Full Disclosure with James O'Brien

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

Natalie Haynes has never been easy to categorise. A stand-up comedian turned broadcaster and best-selling author, she has built a career out of making the ancient world vivid, funny and urgent. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien talks with the presenter of Stand Up for the Classics about her unusual path from Birmingham bookshops to the Edinburgh Fringe, and from Radio 4 to re-imagining Medea.They explore the strange alchemy of combining scholarship with humour, the myths that refuse to let her go, and why Jason may be one of antiquity’s least heroic heroes. Natalie reflects on the teachers and family who first filled her life with books, the risks of carving out a career that no one else was doing, and the joy of turning classical stories into something alive for modern audiences.Clever, warm and very funny, Natalie shows how ancient tragedy and modern comedy can illuminate each other- and why she still feels most at home with the ghosts of Greece.Find out more about Natalie Haynes book and tour No Friend to This House here

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.