The Leighton Smith Podcast

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-level surveillance as a condition of online and mobile banking. The customer cannot opt out. They justify it as fraud prevention but go far beyond what is proportionate. And this is only the beginning. We discuss where to after this, and much more. And we dive into The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. 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.

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 time legal practice.   Wolfson is a man of principle, towering over so many who come up short in that department – especially in the political world.   He recounts the background of his resignation from the Boris Johnson Administration, which was a matter of personal conviction.  Also up for discussion was Wolfson’s thoughts on Donald Trump, education, the Middle East, mass migration, and the challenges facing England.   And as always we finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.  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.

Interviewing Stephen Rowe exceeded expectations. He shines as an example of achievement, success and self belief. If you’re looking for someone to model your life on, he’s the ideal candidate. After graduating in 2015, Stephen joined Charlie Kirk’s newly founded Turning Point USA. From there, like a rocket he advanced to one success after another. He has trained more than 24,000 students and leaders in digital strategy and political technology. Artificial intelligence is a specialty. There is so much more in this interview. And we finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. 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.

In 1971, the US dollar was backed by gold. That is until President Richard Nixon disestablished that relationship.  Since then, the US dollar has lost 87% of its value, meaning that one dollar buys only 12.5% of what it could back then.  These figures were published on Sept 29, 2024. Today it is even worse.  Multi billionaire Warren Buffet described gold as a ‘pet rock’ – good for nothing. Is that a realistic comment?  Its fixed value in 1971 was US$35, it is now in the vicinity of US$4000.  This week we tackle the whys and wherefores of gold with New Zealand Gold Merchants’ Tony Coleman. We look at its commercial value and use, the central banks, the geopolitics, and the trading of it.  And finally, we dive into The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.  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.

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. And, as always, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer 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.

In 2013 Nick Cater published a book called  “The Lucky Culture”. In the intervening years a whole lot has changed, so he is writing a follow-up. And the essay, “Multiculturalism’s Berlin Wall Moment” (Quadrant magazine October edition) is associated with it. The essay covers the assault on western culture, beginning with Pierre Trudeau’s inability to understand the mistake he was making. And so it spread. If you’re wondering “Why State-Mandated Harmony Was Never Going to Work", there are plenty of answers in Podcast 307. And, of course, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer 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.

The US-brokered peace deal saw Hamas release the Israeli hostages on Monday – an event watched by both Israel’s CE Ambassador Alan Roth down in Wellington, and Leighton up in Auckland.  That evening, they joined up over Zoom to analyse the effects of what had taken place over the previous few days.  On Tuesday morning, Geopolitical Futures’ George Friedman approached the milestone with an historic and militaristic perspective.  The two complementary analyses are packed with knowledge and information and not to be missed.  And as always, we end the programme in the Mailroom with Mrs Producer.  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.

Patrick Basham, founder of Democracy Institute in Washington DC, returns in Podcast 305 to analyse the New York mayoralty election. How could the biggest city in a country founded on freedom, be on the verge of electing a marxist muslim as its Mayor? This is a position that is claimed by some to rank second only to the Presidency. Zohran Mamdani looks set to take the mayoralty in the November 4 election. Patrick also discusses other idiocies (of which there are many), in a most enjoyable interview. 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.

“With the advent of postmodernism, the literal definition of truth itself has changed. THE truth has been replaced by MY truth and YOUR truth. Truth has become an opinion, no more important than how you like your steak cooked. In the past, we relied on ethical medical science to lead the way to find THE truth, but is that even possible now?" With the ‘Gene Technology Bill’ still in the hearing stage, Guy Hatchard provides some direction for the undecided. And following the Mailroom with Mrs Producer communication that deserves its own segment. A very good letter from KC Gary Judd in response to our interview with retired barrister Louise Clegg. 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.

There’s a difference between criticising politicians just because you don’t like them, and drawing attention to a politician’s inadequacies when they are failing to deliver. The same applies to a political party. Then there’s the objection to being too negative, and effectively helping the other team win. The team that you disapprove of even more. The problem is, if you don’t express dissatisfaction you encourage mediocrity. From the New Zealand Centre for Political Research Dr Muriel Newman pulls no punches in Podcast 303 And, as always, we appreciate your contribution in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. 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.

To suggest that there is considerable turmoil across the globe is an understatement. “Nature abhors a vacuum” is constantly given new reign. Following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1989, political scientist Francis Fukuyama announced history was dead. His best selling “The End of History and the Last Man” is updated, still in print and nowhere near death. Then in 2018 Fukuyama’s book “Identity” announces that “fragmentation based on alignment of interest into identity groups, has emerged as a new threat to democracy”. On September 3, 2025 retired barrister Louise Clegg wrote an opinion article drawing on all the above, called “Sliding into technocracy”. After thirty years in the legal profession, she guests in Podcast 302. From Nietzsche to Charlie Kirk, it is a worthy discussion. There’s more on the assassination of Charlie Kirk in the Mailroom with Mrs Producer. 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.

