The Leighton Smith Podcast

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!

The Leighton Smith Podcast is a news podcast hosted by Newstalk ZB, with 397 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Newstalk ZB hosts The Leighton Smith Podcast, a news show with 397 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  The Leighton Smith Podcast

  Leighton Smith Podcast - August 19th 2026 - Shane Jones

  Aug 18, 202644 min

  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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  The Leighton Smith Podcast

  Leighton Smith Podcast #341 - August 12th 2026 - 100 Years of ZB

  Aug 11, 20261h 35m

  With the celebration of 100 years of broadcasting from 1ZB, we have devoted Podcast 341 to three interviews with the station's past and present management: Bill Francis, Dallas Gurney & Jason Winstanley. Over the years there have been many moments of drama, humour… and sometimes chaos. Find out how a successful radio station ticks behind the scenes. There’s input into today’s political drama from our once National Party MP. As usual, 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.

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  The Leighton Smith Podcast

  Leighton Smith Podcast #340 -August 5th 2026 - Patrick Basham

  Aug 4, 20261h 32m

  Let’s be honest, there’s a lot going on in the world - so much so that it’s difficult to keep pace. Take America for example. A transformation is underway that has not yet been fully recognised for what it is or what it could become. The same may be said of Australia, England, much of Europe and beyond. If that sounds exaggerated, then this week's discussion with Patrick Basham will be of interest. The days of “that will never happen here”, wherever ‘here’ may be - are drawing to a close. As usual, 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.

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  The Leighton Smith Podcast

  Leighton Smith Podcast #339 - July 29th 2026 - Don Brash

  Jul 28, 20261h 15m

  Worries about the outcome emerge in almost every election. This 2026 election has much of the constituency concerned about a result that could lead to the end of the country as we know it. Don Brash, arguably the best Reserve Bank Governor we’ve known, voices his thoughts on the matters he believes are most important. He talks about our appallingly slow productivity growth - and on the country’s GDP per capita. He also reflects on house prices, the long term outlook for government debt, and foreign policy . And he rates the present government on its effectiveness. As usual, 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.

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  The Leighton Smith Podcast

  Leighton Smith Podcast #338 - July 22nd 2026 - Sarah Irving-Stonebraker

  Jul 21, 20261h 24m

  In our culture today there is a strange set of attitudes toward history. On one hand there’s a highly politicised approach to the past, in which people care passionately about history’s symbols and what they represent. And on the other hand, we know less than ever about history. We have largely ceased to think of ourselves as historical beings; "the past has nothing to teach us”. Associate Professor of History, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker rationalises the value of history and how it can improve our approach to life. 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.

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