Full Disclosure with James O'Brien

As the creative mind behind Blackadder, Spitting Image, Not the Nine O’Clock News and QI, John Lloyd has quietly shaped British comedy for more than forty years. In this episode of Full Disclosure, he sits down with James O’Brien to look back on the work that defined his career-and the questions that have driven him ever since.Lloyd reflects on his peripatetic naval childhood, his years at Cambridge and the realisation that comedy, not law, was his calling. He shares candid stories about discovering Rowan Atkinson, collaborating with Douglas Adams on The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and co-creating The Meaning of Liff. Alongside the triumphs came struggle- including a midlife breakdown that forced him to re-examine success, purpose and the art of living.Blending humour, honesty and philosophy, Lloyd explores the connection between curiosity and creativity, why he believes comedy can change how we see the world, and how even life’s disasters can turn out to be gifts.Find out more about The 42nd anniversary edition of The Meaning of Liff here

Join Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia and author of The Seven Rules of Trust, as he shares his journey from a curious boy in Alabama to the architect of one of the most visited websites globally. He discusses the revolutionary concept of a free encyclopedia, the community-driven nature of Wikipedia, and how trust shapes online collaboration. Wales reflects on early internet culture, the challenges of toxicity, and the importance of openness in fostering a positive online space. His vision continues to inspire, proving that together, people can create something remarkable.

Charles Dance, a veteran actor known for his powerful roles including Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones, shares his remarkable journey from a working-class background in Worcestershire. He reflects on overcoming a childhood stammer with the help of eccentric mentors, his transition to a celebrated acting career, and the importance of being a 'working actor' rather than pursuing fame. Charles dives into his experiences at the Royal Shakespeare Company, life lessons from collaborating with iconic stars, and his unshaken gratitude for a career filled with diverse roles.

Alexander Armstrong, a beloved broadcaster and comedian, shares insights from his formative years in Northumberland. He reflects on his challenging childhood, revealing a deep-seated fear of others yet an appreciation for kindness. Armstrong discusses his musical journey, from early influences to losing a mentor, and the transformative role of comedy during his time at Cambridge. He also dives into writing his novel, Evenfall, inspired by folklore and aimed at engaging young readers, all while prioritizing happiness over ambition.

Jack Thorne, an Emmy- and BAFTA-winning playwright, is known for works like His Dark Materials and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. He shares the impact of chronic illness on his life, including being 'allergic to moving,' and how these experiences shaped his storytelling and activism. Thorne discusses the joy of collaboration in theatre, the significance of neurodiversity, and the relentless nature of his writing journey, revealing a drive to create inclusive and truthful narratives that reflect the lives of those often overlooked.

Cor Hutton, a Scottish charity founder and motivational speaker, shares her inspiring journey as a quadruple amputee after surviving sepsis. She discusses the rollercoaster of her recovery, including the mental and emotional hurdles of adjusting to life without hands and feet. Cor also reveals how she founded the charity Finding Your Feet to support others facing similar challenges. Hear her heartfelt stories from receiving a double hand transplant to climbing mountains for fundraising, proving that resilience and optimism can transform lives.

Before he became one of the world’s best-known chefs, Jamie Oliver was a dyslexic kid growing up in his parents’ pub in rural Essex, learning the value of hard work, fresh food, and family.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Jamie to trace his journey from peeling veg at his parents’ pub to fronting The Naked Chef, reshaping school dinners, and building - then losing - a restaurant empire. They talk about the resilience required to recover from failure, his uncompromising campaigns on child health, and why he still feels driven to “stir the pot” when government policy falls short.Candid, emotional and often surprising, this conversation goes beyond the celebrity image to reveal Jamie as a father, activist and creative obsessive- a man who sees food not just as sustenance, but as a way to change lives.Find out more about Jamie Oliver’s Eat Yourself Healthy here

Leo Varadkar, former Taoiseach of Ireland and trained GP, shares his remarkable journey from a mixed-heritage childhood to leading his country through significant challenges like Brexit and historic referendums. He discusses the emotional toll of leadership, the importance of identity, and the rapid social changes in Ireland. Varadkar reflects on his decision to step away from politics at just 45, emphasizing a desire for balance in life. This candid conversation unveils insights about resilience, ambition, and the dynamics of power in a transforming Ireland.

Dr. Richard Shepherd, a leading British forensic pathologist with over 40 years of experience, reflects on his journey shaped by personal loss and high-profile cases, including Princess Diana's. He discusses the stability of post-mortem processes over centuries and the emotional toll of revealing truths in court. Shepherd shares insights on the importance of empathy, the heavy responsibility of communicating complex forensic evidence, and how childhood experiences influenced his career. He openly addresses trauma and ambition, emphasizing the value of education in forensic medicine.

Actor, comedian and bestselling author Arabella Weir grew up in a family that prized intellect and appearances but struggled to offer love. In this episode of Full Disclosure, she tells James O’Brien how an unsettled childhood shaped her fearless streak, her need to perform, and her instinct to turn pain into comedy.From the brutal remarks of her mother to the liberating chaos of Camden School for Girls, Arabella charts the path that took her from rejection at drama schools to finding her voice on The Fast Show and beyond. She reflects on the role of therapy, the challenge of writing, and what it means to live alongside the little girl she once was.Wry, fearless and full of heart, Arabella shares how survival became strength- and why she’s determined to live on her own terms.Find out more about An Evening with The Fast Show here