The Leighton Smith Podcast

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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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“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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Patrick Basham returns to The Leighton Smith Podcast with the Democracy Institute’s polling for the 2024 Presidential election, in association with the Daily Express.

Patrick has built a reputation with us as being arguably the most articulate researcher and commentator on electoral matters.

He also answers the question as to whether “diversity, equity and inclusion” is advancing further on its progressive path. Or has the tide turned?

And Ramesh Thakur in part two of our 80 minute interview.

We discuss equity versus equality, human rights, the dangers of a cashless society and Julian Assange (on which he has an interesting position).

And we finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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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.

And finally, we delve into The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Estonia is gifted with the world’s most efficient and balanced tax regime.

Co-founder of the New Zealand Taxpayer’s Union, Jordan Williams suggests our Prime Minister should look seriously at that system for New Zealand.

It’s easy to argue it is way better than what we have.

We have a different perspective on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, from Geopolitical Future’s founder George Friedman.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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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!

Carolyn will be back for podcast 247.

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James Bovard is a Libertarian Journalist and Author. Thirteen books published. In his first ’The Farm Fiasco’ (1989) he referenced NZ as a world leader in farming.

In 1994 came ‘Lost Rights; The Destruction of American Liberty’ We interviewed in April 2021 re Covid.

Now thirty years after Lost Rights, comes ‘Last Rights; The Death of American Liberty”.

We arranged the interview moments before the 1st Presidential Debate.

Between the book and the political crisis in the U.S. there was never a dull moment.

And he’s quite amusing. Bovard is a “character”!

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Leighton is off this week, so we are highlighting one of his favourite guests from the podcast.

Dr Tim Ball Part 2 on the politics behind the climate change alarmism.

As I have said so often, there is new information almost every day, some of it vital. However, it rarely appears in the mainstream media.

Two examples since I spoke with Dr Ball. On September 6, the Secretary General of the World Meteorological Society says he does not accept arguments of climate alarmists that the end of the world is at hand.

Then with no connection to the above, Stanford University’s Dr Patrick Frank published a peer reviewed paper that demonstrates that climate models have no predictive value.

Tim Ball is again the whole podcast.

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Sociologist Jodie Bruning has produced a paper, ‘Don’t Be Mislead - Judging the Risk From Central Bank Digital Currencies in Isolation is a Rookie Mistake’.

That paper is associated with a much bigger, ninety page production, regarding democratic risks that arise when Digital ID’s are coupled with CBDC's.

It’s an area where most of us are ill-informed, which if concerned about your personal sovereignty we should not be.

This is an important issue for all of us.

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The New York Times, the UK Daily Telegraph and the British Medical Journal are just some (if not the most prominent) publications to adjust their thinking and publication regarding the effect of Covid vaccinations.

Guy Hatchard of the Hatchard Report has been one step ahead. It’s a fascinating and informative interview, especially considering what is yet to come.

We reference David Bell’s “Bird Flu, Fear, and Perverse Incentives”, and we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Oliver Hartwitch, from The New Zealand Initiative, discusses the 2024 Budget and why it might take fifteen years to get the New Zealand economy to where it should be.

We look at what Switzerland could teach us, the future of the Tory Party in England, and the Reserve Bank.

We make comment on Trump and “The Lost Generation” a 2009 article in which a psychologist predicted today’s issues.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Manisha Grazula is not just a primary school principal and teacher. She is extraordinary in that role.

The changes she has wrought in her school in Liverpool, Sydney make for an ideal model for almost any school in NZ.

And the return of NZ author A.I.Fabler after the one hour twenty mark, with talk on his book “AGENDA 2060 Book Two, AI and the View from Outer Space”.

This is the future as it happens, a world where Artificial Intelligence and space travel are about to change lives forever.

We make further comment on Digital ID’s, CBDC’s and the WHO.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Muriel Newman and her organisation NZCPR (New Zealand Centre for Political Research) have a long standing campaign to prevent a tribal takeover of NZ’s foreshore and seabed.

With Muriel, we cover the danger to the governance of NZ ie, the Marine & Coastal Area Act, a common electoral role, media, radicalisation and its growth and the danger of a return to the Dark Ages.

Share 240 with as many as you can.

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A sceptical knowledge-seeking society will always welcome controversy, criticism and inquiry, even about ostensibly long-settled ideas.

