The Leighton Smith Podcast

Prior to Covid-19, Dr Pierre Kory was an internationally renowned pioneer in the field of critical care ultra-sonography; equally so in other areas of medicine. In 2023 he published “The War on Ivermectin: The medicine that saved millions and could have ended the pandemic." The challenges that were to confront him over the next few years changed his life. He was confronted with deceit, corruption, threats and dismissal. Now, the tide has turned. Finally, we pay a visit 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.

Whichever way you look at it, Australia is in political turmoil after the May 3 election. There are plenty of theories as to why, and plenty of propaganda along with accompanying lies. The question is, what's next? Nick Cater returns to analyse how a government with such a poor record in its first term could eliminate its opposition so decisively. What does it mean to important issues like free speech, taxation, defence, climate, energy supply and the cost of living? And we visit 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.

Educated in India and Canada, Ramesh Thakur has had an amazing career as an academic, lawyer and government adviser. He has taught in universities in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore. He offers broad commentary on judicial “adventurism" and growing tyranny, India, Pakistan, China, the U.N. and W.H.O.. His advice on global affairs would unquestionably aid the NZ Government in some of their misguided ideas. We share a medical professional's submission to the second Covid Inquiry, and we visit 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.

After a brilliant academic career, graduating with multiple degrees in various subjects, Kurt Schlichter joined the military and served in Operation Desert Storm, the Gulf War and in Kosovo. He co-founded a law firm in Los Angeles in 1994 and has been a freelance writer since 1984. Andrew Breitbart seconded Kurt to help establish Breitbart News and now writes three columns a week for Townhall.com. And all that is only part of the story. As always, the mailroom with Mrs Producer. And some words on dignity & mass migration from Pope Francis sent shortly before he died, to the Bishops of America. Was he right? 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 Australian election on May 3 is just as important as the next New Zealand election in 2026. With the flood of Kiwis who have fled this country as a result of the Ardern devastation, most have moved to Australia. The outflow has been horrific and most of them will not return. Nick Cater covers issues of relevance to any prospective NZ emigrants that could influence how their future is affected. Following the Mailroom we address developments in science and climate that should influence present and future governments in NZ; that is if they really care for the country's 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.

The term “lawfare” is getting plenty of attention; basically it represents the corruption that's becoming more widespread in the courtrooms of the Western world. Judicial activism and the politicisation of the law and legal system makes for a duo of issues that need addressing by the legislatures of countries which are the targets of the misuse of such activities. In what we think is a very productive discussion on a number of current democracy headwinds, Professor James Allan is arguably better than ever. We share a commentary on tariffs that cuts to the core intent of Trumps actions, and we visit 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.

Matt Margolis is an independent author of books and editorial opinion. His first successful book was “The Worst President in History”. We talk at length about judicial activism and its proliferation, and other broader issues. We share the opinions of Ramesh Thakur and Kurt Schlichter, along with some very good correspondence 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.

On March 16, the New York Times published “We Were Badly Mislead About The Event That Changed Our Lives”. It reports that 77 Nobel Laureates and 31 scientific societies were involved in the cover up that included deliberately planning to mislead journalists. (Actually, the NYT can be accused of failing to do its job). Guy Hatchard analyses what really took place in New Zealand and elsewhere under the heading of "A strange mental illness is spreading via infected information networks". It's a most revealing discussion. Also we comment on “The climate scam is over”; a ground breaking study using AI to debunk the man-made climate crisis narrative. Who would've thought. (Michael Mann is getting destroyed every which way)! And the Mailroom with Mrs Producer is excellent. 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.

Dr Michael De Percy is a Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Canberra. He graduated from both the Australian National University and the Royal Military College, Duntroon. He was also appointed to the Australian Research Council's College of Experts in 2022. Sound interesting? I can only say that if he'd been my lecturer at ANU, I might well have chosen a different career path. We have an excellent Mailroom with Mrs Producer and finish with a critique of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, courtesy of Amy Brooke. 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.

