As Leighton is on a short break, for this week's episode we dig into the archives for a repeat of his interview with NZ First Deputy Leader Shane Jones from earlier in the year. 

Back next week with episode #342.

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

As Leighton is on a short break, for this week's episode we dig into the archives for a repeat of his interview with NZ First Deputy Leader Shane Jones from earlier in the year.&nbsp;
Back next week with episode #342.
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 - August 19th 2026 - Shane Jones

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/6eacaf82-3040-456e-a41a-b4aa0189197c/transcript

In podcast 349 we continue our series featuring long-serving politicians who know the game inside out, and have a real contribution to make.

This week we chat with political veteran John Banks on politics and principles for living.

He has dedicated most of his life to politics, devoting a lengthy term to Parliament in Wellington and to the Mayoralty of Auckland.

His contribution this week includes some of his personal political adventures — offering some much needed reality checks to the uninitiated.

And, of course, 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 podcast 349 we continue our series featuring long-serving politicians who know the game inside out, and have a real contribution to make.
This week we chat with political veteran John Banks on politics and principles for living.
He has dedicated most of his life to politics, devoting a lengthy term to Parliament in Wellington and to the Mayoralty of Auckland.
His contribution this week includes some of his personal political adventures — offering some much needed reality checks to the uninitiated.
And, of course, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.
File your comments and complaints at&nbsp;<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>

Leighton Smith Podcast #349 - October 14th 2026 - John Banks

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4982cbf0-a7f6-4cc0-b703-b4e20172efe3/transcript

When we arranged the interview with ex politician Rodney Hide, we didn’t preplan a list of issues.

That could have led to an early conclusion.

Instead we breezed through two hours with ease. That evolved into two separate podcasts, including analysis of the election and its major implications for New Zealand.

Also, there is separate commentary on the U.S. Supreme Court and climate change, with billions at stake.

While Europe seems intent on self-destruction, the European progressives look to New York's mayor for strategies for institutional survival .

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

When we arranged the interview with ex politician Rodney Hide, we didn’t preplan a list of issues.
That could have led to an early conclusion.
Instead we breezed through two hours with ease.&nbsp;That evolved into two separate podcasts, including analysis of the election and its major implications for New Zealand.
Also, there is separate commentary on the U.S. Supreme Court and climate change, with billions at stake.
While Europe seems intent on self-destruction, the European progressives look to New York's mayor for strategies for institutional survival .
And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.
File your comments and complaints at&nbsp;<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>

Leighton Smith Podcast #348 - October 7th 2026 - Rodney Hide (Part 2)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ca431a91-c48d-4d5f-ab44-b4db0147b47b/transcript

Rodney Hide entered Parliament as a list member of the ACT Party in 1996.

He became ACT Leader in 2004, and following the 2008 election he was appointed Minister for three portfolios; Local Government, Regulatory Reform and Associate Minister of Commerce.

His degrees in science and economics lent credibility to his commentary in other fields like climate change.

It has been interesting following his philosophical journey since leaving parliament in 2011.

And ...for the first time we talked for two full hours.

As a result we have split the wide ranging discussion into two podcasts… part two next week.

And we finish up in 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

Rodney Hide entered Parliament as a list member of the ACT Party in 1996.
He became ACT Leader in 2004, and following the 2008 election he was appointed Minister for three portfolios; Local Government, Regulatory Reform and Associate Minister of Commerce.
His degrees in science and economics lent credibility to his commentary in other fields like climate change.
It has been interesting following his philosophical journey since leaving parliament in 2011.
And ...for the first time we talked for two full hours.
As a result we have split the wide ranging discussion into two podcasts… part two next week.
And we finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.
File your comments and complaints at&nbsp;<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>

Leighton Smith Podcast #347 - September 30th 2026 - Rodney Hide (Part 1)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/65858d3b-9b94-435e-bcf1-b4d4017b5c6d/transcript

Leighton Smith Podcast - August 19th 2026 - Shane Jones

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