Episódios
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Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick has posted a video of himself delivering “vigilante justice” to people he accused of fare dodging in London. Why do we find petty crimes like fare jumping so enraging and what is Honest Bob Jenrick’s plan?
Also, new figures show that almost 2.5 million people are likely to have ADHD in the UK. James explores the possibility of himself having ADHD and asks what difference a diagnosis can make to your life.
And, James speaks with Dr Alonso Gurmendi, a fellow in human rights at LSE's Department of Sociology, to discuss why he and other lawyers are making the case that Israel is committing genocide.
This episode was recorded on the 30th of May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.
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In today’s episode, James drew on analysis from across the political spectrum, as he explored the Conservative Party’s current decline and questioned whether a route to recovery remains viable. Listeners, particularly former Conservative voters, were invited to reflect on whether the party has passed the point of no return and what a future revival might entail.
James then turned to a harrowing investigation by LBC into the rise of knife crime among young people. With exclusive data revealing a 60% surge in incidents involving blades on school grounds over the past two years, he considered the deeper societal context behind this alarming trend. In search of understanding, James examines the root causes that may drive young people to carry weapons in modern Britain.
Finally, attention shifted to major developments in the United States. Overnight, a federal court in Manhattan blocked former President Trump’s sweeping international trade tariffs, ruling that the emergency powers cited did not grant unilateral authority for such measures. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has stepped down from his role within Trump’s administration. James spoke with LBC’s Washington correspondent, Simon Marks, to unpack the implications for international trade and political dynamics in the US.
This episode was recorded on the 29th of May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.
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Thames Water has been fined £122.7m for breaching rules over sewage spills and shareholder payouts - the biggest penalty in water company history. How did we let them get away with it and whose fault is it that we're only waking up to this now?
And, people caught driving illegal e-scooters will see their vehicles crushed within 48 hours under new police powers. James thinks they’re a scourge on society, but is painfully aware he sounds like an old git in saying so - what do you think?
This episode was recorded on the 28th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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50 people, including four children, are injured after a car ploughed into a crowd during Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade yesterday. The suspect has been described as a “53 year old white British man” - but what if he wasn’t a white British man? In telling us this, have the police accepted that far-right violence in response to crimes committed by none-white people are guaranteed?
Also, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has said the government is looking at scrapping the two-child benefit cap. What was the cap designed to do, and what are your thoughts on its scrappage?
And, James speaks with Phillips O'Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews, to discuss the evolution of the Ukraine War, including German Chancellor’s Merz’s backing of Ukrainian military strikes.
This episode was recorded on the 27th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Data shows that 52% of first-time buyers can only get on the ladder with help from the 'Bank of Mum And Dad', it feels inevitable that this figure will continue to rise, but what does that mean for society as we age? What happens when those who have been stuck renting forever want to retire?
And, it's looking very likely that Sir Keir Starmer is due to change his winter fuel payment policy, and it got James thinking about the importance of being able to change your mind and opinion. Is it something you can easily do?
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From the war zones of Bosnia to the frontlines of Gaza, Christiane Amanpour has reported from the epicentres of global upheaval for over three decades. Her commitment to being “truthful, not neutral” made her one of the most respected correspondents of her generation and a sharp, unwavering voice in the age of misinformation.
In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Christiane to explore the emotional and political terrain of her career. They trace her journey from Tehran to CNN’s international anchor desk, discussing the deep personal impact of motherhood, the shifting challenges for women in journalism, and the influence of her high-profile marriage to diplomat Jamie Rubin. From candid reflections on the media’s role in Trump-era America to her evolving understanding of clarity, empathy and leadership, this is a conversation shaped by the past but rooted firmly in the turbulent present.
Christiane also opens up about her new podcast, The Ex Files, co-hosted with her ex-husband Jamie Rubin. Told through the prism of their 20-year marriage and subsequent divorce, the series explores the biggest issues of the day and the historical moments that shaped them- from Donald Trump’s return to office, to the escalating global economic crisis, the war in Gaza, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine- all examined through lived history on opposite sides.
Listen to The Ex Files here
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The latest Office for National Statistics figures show that UK net migration almost halved in 2024. As significant as this sounds, will these numbers make much difference to our political discourse, especially to those most vocal in their resentment of immigrants?
And, Shabana Mahmood, the Lord Chancellor, is considering mandatory chemical castration for the most serious sex offenders, such as paedophiles, according to government sources. James approves, do you?
This episode was recorded on the 22nd May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called out Israel’s military escalation in Gaza as "morally unjustifiable", demanding an end to its aid blockade, suspending trade talks and imposing sanctions. From support to disgust - how did it get to this?
This episode was recorded on the 21st May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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With the media responding to Sir Keir Starmer's new landmark UK-EU deal, the question that James wants answered is, can we avoid falling into old traps, or are we destined to bow to the right-wing media like before?
With several businesses publicly confirming that this new deal will benefit the majority of us, will the nation move forward and listen to those trusted voices, or will they be swayed by those with the most to gain?
This episode was recorded on the 20th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Sir Keir Starmer has finalised a landmark UK-EU deal that’ll make trading with the European continent easier and hosted a summit with the EU leaders in London today. The Conservatives and Reform UK have described the deal as a "surrender". Is it time for James to abandon the attitude of "contempt for the conmen, compassion for the conned"?