Ex-politician Rodney Hide is fighting a battle. It began a couple of years ago, and it continues today. It involves the 'Relationship and Sexuality Education Curriculum' being taught in his daughter's school. It's actually taught in all schools. Rodney is not the only parent unhappy about what's being taught, but he stands almost alone in trying to address it. To him it is a matter of principle. But we also discuss other matters- the RBNZ and Adrian Orr, Luxon and the National party, economic growth, and more. And we wind up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Roguski is a fighter for what he regards as the truth. He is a researcher, author, natural health proponent and activist. Three years ago, Roguski uncovered documents regarding proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations and contributed to them being rejected. But the battle goes on. The WHO, mRNA, and other controversial areas are his concern. Controversial, yes, but worth listening to. We contribute information you're unlikely to hear elsewhere on Trump, Zelenskyy, and the Oval Office debacle. And we visit 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 unforeseen arrangements between China and the Cook Islands have induced greater interest in South Pacific geopolitics than we can ever remember. How we deal with this surprise confrontation will be fascinating to observe. One thing is obvious; the Kiwi's “benign strategic environment” has had its feathers ruffled. In 2019 George Friedman published “The Storm Before The Calm”, which suggested the sort of events we are now experiencing. George Friedman guests on Podcast 273. And, as ever, we round up with 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.

New Zealand and the Cook Islands agreements require regular consultation on defence and security issues. But the Cooks have just signed a secret partnership with China, catching the NZ government unawares. If that's not bad enough, there is a second cause for major concern. It includes our Parliamentary Sovereignty, ownership of the entire NZ coastline and an activist Supreme Court indulging its collective ego. Muriel Newman, an ex MP (nine years) and the founder of the New Zealand Centre for Political Research (NZCPR.com), discusses the threats and dangers to the Parliament's position as the country's ultimate lawmaker. And on the subject of courts, we catch up with Michael Connett, the lawyer who fought and won against the EPA (the Environment Protection Agency) over compulsory fluoridation. Whatever your thoughts on the subject, it's a David and Goliath tale. And we visit 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.

Peter Boghossian resigned from his position as Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Portland State University, where he had taught for ten years. He left under pressure. His letter of resignation is on his website, and is compulsory reading. It is entitled, “My University Sacrificed Ideas for Ideology”. We interviewed him first in 2015. He now travels a great deal, gives speeches frequently, and writes and is published on numerous outlets. Let us know what you think of the interview, 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.

It's no secret that New Zealand is confronted with numerous and problematic issues. There is a common belief that leadership is a major cause of those problems. And not just political leadership; it is widespread. There is a weakness that can only be confronted by strength of character and a determination that is in short supply. Deputy Leader of NZ First, Shane Jones provides “character” that may not please some, but is worthy of consideration by those who come up short of requirements. And, after the Mailroom with Mrs Producer, we consider a couple of those matters. 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 2024. He began his tertiary education at the University of Auckland, continued it at London School of Economics and Princeton University, He was Director of the PhD Program at Imperial College London. He has been awarded numerous prizes along the way, and returned to NZ twelve years ago. He is Professor of Macroeconomics at Auckland University and publishes widely, including his own site, Down To Earth Kiwi. And in spite of his career success he appears modest, but with the ability and intent to ruffle feathers. This was a wide ranging and very enjoyable discussion. 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 2024. Ramesh Thakur is well known to this audience; he has appeared on the Leighton Smith Podcast more than once. There was much to catch up on. His views on the world and its various parts are substantiated by life experience. He taught at a number of universities including Otago and ANU Canberra and Rector at the U.N. University. He was also an assistant Sec-Gen of the U.N. As a result his commentary on world issues is superb. 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 2024. Dr Paul Marik belongs to a group of physicians who have devoted their lives to their patients survival, and effectively been punished for it. How can a man with a reputation as the “most published and influential clinician and researcher in critical care medicine in the United States" be forced from his career? 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 2024. The legal fraternity in this part of the world is delighted at the Supreme Court's decision on Smith v Fonterra. But not everyone feels that way. In his inevitable style, Professor James Allan critiques the decision and the direction a collection of un-elected ex-lawyers are “usurping power to themselves at the expense of the elected branches of government”. As a specialist in constitutional law, Jim is in his element. We also spend words on SCOTUS and Trump. An important and essential commentary. 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 2024. An insidious phenomenon has become widely evident around the western world, and it is alive and well in New Zealand. The attack has been against every institution that props up the pillars of our democratic freedom. Retired Judge Anthony Willy justifies his accusations (from his essay “Blowing In the Wind”, NZCPR.com). It's an important document that should be studied in every school. 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 2024. Since 2020, the W.H.O. has orchestrated and condoned one of the most devastating assaults on individual and societal health the world has seen. At the behest of highly conflicted sponsors, this international bureaucracy promoted policies that overwhelmingly harmed the world's disadvantaged. Lacking any contrition, the W.H.O. is now seeking increased public funding through misrepresentation of risk and return on investment to entrench this response. The past, present and future of the World Health Organisation, addressed with David Bell, former medical officer and scientist at the W.H.O. And is Shane Jones right to be concerned about New Zealand's participation? 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 2024. One of the best and most interesting interviews we've done. Tony O'Brien was born and raised in New Zealand. His life has followed a fascinating path, working in Australia, Britain, Canada, Hungary and beyond in a variety of capacities. In his work he "did not have a plan, just took advantage of opportunities as they presented." He is intelligent, articulate and successful but also modest. We discuss many different aspects of NZ's current circumstances and issues, starting with education. You will be encouraged! 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 can't think of a better way to finish the year. The legendary Antoine's Restaurant in Parnell is now a memory. The Chef was a virtuoso who would have succeeded anywhere in the world. Instead the world came to 333 Parnell Rd. During its nigh on 50 years, Antoine's suffered numerous crises, dictated by stock market crashes, business trends and government changes. But then came Covid, accompanied by a juvenile govt. One night Antione's closed, without notice, and never reopened. The story of Tony and Beth Astle, partners in business and in life, contains excitement, love, success, and sadness, but lots of laughs. We finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. Thank you so much for all your correspondence. Have a wonderful Christmas, and we will be back with you in the New Year. 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.

