Episodes 179
Avg. Duration 42m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 3.7 (3)
Since Jun 2019
Latest Episode Mar 2026

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Schedule
Weekly
Format
Episodic
Consistency
26%
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feeds.buzzsprout.com

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About This Podcast

Free to Speak is the New Zealand podcast that goes beyond headlines to explore the principles behind our most contentious debates.

Produced by the New Zealand Free Speech Union, it examines freedom of expression and why it matters to a free and democratic society.

Expect interviews with guests from New Zealand and around the world, plus deep dives with our Council into the cases and policy work shaping free speech today.


Any questions, queries or feedback? Email: [email protected] 


www.fsu.nz

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Recent Episodes

S2E8 How Far Should Professional Standards Reach Into A Nurse’s Private Life - Dr Roderick Mulgan and Deborah Cunliffe

Mar 05, 2026 45m Transcript

We examine the proposed nursing Code of Conduct through culture, law, and lived reality, asking how far regulation should reach into nurses’ private speech. Deborah Cunliffe and Dr Roderick Mulgan…

S6E7 School Stresses Kids More Than Social Media Does - Eli Stark Elster

Mar 02, 2026 1h Transcript

Eli discusses the rush to ban social media for under-16s and examines stronger evidence that school structures and heavy homework drive youth distress. Eli Stark Elster makes the case for autonomy,…

S2E6 Who Gets To Speak When The Media Becomes A Monoculture - Yvonne van Dongen

Feb 23, 2026 1h 14m Transcript

We trace a working life in New Zealand journalism with Yvonne Van Dongen, exploring how subs, travel desks, and lively disagreements shaped stronger reporting, and why today’s monoculture and…

S2E5 Nurses, Speech, And The Line - Todd Stephenson MP

Feb 18, 2026 21m Transcript

We dig into the Nursing Council’s draft code with ACT MP Todd Stephenson, asking how far professional standards should reach into private speech. We argue for clear rules tied to patient safety, real…

S2E4 Greg Fleming MP: Te Reo, Politics and the Power of Listening

Feb 16, 2026 1h Transcript

We trace Greg Fleming’s path from charity leader to MP and his decision to learn Te Reo Māori as an adult, linking language revitalisation with a culture of listening and free speech. We test…

S2E3 03 - David Cumin - After Bondi: the case against rushed 'hate speech' laws

Feb 02, 2026 1h 2m

In this episode of Free to Speak, Dane is joined by University of Auckland academic David Cumin to unpack the free speech flashpoints that follow moments of national shock. They start with the…

S2E2 02 - Board Roundup - Why are regulators constantly overreaching their remit?

Feb 02, 2026 54m

This first “board roundup” episode focuses on a bigger pattern: regulators trying to extend their reach into online speech and private life. The board unpacks the Broadcasting Standards Authority’s…

S2E1 01 - Douglas Brown - Who controls the internet in NZ?

Feb 02, 2026 52m

Lawyer and Free Speech Union council member Douglas Brown joins the Free to Speak podcast to unpack the growing fight over who governs the internet - and why it matters for free expression in New…

A Deep Dive into Judicial Review and Free Speech

Jul 10, 2025 1h 12m

In part two of this Free Speech Union Podcast, we follow Giles Brant and Peter Hardy to the end of their legal battle with the New Zealand Law Society. From a single email complaint to landmark…

A Legal Odyssey in Free Speech and Ethics

Jul 03, 2025 1h 23m

In this episode of the Free Speech Union Podcast, council member Thomas Newman sits down with lawyers Giles Brant and Peter Hardie to unpack a chilling story of professional scrutiny and the fight…

Social Cohesion and Free Speech with Shamubeel Eaqub

May 06, 2025 48m

In this episode, Nick and Steph sit down with Shamubeel Eaqub—an economist, author, and commentator—to discuss the findings of his recent study on social cohesion. They explore the various trends and…

Prof. Eric Heinze on The Rise of Critical Theory and the Future of the Left.

Apr 29, 2025 49m

In this episode, Nick is joined by Eric Heinze, Professor of Law and Humanities at Queen Mary, University of London. A leading voice in legal philosophy, human rights, and the law-and-literature…

Dr. James Lindsay on wokeness, communism, and free speech.

Apr 14, 2025 34m

Revisit Dr. James Lindsays talk from the Wellington event of his New Zealand tour with the Free Speech Union. Dr. Lindsay shares his thoughts, fears and concerns about the rising treats of “woke” on…

Who In The World Supports Free Speech? Jacob Mchangama shares findings from A Global Survey

Apr 02, 2025 51m

Jacob Mchangama is the Founder and Executive Director of The Future of Free Speech, a research professor at Vanderbilt University, and a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights and…

The right to protest - are we losing it?

Feb 21, 2025 39m

In this episode of the Free Speech Union podcast, Nathan and Nick discuss free speech challenges. They unpack media coverage, police conduct around protest, and the role of churches in protests,…

"Hate Crime" Laws - What you need to know!

Feb 10, 2025 51m

‘Hate crime’ laws? Without a clear, shared definition of ‘hate,’ we’re treading on shaky ground. Who decides what’s ‘hateful’? Tell the Law Commission that legislating against ‘hate’ is a fool’s…

End of year review with the FSU team

Dec 19, 2024 44m

Nathan, Jonathan, Nick, Steph look back on a big year of wins, challenges, and everything in between. From legal battles to media advocacy and educational tours, they share highlights, lessons, and…

S1E7 FSU Talks | The Law Commission Discussion Paper

Oct 03, 2024 1h 5m

Join Nick Hanne, Jillaine Heather, and Alex Penk for an FSU Talk on the recent Law Commission's discussion paper which examined the question of amending the Human Rights Act to include trans gender…

The Church and the Treaty: Free Speech in the Face of Controversy

Sep 09, 2024 34m

In this episode of the Free Speech Union podcast, Jonathan Ayling is joined by Simon O'Connor, former MP for Tamaki, and Nick Hanne, education partnership manager at FSU. The discussion revolves…

S1E5 Free Speech vs. "Hate Speech": Navigating New Zealand's Controversial Police Training

Aug 06, 2024 54m

In this episode Jonathan sits down with Major Grant Fletcher, a barrister based in Christchurch, and Graham Edgler, lawyer and political and legal. They delve into the pressing issue of new hate…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Free To Speak have?

Free To Speak has published 179 episodes since June 2019, covering topics in News, News Commentary.

Is Free To Speak still active?

Free To Speak is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 42m.

How do I contact Free To Speak for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Free To Speak, including email and social media links.

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