And free expression plays an indispensable role in society, sorting truth from falsehood.

Jonathan Rauch is a journalist, and author of a number of books.

While a very pleasant interviewee, it will be interesting to see how many of you he will agitate.

We make comment on Pope Francis; again, he is wrong.

Two Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court issue warnings about the state of America.

And once again, we visit The Mailroom.

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We have an extensive interview with David Bell, on the expansion of the World Health Organisation’s powers and influence.

He has worked for twenty years in biotech and international public health in numerous capacities, with over 120 research publications.

David explains why New Zealand, and other countries, should stand their ground and refrain from signing on. It’s a very important discussion.

In Podcast 238 we take a look at crime, Modern Monetary Theory and Law School ridiculousness.

And visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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"Never before has New Zealand faced a constitutional contest like the one being played out right now.” The opening words to “Guns drawn as Waitangi Tribunal tangle whips up storm.”

So began a column from The Australian. We discuss this scenario with retired judge Anthony Willy, and venture that it’s time to ditch the Waitangi Tribunal. But there's more.

Also, separate comment on decline of the West, political and editorial bias in shaping climate science, and senility at the highest level!

Mrs Producer joins the mail-room.

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We received a record number of comments and questions after John Alcock’s discussion on Bitcoin in podcast 234.

So in Podcast 236 he makes a return for a question and answer session and we remind you that this is not a promotion, but an attempt to inform.

After the Wet and Forget sale, we reminisce and discover the benefits of hard work with Rod Jenden.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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In 2007, Documentary maker Martin Durkin produced “The Great Global Warming Swindle”.

With 17 more years of predictions, Durkin has released “Climate: The Movie, The Cold Truth”.

By utilising facts, statistics and some of the world’s leading scientists, Durkin shows why the science is still not settled. (Judge for yourself by searching  the movie title free on line).

UN climate official warns only ’two years’ to save the world from environmental crisis... again.

Finally, we dip into The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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John Alcock has a BSC and MSc from Otago. He also has an LLB from Auckland Uni of Technology.

His time is presently devoted to matters crypto. He talks with us about Bitcoin, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC’s), and the progress by our own Reserve Bank.

What he has to say in podcast 234, needs to be heard by all who care about freedom.

There’s also comment on the approaching age of Neo Feudalism and the “take away” from the last four years.

And finally, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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The Reserve Bank of New Zealand seems intent on establishing itself as WOKE Central, a centre of "diversity, equity and inclusion".

In other parts of the finance industry, there is growing realisation that this DEI is not a good investment.

Dr Mike Schmidt argues that DEI is an ideological program, and we see from numerous examples, both local and international, that the results are mixed and in most industries inappropriate.

It is an informative and enjoyable discussion, finished off with The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Roger L Simon is a writer of books, both fiction and non-fiction.

He was the founding CEO of PJ Media, but he is also a screenwriter of standing, a political commentator and columnist with the Epoch Times.

We talked about his column, “What it Means That We are Not Reading Books”, but it became a wide ranging discussion.

We have commentary on Natan Sharansky and the murder of Alexei Navalny, and Covid: what we should never forget.

And finally, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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The Jim Allan commentary on the NZ Supreme Court’s Smith v Fonterra decision (Podcast 229) encouraged considerable reaction from the 'court of the pen’.

Foremost was correspondence from Gary Judd KC, who not only communicated to us but published a corresponding article in The Law Association’s LawNews.

Gary Judd expands on his views in podcast 231. Even a legal novice will find interest in it.

Elsewhere we have commentary on “saving the planet”, and the New York Democrat endorsing Trump.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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George Friedman, founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures, is in the studio with us this week.

And there’s plenty to discuss; wars and rumours of more wars. Possible peace in Ukraine, Star Wars, politics and crises, and the part New Zealand has to play.

Also, George’s book “The Storm before the Calm” which predicted the 2020’s would be turmoil for America. Are his predictions on target?

And a new analysis of the death of John F Kennedy which, if correct, indicates collusion amongst America’s Agencies.

We have mail from a former MP, and much more in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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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.

Plus we visit the Mailroom with Mrs. Producer.

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Canadian Jonathan Roth, founder of Resource Wars, recently recorded an interview with the former Mossad Chief Efraim Halevy.

He did not get the answers he was expecting.

Roth maintains that "progress and wealth are impossible without resources. All empires rise and fall based upon access to resources.

