Best Helen O Brien Podcasts (2024)

1
Joe Pasquale: All I ever wanted to do was make my mum laugh 58:58

1d ago58:58

58:58

When Joe Pasquale was just seven years old, his mum was involved in a car accident that left her with concussion and epilepsy. She struggled to look after Joe and his three siblings and became severely depressed. Determined to try and fix things, Joe made it his mission to make her laugh every single day. Forty years on, he has become a staple in B…

1
Midge Ure: Hit singles and world tours meant nothing until I was in my own band 56:00

9d ago56:00

56:00

“I’m a Walter Mitty who’s actually done it.” Growing up in a tenement on the outskirts of Glasgow, Midge Ure dreamt of being a rock star, even though it seemed impossible for a working-class kid like him. But he had something special. At just 18, he got his first break as the guitarist for the pop band Slik and went on to be part of several influen…

1
Nick Lowles: Why I've spent the last 35 years fighting Nazis 54:02

16d ago54:02

54:02

Nick Lowles is chief executive of HOPE not hate, the UK's largest anti-racism and anti-extremism movement. For the last 35 years, he has tirelessly fought against those who try to exploit frustrations, create divisions and pit groups against each other. Nick began his involvement with the anti-fascist movement as a student volunteer. He then worked…

1
Sally Lindsay: Fighting for working-class women in telly 56:55

23d ago56:55

56:55

Actor and writer Sally Lindsay has always loved the spotlight. She made her TV debut aged 7 when her school choir performed their No.1 single There’s No One Quite Like Grandma on Top of the Pops. But it wasn’t until university that she realised she could make a career out of performing. Sally's gone on to star in hit TV shows such as Phoenix Nights…

1
Helen Lederer: "I've never been on the winning team when it matters" 48:34

30d ago48:34

48:34

Helen Lederer is a writer, actress and comedian. She began her career on the alternative comedy circuit, performing alongside many of today’s household names, and quickly landed roles in iconic sitcoms such as Absolutely Fabulous, Bottom and Girls on Top. Since then she’s appeared on TV and radio, written bestselling books and set up the Comedy Wom…

1
Danny Wallace: How I got sucked into the conspiracy rabbit hole... 1:00:40

1M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

Danny Wallace is a bestselling author and broadcaster who loves nothing more than thinking up fun ideas and seeing how far he can take them. His first book, Join Me, tells the true story of how he he accidentally started a cult. His second book, Yes Man, describes what happened when he decided to say yes to everything - a story so compelling it was…

1
Frank Skinner: "People will forgive you for anything but success" 53:51

1M ago53:51

53:51

Comedy legend Frank Skinner returns to Full Disclosure just days after he signed off his final Absolute Radio show, wrapping up an incredible 15 years. He tells James why he will always love radio, reveals the one regret that will stay with him forever and gives a refreshingly honest take on what it's really like to be famous. Frank is extending hi…

1
Introducing: The Trawl 2:09

2M ago2:09

2:09

Enjoying Full Disclosure with James O'Brien? Here's another podcast you might like. Broadcaster, Jemma Forte, and political commentator, Marina Purkiss, scroll through Twitter so you don’t have to. In the latest episode, James O'Brien finds himself on the opposite side of the interrogating questions. Marina and Jemma talk election, Brexit, and take…

1
Salman Rushdie: When I die, I know there will be nothing 49:06

2M ago49:06

49:06

One of the world’s most acclaimed, award-winning authors Salman Rushdie has spent the last thirty years with a death threat attached to his head. A threat that almost became a reality two years ago when he brutally stabbed 15 times by a stranger. Few people have come so close to death and lived to tell the story. Salman returns to Full Disclosure t…

1
Zeinab Badawi: Setting the record straight on African history 55:43

2M ago55:43

55:43

Zeinab Badawi is an award-winning broadcaster, journalist and the President of SOAS University of London. Born in Sudan, she has worked in the British media for several decades. She has recently published her first book which promises to reshape our understanding of Africa. Zeinab tells James what led her to write her instant Sunday Times bestselle…

1
Julie Hesmondhalgh: How good telly and theatre can change the world 1:03:58

2M ago1:03:58

1:03:58

Lancaster legend Julie Hesmondhalgh is an actor, writer and activist. She's best known for playing Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street in what started as a short-term punchline and turned into a 16 year career. Since leaving the cobbles, Julie has gone on to star multiple dramas including Broadchurch, Happy Valley and more recently, Mr Bates vs The…

