The Leighton Smith Podcast

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 Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

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 Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

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 Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

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 Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

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 Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast #326 - April 29th 2026 - Rodney Hide 29.04.2026 1h 37min

I’ve known Rodney Hide for a long time; through his career in politics and beyond. I’ve seen changes in his life, both personal and professional. He is still making adjustments, because he’s a man who pursues philosophy and knowledge, and isn’t afraid of making corrections. It’s been over a year since we did a podcast. Our pre interview chat led to a story that then opened a wide ranging discussion. We included politics and politicians, A.I.,the economy, Anzac relevance, the Middle East and Trump. And, of course, at the end of it all, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast #325 - April 22nd 2026 - Guy Hatchard 21.04.2026 1h 29min

"The science behind the risk of myocarditis following mRNA vaccination’, "A wake up call - The adverse health effects of forever genetic compounds” and "Biotech cannot be allowed a right to secrecy”. These are all commentaries by Guy Hatchard PhD, published in the month of April.  And after the failure of the Royal Commission on Covid-19, where to from here? As he observes; “You can’t help but conclude that there has been a massive failure of individual and collective intelligence”. Answers and analysis in a fulsome discussion with Guy Hatchard. And we finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast #324 - April 15th 2026 - Lars Schernikau 15.04.2026 1h 12min

It is no exaggeration to say that New Zealand has a major energy crisis.  Energy policy is at the base of everything. Energy is only about 6% to 8% of GDP but without energy, there is no GDP.  Energy is the economy and "if you don’t have everything right we are running into big trouble in every single area.”  If you think coal is bad and the Greens should be running the country, you need to be dispelled of that thought with Energy Economist Dr Lars Schernikau in this weeks interview. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast #323 - April 8th 2026 - George Friedman 08.04.2026 1h 13min

George Friedman, from Geopolitical Futures guested on Podcast 318, five weeks ago.As the Iran war has developed into a longer and much more serious event, it was appropriate to muster his knowledge and expertise for an update.Knowing that there were threats for ever greater expansion of the conflict, we endeavoured to cover different results for each possibility.We take a look at energy shortage and policy failure, and critique AI.And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast #322 - April 1st 2026 - Louise Clegg 01.04.2026 1h 22min

“The phrase ‘unintended consequences’ rarely passes the lips of our most senior lawyers, judges, or academics. Like many in the professional classes, lawyers have become cheerleaders for most fashionable progressive causes, abandoning the caution and prudence that once defined the discipline. Worse, they have become enforcers - shutting down dissenting voices inside and outside the profession”. Damning words from retired barrister Louise Clegg. We cover a multitude of issues in a revealing interview; one of which may surprise you. We take a look at other matters, including climate change. No, the science is not settled. And we check into The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast #321 - March 25th 2026 - Ramesh Thakur 25.03.2026 1h 33min

"The Right to Health Sovereignty concludes that the restoration of trust in international health governance depends onrediscovering the moral foundations of medicine and public health, and the sovereign responsibility of the nation state. An International Health Organisation built on sovereignty and ethics would preserve the benefits of cooperation while upholding the freedoms of individuals and nations.” So says Ramesh Thakur as he presents the case for transition from WHO to IHO. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast #320 - March 18th 2026 - Patrick Basham 18.03.2026 1h 42min

In the 13 years since I first interviewed Patrick Basham, Director of the Democracy Institute in Washington DC, he has shown himself to be an outstanding analyst and commentator. He is erudite on many fronts. His opinions on the war with Iran may not please you. But whether you’re a Trump supporter or a critic, his rationale is provocative. Don’t miss it. And we finish up in The Mailroom with your correspondence and Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast #319 - March 11th 2026 - Robert MacCulloch 11.03.2026 1h 12min

The recent announcement by the Reserve Bank focused on the availability of cash and ATM’s, and commercial bank branches. The Reserve Bank is currently seeking feedback on these possible changes from the public. Professor Robert MacCulloch, (who once worked at the Reserve Bank), is forthright in his commentary. His thoughts on cash, CBDC’s, and privacy versus government control are invaluable. As are your thoughts in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast #318 - March 4th 2026 - George Friedman 04.03.2026 1h 14min

