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The Leighton Smith Podcast

Newstalk ZB
The Leighton Smith Podcast
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400 episodes

  • The Leighton Smith Podcast

    Leighton Smith Podcast #343 - September 2nd 2026 - Michael F. Spratt

    01/09/2026 | 1h 30 mins.
    After a casual visit to New Zealand, this small American family couldn’t forget it.
    Mike and his wife went home, sold up everything and moved here.
    It’s a journey of discovery, heartbreak, redemption and triumph.
    They were told they were on a fool’s errand; that the standards they set were financially suicidal.
    They did it anyway. They planted a vineyard that has beaten the top French wines at their own game.
    The story has this week been published, written by the owner himself. “Forged In Fire” catalogues a journey, a discovery, and the pursuit of perfection. It’s a story of ultimate achievement in New Zealand
    Michael F Spratt guests on Podcast 343.
    P.S. you don’t have to be a wine drinker to appreciate their success. But you may be tempted…
    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.
  • The Leighton Smith Podcast

    Leighton Smith Podcast #342 - August 26th 2026 - Ashley Church

    26/08/2026 | 1h 20 mins.
    In these times it’s difficult to stay updated with the “good, the bad and the ugly.” In this environment it’s easy to be ill-informed.
    Independent commentator Ashley Church has been analysing virtually every issue that affects society and our lives.
    Steeped in a background of politics, economics, business and real estate, he is a talking encyclopaedia.
    We had an interesting discussion on Net Zero, politics, (particularly TOPs appearance,) journalism, and the coming election.
    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.
  • The Leighton Smith Podcast

    Leighton Smith Podcast - August 19th 2026 - Shane Jones

    18/08/2026 | 43 mins.
    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.
  • The Leighton Smith Podcast

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

    12/08/2026 | 1h 35 mins.
    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.
  • The Leighton Smith Podcast

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

    04/08/2026 | 1h 32 mins.
    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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About 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!
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