1
Angela Hartnett: One of the UK's top chefs shares her recipe for success 57:55

2M ago57:55

57:55

Angela Hartnett is a Michelin starred chef, restaurateur and podcast host. After studying for a history degree, she began working in a local pub before joining Gordon Ramsay at his first restaurant, Aubergine. She worked with Gordon for 17 years before deciding to go it alone. She now runs several restaurants of her own including the Michelin-starr…

1
Caroline Lucas: Being Britain's first and only Green MP 1:00:45

3M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

In 2010 Caroline Lucas made history when she was elected as the MP for Brighton Pavilion, becoming the first Green Party candidate to enter Parliament. She has increased her majority at every election since and served as the Green leader twice. In her 14 years in Westminster, Caroline has used her platform to put environmental and equality issues o…

1
Bassem Youssef: Egypt's Jon Stewart on Palestine, the press and Piers Morgan 52:23

3M ago52:23

52:23

In 2011 Bassem Youssef was a little-known heart surgeon in Cairo. A year later, he was hosting his own political satire TV show, Al-Bernameg, drawing in 30 million weekly viewers as he made fun of the Egyptian regime. Bassem's comedy was groundbreaking but it proved too controversial to remain on air. In 2014 he was forced to move to United States,…

1
James Timpson: The secrets to running a successful business and making money 59:25

3M ago59:25

59:25

"The best ideas don't come from the boardroom, the best ideas come from the frontline." James Timpson is the chief executive of Timpson, a family-run business known for its key cutting and watch repair services. James does business differently. His unconventional leadership style has raised eyebrows - but it works. Since taking over Timpson, he has…

1
Bryony Gordon: My OCD made me think my family would die 57:35

3M ago57:35

57:35

Bryony Gordon is a bestselling author, mental health campaigner and founder of Mental Health Mates. She has been a columnist for the Telegraph for over twenty years where she has written honestly and openly about her experiences of mental illness and addictions. Her latest book, Mad Woman details her experiences of OCD, binge eating and the endless…

1
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby: Finding my faith amidst hangovers, beatings and abuse 50:51

4M ago50:51

50:51

Growing up, Justin Welby thought his home life was normal. It wasn't until he was a teenager that he realised being brought up by an abusive, alcoholic father was anything but. He found faith and the love of God as a student at Cambridge, bringing with it a sense of peace and security. He graduated and then spent 11 years working in the oil industr…

1
Jayne Torvill & Christopher Dean: From Nottingham council estates to winning gold at the Olympics 54:02

4M ago54:02

54:02

It's 40 years since Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean won gold at the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. Around 24 million people turned on their TVs to watch the Nottingham duo make history on the ice rink. It was the moment that changed Jayne and Chris' lives forever. Since then, they have won multiple World Championships, sold out international tours…

1
Humza Yousaf on Islamophobia and toxicity in politics 1:03:00

4M ago1:03:00

1:03:00

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf became interested in politics when he was just 16, believing it was the best way to make meaningful change. He joined the SNP whilst studying politics at the University of Glasgow and by 26, had become one of the youngest MSPs to enter Holyrood. Humza has gone to make history as the first Muslim leader of any …

1
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi: "I don’t enjoy politics. There’s a lot of bullsh*t.” 59:15

4M ago59:15

59:15

Lawyer, businesswoman, campaigner and the first female Muslim UK cabinet minister. Baroness Warsi has broken glass ceilings throughout her career and tirelessly campaigned against Islamophobia within both society and the Conservative party. She joins James to discuss why she believes she's in a toxic relationship with the Conservative party and whi…

1
Gary Stevenson: Why I gave up making millions as a City trader to fight wealth inequality 57:41

5M ago57:41

57:41

At 21 years old, Gary Stevenson joined Citibank as its youngest trader. Three years later, he became the bank's most profitable trader by betting on the collapse of the economy. He went from living in his parents' two-bed terrace in east London to earning millions. But it didn't feel right to make money betting on disasters. So, he quit, leaving hi…

1
Bernie Sanders 35:31

5M ago35:31

35:31

U.S. Senator and former presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders is the longest-serving independent member of Congress in American history. He joins James to discuss social inequality, the dangers of corporate media in both the UK and America and why he is determined to stop Donald Trump from getting back in the White House. Bernie Sanders’ book, It’…

1
Jason Watkins 57:49

5M ago57:49

57:49

Jason Watkins has become one of Britain’s most sought after actors. His breakout role came in the 2014 ITV drama, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies which won him a BAFTA for Best Actor. He’s also had roles in Doctor Who, the Nativity, Trollied, The Crown and Line of Duty. Jason tells James about his early ambitions to become a PE teacher, wh…