He provides perspectives on investing, global politics, technology and the future.

We critique NZTA’s plans to restrict citizen's rights to free movement, while simultaneously hitting us in the pocket.

And we visit The Mailroom, with Mrs Producer.

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Bitcoin trail blazed the interest and development of digital money.

As a result, the drive for a cashless society with fiat currency being replaced with CBDCs is being pursued by an increasing number of countries.

Currently, that count is a worrying 130. The ultimate goal is a one world currency.

We discuss all of this with Aaron Day, author of “The Final Countdown, the People’s Last Stand Against Tyranny by Central Bank Digital Currencies”.

We comment on Grant Robertson and his new home at the University of Otago, and how higher education wrecks freedom.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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If, like me, you love venturing into unknown territory and investigating challenges that are essentially beyond us, then here’s a question..

As we know, time goes forward, but can it go back?

Physicist Tom Sheahen explains how to expand human thinking and step up to a higher plane of understanding.

It is a challenging but most interesting interview.

You may not agree with all he says, but, in the words of Albert Einstein, “I want to know God’s thoughts, the rest are details”.

We ruminate over free speech and the Christchurch Call and democracy as our saviour.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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After six years of being mismanaged on so many fronts, New Zealand requires firm direction.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, opens up on our relationship with the U.S., the Middle East, China and Russia.

We discuss the Covid inquiry, the WHO, the state of the world and New Zealand’s place in it.

And we visit the first (very full) Mailroom of the year with Mrs Producer.

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2023.

Three NZ academics have recently written that NZ’s Tertiary Education Sector is in deep financial crisis, and that our universities are losing their best people.

At the same time a new private institution, the University of Austin, Texas, is prepping for its opening.

We speak with Jacob Howland, Director of the Intellectual Foundation Program from the university, on how ideology has poisoned the West.

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2023.

Ramesh Thakur, Emeritus Professor of the Crawford School of Public Policy.

He has held academic appointments in Fiji, New Zealand (Otago), Canada and Australia. He has also worked at the U.N.

We traverse COVID, the U.S. 2024 election, the W.H.O., climate, and the assault on liberties, freedoms and human rights.

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2023.

Professor James Allan returns to discuss our election, Jordan Peterson, The Voice, and Trumps legal challenges.

Jim encourages any so-called conservative parties to “fight the culture wars”.

Has any party in New Zealand got the required courage?

Is there “weaponised collusion” between The White House and the DOJ?

And what are the top universities and law schools teaching?

It’s a broad and energetic conversation.

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2023.

In a world of lies, scepticism is your friend.

David Bell is a Public Health Physician and biotech consultant in global health.

What he has to say should be heard by every thinking person in this country, and every other “free” state on the planet.

As the World Health Organisation meets to convince countries to endorse changes to it’s original purpose, Dr Bell warns that “the WHO has changed and now it is a threat”.

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2023.

Stephen Jennings is a Kiwi expat.

His first job after university was with Treasury in 1984, a noted time of economic and political change.

Jennings life has centred around change ever since. Working in Australia and NZ, followed by London and in 1992, Moscow until 2013.

Now he’s building cities in Africa.

His critique of New Zealand’s ongoing malaise needs to be heard.

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2023.

Science is in trouble.

Facts have taken a back seat to ideology, and political activism masquerades as scholarship. We live in an age of increasing unreason. Can science be saved?

John Staddon, Professor of Biology and Psychology and “battle-scarred” by decades of experience, urges scientists to resist the demands for their unconditional surrender.

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2023.

AGAINST THE GREAT RESET; 18 THESES CONTRA THE NEW WORLD ORDER…

In one of the most informative and enjoyable interviews, we talk with editor and contributor Michael Walsh.

He and sixteen eminent writers contributed a total of eighteen chapters on the World Economic Forum.

Each author wrote on a different aspect; for example, the socialist history of woke capitalism, big tech and government censorship, and the WEF’s ideas for a fourth industrial revolution with China's commitment to being a leader of a post western world.

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The events in Israel on October 7 shocked the world.

The differing reactions from various countries, cultures, races and religions should have shocked just as much.

The lack of historical knowledge and perspective exposed the thin veneer of civilisation.

The similarities and differences of AD 70 to 2023 indicate that while some things change, human nature doesn’t.

Via the writing of Josephus, Simon Sebag Montefiore and Douglas Murray, we can improve perspective.

