Full Disclosure with James O'Brien

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.

Former Home Secretary who chose principle over position, Amber Rudd has spent much of her life at the centre of power. From banking to frontbench politics, her career has spanned the high-stakes worlds of business, government and Brexit-era turmoil.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Amber to reflect on the decisions, mistakes and tensions that shaped her time in office. From her alliance with Theresa May to her public resignation from Boris Johnson’s Cabinet, Amber offers an unusually frank look at what it means to hold power- and when to walk away from it.She speaks candidly about the human cost of leadership, the moral complexity of the Home Office, and the fallout of political compromise. And she reflects on what it takes to recover- personally and professionally- from being publicly vilified.Grounded, introspective and refreshingly sincere, Amber revisits the pressure points of her political life, the people who’ve shaped her, and why disagreement doesn’t have to mean disloyalty.She also shares why she’s returned to public conversation with The Crisis Room-  a new podcast co-hosted with journalist Mark Urban and former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos. Each week, the team unpicks the biggest crises shaping the UK and the world. With insider perspectives drawn from the gritty underbelly of investigative reporting, the corridors of Westminster and the shadowy realm of intelligence, they break down what’s really happening behind the headlines, and what’s at stake for our future.Listen to The Crisis Room here

Actor, activist, and unapologetic truth-teller, Jameela Jamil has lived many lives and survived every single one of them with grit, wit, and an unwavering sense of justice.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Jameela to explore a journey that defies expectation. From a childhood shaped by illness, isolation and relentless bullying, to becoming a pioneering British radio and TV presenter, to an accidental breakout in Hollywood with roles in The Good Place and She-Hulk, Jameela’s story is one of extraordinary reinvention.She speaks openly about how trauma shaped her values, why comedy became her lifeline, and how she built I Weigh- a platform and podcast that champions mental health, challenges toxic norms, and encourages people to question what they’ve been taught to value.Candid, sharp and disarmingly funny, Jameela reflects on the cost of speaking out, the privilege of being heard, and how embracing chaos has often led her to exactly where she needed to be.Find out more about Jameela Jamil’s podcast Wrong Turns here

Known to millions as Mick Shipman in Gavin & Stacey and Archie Mitchell in EastEnders, Larry Lamb has lived a life far more complex than any character he’s played. From a fractured childhood in postwar London, to becoming one of Britain’s most familiar faces- his story is one of survival, resilience and transformation.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Larry to explore the lesser-known journey behind the fame. Larry speaks candidly about the trauma of growing up with an abusive father and shares the unexpected twists that took him from oil rigs and sales jobs to amateur theatre and eventual stardom.Moving, measured, and full of reflection, this conversation offers a rare window into how we carry our past, and how it can shape- without defining- the people we become.Find out more about Larry’s debut novel All Wrapped Up and national book tour here