the world has been engrossed with reporting, speculating, and arguing the case over the war with Iran. While it may have been ‘out of the blue’ for many, the conflict came as no surprise to those following the developments in the Middle East. George Friedman, Chairman and Founder of Geopolitical Futures, exploits knowledge he’s accumulated over decades, providing his opin
Leighton Smith Podcast #317 - February 25th 2026 - Jim Allan
For some considerable time, in countries with judicial systems like New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the U.S., the senior courts have been expanding their power. Professor Jim Allan was commissioned to write an appraisal of a new 600+ page book for a U.S. law journal. In summary, he concluded what one Supreme Court has been doing is “bonkers; flat out judicial supremacy”. This is a book for anyo
Leighton Smith Podcast #316 - February 18th 2026 - Dr Mike Schmidt
There are numerous approaches to management: Legacy, Ideological, Corporate, and Political Management. These combine to produce a system that cannot sustain long-term strategies. “Cultivation Management is the alternative.” According to Dr Mike Schmidt, it is also the approach that Christopher Luxon needs to adopt to retain his Prime Ministership. And then there’s the question; can Mr Luxon afford
Leighton Smith Podcast #315 - February 11th 2026 - Shane Jones
Having spent two weeks in Australia, post New Year, Leighton & Carolyn are pleased to be home. Sydney was sweltering as is the political scenery. Nevertheless a good time was had. Now it’s back to business for 2026, the eighth year of the podcast. Interestingly there was much inquiry about two politicians by our Australian media friends; Shane Jones & Erica Stanford. So we begin the year,
Leighton Smith Podcast - Best Of: James Bovard - February 4th 2026
Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2025. James Bovard is a Libertarian Journalist and Author. Thirteen books published. In his first ’The Farm Fiasco’ (1989) he referenced NZ as a world leader in farming. In 1994 came ‘Lost Rights; The Destruction of American Liberty’ We interviewed in April 2021 re Covid. Now thirty years after Lost Rights, comes
Leighton Smith Podcast - Best Of: Dr Robert Clancy - January 28th 2026
Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2025. Emeritus Professor Robert Clancy is a leading Australian immunologist and pioneer in the field of mucosal immunology. He is known for his research and development of therapies for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as emphysema. “Covid through our eyes”, edited by Robert Clancy, explains
Leighton Smith Podcast - Best Of: John Alcock - January 21st 2026
Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2025. John Alcock updates us on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC’s) after the groundwork he laid down eighteen months ago on this podcast. Within the last couple of weeks, two of the biggest NZ Banks have implemented mandatory behavioural and device-level surveillance as a condition of online and mobile bank
Leighton Smith Podcast - Best Of: Ramesh Thakur - January 14th 2026
Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2025. Ramesh Thakur has a world of history, literally, in international affairs. He has taught at a number of Universities including Otago and the ANU, Canberra. But his time spent at the United Nations, culminating as an Assistant Secretary General, provides a wealth of knowledge. That makes his comments on Iran
Leighton Smith Podcast - Best Of: Dr Pierre Kory - January 7th 2026
Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2025. Prior to Covid-19, Dr Pierre Kory was an internationally renowned pioneer in the field of critical care ultra-sonography; equally so in other areas of medicine. In 2023 he published “The War on Ivermectin: The medicine that saved millions and could have ended the pandemic." The challenges that were to
Leighton Smith Podcast - Best Of: Martin Durkin - December 31st 2025
Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2025. In 2007, Documentary maker Martin Durkin produced “The Great Global Warming Swindle”. With 17 more years of predictions, Durkin has released “Climate: The Movie, The Cold Truth”. By utilising facts, statistics and some of the world’s leading scientists, Durkin shows why the science is still not settled. (Ju
Leighton Smith Podcast - Best Of: Antonia Colibasanu - December 24th 2025
Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2025. Romanians are still navigating the difficult path of building democratic institutions and a culture of transparency. At the same time, widespread perceptions of corruption and cronyism have caused many Romanians to see little change from communist leadership. Antonia Colibasanu, a lecturer on International
Leighton Smith Podcast - Best Of: James Allan - December 17th 2025
Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2025. The term “lawfare” is getting plenty of attention; basically it represents the corruption that’s becoming more widespread in the courtrooms of the Western world. Judicial activism and the politicisation of the law and legal system makes for a duo of issues that need addressing by the legislatures of countri
Leighton Smith Podcast #314 - December 10th 2025 - Mike Sabin