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Daniel Hannan sat as a Conservative MEP for 21 years.

During that period he made countless speeches, usually berating the European Parliament itself.

He was arguably one of the best members of the European Parliament.

Daniel was keen to discuss matters Covid, the new government in NZ, and the Israeli crisis.

And we finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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'The Treason of the Experts’, by Thomas Harrington, underscores the need to apply intellectual discernment on all pressing questions in a case-by-case manner.

Tom suggests that having more educational credentials is no guarantee against the danger of believing in stories that seriously distort our understanding of empirical facts.

We visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer, and we conclude with post-election commentary from “a former National MP"

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The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) is the brainchild of Dr Jordan Peterson.

It had its inaugural conference in London at the end of October. There were 1500 attendees from over 100 countries; including the author of “Unsettled”, Professor Steve Kooning, Viveck Ramaswamy, Michael Shellenberger, Ayaan Hirsi Ali and so many more.

Nick Cater was also there, and explains the purpose and ambition of the ARC.

We comment on what appears to be the rapid advance of Central Banks Digital Currencies and what might globalists have in store for us.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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It’s not just national government that should concern us. Local government should concern us too.

Auckland has spent an inordinate amount of time and money trying to become a world class city.

But still, Auckland's problems seem to grow. From a growing debt issue to expanding bureaucracy and rebellious councillors.

Who’s in charge? Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown opens up on Podcast 220.

We reference a new NZ authored book on Climate, and we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Three weeks post election, and we are still no nearer to knowing what the final make up of the government will be.

We speak with Steven Joyce, in what we thought might be a half hour chat. But even after his barking dog was edited from the interview, we still had fifty minutes of discussion on the incompetence that saw Labour outed, and the rectification that is now sorely needed.

We tackle the second segment of Lord Jonathan Sumption; in actual fact, the part that we find the most interesting.

This week, The Mailroom takes a break, but will be back next week.

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In July this year we spoke with Jonathan Sumption, and we catch up with him again during his trip to New Zealand.

In the interim there has been a lot of change that is worthy of his opinion - the Hamas attack, Israel’s response, and the associated reactions provide a hornet’s nest of issues.

We communicate with Patrick Basham in Riyadh, attending the Future Investment Initiative, also known as “Davos of the Desert”.

The consensus of the 6000 attendees is that the FII serves the planet far better than Davos in the Alps.

So it’s a lengthy podcast with Sumption up first and Patrick at around the 30 minute mark

And, of course, we finish with The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

And we make a visit to The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Three NZ academics have recently written that NZ’s Tertiary Education Sector is in deep financial crisis, and that our universities are losing their best people.

At the same time a new private institution, the University of Austin, Texas, is prepping for its opening.

We speak with Jacob Howland, Director of the Intellectual Foundation Program from the university, on how ideology has poisoned the West.

And we make a visit to The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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With the election over (apart from half a million votes still to be counted), we look at how the country can encourage a more positive approach to economic recovery.

“Commerce beats politics, every time.”

This quote comes from our guest, Earl Rattray, prominent businessman and lifetime participant in the dairy industry.

We look at a different perspective on the Middle East, from Barry Brownstein “Why Civilisation is at Stake”.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Is Democracy a failed idea?

How badly has Ardernism damaged the country?

We also discuss the failure of the judicial system with retired judge Anthony Willy, on the eve of the most important election of our lifetime.

Words of warning from Ayaan Hirsi Ali on Israel and beyond, and The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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During September, London cardiologist Aseem Malhotra toured New Zealand giving talks on matters covid.

Overseas, he has been tagged controversial (controversy has a place in science).

We interviewed Malhotra, so you could have access to his opinions and decide for yourself.

We share another submission from the former National Party MP and we make further comment on the upcoming election.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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John Banks spent 21 years in Parliament. For many of those years, he held high profile ministerial portfolios.

He was also a two term Mayor of Auckland.

This week, he gives us his stark and honest account of NZ’s current position.

He concludes that the election must provide “the change of direction the country so desperately needs”.

If you agree you’ll enjoy the discussion. If you’re happy with the status quo, you’ll find out why you’ll change your mind.

We comment on Jacinda Ardern and censorship, and Victor Davis Hanson on the “self-induced catastrophe of the U.S. southern border”

And we take you to The Mailroom.

