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The Leighton Smith Podcast

Newstalk ZB
New Zealand
Covid-19
Climate Change
Donald Trump
Education
Public Health
Australia
Judicial Activism
Democracy
Iran
Israel
Artificial Intelligence
Immigration
World Health Organization
Education System
United States
Free Speech
Ukraine
United Nations
Treaty Of Waitangi

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!

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes393Founded8 years ago
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Latest Episodes

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

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 Jo... more

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 argu... more

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 Paulin... more

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Recent Guests

Dr. Ramesh Thakur
Professor, author of Chapter 25 in Canary in a Climate World
Australian National University
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #332 - June 10th 2026 - Dr Ramesh Thakur
Barry Soper
A veteran political commentator and author of One Last Question, Prime Minister
Media (Newstalk ZB)
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #331 - June 3rd 2026 - Barry Soper
Thorsten Polleit
German economist, Austrian School, author of The Global Currency Plot
Independent economist
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #330 - May 27th 2026 - Thorsten Polleit
Leonard Hong
Economist and commentator with a background in politics and international business
New Zealand political economy analyst; former NZ Initiative contributor
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #329 - May 20th 2026 - Leonard S. Hong
Oliver Hartwich
Executive Director of the New Zealand Initiative
New Zealand Initiative
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #328 - May 13th 2026 - Oliver Hartwich
Rodney Hide
Former New Zealand politician, ACT New Zealand; former leader of ACT NZ
ACT New Zealand
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #326 - April 29th 2026 - Rodney Hide
Lars Schernikau
Energy economist, entrepreneur, commodity trader and author
Independent energy expert
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #324 - April 15th 2026 - Lars Schernikau
Louise Clegg
Regular contributor to public discussions; author of Sliding into Technocracy
Sydney Institute / public discourse platforms
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #322 - April 1st 2026 - Louise Clegg
Robert MacCulloch
Professor, former employee of The Reserve Bank of New Zealand
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (former); Professor (economics)
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #319 - March 11th 2026 - Robert MacCulloch

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 673 ratings
  • 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 Podcasts
    5
    fiwynne
    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 Podcasts
    5
    marnotton
    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 Podcasts
    5
    Lairennnnnnn
    New 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 Podcasts
    5
    avoman157
    New Zealand3 years ago
  • Dull

    Very dull podcast by a jaded ex talkback hack. Don’t waste your time.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Gareth_Hodson
    New Zealand3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise balanced, well-researched guest selections and probing questions.
Showcases high-caliber guests and insightful policy analysis.
Some listeners view the show as highly opinionated and contrarian, which appeals to core supporters but can polarize others.
A few critiques mention tempo or repetition issues between episodes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Leighton Smith Podcast #335 - July 1st 2026 - Muriel Newman
Q: What are Muriel Newman's thoughts on the fast-track planning process and iwi participation?
She argues that fast-track processes have been manipulated by cultural rights claims, leading to delays and inflated compensation demands, and she calls for removing special iwi agreements and ensuring projects are judged on merit.
Leighton Smith Podcast #333 - June 17th 2026 - Dr George Friedman
Q: If Trump had not acted, what circumstances would exist today that could be undesirable?
He argues that without action, the risk of a nuclear-armed Iran would be higher and the strategic balance with the US and its allies could deteriorate, potentially leading to harsher or more prolonged conflict later, whereas action may lead to a critical but narrow window for negotiation.
Leighton Smith Podcast #333 - June 17th 2026 - Dr George Friedman
Q: At what point would you say this particular cycle is at then?
Friedman explains that we are at the high point of a long cycle of upheaval that will gradually ease, with a turning point around the midterm elections; the broader process of reconstruction and change will unfold over the next several years.
Leighton Smith Podcast #327 - May 6th 2026 - David Bell
Q: What is the biggest hurdle to achieving these reforms?
Money and vested interests are the primary obstacles, along with a workforce dependent on the current funding ecosystem, making it difficult to push for meaningful reform.
Leighton Smith Podcast #327 - May 6th 2026 - David Bell
Q: How do you rectify leadership at the WHO given concerns about governance and funding?
The discussion suggests decentralization, downsizing, avoiding tied funding, and potentially creating alternative regional health organizations to prevent dominance by a few funders, while stressing the need for accountability and evidence-based policy.

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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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. The Winston Marshall Show
3. The Brendan O'Neill Show
4. TRIGGERnometry
5. John Anderson: Conversations

How many episodes of The Leighton Smith Podcast are there?

The Leighton Smith Podcast launched 8 years ago and published 393 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. Dr. Ramesh Thakur
2. Barry Soper
3. Thorsten Polleit
4. Leonard Hong
5. Oliver Hartwich
6. Rodney Hide
7. Lars Schernikau
8. Louise Clegg

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