Full Disclosure with James O'Brien

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.

Alistair McGowan is a man of many talents, as well as being one of the UKs most beloved impressionists. From award winning performances on the West End Stage, sell-out pianist shows and dominating the 90s and 00s sketch TV scene, he is a man that never disappoints to entertain.In this episode, James O'Brien goes back in time to Alistair's school days, his warm upbringing in Evesham and to the moment where he got his big break at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The pair discuss the nuance of a great impression, why Gen-Z may struggle to understand the humour and what 2025 and beyond has in store for Alistair too. We will give you a hint, it's busy, very busy.You can book tickets for on of Alistair's many ventures here

From busking on the streets to topping the charts, KT Tunstall has carved a career defined by resilience, reinvention, and raw talent. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien dives into KT’s journey from growing up in Scotland in a family with no musical background, to discovering her biological father’s Irish singing roots, and ultimately shaping her own unmistakable sound.KT shares the story of her breakout Later… with Jools Holland performance, the moment that catapulted her to stardom, and how she has navigated the challenges of hearing loss and living with tinnitus as a musician. She also talks about her latest passion- musical theatre, including composing the original score for the West End musical Clueless.Funny, inspiring, and deeply honest, this conversation explores how KT Tunstall keeps pushing creative boundaries, proving that reinvention isn’t just possible, it’s essential.You can buy tickets to Clueless The Musical here

Matt Forde is an eternal optimist. From growing up on a council estate to a single mother on benefits, to playing sold out nights at the London Palladium, he's a comedian and broadcaster with a very different story to most.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O'Brien takes a tour of Matt's formative years from the industrial city of Nottingham in the 1980s, his time working for the Labour party in Stoke-on-Trent to moving to the countries capital to begin his journey in stand-up Comedy. At the age of 9 he fell in love with politics and became obsessed with equality and justice, which led him on the journey of joining the SWP before finding his policial home in Labour. After finding his funny bones he took his time in politics to the stage and started performing in comedy clubs up and down the country, mixing political activism and jokes.Funny, moving and honest, Matt has lived a varied life that was tested massively in 2023 when he was diagnosed with cancer and told he would never walk again. In the open conversation, he shares how hard the last 18-months have really been.You can see Matt on tour or buy tickets to his Party Political Podcast here

Zoe Lyons is a comedian that has graced our screens for over two decades, being a regular panelist on Mock the Week as well as numerous appearances on Have I Got News For You and Live at the Apollo. She grew up in rural Ireland, with a peripatetic childhood that would see her move to England, America and Scotland all by the time she reached 10-years-old. In this episode, James O'Brien takes a tour through Zoe's adolescence and hatred of school & school bullies, her parents divorce and her love of the Peter Sellers & Dick Emery. The pair navigate Zoe's slow-burn career and delve deep into why it takes her three years achieve her goals and what the future looks like for her too. You can see Zoe Lyons tour dates here

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a British physician and wellness advocate, shares insights on his journey from traditional medicine to holistic health approaches. He discusses the influence of his upbringing on his career and how cultural expectations shape our views on wellbeing. The conversation dives into transformative practices for managing chronic pain and the significance of understanding emotional stress in breaking harmful habits. Chatterjee also emphasizes the value of blending ancient medical philosophies with modern science for a more rounded perspective on health.

Full Disclosure is taking a short break over Christmas but don't worry, we'll be back at the end of January with a line up of exceptional guests.If you can't wait until then, why not catch up on some of the episodes you might have missed. It's been a vintage year with incredible guests including Rob Brydon, Sir David Jason, Sally Lindsay and lots more.Every episode of Full Disclosure is available on Global Player. Download it from the App Store or go to globalplayer.com.See you soon.

As we take short break for Christmas – here's a selection of some of our favourite conversations from 2024.Full Disclosure will be back in the new year with more brilliant guests. In the meantime, why not listen back to your favourite episodes or catch up on the ones you might have missed. You can find them all on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks, as always, for listening.

Rob Brydon has done pretty much everything you can. From radio DJ & Voice over artists, hosting one of the UKs most loved panel shows to being the star of Gavin & Stacey and acting alongside Margot Robbie in smash-hit Barbie. Rob is a comic that has never lacked ambition, but his success came later in life, during one of his darkest personal moments. In this episode, James O'Brien goes back in time to Rob's school days, charting his self-taping and repeated rejection from acting agents and discovering how he teamed up with Steve Coogan to finally land his big break.