Also, Dmitry Grozoubinski, Founder of Explain Trade and author of the book, ‘Why Politicians Lie About Trade: ... and What You Need to Know About It', explains the the facts of the deal.
James also listens to and reflects upon Gary Lineker’s statement on leaving the BBC.
This episode was recorded on the 19th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Interest from American buyers in UK property has reached its highest level in eight years, with Edinburgh emerging as the most popular destination, according to new figures. James asks why Scotland has such a different attitude towards immigrants than the rest of the UK.
And, James speaks with Victoria Rose, consultant plastic surgeon, who is currently working at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, South Gaza. Today alone, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza had reportedly killed at least 93 people.
This episode was recorded on the 16th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Sir Keir Starmer’s post-Brexit 'reset' talks with Brussels have met a hitch over fishing. British fishing waters were one of the most effective tools of the Leave Campaign, but what’s actually happened to our fishing industry since Brexit, and why did fishing become so important before disappearing overnight?
James also speaks with Peter Foster, World Trade Editor of the Financial Times, for his take on the UK’s relationship with the EU.
LBC’s Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre shares the details on Keir Starmer’s asylum seeker “return hub” plans.
And, analysis from the University of Oxford has shown that people taking weight loss jabs such as Mounjaro can expect to regain the weight within a year of stopping. James ask his callers who use these drugs whether they’re just too good to be true.
This episode was recorded on the 15th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Downing Street has defended Sir Keir Starmer’s language on immigration, which some on the left has likened to that used by Enoch Powell. The questions remain, who exactly is Starmer targeting and how does it feel to be on the receiving end?
Unsurprisingly, Starmer is grilled on his speech in today’s Prime Minister’s Questions - James and LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark listen and analyse.
And, James speaks with Lucy Easthope, international adviser on disaster recovery, to discuss her new book “Come What May: Life-Changing Lessons for Coping with Crisis”, detailing how one can apply the lessons from her career to everyday, smaller disasters.
This episode was recorded on the 14th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Starmer’s speech on the government’s immigration white paper in which he warned that “we risk becoming an island of strangers” has been likened to Enoch Powell’s infamous Rivers of Blood speech. Who is the Prime Minister speaking to with this?
Also, it’s Speak to Sadiq - the Mayor of London joins me in the studio to answer James and the callers’ most pressing questions - Keir Starmer’s speech, Gaza and Thames Water were on the agenda.
And, James speaks with Peter Geoghegan, Editor of the Democracy for Sale, with an exclusive story on the US spy-tech firm Palantir and its data platform that NHS hospitals have been rejecting.
This episode was recorded on the 12th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Sir Keir Starmer will be drastically tightening immigration policy. He says the reforms will see net migration drop even further, but do the numbers actually matter to the people this new policy is supposed to please?
And, UN-backed assessment has said that Gaza's population of around 2.1 million Palestinians is at "critical risk" of famine, as an Israeli blockade on food and humanitarian aid continues. Why are we closing our eyes to Gaza’s horror?
This episode was recorded on the 12th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Sir Keir Starmer says the new UK-US trade deal will save thousands of jobs in the car and steel industries. James breaks down the detail with Dmitry Grozoubinski, Founder of Explain Trade, and asks if Starmer could have done any better.
Also, two men have been found guilty of felling the world famous Sycamore Gap Tree, a crime that enraged the nation. As a country, why were we so emotionally invested, and should the men be sent to prison for chopping down a tree?
And, Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV. The 69-year-old is a Chicago native and the first American to hold the papacy. How much influence and importance does the Pope have in the 21st Century?
This episode was recorded on the 9th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Even in the wake of the UK-India trade deal, an actual benefit of Brexit, many Brexiteers are forgoing celebrations and instead painting Indian workers as the winners, and UK workers as the losers. In this anti-immigrant political climate, how can Labour prove to the electorate that it is benefiting them?
Also, migrants coming to live and work in the UK will be required to speak A-Level standard English under a new proposal from the Government. Who is this policy designed to appease, and will it work?
And, James also speaks with historian, broadcaster and host of the History Hit Podcast, Dan Snow, who shares some very important lessons from the past as we honour VE Day.
This episode was recorded on the 8th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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India launched air strikes on Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir last night, leaving many civilians dead, in the worst fighting between the two nations for decades. This has coincided with the near completion of a UK-India trade deal. What are the stakes here and what happens if the conflict escalates?
Also, a new report into last summer’s far-right anti-immigrant riots has found that the police force is ill-equipped to tackle the impact of online misinformation - which fuelled the disorder. Why do people spread misinformation? Is the battle with the tech platforms that have the power to restrict such content already lost?
And, James speaks with journalist Harry Shukman, author of “Year of the Rat: Undercover in the British Far Right”, to hear exactly what he learned while working undercover with various far-right groups.
This episode was recorded on the 7th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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The Government is rethinking its controversial winter fuel payment cut as anxiety grows at potential electoral repercussions. How big a deal is the winter fuel allowance, and how would you fix it?
The Israeli security cabinet has approved a plan to 'capture' Gaza, in which troops will indefinitely occupy the region and forcibly relocate the 2.1 million Palestinians living there to the southern enclave. Was this the plan all along?
This episode was recorded on the 6th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour from the 1st May. The James O'Brien Daily Podcast will return after the bank holiday, on Tuesday 6th May. Have a wonderful weekend!
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