The Leighton Smith Podcast

Depending on perspective, it’s not difficult to agree with George Friedman’s interpretations of “how the world turns”. I first met George in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1983 where he was a Professor at the United States War College. It was instantly obvious that the professors knowledge in his field was second to none. George’s most recent book “The Storm Before the Calm” (2020) set the stage for the era we are now navigating. This interview with Dr Friedman on the current Middle East crisis is one of our best discussions of how, when, where and why such events happen and how they play out. Whether or not you agree, the founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures is at his best. 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having spent two weeks in Australia, post New Year, Leighton & Carolyn are pleased to be home. Sydney was sweltering as is the political scenery. Nevertheless a good time was had. Now it’s back to business for 2026, the eighth year of the podcast. Interestingly there was much inquiry about two politicians by our Australian media friends; Shane Jones & Erica Stanford. So we begin the year, as we did in ’25 with Shane Jones, Deputy Leader of New Zealand First. He’s not shy about being honest, at times brutally so. As usual Mrs Producer joins the Mailroom followed by some intelligent comment by Gary Judd KC. 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2025. Emeritus Professor Robert Clancy is a leading Australian immunologist and pioneer in the field of mucosal immunology. He is known for his research and development of therapies for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as emphysema. “Covid through our eyes”, edited by Robert Clancy, explains how Australian governments and health systems complied with instructions from the USA, to enrich multi-national drug companies. “Immunologists,  pharmacists, doctors and other professionals expose harm and loss caused by a seriously misguided response”. Clancy doesn’t pull his punches — he’s articulate, honest and even entertaining. There is much to learn from his commentary, both past  and future. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2025. Ramesh Thakur has a world of history, literally, in international affairs. He has taught at a number of Universities including Otago and the ANU, Canberra. But his time spent at the United Nations, culminating as an Assistant Secretary General, provides a wealth of knowledge. That makes his comments on Iran, Israel, and Donald Trump a must listen. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.