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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Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
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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>
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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

In 1971, the US dollar was backed by gold. That is until President Richard Nixon disestablished that relationship. 

Since then, the US dollar has lost 87% of its value, meaning that one dollar buys only 12.5% of what it could back then. 

These figures were published on Sept 29, 2024. Today it is even worse. 
 
Multi billionaire Warren Buffet described gold as a ‘pet rock’ – good for nothing. Is that a realistic comment? 

Its fixed value in 1971 was US$35, it is now in the vicinity of US$4000. 
 
This week we tackle the whys and wherefores of gold with New Zealand Gold Merchants’ Tony Coleman. We look at its commercial value and use, the central banks, the geopolitics, and the trading of it. 

And finally, we dive into The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. 

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

In 1971, the US dollar was backed by gold. That is until President Richard Nixon disestablished that relationship.&nbsp;
Since then, the US dollar has lost 87% of its value, meaning that one dollar buys only 12.5% of what it could back then.&nbsp;
These figures were published on Sept 29, 2024. Today it is even worse.&nbsp; &nbsp; Multi billionaire Warren Buffet described gold as a ‘pet rock’ – good for nothing. Is that a realistic comment?&nbsp;
Its fixed value in 1971 was US$35, it is now in the vicinity of US$4000.&nbsp; &nbsp; This week we tackle the whys and wherefores of gold with New Zealand Gold Merchants’ Tony Coleman. We look at its commercial value and use, the central banks, the geopolitics, and the trading of it.&nbsp;
And finally, we dive into The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.&nbsp;
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>

Leighton Smith Podcast #309 - November 5th 2025 - Tony Coleman

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/605622f5-b37a-48de-84d4-b38c00037bf7/transcript

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.

And, as always, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer

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

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, &nbsp;pharmacists, doctors and other professionals expose harm and loss caused by a seriously misguided response”.
Clancy doesn’t pull his punches — &nbsp;he’s articulate, honest and even entertaining. There is much to learn from his commentary, both past &nbsp;and future.
And, as always, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer
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>

Leighton Smith Podcast #308 - October 29th 2025 - Professor Robert Clancy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/9fd7e196-ca6e-45c0-9683-b3840187e712/transcript

In 2013 Nick Cater published a book called  “The Lucky Culture”.

In the intervening years a whole lot has changed, so he is writing a follow-up.

And the essay, “Multiculturalism’s Berlin Wall Moment” (Quadrant magazine October edition) is associated with it.

The essay covers the assault on western culture, beginning with Pierre Trudeau’s inability to understand the mistake he was making. And so it spread.

If you’re wondering “Why State-Mandated Harmony Was Never Going to Work", there are plenty of answers in Podcast 307.

And, of course, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer

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

In 2013 Nick Cater published a book called &nbsp;“The Lucky Culture”.
In the intervening years a whole lot has changed, so he is writing a follow-up.
And the essay, “Multiculturalism’s Berlin Wall Moment” (Quadrant magazine October edition) is associated with it.
The essay covers the assault on western culture, beginning with Pierre Trudeau’s inability to understand the mistake he was making. And so it spread.
If you’re wondering “Why State-Mandated Harmony Was Never Going to Work", there are plenty of answers in Podcast 307.
And, of course, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer
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>

Leighton Smith Podcast #307 - October 22nd 2025 - Nick Cater

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/34925a2b-1c0a-47e1-825b-b37d0152a8a1/transcript

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

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