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 | 408 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | News CommentaryNewsPolitics | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
In Podcast 351, just in time for the election, Ramesh Thakur covers (almost) the world at the highest level.
France, England, Australia, New Zealand, climate change, socialism, trust, ethics - and how the west is infected and misled by politicians... more
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 welcom... more
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 dedicat... more
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 anal... more
Key Facts
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Recent Guests
Host
Reviews
- Common sense
Great guests. I’ve never heard of any of them but their conversations are such great quality, and I learn so much. One of the most common sense sources of information in New Zealand.
Apple Podcasts5Monz11
New Zealand2 months ago - 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 Podcasts5fiwynneNew Zealand2 years 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
Listeners Say
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #202 |  United Kingdom/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #117 | Australia/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #102 | New Zealand/Top Podcasts |
Apple Podcasts | #2 | New Zealand/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #25 | New Zealand/News |
Apple Podcasts | #27 |  India/News/News Commentary |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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?
Long-form commentary with a seasoned host who explores politics, economics, media, and policy from a contrarian, free-speech-friendly angle. Episodes frequently feature prominent political scientists, economists, and policy thinkers, with deep dives into NZ governance, global geopolitics, and policy trade-offs. The show is characteristically opinionated, well-researched, and emphasizes clear viewpoints, candid storytelling, and audience engagement rather than quick takes. A notable strength is how it pairs historical context with contemporary issues, plus a willingness to challenge mainstream narratives and invite diverse—often provocative—perspectives. This combination makes it appealing to listeners who want thorough analysis, unapologeti... more
Where can I find podcast stats for The Leighton Smith Podcast?
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How many listeners does The Leighton Smith Podcast get?
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How many subscribers and views does The Leighton Smith Podcast have?
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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. Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive
3. Taxpayer Talk
4. The Dom Harvey Podcast
5. Leaders Getting Coffee with Bruce Cotterill
How many episodes of The Leighton Smith Podcast are there?
The Leighton Smith Podcast launched 8 years ago and published 408 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. Shane Jones
2. John Banks
3. Rodney Hide
4. James Allan
5. Alwyn Poole
6. David Schnauer
7. Michael F. Spratt
8. Ashley Church
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.