The Leighton Smith Podcast
Newstalk ZBAfter 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!
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 396 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | News CommentaryNewsPolitics | |||
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Latest Episodes
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... more
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 kn... more
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 k... more
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 Democra... more
Key Facts
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Reviews
- Love this podcast
Great podcast. Learn so much and Leighton has a great style when interviewing. He lets the guest speak without interrupting and covers a wide range of topics. Definitely worth listening to.
Apple Podcasts5fiwynne
New Zealanda year ago - The battle for humanity continues
As of 25/9 Leighton Smith brings excellent international & local speakers every week on his podcast from a broad range of disciplines. He brings the best out of his guests, raises provocative issues, is well researched & actually discusses subjects intelligently and I cannot thank him enough for all he does!
Dr Marik from FLCCC today was particularly prescient visiting NZ with other eminent dissenting Drs like Angus Dalgliesh, lawyers & freedom oriented professionals for lectures in Christchurc... more
Apple Podcasts5marnotton
Australia2 years ago - Vital information for all free thinking citizens!
I look forward to this every week. I’ve learnt a great deal and found some essential websites and books to further my education. I am so happy to have discovered this podcast and regularly share episodes with friends. Spread the word!
Apple Podcasts5LairennnnnnnNew Zealand2 years ago - Balanced viewpoint
I have listened to Leighton for more than 20 years, of course this is because I am on the same side of his opinions. However what makes the show stand out for me, is the fact he does take on opposite views. And while it is on occasion an echo chamber, the fact Leighton will Liston to both sides of a story and sometimes come to a different conclusion, shows the balance of opinion.
Apple Podcasts5avoman157New Zealand3 years ago - Dull
Very dull podcast by a jaded ex talkback hack. Don’t waste your time.
Apple Podcasts1Gareth_HodsonNew Zealand3 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #230 |  United Kingdom/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #249 | Australia/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #177 | New Zealand/Top Podcasts |
Apple Podcasts | #3 | New Zealand/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #24 |  Indonesia/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #35 | New Zealand/News |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Leighton Smith Podcast
What is The Leighton Smith Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This show leans into opinionated, policy-focused conversation anchored by a long-running NZ broadcaster. Episodes routinely feature high-profile policy analysts, politicians, economists, and geopolitical thinkers delving into governance, health, energy, and global affairs through a skeptical, free-market lens. Noteworthy is a willingness to challenge mainstream narratives with deep-dive interviews, historical context, and long-form discussions that often critique institutions, policy processes, and media coverage. Listeners likely value direct, well-sourced critique, practical implications for public policy, and perspectives that question status quo narratives. This mix of rigorous analysis and provocative guests makes it a strong pick for ... more
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How many listeners does The Leighton Smith Podcast get?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Leighton Smith Podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Leighton Smith Podcast:
1. The Mike Hosking Breakfast
2. Between Two Beers Podcast
3. Shared Lunch
4. Leaders Getting Coffee with Bruce Cotterill
5. Taxpayer Talk
How many episodes of The Leighton Smith Podcast are there?
The Leighton Smith Podcast launched 8 years ago and published 396 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on The Leighton Smith Podcast?
Recent guests on The Leighton Smith Podcast include:
1. Don Brash
2. Sarah Irving-Stonebraker
3. Salvatore Babones
4. JR Bruning
5. Dr. Ramesh Thakur
6. Barry Soper
7. Thorsten Polleit
8. Leonard Hong
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