Australian journalist and author Nick Cater has been a guest on numerous occasions, beginning on radio in 2013. Not having spoken for a year, we caught up on Thanksgiving Eve while he was in New York. The plan was to discuss Australia's pros and cons (of which there are many), for the benefit of intending migrants. There is something of a diaspora from NZ at the moment. As usual it was a relaxed but informative interview. We make commentary on Auckland Transport and the medical profession and the frustrations therein. And we visit 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 Treaty Principles Bill isn't responsible for the racial and political ructions confronting New Zealand. It has more to do with a lack of courage and political leadership by previous administrations. We start the discussion with David Seymour at the beginning and follow the events that threaten the country's future. The ultimate questions might be what sort of a country do we want to live in, and are we mature enough to take a good look at it? And we finish up with 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.

Education in NZ has long been controversial. It's not incorrect to suggest that a Labour Education Minister has an easier task than a more ‘conservative' party minister (i.e. National's Merv Wellington in the 1980's.) Similar circumstances apply in other countries. Donald Trump returns to the Presidency with intent to eliminate the Department of Education and return the responsibility to the States. There are some valid reasons for doing so. Are there lessons for other countries? Dr Michael Johnston has been consulting NZ Education Minister Erica Stanford. After years of experience, most recently at Victoria University, Wellington, Michael is now with the NZ Initiative. His podcast contribution is very informative. Following the Mailroom there is further comment on other matters, including AI and democracy. 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.

Since 2020, the W.H.O. has orchestrated and condoned one of the most devastating assaults on individual and societal health the world has seen. At the behest of highly conflicted sponsors, this international bureaucracy promoted policies that overwhelmingly harmed the world's disadvantaged. Lacking any contrition, the W.H.O. is now seeking increased public funding through misrepresentation of risk and return on investment to entrench this response. The past, present and future of the World Health Organisation, addressed with David Bell, former medical officer and scientist at the W.H.O. And is Shane Jones right to be concerned about New Zealand's participation? Finally, we visit 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.

When we wound up our election day discussion, I suggested to Patrick Basham that we do a follow up "if warranted". It was warranted in multiples, so around midnight on election night we recorded the interview for 264. There is insight that you won't hear elsewhere. Have a listen. And following we have included comment from elsewhere that is worthy of a hearing. Oh, and at the last second we received an email headed “Most accurate US presidential election pollster” ! 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 Free Speech Union is proving its worth with a number of successful international speakers to New Zealand. The latest is Professor Nigel Biggar, who amongst a number of contributions to the cause wrote “The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill 2021". He proved to be a most interesting, informative and entertaining guest. Patrick Basham provided exit poll numbers from his Democracy Institute and the Daily Express. And we visit 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.

Power supply issues are challenging much if not most of the world - why? Could it be the recklessness of net zero? Power engineer Bryan Leyland expresses serious concern, as shortages translate into higher prices. At the same time, Australia is talking increasingly about Nuclear power - shouldn't we? Meanwhile, a Telegraph article in London suggests that the young are fleeing Britain. Christian Smith updates his views on life in the old country. We attend to aspects of the Presidential election, and visit 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.

An insidious phenomenon has become widely evident around the western world, and it is alive and well in New Zealand. The attack has been against every institution that props up the pillars of our democratic freedom. Retired Judge Anthony Willy justifies his accusations (from his essay “Blowing In the Wind”, NZCPR.com). It's an important document that should be studied in every school. We have comment on the Presidential election, with only two weeks to go. And we visit 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.

