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 | 405 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | News CommentaryNewsPolitics | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
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
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 Co... more
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 A... more
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)”. more
Key Facts
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Recent Guests
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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 | #96 | Australia/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #108 | New Zealand/Top Podcasts |
Apple Podcasts | #1 | New Zealand/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #23 | New Zealand/News |
Apple Podcasts | #74 |  India/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #111 |  Singapore/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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What are the audience demographics for The Leighton Smith Podcast?
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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. The Dom Harvey Podcast
3. The Front Page
4. The Detail
5. Sunday Morning
How many episodes of The Leighton Smith Podcast are there?
The Leighton Smith Podcast launched 8 years ago and published 405 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact The Leighton Smith Podcast?
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What guests have appeared on The Leighton Smith Podcast?
Recent guests on The Leighton Smith Podcast include:
1. Rodney Hide
2. Alwyn Poole
3. David Schnauer
4. Michael F. Spratt
5. Ashley Church
6. Shane Jones
7. Bill Francis
8. Dallas Gurney
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.