Mike Sabin has been a very busy man. He joined the NZ Police in 1996 and was stationed in Auckland and up north. He specialised in drug enforcement, especially methamphetamine, (otherwise known as P). He was one of the first specialised Clandestine Drug Laboratory task force members responsible for investigating and dismantling illicit P labs. In 2006 he established MethCon Group, concentrating on
Leighton Smith Podcast #313 - December 3rd 2025 - Dr William Happer
Dr William Happer is an American physicist, author of 200 plus peer-reviewed scientific papers and co-founder of the CO2 Coalition. Dr Happer will assure you that there is no climate emergency. If you think otherwise, “you have been misled”. Happer’s analyses of 'Net Zero’ is timely for a country where politicians perpetuate ill-informed attitudes, and reject the opportunity to meet with him. Dr H
Leighton Smith Podcast #312 - November 26th 2025 - John Alcock
John Alcock updates us on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC’s) after the groundwork he laid down eighteen months ago on this podcast. Within the last couple of weeks, two of the biggest NZ Banks have implemented mandatory behavioural and device-level surveillance as a condition of online and mobile banking. The customer cannot opt out. They justify it as fraud prevention but go far beyond what
Leighton Smith Podcast #311 - November 19th 2025 - Lord David Wolfson
David Wolfson (Lord Wolfson of Tredegar, KC) is one of the most sought-after commercial Silks at the Bar. He served as Minister of Justice in the House of Lords between 2020 and 2022, and is now the shadow Attorney General in addition to his full time legal practice. Wolfson is a man of principle, towering over so many who come up short in that department – especially in the political
Leighton Smith Podcast #310 - November 12th 2025 - Stephen Rowe
Interviewing Stephen Rowe exceeded expectations. He shines as an example of achievement, success and self belief. If you’re looking for someone to model your life on, he’s the ideal candidate. After graduating in 2015, Stephen joined Charlie Kirk’s newly founded Turning Point USA. From there, like a rocket he advanced to one success after another. He has trained more than 24,000 students and leade
Leighton Smith Podcast #309 - November 5th 2025 - Tony Coleman
In 1971, the US dollar was backed by gold. That is until President Richard Nixon disestablished that relationship. Since then, the US dollar has lost 87% of its value, meaning that one dollar buys only 12.5% of what it could back then. These figures were published on Sept 29, 2024. Today it is even worse. Multi billionaire Warren Buffet described gold as a ‘pet rock’ – good
Leighton Smith Podcast #308 - October 29th 2025 - Professor Robert Clancy
Emeritus Professor Robert Clancy is a leading Australian immunologist and pioneer in the field of mucosal immunology. He is known for his research and development of therapies for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as emphysema. “Covid through our eyes”, edited by Robert Clancy, explains how Australian governments and health systems complied with instructions from the USA, to en
Leighton Smith Podcast #307 - October 22nd 2025 - Nick Cater
In 2013 Nick Cater published a book called “The Lucky Culture”. In the intervening years a whole lot has changed, so he is writing a follow-up. And the essay, “Multiculturalism’s Berlin Wall Moment” (Quadrant magazine October edition) is associated with it. The essay covers the assault on western culture, beginning with Pierre Trudeau’s inability to understand the mistake he was making. And
Leighton Smith Podcast #306 - October 15th 2025 - Alon Roth and George Friedman
The US-brokered peace deal saw Hamas release the Israeli hostages on Monday – an event watched by both Israel’s CE Ambassador Alan Roth down in Wellington, and Leighton up in Auckland. That evening, they joined up over Zoom to analyse the effects of what had taken place over the previous few days. On Tuesday morning, Geopolitical Futures’ George Friedman approached the milestone with a
Leighton Smith Podcast #305 - October 8th 2025 - Patrick Basham
Patrick Basham, founder of Democracy Institute in Washington DC, returns in Podcast 305 to analyse the New York mayoralty election. How could the biggest city in a country founded on freedom, be on the verge of electing a marxist muslim as its Mayor? This is a position that is claimed by some to rank second only to the Presidency. Zohran Mamdani looks set to take the mayoralty in the November 4 el
Leighton Smith Podcast #304 - October 1st 2025 - Guy Hatchard
“With the advent of postmodernism, the literal definition of truth itself has changed. THE truth has been replaced by MY truth and YOUR truth. Truth has become an opinion, no more important than how you like your steak cooked. In the past, we relied on ethical medical science to lead the way to find THE truth, but is that even possible now?" With the ‘Gene Technology Bill’ still in the hearing sta
Leighton Smith Podcast #303 - September 24th 2025 - Muriel Newman
There’s a difference between criticising politicians just because you don’t like them, and drawing attention to a politician’s inadequacies when they are failing to deliver. The same applies to a political party. Then there’s the objection to being too negative, and effectively helping the other team win. The team that you disapprove of even more. The problem is, if you don’t express dissatisfacti