“Who Makes the Law? Reining in the Supreme Court”. This report by Roger Partridge, lawyer and Chairman of the NZ Initiative, challenges the Supreme Court's overreach or activism in recent cases and the constitutional implications. Judicial activism is in a word, dangerous for democracy. This is a most important matter and it needs the attention of Parliament. And we venture 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.

This week we have responded to enquiries as to whether Patrick Basham will make a return before the Presidential election He brings some new polling numbers from Democracy Institute, along with his exceptional analysis. We proffer our thoughts on multiculturalism, and share what we have in common with Jeremy Clarkson. And we delve 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.

Two years ago, in podcast 151, we interviewed Ashley Rindsberg on “The Gray Lady Winked”, his book critiquing the New York Times. At the time he was domiciled in Israel. The interview was peppered with the occasional sound of rockets. With the recent outbreak of conflict, talking with Rindsberg again was an obvious decision. We visit a very good Mailroom this week with Mrs Producer. Thanks, as always, to all of you who contribute. 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.

Dr Paul Marik belongs to a group of physicians who have devoted their lives to their patients survival, and effectively been punished for it. How can a man with a reputation as the “most published and influential clinician and researcher in critical care medicine in the United States" be forced from his career? And we introduce a simple but useful addition to the podcast, after 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.

Kamala Harris, the Democrat contender for the U.S. presidency was the most socialist member of the Senate. Further left than Bernie Sanders, she has more recently been tagged a Marxist. But is she? In fact, what is she? That is the most asked question amongst undecided voters. For answers, who better to consult than a Professor of Marxism. Michael Rectenwald was a devout Marxist until he saw the light and recanted. After guesting on podcasts in 2021 & 2022, Rectenwald returns to give us answers to the above, and what a Harris administration would be like. 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 Sir John Graham Lecture 2024 guest speaker was Professor Nicholas Aroney, from the University of Queensland. The speech was entitled “The Compass of Character”. It explored law, education and religion, and their roles in the formation of character. In a most interesting conversation we covered the talk and, amongst other things, the threat on democracy. There's a brief analysis of Kamala Harris and yet another great 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.

New Zealand men and women are being encouraged to pay attention to the court decision in the case of “Tickle v Giggle”. Why be interested in a comedic sounding Australian judge's decision? Well, the ruling has been labelled “dystopian" and "distorting key concepts of sex and discrimination, while dodging Australia's human rights obligations vis a vis women. If unchallenged this decision would set a dangerous precedent”. New Zealand is in danger of falling into the same human rights trap. The incomparable Professor James Allan analyses the Tickle case as only he can.  And as always, we finish 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.

“Without an anchor in biological reality, laws based on 'sex' become meaningless and justice cannot be served.” So wrote evolutionary biologist Colin Wright.  Jill Ovens, National Secretary and Co-Leader of the Women's Rights Party, responds to the ruling of an Australian Judge that sex is changeable in a case involving ‘gender identity'. And common-sense rules mightily in her favour. Plus, exactly five years to the day after we interviewed Behnam Ben Taleblu on the Middle East, Iran in particular, he returns with much insight into the current crisis – or should that be crises.  As always, Mrs Producer joins us in 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.

Last Friday Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the new Chief of the Human Rights Commission. As always, there will be disagreement over the appointment. Dr Stephen Rainbow brings broad experience to the task before him. Controversy is no stranger. After an hour of discussion, you'll have a good idea of Rainbow's stance on some critical issues that, like it or not, influence the society in which we live. We make comment on corporate involvement in social activism; for example, "diversity, equity and inclusion”, which has become a minefield for companies. And we visit 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.

Robert MacCulloch has a resume to be envied. He began his tertiary education at the University of Auckland, continued it at London School of Economics and Princeton University, He was Director of the PhD Program at Imperial College London. He has been awarded numerous prizes along the way, and returned to NZ twelve years ago. He is Professor of Macroeconomics at Auckland University and publishes widely, including his own site, Down To Earth Kiwi. And in spite of his career success he appears modest, but with the ability and intent to ruffle feathers. This was a wide ranging and very enjoyable discussion. And we finish of with 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.

Over the last few years, three men (two New Zealanders and a South African) have researched the “science” of global warming. They are not “climate scientists”, rather they are laymen. Unrestricted by career threats, they published “CLIMATE ACTUALLY, AND SOME TAKEAWAYS'. They are now about to release volume two. Further details are in the interview with retired geologist Andrew Hollis. Separately, we talk electricity supply, and the crisis we face with consulting engineer Bryan Leyland, who has experience in all aspects of the power industry. And we visit 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.