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The Leighton Smith Podcast

The Leighton Smith Podcast

By: Newstalk ZB
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About this listen

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!2026 Newstalk ZB
Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Leighton Smith Podcast #318 - March 4th 2026 - George Friedman
    Mar 4 2026

    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.

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Leighton Smith Podcast #317 - February 25th 2026 - Jim Allan
    Feb 25 2026

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Leighton Smith Podcast #316 - February 18th 2026 - Dr Mike Schmidt
    Feb 18 2026

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 13 mins
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then make it Leighton Smith. after that, Matt Walsh. then Jason Rantz . then Ben Shapiro.

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