Media around the world has been engrossed with reporting, speculating, and arguing the case over the war with Iran.   While it may have been ‘out of the blue’ for many, the conflict came as no surprise to those following the developments in the Middle East.  George Friedman, Chairman and Founder of Geopolitical Futures, exploits knowledge he’s accumulated over decades, providing his opinion on why US President Donald Trump made the decision to attack Iran.  He provides the answers others can’t.  And as always, we visit the mailroom with Mrs Producer.   File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast #317 - February 25th 2026 - Jim Allan 25.02.2026 1h 32min

For some considerable time, in countries with judicial systems like New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the U.S., the senior courts have been expanding their power. Professor Jim Allan was commissioned to write an appraisal of a new 600+ page book for a U.S. law journal. In summary, he concluded what one Supreme Court has been doing is “bonkers; flat out judicial supremacy”. This is a book for anyone interested in the law and politics. We also share comment on a range of current troublesome issues. And we go to The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast #316 - February 18th 2026 - Dr Mike Schmidt 18.02.2026 1h 13min

There are numerous approaches to management: Legacy, Ideological, Corporate, and Political Management. These combine to produce a system that cannot sustain long-term strategies. “Cultivation Management is the alternative.” According to Dr Mike Schmidt, it is also the approach that Christopher Luxon needs to adopt to retain his Prime Ministership. And then there’s the question; can Mr Luxon afford to bypass the advice Schmidt has to offer? Advice that is equally applicable to most other forms of management. You can decide for yourself. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast #315 - February 11th 2026 - Shane Jones 11.02.2026 1h 4min

Having spent two weeks in Australia, post New Year, Leighton & Carolyn are pleased to be home. Sydney was sweltering as is the political scenery. Nevertheless a good time was had. Now it’s back to business for 2026, the eighth year of the podcast. Interestingly there was much inquiry about two politicians by our Australian media friends; Shane Jones & Erica Stanford. So we begin the year, as we did in ’25 with Shane Jones, Deputy Leader of New Zealand First. He’s not shy about being honest, at times brutally so. As usual Mrs Producer joins the Mailroom followed by some intelligent comment by Gary Judd KC. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast - Best Of: James Bovard - February 4th 2026 03.02.2026 1h 13min

Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2025. James Bovard is a Libertarian Journalist and Author. Thirteen books published. In his first ’The Farm Fiasco’ (1989) he referenced NZ as a world leader in farming. In 1994 came ‘Lost Rights; The Destruction of American Liberty’ We interviewed in April 2021 re Covid. Now thirty years after Lost Rights, comes ‘Last Rights; The Death of American Liberty”. We arranged the interview moments before the 1st Presidential Debate. Between the book and the political crisis in the U.S. there was never a dull moment. And he’s quite amusing. Bovard is a “character”! File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast - Best Of: Dr Robert Clancy - January 28th 2026 27.01.2026 1h 12min

Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2025. Emeritus Professor Robert Clancy is a leading Australian immunologist and pioneer in the field of mucosal immunology. He is known for his research and development of therapies for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as emphysema. “Covid through our eyes”, edited by Robert Clancy, explains how Australian governments and health systems complied with instructions from the USA, to enrich multi-national drug companies. “Immunologists,  pharmacists, doctors and other professionals expose harm and loss caused by a seriously misguided response”. Clancy doesn’t pull his punches — he’s articulate, honest and even entertaining. There is much to learn from his commentary, both past  and future. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.

Leighton Smith Podcast - Best Of: John Alcock - January 21st 2026 20.01.2026 1h 1min

Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2025. John Alcock updates us on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC’s) after the groundwork he laid down eighteen months ago on this podcast. Within the last couple of weeks, two of the biggest NZ Banks have implemented mandatory behavioural and device-level surveillance as a condition of online and mobile banking. The customer cannot opt out. They justify it as fraud prevention but go far beyond what is proportionate. And this is only the beginning. We discuss where to after this, and much more. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz 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.