Full Disclosure with James O'Brien

The podcast is taking a break for Christmas but will return with exceptional guests in January 2024. Notable guests this year included Hugh Laurie, Dawn Butler, and Chris Packham. Catch up on missed episodes on Global Player. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Former javelin world champion, Fatima Whitbread, discusses her childhood in care homes, her adoption by Margaret Whitbread, her traumatic experiences, and her passion for javelin. She also highlights the emotional neglect in children's homes and advocates for collaboration to improve outcomes. Whitbread reflects on her difficult relationship with a teacher, finding love and security with the Whitbreads, and her dedication to empowering children in the care system through sports and arts programs.

Former Conservative MP Dominic Grieve, a strong opponent of Brexit, reflects on his transition from politics to broadcasting. He discusses the lack of representation of his perspective within the conservative party and how his father's experiences in World War II influenced his political views. Grieve also shares his strategies for coping with difficult times in his adolescence and reflects on his journey to becoming a Member of Parliament. He explores the challenges faced by new Conservative MPs in 1997 and discusses the fallout from his departure as Attorney General in 2014. Grieve concludes by expressing concerns about the current state of the parliamentary conservative party.

Chris Packham, Wildlife TV presenter and conservationist, discusses his childhood fascination with insects and birds, his experiences with autism, embracing difference through punk rock, the decline in conservation efforts and the need for urgent action, and the importance of effective communication and personal creativity in his career.

We're dropping into your feed to share another Global Player Original podcast with you. Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall – three of the UK’s top journalists – host a daily news podcast: The News Agents. They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news – and a healthy dose of scepticism and the ability to laugh at it all when needed. If you're not already following or subscribed, search for The News Agents to hear more. Episodes are available every weekday afternoon. Find the latest episode of The News Agents here on Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42KuVj/

Royal biographer Omid Scobie was thrust into the spotlight when he began writing about Prince Harry and Meghan. His first book Finding Freedom, about the Sussexes’ and their split from the Royal Family, made headlines across the world. And – his stories about the Royals are once again dominating the front pages following the release of his new book Endgame. Omid tells James how he came to write the biggest story in town - and why he has become part of the story.

James O'Brien, bestselling author, discusses his book 'How They Broke Britain' with journalist Emily Maitlis. Topics include the decline of Britain influenced by right-wing media, Nigel Farage's impact, and Boris Johnson's rise. They also explore the influence of Rupert Murdoch on democracy, the blind spot and fear at the BBC, perceived liberal bias and commercial interests, consequences of Cameron's leadership and austerity on Brexit, and the lack of responsibility among content providers.

Miles Jupp, comedian and star of stage and screen, discusses his diverse career and childhood experiences with religion. He reflects on his fascination with behind the scenes theater work and shares his journey into stand-up comedy. Jupp also talks about surviving a brain tumor and finding humor in difficult medical situations.

Liverpudlian comedian Chris McCausland gradually started losing his eyesight due to a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa. His sight got so bad in his 20s that he was forced to give up his job as a web developer and ended up unemployed. He decided to give stand-up a try and is now a regular fixture on the comedy circuit. Tickets for his latest show, Yonks! are available at chrismccausland.com

James has brought back another incredible guest from the Full Disclosure vault this week. He's revisiting his 2019 interview with Dame Prue Leith, star judge on the Great British Bake Off. Prue has lived an incredible life. She grew up in South Africa during the Apartheid era, then moved to Paris to study at the Sorbonne before making a name for herself as a restaurateur in London. She's gone on to become a food writer and broadcaster on shows including the Great British Menu and the Great British Bake Off. To listen to the latest episode of Full Disclosure on Alexa, just say "Alexa ask Global Player to play Full Disclosure."