Leighton Smith Podcast - Best Of: Anthony O’Brien - December 18th 2024

Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2024. One of the best and most interesting interviews we’ve done. Tony O’Brien was born and raised in New Zealand. His life has followed a fascinating path, working in Australia, Britain, Canada, Hungary and bey…

Leighton Smith Podcast #269 - December 11th 2024 - Tony Astle

We can’t think of a better way to finish the year. The legendary Antoine’s Restaurant in Parnell is now a memory. The Chef was a virtuoso who would have succeeded anywhere in the world. Instead the world came to 333 Parnell Rd. During its nigh on 50 years, Antoine’s suffered numerous crises, dic…

Leighton Smith Podcast #268 - December 4th 2024 - Nick Cater

Australian journalist and author Nick Cater has been a guest on numerous occasions, beginning on radio in 2013. Not having spoken for a year, we caught up on Thanksgiving Eve while he was in New York. The plan was to discuss Australia’s pros and cons (of which there are many), for the benefit of …

Leighton Smith Podcast #267 - November 27th 2024 - David Seymour

The Treaty Principles Bill isn’t responsible for the racial and political ructions confronting New Zealand. It has more to do with a lack of courage and political leadership by previous administrations. We start the discussion with David Seymour at the beginning and follow the events that threate…

Leighton Smith Podcast #266 - November 20th 2024 - Dr Michael Johnston

Education in NZ has long been controversial. It’s not incorrect to suggest that a Labour Education Minister has an easier task than a more ‘conservative’ party minister (i.e. National’s Merv Wellington in the 1980’s.) Similar circumstances apply in other countries. Donald Trump returns to the Pre…

Leighton Smith Podcast #265 - November 13th 2024 - David Bell

Since 2020, the W.H.O. has orchestrated and condoned one of the most devastating assaults on individual and societal health the world has seen. At the behest of highly conflicted sponsors, this international bureaucracy promoted policies that overwhelmingly harmed the world’s disadvantaged. Lacki…

Leighton Smith Podcast #264 - November 7th 2024 - Patrick Basham

When we wound up our election day discussion, I suggested to Patrick Basham that we do a follow up "if warranted". It was warranted in multiples, so around midnight on election night we recorded the interview for 264. There is insight that you won’t hear elsewhere. Have a listen. And following we …

Leighton Smith Podcast #263 - November 6th 2024 - Professor Nigel Biggar and Patrick Basham

The Free Speech Union is proving its worth with a number of successful international speakers to New Zealand. The latest is Professor Nigel Biggar, who amongst a number of contributions to the cause wrote “The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill 2021". He proved to be a most interesting, in…

Leighton Smith Podcast #262 - October 30th 2024 - Bryan Leyland and Christian Smith

Power supply issues are challenging much if not most of the world - why? Could it be the recklessness of net zero? Power engineer Bryan Leyland expresses serious concern, as shortages translate into higher prices. At the same time, Australia is talking increasingly about Nuclear power - shouldn’t…

Leighton Smith Podcast #261 - October 23rd 2024 - Judge Anthony Willy

An insidious phenomenon has become widely evident around the western world, and it is alive and well in New Zealand.  The attack has been against every institution that props up the pillars of our democratic freedom. Retired Judge Anthony Willy justifies his accusations (from his essay “Blowing I…