Leighton Smith Podcast #302 - September 17th 2025 - Louise Clegg
To suggest that there is considerable turmoil across the globe is an understatement. “Nature abhors a vacuum” is constantly given new reign. Following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1989, political scientist Francis Fukuyama announced history was dead. His best selling “The End of History and the Last Man” is updated, still in print and nowhere near death. Then in 2018 Fukuyama’s book “Identity” a
Leighton Smith Podcast #301 - September 10th 2025 - James Allan
Canadian born Law Professor James Allan holds a New Zealand passport and taught at University of Otago for eleven years. He is also an Australian passport holder and professor at the University of Queensland. In this discussion we start with which Anglo based country is doing best in a difficult global climate. We discuss the legacy media (and whether it is broken), judicial activism, the threat o
Leighton Smith Podcast #300 - September 3rd 2025 - Oliver Hartwich
After six weeks north of the Equator, it’s good to be back. "Two years ago, New Zealanders voted for change. Not just a change of government but a change of direction. They were promised fiscal discipline, economic renewal and a productive economy. The New Zealand government has shown it can reform when it wants to. Now it must also reform what matters most: the unsustainable growth in public spen
Leighton Smith Podcast #299 - August 27th 2025 - Christian Smith
Two years ago my son Christian and I recorded an interview in London. Many people commented on it, and many messages requested a repeat. So, under some difficult circumstances we managed it. We have another discussion on whether London is a better place to live…. or otherwise. Next week Mrs Producer returns, along with The Mailroom and reports on our sojourn. File your comments and complaints at L
Leighton Smith Podcast #298 - August 20th 2025 - Michael Kelly
New Zealand’s Big Climate Mistake. This interview with Prof Michael Kelly is full of logic and rationale. A kiwi, Kelly is Professor Emeritus at Cambridge University (coincidentally a place we visited a couple of weeks ago). The interview with Kelly was 200 or so podcasts ago, in number 93. The information he imparts is as relevant now as then. We thought at the time it was a stunning listen; if y
Leighton Smith Podcast #297 - August 13th 2025 - Thomas Harrington
Having recently listened to a few extracts from the last interview we had with Tom Harrington, I was reminded by just how good he is. Tom’s capacity to expose wrong think, and inspire and develop how we do think is hinted in this comment: “That having more educational credentials is no guarantee against the danger of believing in stories that seriously distort our understanding of imperial facts.”
Leighton Smith Podcast #296 - August 6th 2025 - Daniel Hannan
We are on holiday in Europe at the moment. Of course there will be a full account on return. It was almost two years ago that writer and public speaker Lord Hannan was in NZ, and we recorded an interview which provided much food for thought. Having visited the country on numerous occasions, Daniel's opinion on politics and the economy was valid. A couple of years later is a good time to check on h
Leighton Smith Podcast #295 - July 30th 2025 - Alan Eggers
Imagine a company that has been pursuing its goal for fifteen years, with mixed progress, if you could call it that. The company, Trans Tasman Resources (TTR) has invested over $85 million toward a deep sea mining project off the South Taranaki Coast. It’s Executive Chairman Alan Eggers is a qualified geologist who gained his degree at Victoria University, Wellington. But it’s not all been plain s
Leighton Smith Podcast #294 - July 23rd 2025 - Maryanne Spurdle
Maryanne Spurdle from the Maxim Institute has produced a Discussion Paper "INTERROGATING CHOICE: Euthanasia and the ILLUSION OF AUTONOMY." The UK has announced their intention to lower the voting age to 16. Canada plans to include minors in its Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) advances — even excluding parental knowledge and approval. This follows the established pattern of absurdities in numero
Leighton Smith Podcast #293 - July 16th 2025 - David Bell
"July 19 is the last day that Member States of the World Health Organisation can withdraw from the IHR amendments (without entering a multi-year withdrawal process). By failing to withdraw, they will be committing their taxpayers to fund the key surveillance aspects of a rapidly expanding industry that is the pandemic industrial complex. The hapless inhabitants of WHO Member States seem to have no
Leighton Smith Podcast #292 - July 9th 2025 - A Tribute to Professor Des Gorman
A Tribute to Professor Des Gorman After interviewing Des Gorman for Podcast 105, this is what we wrote for the podcast email… “This week we drill down on the knowledge, wisdom and opinion of of Des Gorman, Professor of Medicine in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland. Of course, Covid-19 but we talk about many other matters that affect us all. We discuss science
Leighton Smith Podcast #291 - July 2nd 2025 - Guy Hatchard
