Full Disclosure with James O'Brien

From missing the most famous penalty in English football to leading the national team into a new era, Gareth Southgate’s story is one of quiet resilience, modern leadership and emotional intelligence forged under relentless public pressure.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Gareth to trace the long road that shaped him. From being an introverted, late-developing youngster released by Southampton, to captaining Crystal Palace, enduring searing public failure, and eventually becoming England manager. They talk candidly about masculinity in football, learning to lead without bluster, and why authenticity matters more than authority.Southgate reflects on the moments that changed him most. The heartbreak of rejection, the pressure of managing people older and wealthier than him, the lessons drawn from defeat, and the responsibility of becoming a role model far beyond the pitch. He explains how England became a mirror for modern Britain, why he wrote Dear England, and what leadership really looks like when things go wrong.Thoughtful, honest and quietly powerful, this conversation goes well beyond football. It is about growth, failure, emotional courage and the belief that leadership is something you learn, not something you pretend to be.Find out more about Dear England: Lessons in Leadership by Gareth Southgate here

Jan Ravens, the acclaimed impressionist at the heart of Dead Ringers, grew up learning to change the mood of a room long before she ever changed her voice on stage. In this conversation with James O Brien, she reflects on a childhood shaped by humour, instability and her father’s illness, and how those early pressures sharpened the instincts that later defined her career.She traces the journey from school impressions to Cambridge Footlights, becoming the first woman to direct its revue, and the leap from Carrott’s Lib to Spitting Image and beyond. Jan talks candidly about ambition, class, resilience and the unexpected power of comedy to steady you when life feels uncertain. It is an honest, warm and often very funny look at how she found her place in British satire.Find out more about Dead Ringers 25th Anniversary tour here

Before he became one of the most recognisable storytellers on the comedy circuit, Hal Cruttenden was a shy kid from West London who spent years trying to be what he thought others wanted him to be. He trained as an actor, chased approval, and tried to outrun a gnawing sense that something in his life was not quite aligned. It took heartbreak, therapy, and a very honest look at himself to turn that tension into the comedy voice audiences now know so well.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with the stand up to trace the path from drama school hopeful to seasoned touring comic finding unexpected clarity in midlife. They talk about navigating divorce in the public eye, the strange elasticity of masculinity, and the way comedy can both hide and reveal the truth about who we are. Hal reflects on family, fear, and the moments when laughter becomes a lifeline rather than a performance.It is a conversation about reinvention, vulnerability and starting again. And at its heart is Hal’s realisation that the most powerful thing he has ever done on stage is simply tell the truth- however messy, painful or absurd it happens to be.Find out more about Hal Cruttenden: Can Dish It Out But Can’t Take It here

Stephen Mangan, an esteemed actor, writer, and presenter, shares his journey from a bullied schoolboy to a beloved figure in entertainment. He discusses the profound impact of losing both parents and how it reshaped his career choices. Mangan emphasizes the joy of selecting projects he genuinely loves and delves into his passion for writing children's books with his sister, aiming to ignite a love for reading. He reflects on his experiences at Cambridge and RADA, contrasting them with his early, unfulfilling forays into law.

Toby Jones, a celebrated character actor known for his transformative roles from Truman Capote to Iago, delves into his complex relationship with acting. He shares insights on his upbringing in a theatrical family, revealing fears of insecurity shaped by his father's career. The conversation explores his radical student days, the profound influence of Paris's LeCoq theatre school, and the elusive nature of success in acting. With humor, he reflects on finding meaning in performance over ambition and discusses challenging contemporary roles, including his portrayal in Othello.

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.