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I first met George Friedman in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1986.

George was then a Professor at the War College.

A few years later he established Stratfor.com and then in 2015, GeopoliticalFutures.com.

He has authored a number of books and is now writing on the future of war in space.

In this podcast, we delve into a plethora of geopolitical issues and crises, including Russia, China, the U.S. and Ukraine.

We look at what might be gained or lost through this country’s declining armed services.

And we ask whether defence should be an election issue?

We reference the wisdom of George Orwell today's woke environment and we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

Trust has declined at all levels at an increasing rate. Without trust we cannot operate at a successful level.

With the election almost upon us, deciding who we can trust is a challenge for many.

Oxford Associate Professor Thomas W. Simpson works on trust and issues at the intersection of technology and security.

He is in NZ to give the 2023 Sir John Graham Lecture for the Maxim Institute, and we interviewed him a few hours after his arrival on Monday.

We share an article George Freeman wrote on the 22nd Anniversary of 9/11, and we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

In what many think is the most important election we’ve ever had, there are many issues to consider.

Arguably, freedom is the most important. Without liberty, we are not the masters of our own lives.

New Zealanders have experienced this over the last few years. Therefore party policies that could affect our free choice need thorough examination.

We talk about what is at stake with Guy Hatchard.

We have a few thoughts on Hipkins and co-governance, and some intelligence from Victor Davis Hanson.

And, of course, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

Professor James Allan last guested in podcast 160. The subject was He Puapua.

He returns to discuss our election, Jordan Peterson, The Voice, and Trumps legal challenges.

Jim encourages any so-called conservative parties to “fight the culture wars”.

Has any party in New Zealand got the required courage?

Is there “weaponised collusion” between The White House and the DOJ?

And what are the top universities and law schools teaching?

It’s a broad and energetic conversation.

And finally, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

Stephen Jennings is a Kiwi expat.

His first job after university was with Treasury in 1984, a noted time of economic and political change.

Jennings life has centred around change ever since. Working in Australia and NZ, followed by London and in 1992, Moscow until 2013.

Now he’s building cities in Africa.

His critique of New Zealand’s ongoing malaise needs to be heard before the election.

We make comment on Wokeinsm, and the meeting of the BRICS countries this week; could they play a role in NZ’s future?

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

Turbo-charged by Covid-19 and a poverty of basic intelligence, common sense and irreparably bad ideas, the New Zealand health care system is in dire straights.

We are in crisis, and, as a result, it is at the forefront of election issues.

Emeritus Professor Des Gorman levels his sights on the issues and how to resolve them; especially the increasing shortage of GP’s.

We pay tribute to a great man Merrill Fernando.

The mailroom delivers a great collection of comment.

And at the back-end of 207, an ex-National MP provides a written assault on the state of politics in NZ. 

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On this week's podcast:

Sir Ian Taylor is having an interesting life.

Born in Northland, raised in what today would be considered poverty, he graduated in law, became a television performer and a singer in a band; today he is a massively successful businessman.

A Labour supporter over 50 years of voting, he is now less than impressed.

And like many countrymen he doesn’t know how he’s going to vote come October 14.

We had a vibrant discussion, even if you might not agree with him.

We visit a lengthy Mailroom with Mrs Producer; the first in a month.

And we finish with commentary from Ramesh Thakur on the debate over the “Voice”.

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On this week's podcast:

London, is it still the Holy Grail for NZ expats?

After 5 years in the “mother city” Christian Smith shares his thoughts and experiences with Leighton (yes, they are closely related).

The cost of living, work, play, travel, advantages and otherwise, post covid and Brexit. A great discussion.

Normal transmission resumes next week when Leighton and Mrs Producer return.

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On this week's podcast:

When we interviewed Stephen Soukup in podcast 179, Jacinda Ardern still “had gas in the tank”, and Labour still had high hopes for this years election.

Soukup's book “The Dictatorship of Woke Capital; How Political Correctness Captured Big Business” exposed the absurdities adopted by many international and local companies to the detriment of investors and customers alike.

Soukup's revelations could well benefit this years election.

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On this week's podcast:

On October 5, 2022, in Podcast 175, we spoke with two insightful guests. Both were then and are now relevant to the state of the local economy and international balance of power.

Dr Eric Crampton, Chief Economist at the NZ Institute spoke on productivity in the economy.

