Full Disclosure with James O'Brien

From founding the Everyday Sexism Project to unpicking how AI is entrenching misogyny, Laura Bates has become one of the UK’s most unflinching feminist voices. In this episode of Full Disclosure, she joins James O’Brien to explore how one devastating week in her early twenties sparked a lifetime of activism- and why storytelling, statistics, and school visits remain central to her mission.Laura traces her path from a bookish childhood to acting ambitions, before recounting the moment a string of seemingly “everyday” experiences of harassment triggered a wider awakening. The conversation spans her battles with media hostility, the evolution of digital misogyny, and the personal toll of online abuse. With clarity and urgency, she discusses how sexism is coded into everything from CV-sorting algorithms to deepfake pornography, and why AI may be the next great battleground for gender equality.Honest, analytical, and deeply human, this conversation delves into what drives Bates to keep going, and what gives her hope for the next generation.Find out more about Laura Bates book,The New Age of Sexism, here

There was once hope in the Middle East, but does it now feel further away than ever? In this first episode, unparalleled insight into groundbreaking peace deals left dangling, a recent covert negotiation effort in the West Bank, revealed for the first time… and what it's like having Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat hang up on you live on air.As President Donald Trump lands in the Middle East – for the first major trip of his second term – Christiane and Jamie ask: could he be the person to broker peace between Israel and Hamas?We take a look back at Oslo’s shredded promise, America’s failures that led to Hamas’ election victory, and Jamie’s secret wrangling at the heart of the Middle East peace process. Christiane asks, could Trump’s unpredictability bring peace, or deepen the divide? What’s at stake for civilians, and is lasting peace still possible?Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

From dominating the UK airwaves to starting over on the other side of the world, Christian O’Connell is a broadcaster and writer who has built a career out of connection, candour, and comedy.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Christian to trace the path from his childhood in Hampshire to becoming one of the UK’s most celebrated radio voices- and the breakdown that forced him to confront what success really meant. They explore the roots of Christian’s anxiety, the healing power of storytelling, and the courage it took to walk away from it all to begin again in Australia.Warm, unfiltered and often profound, Christian opens up about family, fame, fear and finding clarity in chaos- a conversation about reinvention, honesty, and what it takes to truly come home to yourself.Discover more about The Heart of Speaking here

From the world of variety to the West End stage, Brian Conley has built a career around his infectious energy, unique humour, and remarkable talent. In this episode of Full Disclosure, Brian opens up about his journey, from growing up in a working-class family to finding solace and confidence in showbiz. He reflects on the highs of performing with legends like Tom Jones to his struggles with dyslexia and alcohol. With his trademark wit, Brian shares how his love for comedy, musicals, and warm-up performances led to a stellar career, while touching on the personal challenges that shaped him along the way. Insightful, raw, and full of laughter, Brian’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of finding your true calling.You can buy tickets to The Prat Pack tour here

Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, has spent over three decades at the forefront of the global human rights movement, challenging abusive governments and fighting for justice. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O'Brien sits down with Kenneth to discuss his extraordinary career, from his early years learning his father’s refugee story, to his pivotal role in shaping international human rights advocacy.Kenneth reflects on the strategies he employed to push oppressive regimes into compliance, from leveraging international pressure to navigating the complex geopolitics of the world’s most powerful autocrats. He offers a candid look at the personal and professional challenges he faced while battling dictators like Putin, Xi Jinping, and Assad, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.Insightful and unflinching, Kenneth shares stories of victories and setbacks, the evolution of the human rights movement, and how he remains motivated by the belief that positive change, however incremental, is always possible. This episode explores the sacrifices, triumphs, and complexities of a career dedicated to exposing injustice and holding the powerful accountable. Righting Wrongs: Three Descased on the Front Lines Battling Abusive Governments, by Kenneth Roth. Available to order now.

Ash Atalla, the creative mind behind some of the most beloved British comedies, sits down with James O'Brien to explore his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in Northern Ireland to becoming a powerhouse producer in television. From The Office to The IT Crowd, Big Boys and more, Ash shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including the unexpected path that led him to comedy and the challenges he faced along the way.In this episode of Full Disclosure, Ash opens up about his early years, including contracting polio when he was just a baby, and how his parents decision to move from Egypt to Belfast in the 1970s impacted his life. He reflects on the lessons his father instilled in him, his rise from a failed stockbroker to a major figure in the TV industry, and how he helped bring The Office to life against all odds.Thoughtful, candid, and full of wit, Ash discusses his work, his family, and what drives him to create stories that resonate deeply with audiences.

Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo, is a celebrated magician who shares his journey from a tough upbringing in Bradford to global fame. He discusses the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household and overcoming adversities like bullying and health issues. Steven delves into the emotional complexities of his public persona and his transformative decision to retire the Dynamo name, emphasizing themes of resilience, self-discovery, and finding magic in everyday life. His story is a powerful testament to embracing vulnerability and the artistry of reinvention.

In this engaging discussion, Carol Vorderman, known for her role on "Countdown," shares her journey from a single-parent upbringing to becoming a passionate advocate for social justice and education. She reflects on growing up in poverty and how it shaped her political activism. Carol boldly discusses the disconnection between politicians and constituents, the resilience needed to face media criticism, and the importance of finding hope in everyday life. Her unfiltered insights on politics and community support are both enlightening and inspiring.

From investigating the minds of psychopaths to examining the impact of public shaming in the digital age, Jon Ronson is a journalist and author who has built a career exploring stories that reveal the complexities of human nature.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O'Brien sits down with Jon to unpack the experiences that shaped his unique outlook- from growing up in Cardiff to embedding himself with fringe groups and conspiracy theorists around the world. They discuss the emotional weight of documenting turbulence and the personal moments that led Jon to seek out the humanity in the most unexpected places.Insightful, sharp, and deeply empathetic, Jon reflects on life at the margins, the characters he’s encountered, and what it truly means to understand those who challenge the norm.You can buy tickets to Jon Ronson’s Psychopath Night here 

David Harewood is one of Britain's finest actors, but fame found him late in life after he was cast as CIA Director David Estes in smash-hit show Homeland. In this fascinating episode of Full Disclosure, join James O'Brien as he takes a tour around David's life, from his early childhood, racist abuse from theatre reviewers, his psychosis diagnosis and how he's become first black president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada).This episode deals with issues of race and racism and strong language is used from the outset and throughout.