Full Disclosure with James O'Brien

From a childhood in Dundee marked by loss, poverty and resilience, to becoming one of the most respected actors of his generation, Brian Cox’s life and career have been defined by an unrelenting pursuit of truth on and off stage. In this in-depth conversation with James O’Brien, the Emmy and Golden Globe winner reflects on the death of his father at eight years old, the formative influence of his mother’s struggles with mental health, and the teachers who first spotted his talent.Cox charts his journey from the Dundee Repertory Theatre to the Royal Shakespeare Company, the West End and Hollywood, revisiting the defining roles that shaped his craft- from portraying Hannibal Lecter before Anthony Hopkins to his acclaimed turn as Logan Roy in Succession. He speaks candidly about the compromises and convictions that have steered his career, the cultural and political forces that have shaped his worldview, and his ongoing belief in the power of storytelling to confront injustice.Thoughtful, uncompromising and rich with anecdote, this episode offers a compelling portrait of an actor whose commanding presence is matched by his fierce intellect and refusal to play by the rules.

From a childhood in Oxford shaped by unconditional love, Jewish heritage and a keen sense of curiosity, to a career spanning stage, screen, voice work and bestselling memoir, Miriam Margolyes’ life has been anything but ordinary. In this candid conversation with James O’Brien, the beloved actor reflects on the security of her early years, the sting of antisemitism, and the moment she first felt at home on stage. She recalls her path from Cambridge Footlights to the BBC, the breakthrough of her one-woman show Dickens’ Women, and the global recognition that came with Harry Potter.Margolyes speaks openly about her voracious appetite for people and stories, her refusal to shy away from controversy, and the enduring influence of her parents- from her mother’s theatrical aspirations to her father’s financial frankness. Along the way, she shares unvarnished memories of working with Hollywood greats, the exhilaration of live performance, and the friendships collected across decades in the public eye.Frank, funny and utterly herself, this episode offers an unfiltered portrait of a national treasure who remains as curious, mischievous and compelling as ever.

Cariad Lloyd, an actor, comedian, and creator of Griefcast, opens up about her journey with grief after losing her father at fifteen. She shares how transforming such personal loss into public conversation has reshaped her life and the lives of others. The discussion balances humor and sorrow, touching on the struggle to talk about death and the unique rituals of mourning. Cariad reflects on her childhood, the impact of grief on creativity, and the importance of honesty in addressing loss, especially for children.

Kevin Rowland, the charismatic frontman of Dexys Midnight Runners, shares his inspiring journey marked by defiance and resilience. He reflects on a tumultuous childhood shaped by strict family expectations and a struggle for self-identity. Rowland candidly discusses his rise to fame with 'Come On Eileen,' the personal costs of his artistic control, and the battle with addiction that ultimately led to his recovery. Now sober, he embraces creativity on his own terms and explores his ongoing quest for authenticity in the music industry.

Irvine Welsh, the Scottish novelist known for his gritty portrayal of working-class life, joins for a candid conversation. He reflects on his punk roots and how the community shaped his identity through grief and addiction. The discussion reveals his thoughts on modern dependency, linking it to everything from online culture to societal changes. His new book, Men in Love, dives into love and commitment amid evolving societal norms, showcasing his relentless storytelling spirit rooted in raw authenticity.

David Lammy, the Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and an MP for Tottenham since 2000, shares his compelling journey from a challenging childhood to a prominent political career. He discusses the significant influence of mentors and the trauma of police harassment. David reflects on his struggles with imposter syndrome, revealing how he found acceptance during his time as Foreign Secretary. He candidly explores his complex relationship with his father and the impact of the Broadwater Farm riots on his identity, highlighting resilience and community throughout his life.

Grace Dent, a MasterChef judge and acclaimed food writer, shares her journey from a working-class upbringing in Carlisle to the culinary spotlight. She recounts her adventures in London’s media, tackling the snobbery in food writing, and embracing an identity shaped by pop culture. Grace candidly discusses rejection, her career's ups and downs, and how childhood food experiences influence her work today. With humor and honesty, she reflects on her aspirations and the joy of delicious food, including a nostalgic nod to her mum’s dreams.

In this conversation with Graham Fellows, the brilliant mind behind John Shuttleworth and Jilted John, listeners explore his quirky journey from Sheffield dreamer to comedic icon. Graham shares hilarious insights about the challenges of embodying alter egos, the unexpected shock of fame, and the fine line between parody and sincerity. He reflects on his early artistic passions, the role of family in shaping his career, and new projects like 'Chicken Town.' This candid chat captures the essence of creativity, ambition, and the unique life of a beloved performer.

Jon Culshaw, an accomplished impressionist known for his work on 'Spitting Image' and 'Dead Ringers,' shares his journey from a shy boy in Lancashire to a beloved comedic figure. He reflects on his early love for radio, the emotional connections in mimicry, and the art of character transformation. Jon discusses the impact of humor across generations, the balance of scripted versus spontaneous comedy, and the thrill of live performances as he gears up for a UK tour. It's a charming exploration of finding one's voice through the laughter of others.

In this engaging conversation, Michael Lewis, renowned author and journalist behind hits like The Big Short and Moneyball, shares his journey from outsider to celebrated storyteller. He discusses the often-overlooked dedication of federal workers and critiques societal narratives that vilify them. With insights on the nature of obsession and the importance of storytelling, Lewis reflects on his experiences in sports and the lessons of resilience. He also explores the complexities of privilege and self-awareness, emphasizing the vital role of mentorship in understanding success.