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The Leighton Smith Podcast

Newstalk ZB
Covid-19
New Zealand
Jerusalem
Government Policy
Public Health
Democracy
Israel
Mandated Medicine
Personal Freedom
Political Landscape
Climate Change
United Nations
Public Trust
Expertise
Jewish War
Titus
Science
James Allan
Education
Simon Sebag Montefiore

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!

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes362Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNews CommentaryNews

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Artwork for The Leighton Smith Podcast

Latest Episodes

Mike Sabin has been a very busy man. He joined the NZ Police in 1996 and was stationed in Auckland and up north.

He specialised in drug enforcement, especially methamphetamine, (otherwise known as P).

He was one of the first specialised Clandesti... more

Dr William Happer is an American physicist, author of 200 plus peer-reviewed scientific papers and co-founder of the CO2 Coalition.

Dr Happer will assure you that there is no climate emergency. If you think otherwise, “you have been misled”.

Happ... more

John Alcock updates us on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC’s) after the groundwork he laid down eighteen months ago on this podcast.

Within the last couple of weeks, two of the biggest NZ Banks have implemented mandatory behavioural and device... more

David Wolfson (Lord Wolfson of Tredegar, KC) is one of the most sought-after commercial Silks at the Bar.

He served as Minister of Justice in the House of Lords between 2020 and 2022, and is now the shadow Attorney General in addition to his full ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

William Happer
Cyrus T. Fogg Professor Emeritus of Physics at Princeton University and founder of the CO2 Coalition
Princeton University
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #313 - December 3rd 2025 - Dr William Happer
Lord David Wolfson KC
A leading barrister and former Minister in the House of Lords.
House of Lords
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #311 - November 19th 2025 - Lord David Wolfson
Stephen Rowe
Program Director at Cato Courses with a focus on individual liberty, free markets, limited government, and peace.
Cato Institute
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #310 - November 12th 2025 - Stephen Rowe
Tony Coleman
Managing Director of New Zealand Gold Merchants
New Zealand Gold Merchants
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #309 - November 5th 2025 - Tony Coleman
Robert Clancy
Emeritus Professor with a focus on infection and the immune response
University of Newcastle
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #308 - October 29th 2025 - Professor Robert Clancy
Alon Roth
Israeli Ambassador with extensive experience in international diplomacy
Israeli Government
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #306 - October 15th 2025 - Alon Roth and George Friedman
Guy Hatchard
A lifelong advocate of food safety and author of 'Your DNA Diet'
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #304 - October 1st 2025 - Guy Hatchard
Dr. Muriel Newman
Founder of the New Zealand Centre for Political Research and former member of parliament with expertise in public policy.
New Zealand Centre for Political Research
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #303 - September 24th 2025 - Muriel Newman
Louise Clegg
Former barrister with over two decades of experience in public law and a columnist
Episode: Leighton Smith Podcast #302 - September 17th 2025 - Louise Clegg

Host

Leighton Smith
Host of a widely-followed podcast providing impactful commentary on a myriad of topics including politics, economics, and social issues. With extensive experience in broadcasting, he engages listeners by dissecting complex themes with clarity and insight.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 665 ratings
  • Love this podcast

    Great podcast. Learn so much and Leighton has a great style when interviewing. He lets the guest speak without interrupting and covers a wide range of topics. Definitely worth listening to.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    fiwynne
    New Zealand9 months ago
  • The battle for humanity continues

    As of 25/9 Leighton Smith brings excellent international & local speakers every week on his podcast from a broad range of disciplines. He brings the best out of his guests, raises provocative issues, is well researched & actually discusses subjects intelligently and I cannot thank him enough for all he does!

    Dr Marik from FLCCC today was particularly prescient visiting NZ with other eminent dissenting Drs like Angus Dalgliesh, lawyers & freedom oriented professionals for lectures in Christchurc... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    marnotton
    Australiaa year ago
  • Vital information for all free thinking citizens!

    I look forward to this every week. I’ve learnt a great deal and found some essential websites and books to further my education. I am so happy to have discovered this podcast and regularly share episodes with friends. Spread the word!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lairennnnnnn
    New Zealanda year ago
  • Balanced viewpoint

    I have listened to Leighton for more than 20 years, of course this is because I am on the same side of his opinions. However what makes the show stand out for me, is the fact he does take on opposite views. And while it is on occasion an echo chamber, the fact Leighton will Liston to both sides of a story and sometimes come to a different conclusion, shows the balance of opinion.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    avoman157
    New Zealand2 years ago
  • Dull

    Very dull podcast by a jaded ex talkback hack. Don’t waste your time.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Gareth_Hodson
    New Zealand2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the insightful discussions and the host's ability to engage with guests without interruption.
There are mixed reviews, with some listeners expressing dissatisfaction with the podcast's direction or style.
Many find the content thought-provoking and essential for understanding complex societal issues.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Leighton Smith Podcast #309 - November 5th 2025 - Tony Coleman
Q: In regard to New Zealand's position on gold, have we discovered more in recent times?
Tony Coleman discusses current mining prospects and the optimism surrounding New Zealand's potential for gold production.
Leighton Smith Podcast #309 - November 5th 2025 - Tony Coleman
Q: Tell me a bit about the founding of New Zealand Gold Merchants. It goes back to your father, if I remember correctly?
Tony Coleman shares its history starting from his father's venture into precious metals in the 1970s amid the boom in silver.
Leighton Smith Podcast #306 - October 15th 2025 - Alon Roth and George Friedman
Q: Can you predict the future of Israel?
Both Roth and Friedman express cautious optimism that change is possible but emphasize the importance of changing education and perceptions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Leighton Smith Podcast #306 - October 15th 2025 - Alon Roth and George Friedman
Q: What are the biggest threats to the peace process succeeding?
Ambassador Roth suggests a multitude of challenges, including the need for Hamas to disarm itself and the ongoing influence of radical groups in the region.
Leighton Smith Podcast #305 - October 8th 2025 - Patrick Basham
Q: If he wins, become the mayor of New York City, what spin-off might there be to other parts of the country?
Other parts of the country will gain benefits in various ways, but cities like Chicago, San Francisco, and Portland could also be encouraged by his policies.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Age Range
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Leighton Smith Podcast

What is The Leighton Smith Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on pressing political and social issues, this podcast features in-depth conversations with experts, analysts, and commentators across various fields. Topics often center around climate science, monetary systems, governance, and cultural discourse, reflecting a strong inclination towards conservative viewpoints. Notable guests include academics, journalists, and professionals sharing their insights on contemporary challenges faced by society, including the impact of policy decisions and public health responses on everyday life. Listeners are treated to a blend of critical analysis and personal stories, making it compelling for those interested in robust discussions that challenge mainstream narratives.

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How many listeners does The Leighton Smith Podcast get?

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How many subscribers and views does The Leighton Smith Podcast have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Leighton Smith Podcast has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Leighton Smith Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Leighton Smith Podcast:

1. The Mike Hosking Breakfast
2. Leaders Getting Coffee with Bruce Cotterill
3. The Property Academy Podcast
4. TRIGGERnometry
5. Taxpayer Talk

How many episodes of The Leighton Smith Podcast are there?

The Leighton Smith Podcast launched 7 years ago and published 362 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Leighton Smith Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on The Leighton Smith Podcast?

Recent guests on The Leighton Smith Podcast include:

1. William Happer
2. Lord David Wolfson KC
3. Stephen Rowe
4. Tony Coleman
5. Robert Clancy
6. Alon Roth
7. Guy Hatchard
8. Dr. Muriel Newman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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