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>

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 #326 - April 29th 2026 - Rodney Hide

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