Ramesh Thakur has a world of history, literally, in international affairs.

He has taught at a number of Universities including Otago and the ANU, Canberra.

But his time spent at the United Nations, culminating as an Assistant Secretary General, provides a wealth of knowledge.

That makes his comments on Iran, Israel, and Donald Trump a must listen in Podcast 290.

And after The Mailroom we offer some thoughts on multiculturalism.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz

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Listen here on iHeartRadio



Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
To subscribe via iTunes click here

Ramesh Thakur has a world of history, literally, in international affairs.
He has taught at a number of Universities including Otago and the ANU, Canberra.
But his time spent at the United Nations, culminating as an Assistant Secretary General, provides a wealth of knowledge.
That makes his comments on Iran, Israel, and Donald Trump a must listen in Podcast 290.
And after The Mailroom we offer some thoughts on multiculturalism.
File your comments and complaints at <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="mailto:Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/personal-finance/news/article.cfm?c_id=12&amp;objectid=12148425" target="_blank">Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.</a>
Listen here on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-leighton-smith-podcas-30246213/" target="_blank">iHeartRadio</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-leighton-smith-podcas-30246213/" target="_blank"></a>
Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click <a rel="noopener" href="https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-leighton-smith-podcast/id1445358795" target="_blank">here</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-leighton-smith-podcast/id1445358795?mt=2" target="_blank"></a>

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!

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!

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.

The Leighton Smith Podcast

Leighton Smith Podcast #290 - June 25th 2025 - Ramesh Thakur

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/1b199dd4-e040-4dd2-92ae-b30700282dd2/transcript

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 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

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.&nbsp;“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.&nbsp;But you may be tempted…
And we visit the Mailroom with Mrs Producer.
File your comments and complaints at <a href="mailto:Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz">Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz</a> OR <a href="mailto:Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz">Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/personal-finance/news/article.cfm?c_id=12&amp;objectid=12148425" target="_blank">Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.</a>
Listen here on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-leighton-smith-podcas-30246213/" target="_blank">iHeartRadio</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-leighton-smith-podcas-30246213/" target="_blank"></a>
Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click <a rel="noopener" href="https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-leighton-smith-podcast/id1445358795" target="_blank">here</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-leighton-smith-podcast/id1445358795?mt=2" target="_blank"></a>

Leighton Smith Podcast #343 - September 2nd 2026 - Michael F. Spratt

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e30bbf4e-d758-4479-a9d5-b4b8016980a2/transcript

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 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

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,) &nbsp;journalism, and the coming election.
And we visit the Mailroom with Mrs Producer.
File your comments and complaints at <a href="mailto:Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz">Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz</a> OR <a href="mailto:Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz">Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/personal-finance/news/article.cfm?c_id=12&amp;objectid=12148425" target="_blank">Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.</a>
Listen here on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-leighton-smith-podcas-30246213/" target="_blank">iHeartRadio</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-leighton-smith-podcas-30246213/" target="_blank"></a>
Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click <a rel="noopener" href="https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-leighton-smith-podcast/id1445358795" target="_blank">here</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-leighton-smith-podcast/id1445358795?mt=2" target="_blank"></a>

Leighton Smith Podcast #342 - August 26th 2026 - Ashley Church

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a689272b-1cc0-4edc-82c0-b4b2001c3aec/transcript

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 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

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.&nbsp;
Back next week with episode #342.
File your comments and complaints at <a href="mailto:Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz">Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz</a> OR <a href="mailto:Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz">Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/personal-finance/news/article.cfm?c_id=12&amp;objectid=12148425" target="_blank">Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.</a>
Listen here on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-leighton-smith-podcas-30246213/" target="_blank">iHeartRadio</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-leighton-smith-podcas-30246213/" target="_blank"></a>
Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click <a rel="noopener" href="https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-leighton-smith-podcast/id1445358795" target="_blank">here</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-leighton-smith-podcast/id1445358795?mt=2" target="_blank"></a>

Leighton Smith Podcast - August 19th 2026 - Shane Jones

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/6eacaf82-3040-456e-a41a-b4aa0189197c/transcript

Leighton Smith Podcast #290 - June 25th 2025 - Ramesh Thakur

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