Over the last few years there has been much scientific dispute. Climate dominated much of the last forty years, followed and outranked by Covid-19. Both remain very much in the headlines. Science itself has suffered in the battle over truth. "Settled science” is more fallacy than fact. Fortunately, there is an increase in push-back on false or unsubstantiated claims. Guy Hatchard was a senior mana
Leighton Smith Podcast #290 - June 25th 2025 - Ramesh Thakur
Ramesh Thakur has a world of history, literally, in international affairs. He has taught at a number of Universities including Otago and the ANU, Canberra. But his time spent at the United Nations, culminating as an Assistant Secretary General, provides a wealth of knowledge. That makes his comments on Iran, Israel, and Donald Trump a must listen in Podcast 290. And after The Mailroom we offer som
Leighton Smith Podcast #289 - June 18th 2025 - George Friedman
The similarities between Ukraine’s attack on Russian bombers and the Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear sites have been noted. But the parallels don’t stop there. The U.S. is involved in both conflicts and the script for each is flexible on a daily basis. The influence upon each is Donald J Trump. Geopolitical authority George Friedman opines on both wars, employing the theory of geopolitical cycles
Leighton Smith Podcast #288 - June 11th 2025 - Antonia Colibasanu
Romanians are still navigating the difficult path of building democratic institutions and a culture of transparency. At the same time, widespread perceptions of corruption and cronyism have caused many Romanians to see little change from communist leadership. Antonia Colibasanu, a lecturer on International Relations at the Romanian National University, backgrounds Romania’s position and future inf
Leighton Smith Podcast #287 - June 4th 2025 - Patrick Basham
This week we talk with Patrick Basham on President Trump's approval ratings and the Democracy Institute’s latest poll, “Is Trump Fixing America or Breaking it?” Patrick gives a very good analysis on the most critical issues on the planet; Iran and nuclear developments, Ukraine and the drone strike on Russia and the South Korean and Polish elections. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Produce
Leighton Smith Podcast #286 - May 28th 2025 - Nigel Horrocks & Justin Matthews
The rush of technology that is confronting us has gone unnoticed by most of the world’s inhabitants. That is, until now. The moment we, as individuals start to recognise the magnitude of A.I. is likely to rearrange our view of the future: both short and long term. The question is, how do we handle it going forward. Nigel Horrocks and Justin Matthews recently established a Substack, CREATIVE MACHIN
Leighton Smith Podcast #285 - May 21st 2025 - Bryan Leyland & J. R. Bruning
Consulting power supply engineer Bryan Leyland updates us on the dire straits confronting the nation. And why we should be very concerned. We address a second matter of public importance; New Zealand’s Gene Technology Bill fails the public interest transparency test, according to submissions from PSGR (Physicians & Scientists for Global Responsibility). Sociologist J. R. Bruning explains the n
Leighton Smith Podcast #284 - May 14th 2025 - Dr Pierre Kory
Prior to Covid-19, Dr Pierre Kory was an internationally renowned pioneer in the field of critical care ultra-sonography; equally so in other areas of medicine. In 2023 he published “The War on Ivermectin: The medicine that saved millions and could have ended the pandemic." The challenges that were to confront him over the next few years changed his life. He was confronted with deceit,
Leighton Smith Podcast #283 - May 7th 2025 - Nick Cater
Whichever way you look at it, Australia is in political turmoil after the May 3 election. There are plenty of theories as to why, and plenty of propaganda along with accompanying lies. The question is, what’s next? Nick Cater returns to analyse how a government with such a poor record in its first term could eliminate its opposition so decisively. What does it mean to important issues like free sp
Leighton Smith Podcast #282 - April 30th 2025 - Ramesh Thakur
Educated in India and Canada, Ramesh Thakur has had an amazing career as an academic, lawyer and government adviser. He has taught in universities in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore. He offers broad commentary on judicial “adventurism" and growing tyranny, India, Pakistan, China, the U.N. and W.H.O.. His advice on global affairs would unquestionably aid the NZ Government in some of t
Leighton Smith Podcast #281 - April 23rd 2025 - Kurt Schlichter
After a brilliant academic career, graduating with multiple degrees in various subjects, Kurt Schlichter joined the military and served in Operation Desert Storm, the Gulf War and in Kosovo. He co-founded a law firm in Los Angeles in 1994 and has been a freelance writer since 1984. Andrew Breitbart seconded Kurt to help establish Breitbart News and now writes three columns a week for Townhall.com.
Leighton Smith Podcast #280 - April 16th 2025 - Nick Cater
The Australian election on May 3 is just as important as the next New Zealand election in 2026. With the flood of Kiwis who have fled this country as a result of the Ardern devastation, most have moved to Australia. The outflow has been horrific and most of them will not return. Nick Cater covers issues of relevance to any prospective NZ emigrants that could influence how their future is affected.
