The Leighton Smith Podcast

Epizode

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  Leighton Smith Podcast #345 - September 16th 2026 - Alwyn Poole 16.09.2026 1h 23min

  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 Poole is critical where necessary, but gives praise where warranted.  We reveal  interesting details regarding a new school, a Covid story you won’t have heard before, and we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #344 - September 9th 2026 - David Schnauer 09.09.2026 1h 22min

  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 Schnauer is explicit in his assertions but expands on his ambitions for New Zealands future. And, as usual, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #343 - September 2nd 2026 - Michael F. Spratt 01.09.2026 1h 30min

  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 their own game. The story has this week been published, written by the owner himself. “Forged In Fire” catalogues a journey, a discovery, and the pursuit of perfection. It’s a story of ultimate achievement in New Zealand Michael F Spratt guests on Podcast 343. P.S. you don’t have to be a wine drinker to appreciate their success. But you may be tempted… And we visit the Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #342 - August 26th 2026 - Ashley Church 26.08.2026 1h 20min

  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, politics, (particularly TOPs appearance,)  journalism, and the coming election. And we visit the Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast - August 19th 2026 - Shane Jones 18.08.2026 43min

  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 [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #341 - August 12th 2026 - 100 Years of ZB 12.08.2026 1h 35min

  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 from our once National Party MP. As usual, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #340 - August 5th 2026 - Patrick Basham 04.08.2026 1h 32min

  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. The days of “that will never happen here”, wherever ‘here’ may be - are drawing to a close. As usual, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #339 - July 29th 2026 - Don Brash 29.07.2026 1h 15min

  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 per capita.He also reflects on house prices, the long term outlook for government debt, and foreign policy .And he rates the present government on its effectiveness.As usual, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #338 - July 22nd 2026 - Sarah Irving-Stonebraker 22.07.2026 1h 23min

  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 Professor of History, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker rationalises the value of history and how it can improve our approach to life. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #337 - July 15th 2026 - Salvatore Babones 14.07.2026 1h 25min

  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 discuss the Free Trade Agreements with both Australia and New Zealand, and present some alternative views on them. We also expand the conversation to cover a number of other international issues. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #336 - July 8th 2026 - J R Bruning 08.07.2026 1h 22min

  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 research focus is on the relationship between governance, policy, and the production of scientific and technical knowledge for public good. We cover “New York’s Deal with the Devil”. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #335 - July 1st 2026 - Muriel Newman 01.07.2026 1h 18min

  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) provides Muriel with political insider knowledge. And in Podcast 335 she displays it with full force. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #334 - June 24th 2026 - Nick Cater 24.06.2026 1h 19min

  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 difference it will make to the political landscape. And finally he addresses a most important question; is Australia still the place for Kiwis when they leave New Zealand. His response might surprise you. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #333 - June 17th 2026 - Dr George Friedman 17.06.2026 1h 18min

  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 the era we are now navigating. This interview with Dr Friedman on the current Middle East crisis is one of our best discussions of how, when, where and why such events happen and how they play out. Whether or not you agree, the founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures is at his best. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #332 - June 10th 2026 - Dr Ramesh Thakur 10.06.2026 1h 44min

  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 “Canary in a Climate World: Climate Realism vs the Net Zero Myth,” volume three, his chapter exceeds over 6000 words and exposes eleven shared agendas of Climate Change and Covid. He is at his very best. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #331 - June 3rd 2026 - Barry Soper 03.06.2026 1h 17min

  “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 Merit.  He’s had a long and fascinating career and continues it still as Newstalk ZB’s senior political correspondent.  His book, ‘One Last Question, Prime Minister’, now in its fourth print, was our excuse to have a most enjoyable conversation in episode #331.  And as always, we finish in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.   File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #330 - May 27th 2026 - Thorsten Polleit 27.05.2026 1h 4min

  "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, unpacking the agendas of those who wield political power.  Polleit guests on this episode of the podcast to unpack his stance, and of course, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.   File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #329 - May 20th 2026 - Leonard S. Hong 20.05.2026 1h 26min

  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 many of his friends angry and leaving NZ?  Leonard S. Hong in conversation, discusses New Zealand’s economic malaise, the brain drain to Australia, Singapore’s development model, meritocracy, and the future facing young New Zealanders. And as always, we checked the Mailroom with Mrs Producer, and concluded with climate matters.  File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #328 - May 13th 2026 - Oliver Hartwich 13.05.2026 1h 26min

  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 planning system, consultation requirements, and public service culture.  The novella is meant to entertain but reeks of reality – especially for those who have been challenged by the system.  We also bring to your attention the latest, very significant, information about climate change.  And we end in the mailroom with Mrs Producer.   File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leighton Smith Podcast #327 - May 6th 2026 - David Bell 06.05.2026 1h 32min

  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, discusses in depth what this report means for the WHO and for the future of global health.  We also comment on the country whose energy policies are being slammed as nonsense in a scathing critique, and the similarities with the foolishness in New Zealand.  And as always, we end in the mailroom with Mrs Producer.  File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected] Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.