Salvatore Babones is a quantitative comparative sociologist (explained in the interview), at the University of Sydney.

He is an American living in Australia, and in his most recent book displays his knowledge of India.

The book is "Dharma Democracy; How India Built the Third World’s First Democracy”

He has visited India a number of times and established a relationship with Prime Minister Modi .

We discuss the Free Trade Agreements with both Australia and New Zealand, and present some alternative views on them.

We also expand the conversation to cover a number of other international issues.

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

Salvatore Babones is a quantitative comparative sociologist (explained in the interview), at the University of Sydney.
He is an American living in Australia, and in his most recent book displays his knowledge of India.
The book is "Dharma Democracy; How India Built the Third World’s First Democracy”
He has visited India a number of times and established a relationship with Prime Minister Modi .
We discuss the Free Trade Agreements with both Australia and New Zealand, and present some alternative views on them.
We also expand the conversation to cover a number of other international issues.
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 #337 - July 15th 2026 - Salvatore Babones

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/6241b23c-42da-4ba4-923b-b48701769fd6/transcript