Professor Salvatore Babones addressed “Putins Brain” as Russian Intellectual Alexander Dugan has been described.

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On October 5, 2022, in podcast 175 we spoke with two insightful guests.

Both were then and are now relevant to the state of play locally and internationally.

Dr Eric Crampton, Chief Economist at the New Zealand Initiative addressed the paucity of productivity in NZ.

Associate Professor Salvatore Babones from the University of Sydney resonates on Alexander Dugan, otherwise nominated as Putin’s Brain.

Thought provoking and stimulating conversation in the best of Leighton Smith.

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On this week's podcast:

Lord Jonathan Sumption was appointed to the Supreme Court of the U.K. in 2012, following a career as a respected and highly regarded Q.C. and historian.

In high demand as a Lecturer he has travelled the world enlightening audiences on various matters, ie; the law, constitutions, history and social matters.

Described as “the Brain of Britain” this discussion displays Sumptions ability whether you agree or otherwise.

And because Leighton and Mrs Producer have escaped to London, the interview is the podcast.

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On this week's podcast:

Is the Indigenous Voice Australia's Treaty of Waitangi moment?

There are differences. If the forthcoming referendum is successful, how will it affect government and life in Australia?

The debate is splitting the country. If passed, the Voice will likely lead to separatism and bitterness, not reconciliation.

From the Menzies Research Centre and The Australian, Nick Cater analyses the threats and any benefits there may be.

Also, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, and the damage it could cause to freedom of speech in general.

And The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

Every election in the last two or three decades has been "the most important ever.”

I believe 2023 most certainly is. Democracy is under grave threat.

Many talk of this being the last chance of redemption.

Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper guests, and shares some brutal but honest truths.

We also comment on New Zealand’s woke Health system and why American Doctors are rejecting it.

Is Australia surrendering freedom of speech?

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

Ramesh Thakur, Emeritus Professor of the Crawford School of Public Policy.

He has held academic appointments in Fiji, New Zealand (Otago), Canada and Australia. He has also worked at the U.N.

We traverse covid, the U.S. 2024 election, the W.H.O., climate, and the assault on liberties, freedoms and human rights.

We discuss the threat to the hippocratic oath via government manipulation in the health system, and we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

In January 2022, Judge Anthony Willy wrote a magnificent article called “Marxism - It Couldn’t Happen Here, Could It?”

He guested in Podcast 142 on Feb 9, of last year.

Eighteen months later, he returns to update his thoughts.

His concern for NZ democracy has increased, and in the lead-up to what he calls “the most important event in our history” he expresses that concern without fear.

At the back-end of 200, we draw your attention to a “Propaganda Masterpiece”, and we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

State education has been in a void in New Zealand for a number of years.

After spending some time as a world leader, the education field has been ploughed with incompetence. In all but a few schools.

NCEA has failed, and the restructuring currently being attempted will also fail.

Rangitoto Principal, Patrick Gale, explains why the country's largest school is rejecting NCEA Level 1 and creating its own diploma.

The number of schools considering the same is uncertain, but is on the increase.

From the NZ Initiative think tank, Dr Michael Johnson deals to an incompetent Education Dept. “Not fit for purpose” is his emphatic opinion.

And, of course, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

He arrived in Australia from London, at age twelve with his parents. They were a poor family.

But Maurice Newman graduated from the University of Sydney with a degree in Economics. He spent forty years in stockbroking and related areas.

His list of positions included Chairmanships of Banks, a University, the Stock Exchange, and other political and charity achievements.

We discussed New Zealand, he loves the place, but he is not happy with the way we are heading.

We update matters relating to the WHO, and media coverage.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

In a world of lies, scepticism is your friend.

David Bell is a Public Health Physician and biotech consultant in global health.

What he has to say should be heard by every thinking person in this country, and every other “free” state on the planet.

As the World Health Organisation meets to convince countries to endorse changes to it’s original purpose, Dr Bell warns that “the WHO has changed and now it is a threat”.

In Podcast 197 we defer to commentary on the state of the country, in possibly the best opinion seen for a while.

Is the Woke plague a forecast for the end of civilisation?

And we make a visit to The Mailroom, with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

Patrick Basham, founder of The Democracy Institute in Washington DC, has been in Istanbul during the recent Turkish election.

He spoke with us upon his return to Washington about the changes an Erdogan loss would bring to one of the worlds most pivotal countries.

