Patrick Basham, founder of Democracy Institute in Washington DC, returns in Podcast 305 to analyse the New York mayoralty election.

How could the biggest city in a country founded on freedom, be on the verge of electing a marxist muslim as its Mayor?

This is a position that is claimed by some to rank second only to the Presidency.

Zohran Mamdani looks set to take the mayoralty in the November 4 election.

Patrick also discusses other idiocies (of which there are many), in a most enjoyable interview.

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

Patrick Basham, founder of Democracy Institute in Washington DC, returns in Podcast 305 to analyse the New York mayoralty election.
How could the biggest city in a country founded on freedom, be on the verge of electing a marxist muslim as its Mayor?
This is a position that is claimed by some to rank second only to the Presidency.
Zohran Mamdani looks set to take the mayoralty in the November 4 election.
Patrick also discusses other idiocies (of which there are many), in a most enjoyable interview.
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 #305 - October 8th 2025 - Patrick Basham

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/56803b10-6c9a-4665-b2fd-b37000011134/transcript

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

An inventive way to encourage the understanding of the stupidity in New Zealand's governance...&nbsp;
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’. &nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
The novella is meant to entertain but reeks of reality – especially for those who have been challenged by the system.&nbsp;
We also bring to your attention the latest, very significant, information about climate change.&nbsp;
And we end in the mailroom with Mrs Producer. &nbsp;
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 #328 - May 13th 2026 - Oliver Hartwich

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e55c5b7d-2dcc-483c-a2c5-b4490017533a/transcript

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

The International Health Reform Project (IHRP) is aiming to restore a rational framework to the polarised debate surrounding the World Health Organisation (WHO).&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
And as always, we end in the mailroom with Mrs Producer.&nbsp;
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 #327 - May 6th 2026 - David Bell

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e4c2050c-f49a-4ae1-b98a-b44200161d40/transcript

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

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 <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 #326 - April 29th 2026 - Rodney Hide

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/997d27b8-7b9d-4557-9bdf-b43a0189b71f/transcript

Leighton Smith Podcast #305 - October 8th 2025 - Patrick Basham

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