To suggest that there is considerable turmoil across the globe is an understatement.

“Nature abhors a vacuum” is constantly given new reign.

Following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1989, political scientist Francis Fukuyama announced history was dead.

His best selling “The End of History and the Last Man” is updated, still in print and nowhere near death.

Then in 2018 Fukuyama’s book “Identity” announces that “fragmentation based on alignment of interest into identity groups, has emerged as a new threat to democracy”.

On September 3, 2025 retired barrister Louise Clegg wrote an opinion article drawing on all the above, called “Sliding into technocracy”.

After thirty years in the legal profession, she guests in Podcast 302.

From Nietzsche to Charlie Kirk, it is a worthy discussion.

There’s more on the assassination of Charlie Kirk in 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

To suggest that there is considerable turmoil across the globe is an understatement.
“Nature abhors a vacuum” is constantly given new reign.
Following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1989, political scientist Francis Fukuyama announced history was dead.
His best selling “The End of History and the Last Man” is updated, still in print and nowhere near death.
Then in 2018 Fukuyama’s book “Identity” announces that “fragmentation based on alignment of interest into identity groups, has emerged as a new threat to democracy”.
On September 3, 2025 retired barrister Louise Clegg wrote an opinion article drawing on all the above, called “Sliding into technocracy”.
After thirty years in the legal profession, she guests in Podcast 302.
From Nietzsche to Charlie Kirk, it is a worthy discussion.
There’s more on the assassination of Charlie Kirk in 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>

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 #302 - September 17th 2025 - Louise Clegg

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/2c643e53-9450-4657-910e-b35b0027b145/transcript

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