Depending on perspective, it’s not difficult to agree with George Friedman’s interpretations of “how the world turns”.

I first met George in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1983 where he was a Professor at the United States War College.

It was instantly obvious that the professors knowledge in his field was second to none.

George’s most recent book “The Storm Before the Calm” (2020) set the stage for the era we are now navigating.

This interview with Dr Friedman on the current Middle East crisis is one of our best discussions of how, when, where and why such events happen and how they play out.

Whether or not you agree, the founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures is at his best.

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

Depending on perspective, it’s not difficult to agree with George Friedman’s interpretations of “how the world turns”.
I first met George in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1983 where he was a Professor at the United States War College.
It was instantly obvious that the professors knowledge in his field was second to none.
George’s most recent book “The Storm Before the Calm” (2020) set the stage for the era we are now navigating.
This interview with Dr Friedman on the current Middle East crisis is one of our best discussions of how, when, where and why such events happen and how they play out.
Whether or not you agree, the founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures is at his best.
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>
<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 #333 - June 17th 2026 - Dr George Friedman

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c2dc9082-0a14-4b92-93d5-b46c001b6d24/transcript