We talked about the 2024 race for the U.S. presidency; is Trumps second term inevitable?

And, as Patrick is British, his view on the coronation and the future of the monarchy.

We broach the subject of AI, and much more in conversation with one of Leighton’s favourite analysts.

We have media commentary on Fox and Tucker Carlson. Who’s the loser? It isn’t Tucker.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

"Covid-19 was not merely an epidemiological crisis; it was an economic, social and moral crisis that required multidisciplinary expertise to assess and address different facets throughout the pandemic.”

Auckland University Professor Ananish Chaudhuri assesses what happened, and how we can be better prepared for the inevitable next pandemic.

We are in receipt of another submission from ‘a former National MP’ on the least trustworthy, incompetent government in living memory.

And we take a visit to The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

Deception of the unaware is a great partnership in the hands of the dishonest.

Think AI and modern technology.

Executive Director of the Maxim Institute, Tim Wilson, analyses the ability of AI to both entertain and deceive.

“With a general election imminent, we need to think seriously about the effects of AI and digital manipulation in New Zealand. Democracy, to operate well, requires accurate information."

We have comment from lawyer Donald Dobson on government maladministration and stupidity.

And we go to The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

Long time educationalist, Alwyn Poole, pulls no punches discussing the downside of New Zealand education.

While wanting New Zealand youth to experience the pinnacle of standards, he recognises the challenges and impediments confronting that achievement.

This is an interview that all New Zealand parents should hear, share it wide.

Where did every new education and social fad begin? America, pretty much.

We share a George Friedman commentary on the tumultuous state of that country. It will get worse before it gets better.

And, as always, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

Science is in trouble.

Facts have taken a back seat to ideology, and political activism masquerades as scholarship. We live in an age of increasing unreason. Can science be saved?

John Staddon, Professor of Biology and Psychology and “battle-scarred” by decades of experience, urges scientists to resist the demands for their unconditional surrender.

We take a look at the Biden "Ten Step Plan to Create Global Chaos”. It is maybe the only area he’s actually succeeding in.

It’s been three weeks since the last podcast, and we explain why.

And we look into The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

AUKUS - the joint project by the US, the UK and Australia, to provide nuclear powered submarines to the Australian navy.

Undersea security is increasingly important, think Nordstream.

Alessio Patalano, Professor of War and Strategy in East Asia, Kings College, London, guests with personal insight, and we begin with what’s in it for New Zealand.

And, of course, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

New Zealand is confronted with numerous serious issues; economic, financial, social, governance, and more.

From the New Zealand Initiative, Executive Director Oliver Hartwich analyses what’s wrong and what needs to be done. Starting with the Public Service and Education.

We make comment on woke banking stupidity, and brainwashing versus critical thinking.

And we take you to The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

An independent writer, statistician, scientist, consultant and author of EVERYTHING YOU BELIEVE IS WRONG.

A PhD in Mathematical Statistics: now an Uncertainty Philosopher, Epistemologist, Probability Puzzler, and Unmasker of Over-Certainty. An MS in Atmospheric Physics, and Bachelors in Meteorology & Maths.

Meet William M Briggs, who spent time with me discussing things that matter; climate, coronavirus, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and much more.

We make comment on 15 minute cities and the Net Zero nonsense.

And we sift through your correspondence in The Mailroom.

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On this week's podcast:

“The last three years has been a wonderful time, because it has brought everything into perspective”.

Rodney Hide in todays podcast.

That statement has a very broad perspective, and we target some of the most important issues confronting New Zealand today.

We have a response to a letter in last weeks Mailroom from the former National Party MP, as requested.

Ian Wishart queries NIWA's missing storm data and its impact on extreme climate claims.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

"Dystopian artificial intelligence is not near, it is already here.

"In November 2022, the release of an artificial intelligence on-line chatting programme, named ChatGPT, shocked the world."

In 2014 Elon Musk warned that with AI "we are summoning the demon".

Expat Kiwi Jonathan Robinson, PHD, has been at the coal face of AI and ML for many years. We talk with him about the relevance of AI.

We also discuss education, and the ETS.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

AGAINST THE GREAT RESET; 18 THESES CONTRA THE NEW WORLD ORDER…

In one of the most informative and enjoyable interviews, we talk with editor and contributor Michael Walsh.

He and sixteen eminent writers contributed a total of eighteen chapters on the World Economic Forum.

