The Leighton Smith Podcast

On the podcast this week - 
Some details of the much awaited decision in the case of Mann v Ball.    
American Michael Mann of hockey stick infamy sued Canadian Dr Tim Ball for libel in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. A fascinating case.
We discuss teacher’s pay and why some teachers should be paid a lot more.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce and the ‘flying shame’ stupidity.
Iran is one of the most politically sensitive countries on the planet. I speak to Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies.
And Carolyn joins in with feedback as always.
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It is always intriguing how stories align. How coincidence plays a role in life.
For instance there was a New Zealand education story on Sunday, followed by an Australian story on Monday followed by a……well, it’s all in the podcast this week.
Prisoners voting. Here we go again chasing our collective tail.
And we talk with Currency Wars author James (Jim) Rickards about his new book Aftermath, Seven Secrets of Wealth Preservation in the Coming Chaos. A must listen.
And as always, some feedback with Carolyn.
Get in touch: [email protected]
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 the podcast this week -
Jeffrey Epstein is everywhere in the media, we take a closer look.
We also talk gun laws, climate change (of course) and one or two other matters.
We also talk to Jacob Shapiro from Geopolitical futures about China, and the connection with Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand.
And Carolyn with feedback as always.
Get in touch: [email protected]
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 this weeks podcast:Apologies for this week's podcast arriving a little later than you maybe expected it to be.I wanted to hear the Reserve Bank’s OCR and pass comment. You may disagree but you can always email me why.Two mass murders in the United States within a short space of time has elevated the gun debate yet again. That discussion in all its rawness will prevail until the next election.Ihumatao is the focus of discussion with historian Michael Bassett. Michael was on the Waiting Tribunal when this particular claim arose.Carolyn, Mrs Producer, brings some good feedback.And, an analyses of news, who decides what constitutes news, from what angle, perspective and bias.

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On the podcast this week -
Ihumatao, what’s it all about? Winston Peters says it’s not another Bastion Point, some say it’s a 'family’ squabble, or is it a legal matter?
Cometh the hour, cometh the man: Will Boris match my expectations? So far it’s happy trails!
‘Portia Faces Life’. Or Not? So who’s Portia? Find out.
I’ve had a number of requests to bring back Jonathan Urlich. So – he’s back. A semi-retired investment banker with over 30 years’ experience in global macro data points and commentary.
And Mrs Producer with your feedback.
Get in touch: [email protected]
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 the podcast this week —
Crazy suggestions from Treasury regarding how to deal with a tragic economy, if and when.
Helicopter money! As in print more and give it away. If we reach that point then we’ll all be reaching for the bottle. Or Panadol, AND lots of it.
The Middle East is sparking yet again. One day it will boil over. Let’s hope that day is not yet here but nerves are starting to stretch.
And the quote I employed a couple of weeks back, “The very idea that we can stop climate change is barking mad” comes from an article written by a retired NZ lecturer in geology.
And he has plenty more to say as well. David Shelley is our interview of the week. Listen carefully.
And of course Carolyn aka Mrs Producer with feedback.
Get in touch: [email protected]
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 the podcast this week —
There is plenty of discussion globally about the state of the world. Politics, economy, housing, migration legal and especially otherwise, and of course climate.
I say it’s a MAD world and explain why. And in explaining why it’s only scratching the surface.
Auckland has been poorly governed for some years and the Council election is upon us. For those living in the zone it is good news that  there will be another mayoral candidate.
John Banks spells out his reasons for standing (well, he’s considering) and what needs addressing. 
If you're not an Auckland inmate you’ll still be interested in what he has to say.
And of course Carolyn aka Mrs Producer with feedback.
Get in touch: [email protected]
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 the podcast this week, you can applaud or hiss as we have commentary on:
- Electric Vehicle subsidies vs real cars punishment. Assistant Transport Minister, Julie Ann Genter, who announced the Government policy on restricting freedom ever further
- Trump’s lack of decorum for which he is constantly criticised - why that maybe is a good thing.
- We pay tribute to a great journalist
And we also hold discussion with  journalist/writer/columnist Miranda Devine, who writes aggressively but is actually very nice - unless you’re a socialist.
As always, there’s feedback with Carolyn aka Mrs Producer.Remember, when it’s over and you wish there was more, you can listen again!
Get in touch: [email protected]
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.

I’ve always liked Alan Duff. Well, as close to always as I remember. He’s got guts, courage and determination. He doesn’t pull punches.
And it’s been a while since I talked to him. Alan’s new book, A Conversation With My Country, gave us the chance. The discussion runs for forty minutes but I wasn’t watching the clock. 
For those who are unfamiliar with Duff, let me introduce you.
There was so many other matters that I ended up passing them on to next week’s podcast, but I do get stuck into plastic bags and manipulating green activists, and a couple of other topics.
There’s also some good feedback. Feel free to write, comment, critique, politely or otherwise.
Get in touch: [email protected]
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’s podcast sees the return of George Friedman. Much to discuss, especially the geopolitics of Donald Trump.
Israel Folau - the subject will not go away. In fact, it has taken on a whole new and bigger perspective.
Boris Johnson; is Max Hastings right in his criticism? Uh, no; make that attempted total demolition.
And a little more climate.
Get in touch: [email protected]
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.