Leighton Smith Podcast #352 - November 4th 2026 - Guy Hatchard

“Almost all the political parties competing for our vote in November have put up a united front pretending that the health crisis is solely due to mismanagement and lack of resources. This shows a complete misunderstanding of the depth of the crisis and its timing, which coincided with the vaccine…

Leighton Smith Podcast #351 - October 28th 2026 - Ramesh Thakur

In Podcast 351, just in time for the election, Ramesh Thakur covers (almost) the world at the highest level.  France, England, Australia, New Zealand, climate change, socialism, trust, ethics - and how the west is infected and misled by politicians, and others. And, of course, we visit The Mailro…

Leighton Smith Podcast #350 - October 21st 2026 - Shane Jones

In Podcast 350,  the NZ First Deputy Leader presents the case for both himself and the party. Even Mr Jones confesses the he can be a little aggressive at times. Or as he puts it,  “brutal at times”. However, honest communication is always welcome and constructive. His manner of delivery always …

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

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…

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

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…

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

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…

Leighton Smith Podcast #346 - September 23rd 2026 - Jim Allan

Prof. James Allan is a highly respected thinker, speaker, debater and a man of intelligence and knowledge. He is also an accomplished author and columnist. Canadian born and educated, he taught law at Otago University for eleven years, moved to ANU Canberra and then to a prestigious position at t…

Leighton Smith Podcast #345 - September 16th 2026 - Alwyn Poole

Alwyn Poole; Education & More. “The first point on how to improve all things education in NZ is that, so long as any government thinks that they are the podium of truth in this area, they will fail and all improvements will be marginal (at best)”. This was written by educational consultant Alwyn …

Leighton Smith Podcast #344 - September 9th 2026 - David Schnauer

New Zealand once ranked among the world’s most prosperous nations. Not any longer. Armed with experience in both Law and Economics, retired lawyer David Schnauer spent a year writing “UNCOMFORTABLE ECONOMICS”. His purpose; to show that New Zealand’s underperformance is fixable. He challenges bo…

Leighton Smith Podcast #343 - September 2nd 2026 - Michael F. Spratt

After a casual visit to New Zealand, this small American family couldn’t forget it. Mike and his wife went home, sold up everything and moved here. It’s a journey of discovery, heartbreak, redemption and triumph. They were told they were on a fool’s errand; that the standards they set were finan…