Each author wrote on a different aspect; for example, the socialist history of woke capitalism, big tech and government censorship, and the WEF’s ideas for a fourth industrial revolution with Chinas commitment to being a leader of a post western world.

We do an analysis on the impossibility of long range weather predictions, and we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

Former Finance Minister, now business consultant Steven Joyce, considers the current state of NZ politics and the run-up to the October election.

What does National need to do to capture the treasury benches, and what are Labour’s chances of repelling them?

We talk the  state of the economy in both NZ and Australia, and the temperature of democracy.

We compare the reportage on Jacinda Ardern’s resignation.

And we start the New Year Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2022.

"One of the most damaging statements of a world leader was from Jacinda Ardern, that there will only be a single source of truth. We need to rediscover the virtues that brought about the effloresces of scientific discoveries which have made the world infinitely wealthier, healthier, better educated and better fed."

So says Emeritus Professor Ramesh Thakur. Outstanding commentary from a great thinker.

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2022.

He Puapua, the report commissioned by the Ardern government, was completed in 2019 and secreted from the public.

Its existence was revealed after the 2021 election. There is belief that Labour would have suffered badly if it had been made public.

Constitutional Law Professor James Allan has written an analysis of He Puapua, and the reading of it is not pretty. 

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2022.

New Zealand scientist Dr Kelvin Duncan dismembers the predictions of the IPCC.

His new book ,“Global Warming, a Counter-blaste to the Man-made Global Warming Hypothesis”, provides counter-arguments to the many areas of official misinformation.

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2022.

Marxism could not happen here... could it?

After decades on the bench, covering four different courts, retired Judge Anthony Willy expresses his concern for the future of democracy in NZ.

The most recent developments since that interview indicate he’s on target.

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2022.

Double Header:

"The New York Times is reputed to be the world’s most powerful news outlet.

Powerful enough to influence wars, foment revolutions, shape economies and change cultures.

It doesn’t just cover the news, it creates it."

Ashley Rindsberg, author of “The Gray Lady Winked”, talks about what happens when truth is abandoned in favour of interest and ideology.

Then, who is Alexander Dugin?

And what is Eurasianism?

A brilliant analysis from Associate Professor Salvatore Babones, University of Sydney, on the Russian Intellectual Dugin.

Is he "Putin’s brain” and does he really want to destroy America?

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2022.

Professor Elizabeth Rata has been much requested.

She is worth the wait.

Overall it’s a ‘Defence of Democracy’ discussion.

That’s if it is not already too late...

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2022.

Every day the media utilises the term “experts”. Experts say, experts warn, experts criticise...

Dr Michael Tomlinson is a Higher Education Governance and Quality consultant. He suggests that the age of deference to experts is over. He adds a much needed perspective to scientific ponderance.

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Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2022.

In this unfiltered insider account, Dr Scott Atlas (author of A PLAGUE UPON OUR HOUSE: MY FIGHT AT THE TRUMP WHITE HOUSE TO STOP COVID FROM DESTROYING AMERICA) gives us a full account of the key COVID-19 players in the White House during the pandemic.

We cover the lies, distortions, and the truth about science, politicised academia, Big Business and Big Tech. 

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On this week's podcast:

Six months ago Bruce Cotterill talked about what is wrong with NZ, and how we might fix it.

At years end he returns to discuss what has changed; for better or worse.

We talk politics and the current mood of the electorate with Barry Soper. He is full and frank in commenting on the Prime Minister.

“Government Maladministration and Stupidity” is the title of an essay from a retired lawyer.

And we visit The Mailroom for the final time this year with Mrs Producer.

Have a wonderful holiday break, and thank you so much for listening.

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On this week's podcast:

Three Waters… many lies.

Frank Newman says Three Waters is too good to be true, and democracy is the loser.

New Zealand’s Supreme Court is playing a foolish game of politics, according to a British law professor.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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On this week's podcast:

Things are changing in the world of climate alarmism.

On the basis of recent science, the U.N. has halved to only 2.5C its prediction of global temperatures for year 2100.

Dr Judith Curry says so, as does The Wall Street Journal, and David Wallace-Wells of the New York Times. Noted climate scientist Dr Judith Curry says “the policy implications of all this is enormous”.

Former NZ Under-Secretary of Science, Energy and Technology Barry Brill says this changes everything.

He takes no prisoners in Podcast 182.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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