1
Sir Ed Davey 53:56

5M ago53:56

53:56

Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey has been a carer for most of his life. First for his mum, who died of cancer when he was just 15. Then for his Nana and now, he and his wife Emily care for their disabled son John. Ed could be furious at the world – but he’s not. Instead, he has spent his political career standing up for carers and fighting for…

1
Dame Sheila Hancock 1:01:39

5M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

This interview truly stands out. Dame Sheila Hancock is one of the most respected actors and writers of our time. She became a household name in the 1960s in the BBC sitcom The Rag Trade. Since then she has starred in everything from Carry on Cleo, the award-winning Cabaret, The Sixth Commandment and Edie. Now at 91, Dame Sheila sits down with Jame…

1
James Blunt 1:03:45

6M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

It's 18 years since James Blunt released his hit single, You’re Beautiful which reached No.1 around the world. It helped James's debut album, Back to Bedlam sell 12 million copies and become the UK’s best-selling album of the 2000s. But his global success was met with an immediate backlash that saw him ridiculed by the press and pop establishment. …

1
Nick Wallis: Exposing the Post Office scandal 1:05:52

6M ago1:05:52

1:05:52

Nick Wallis was presenting the breakfast show for BBC Radio Surrey in 2010 when he was contacted by a listener with a story he’s been investigating ever since. Nick helped expose one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in UK legal history – the Post Office Horizon IT scandal that has devastated the lives of hundreds of innocent hardworking peopl…

1
Stephanie Beacham 57:47

6M ago57:47

57:47

In a career spanning almost six decades, Stephanie Beacham is a household name on both sides of the Atlantic. She achieved global renown for her role as Sable Colby in the US soap opera Dynasty and its spin-off The Colbys. She's appeared on stage at Broadway and the West End and has multiple film credits to her name.…

1
Full Disclosure is taking a short break for Christmas... We'll be back in January 2024! 1:33

7M ago1:33

1:33

Full Disclosure is taking a short break over Christmas but don't worry, we'll be back in January 2024 with a line up of exceptional guests. If you can't wait until then, why not catch up on some of the episodes you might have missed. It's been a vintage year with incredible guests including Hugh Laurie, Dawn Butler and Chris Packham. Every episode …

1
Fatima Whitbread 1:04:49

7M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

This episode contains discussion of sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised. Fatima Whitbread is a former javelin world champion, double Olympian and former world record holder. This week she was honoured with the Helen Rollason Award at Sports Personality of the Year 2023 for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity. Fatima was aba…

1
Dominic Grieve 1:04:09

7M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

Former Conservative MP Dominic Grieve never set out to be a rebel. In his words, he was a member of the establishment. He was president of the Oxford University Conservative Association and before being elected to parliament, he was a QC. He served in David Cameron’s government as Attorney General, but as the EU referendum loomed, he became increas…

1
Chris Packham 59:51

7M ago59:51

59:51

Wildlife TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham has always been fascinated by the natural world. As a child, he spent hours collecting slugs, snails, ladybirds and tadpoles from the garden to store in jam jars. He struggled to fit in at school and was bullied by other students. Chris knew he was different but didn't understand why. It wasn'…

1
What To Listen To Next - The News Agents 38:55

7M ago38:55

38:55

We're dropping into your feed to share another Global Player Original podcast with you. Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall – three of the UK’s top journalists – host a daily news podcast: The News Agents. They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news – and a healthy dos…

1
Omid Scobie 1:00:24

8M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Royal biographer Omid Scobie was thrust into the spotlight when he began writing about Prince Harry and Meghan. His first book Finding Freedom, about the Sussexes’ and their split from the Royal Family, made headlines across the world. And – his stories about the Royals are once again dominating the front pages following the release of his new book…

1
Emily Maitlis interviews James O'Brien on his book 'How They Broke Britain' 53:16

8M ago53:16

53:16

This week, the tables have turned and James is in the hot seat. He sits down with journalist and host of The News Agents podcast, Emily Maitlis to discuss his bestselling book, How They Broke Britain, naming and shaming those responsible for the decline in politics, media and the economy.By Global

1
Miles Jupp 58:28

8M ago58:28

58:28

He's a comedian, writer and star of stage and screen. Miles Jupp started performing stand-up as a student at Edinburgh University. In his third year, he got the role of Archie the Inventor in the children's show Balamory and has never looked back. He's appeared in major television series, Hollywood films and has created his own radio sketch shows. …

1
Chris McCausland 58:57

8M ago58:57

58:57

Liverpudlian comedian Chris McCausland gradually started losing his eyesight due to a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa. His sight got so bad in his 20s that he was forced to give up his job as a web developer and ended up unemployed. He decided to give stand-up a try and is now a regular fixture on the comedy circuit. Tickets for hi…