Canadian born Law Professor James Allan holds a New Zealand passport and taught at University of Otago for eleven years. He is also an Australian passport holder and professor at the University of Queensland. In this discussion we start with which Anglo based country is doing best in a difficult global climate. We discuss the legacy media (and whether it is broken), judicial activism, the threat of immigration, politicisation of police, and we finish on his views on Israel and Gaza. We visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer, and comment finally on the ugliest crime in America not to get national coverage. 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.

After six weeks north of the Equator, it’s good to be back. "Two years ago, New Zealanders voted for change. Not just a change of government but a change of direction. They were promised fiscal discipline, economic renewal and a productive economy. The New Zealand government has shown it can reform when it wants to. Now it must also reform what matters most: the unsustainable growth in public spending.” This quote came from The Australian (August 28), and it was written by Dr Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the NZ Initiative. In Podcast 300, he provides us with a very good analysis of the challenge facing the NZ economy. We spend the second half of this interview discussing one of the most extraordinary human beings of all time, Leonardo Da Vinci. The reason is explained fulsomely and you’ll understand my enthusiasm as it unfolds. I can only suggest that what you’ll hear provides a greater perspective of the present. And finally, we are back with Mrs Producer and The Mailroom. 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.

Two years ago my son Christian and I recorded an interview in London. Many people commented on it, and many messages requested a repeat. So, under some difficult circumstances we managed it. We have another discussion on whether London is a better place to live…. or otherwise. Next week Mrs Producer returns, along with The Mailroom and reports on our sojourn. 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.

New Zealand’s Big Climate Mistake. This interview with Prof Michael Kelly is full of logic and rationale. A kiwi, Kelly is Professor Emeritus at Cambridge University (coincidentally a place we visited a couple of weeks ago). The interview with Kelly was 200 or so podcasts ago, in number 93. The information he imparts is as relevant now as then. We thought at the time it was a stunning listen; if you haven’t heard it, there is much to learn. Your feedback will be welcomed. 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.

Having recently listened to a few extracts from the last interview we had with Tom Harrington, I was reminded by just how good he is. Tom’s capacity to expose wrong think, and inspire and develop how we do think is hinted in this comment: “That having more educational credentials is no guarantee against the danger of believing in stories that seriously distort our understanding of imperial facts.” He is a very inspirational speaker. 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.

We are on holiday in Europe at the moment. Of course there will be a full account on return. It was almost two years ago that writer and public speaker Lord Hannan was in NZ, and we recorded an interview which provided much food for thought. Having visited the country on numerous occasions, Daniel's opinion on politics and the economy was valid. A couple of years later is a good time to check on his ‘predictions’ as to where several controversial issues might be headed. 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.

Imagine a company that has been pursuing its goal for fifteen years, with mixed progress, if you could call it that. The company, Trans Tasman Resources (TTR) has invested over $85 million toward a deep sea mining project off the South Taranaki Coast. It’s Executive Chairman Alan Eggers is a qualified geologist who gained his degree at Victoria University, Wellington. But it’s not all been plain sailing... Eggers lays it out in a most interesting interview which covers matters political, racial, social and financial, and helps to understand why New Zealand is poorly served in its search for the success it deserves. It just might share some of the reasons the country comes up short in other areas, like infrastructure and health. 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.

Maryanne Spurdle from the Maxim Institute has produced a Discussion Paper "INTERROGATING CHOICE: Euthanasia and the ILLUSION OF AUTONOMY." The UK has announced their intention to lower the voting age to 16. Canada plans to include minors in its Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) advances — even excluding parental knowledge and approval. This follows the established pattern of absurdities in numerous fields: alcohol consumption, sex, driver licensing, education and crime. Is it driven by an illusion of maturity or some manipulative purpose by lowering standards? Maryann Spurdle discusses her Discussion Paper on Podcast 294. And we wind up with the Mail Room and Mrs Producer. 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.

"July 19 is the last day that Member States of the World Health Organisation can withdraw from the IHR amendments (without entering a multi-year withdrawal process). By failing to withdraw, they will be committing their taxpayers to fund the key surveillance aspects of a rapidly expanding industry that is the pandemic industrial complex. The hapless inhabitants of WHO Member States seem to have no real leaders anymore.” This quote by David Bell, former medical officer and scientist at the WHO, relates to the situation in New Zealand. David is also a public health physician and biotech consultant in global health. And we check in to The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. 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.