George Friedman, from Geopolitical Futures guested on Podcast 318, five weeks ago.

As the Iran war has developed into a longer and much more serious event, it was appropriate to muster his knowledge and expertise for an update.

Knowing that there were threats for ever greater expansion of the conflict, we endeavoured to cover different results for each possibility.

We take a look at energy shortage and policy failure, and critique AI.

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

George Friedman, from Geopolitical Futures guested on Podcast 318, five weeks ago. As the Iran war has developed into a longer and much more serious event, it was appropriate to muster his knowledge and expertise for an update. Knowing that there were threats for ever greater expansion of the conflict, we endeavoured to cover different results for each possibility. We take a look at energy shortage and policy failure, and critique AI. 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>
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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 #323 - April 8th 2026 - George Friedman

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/bbe89c9d-9493-4fa1-9670-b426002eca28/transcript