1
From The Vault: Dame Prue Leith 47:38

8M ago47:38

47:38

James has brought back another incredible guest from the Full Disclosure vault this week. He's revisiting his 2019 interview with Dame Prue Leith, star judge on the Great British Bake Off. Prue has lived an incredible life. She grew up in South Africa during the Apartheid era, then moved to Paris to study at the Sorbonne before making a name for he…

1
From The Vault: Steve Coogan 59:06

9M ago59:06

59:06

James has been looking back at some of his all-time favourite guests on Full Disclosure. He's dug deep into the vault and plucked out an episode that really stands out. It's a classic with one of his very first guests, the comedian and actor Steve Coogan. Steve Coogan is such a private individual for someone who's so incredibly well-known. He rarel…

1
Tim Peake 59:57

9M ago59:57

59:57

In 2008, Tim Peake answered an advert from the European Space Agency looking for astronauts. Six years later he became the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station and carry out a spacewalk. But Tim didn't always want to be an astronaut. As a child, he fell in love with flying and pursued a career in aviation. He progressed …

1
Mary Beard 1:01:48

9M ago1:01:48

1:01:48

Arguably the world’s most famous classicist, Mary Beard has an incredible talent for making ancient history engaging for everyone. Her fascination with the past began at the age of five. During a visit to the British Museum, she saw a slice of ancient Egyptian cake on display and was thrilled when a curator opened the case and got it out for her. F…

1
Susie Dent 57:16

9M ago57:16

57:16

Lexicographer, etymologist and Queen of Countdown’s Dictionary Corner, Susie Dent has always been fascinated by words. As a child, she would read the labels of shampoo bottles at bath time, marvelling at the fact they were written in a different language. She studied modern languages at Oxford University before getting a job at Oxford University Pr…

1
Naomi Klein 57:23

10M ago57:23

57:23

Over the past twenty-five years, Naomi Klein has charted and documented our politics and culture with a series of bestselling-books from No Logo to The Shock Doctrine. She’s known as one of the most influential left-wing voices of our time. But she wasn’t always this politically active. As a teenager, she resented being dragged along to demonstrati…

1
Gabby Logan 59:56

10M ago59:56

59:56

Broadcasting legend, podcaster and former gymnast for Wales and Great Britain, Gabby Logan is a force to be reckoned with. She started her broadcasting career as a student at Metro Radio in Newcastle. She's gone on to become one of Britain's best loved sports presenters, hosting high-profile events including the Olympics, Premiership football and t…

1
Clive Myrie 57:43

10M ago57:43

57:43

He's one of the most recognisable faces on British television, covering some of the biggest stories of our time. BBC News presenter and Mastermind host, Clive Myrie grew up in Bolton - the son of Windrush generation parents - with dreams of becoming a journalist. He studied law at university but ended up accepting a position on the BBC's journalism…

1
Sebastian Faulks 54:06

10M ago54:06

54:06

Novelist Sebastian Faulks has the rare quality of being both literary and popular. He’s best known for his historical novels set in France, and in particular, Birdsong, adapted for the screen and starring Eddie Redmayne. Now for the first time Faulks has ventured into the future - but not very far - setting his latest novel from 2030, beginning wit…

1
Mark Gatiss 1:01:27

11M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Few of us realise the dreams we have as 8-year-olds, but actor, screenwriter and director Mark Gatiss, obsessed with horror, Dr Who and Sherlock Holmes as a child, has managed to incorporate his early passions into his professional life. Now a grown-up with an astonishing catalogue of work, Gatiss no longer pursues the macabre with adolescent fervo…

1
Dawn Butler 1:03:11

11M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Dawn Butler was the first black woman to speak at the despatch box in the House of Commons. But as a young person it had not once occurred to her to go into politics. In this episode, Dawn explains how an injustice she experienced at primary school triggered a series of events, encouraging her to confront wrongs where she sees them, even within her…

1
Polly Toynbee 1:02:18

11M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

When Polly Toynbee arrived at The Observer in the late 1960s, she quickly concluded that she'd make a poor news reporter. Hailing from a long line of well-heeled and highly educated liberals and social reformers, Polly surmised that she didn't know enough about the country she'd grown up in. Since then, Polly has worked in factories, hospitals and …

1
Dale Vince 1:03:08

11M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

Environmentalist Dale Vince was appalled to learn, as a child, that many adults don't enjoy going to work. Rejecting convention, he decided to hit the road, becoming a New Age traveller - living off the land in alternative communities around England. It's not the obvious starting point for somebody who'd go on to build a company worth £100m.…

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