In our culture today there is a strange set of attitudes toward history.

On one hand there’s a highly politicised approach to the past, in which people care passionately about history’s symbols and what they represent.

And on the other hand, we know less than ever about history.

We have largely ceased to think of ourselves as historical beings; "the past has nothing to teach us”.

Associate Professor of History, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker rationalises the value of history and how it can improve our approach to life.

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

In our culture today there is a strange set of attitudes toward history.
On one hand there’s a highly politicised approach to the past, in which people care passionately about history’s symbols and what they represent.
And on the other hand, we know less than ever about history.
We have largely ceased to think of ourselves as historical beings; "the past has nothing to teach us”.
Associate Professor of History, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker rationalises the value of history and how it can improve our approach to life.
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 #338 - July 22nd 2026 - Sarah Irving-Stonebraker

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/210a9f15-ef04-4fbd-ba8b-b48f002831d5/transcript