James O'Brien Daily

A major reckoning looms as Russell Brand is jailed

As Russell Brand is sentenced for rape and sexual assault, James explores why individuals who report sexual abuse and misconduct can face such a long and difficult battle to be heard. Why are institutions so often slow to act on allegations of sexual violence? From protecting powerful public figures and reputational concerns to failures in accountability, safeguarding and institutional responsibility, the discussion examines why justice can take so long, why victims and survivors are not always listened to, and what needs to change to ensure organisations take allegations of sexual abuse seriously. Plus, an independent inquiry into white working class educational outcomes reveals those on free school meals fall behind their better-off white classmates from the earliest years of school. James asks how much of that gap starts at home, what children bring with them when they walk through the school gates, and what schools can do to give them a better chance. This episode was recorded on the 9th of November. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every weekday on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Russell Brand's rape case: the cost of speaking out

The Russell Brand sexual assault case has reignited debate about sexual violence and the challenges women face when reporting rape. But what does it really take to come forward with allegations against a famous or powerful man? James explores why women can find it so difficult to speak out, the fear of not being believed and the barriers to getting justice. Callers share their personal experiences of reporting sexual violence, being heard and the emotional impact of seeking justice. Plus, as fewer young people consider a career in the armed forces, would military veterans recommend joining the British Army or serving in the military today? James hears from former service personnel about life in the armed forces, the opportunities and sacrifices of military service, and its lasting impact on veterans and their families. This episode was recorded on the 6th of November. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The tide has changed in Trump's America

The American midterm results offer a glimmer of hope that the tide may be turning against Trump, corruption and the politics of division. But how did standing up for equality, human rights and basic compassion become so controversial? Plus, callers discuss the influence of billionaires, the cost of living and political corruption, as well as efforts to reclaim Christianity from the far right. Is this a turning point, or just the beginning of a much longer fight? This episode was recorded on the 5th of November. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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America turns its back on Trump

Donald Trump has suffered an extraordinary electoral defeat, with Democrats making gains far beyond expectations. But is this a rejection of Trump's racism, corruption and attacks on democracy, or have voters simply had enough of the cost of living? James hears from callers in Britain and America as he struggles to balance joy at the result with concern about what comes next. Plus, LBC's America correspondent Simon Marks explains the scale of the Democratic victory, what it means for Trump's remaining presidency and why some of the powerful figures who backed him could now face serious scrutiny. This episode was recorded on the 4th of November. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Will American’s choose Trump again?

Are migrants being valued for the work they do, or simply what they earn? Shabana Mahmood’s plans to make people wait longer for permanent settlement are under scrutiny, with questions over the Government’s £10 billion savings claim and the families facing an uncertain future. Plus, how much will voters forgive Donald Trump? Despite January 6th, his lies and attacks on democracy, he won back the White House. Is the cost of living outweighing moral concerns, and are voters becoming easier to manipulate? This episode was recorded on the 3rd of November. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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Making migrants' lives worse won't make yours better

Shabana Mahmood wants to make migrants wait longer before they can settle permanently in Britain. But why is a Labour government making life harder for people who work, pay taxes and help keep essential services running? James questions the logic behind the proposals and hears from callers whose jobs, families and futures could be affected. Plus, should Britain apologise and offer reparations for its role in the slave trade? As the debate gathers pace, James asks whether historical accountability, education and transparency might matter more. This episode was recorded on the 2nd of November. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

World's largest Bitcoin hack: The morality behind the currency

The world’s biggest crypto exchange has lost $6.3 billion in a record hack, which has reportedly been blamed on North Korea. But what purpose does the crypto currency actually serve for humanity and is it morally good or bad? Then, MPs say the government’s plan to reverse rising obesity rates is doomed to fail, and James asks why Britain has such a problem and why it’s so hard to fix. This episode was recorded on the 30th of October. James O’Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The buy-to-let landlords' sudden fear

The day after John Healey’s Budget was announced, James asks callers to tell him something thoughtful and insightful about what it actually means for them. Then, with tax on property income for buy-to-let landlords rising, should we feel sorry for those landlords? And what are people's personal experiences of renting and the current system. This episode was recorded on the 29th of October. James O’Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

What has the Budget ACTUALLY done for you?

On Budget day, James asks listeners to tell him what a Budget has actually done for them. Positive or negative, what real outcomes has the public had in the past? Then, the Equality and Human Rights Commission wants workers to have the legal right to ask what their colleagues are paid. But is right for to have full transparency for wages and if so, how would it actually be implemented? This episode was recorded on the 28th of October. James O’Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The forgotten pensioners: What it's really like to live on the state pension

The chancellor is expected to use tomorrow's budget to lift the tax-free allowance so the poorest pensioners don't get taxed on their triple-lock increase. For some, £489 a year is loose change down the back of the sofa. For others, it's the difference between having the heating on and not. What is it actually like to live on a state pension and what do those pensioners wish they had known in the past? Plus, Jamie Oliver’s wife Jools Oliver has revealed that she has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD, saying that not understanding her neurodivergence “ruined” her life for 45 years. James has spoken many times on this show about the effects of ADHD but what about the later in life diagnosis of autism? What does the diagnosis actually mean and how much does it alleviate people's personal experiences? This episode was recorded on the 27th of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Can the freedom of movement with EU conversation remain non toxic?

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said everything has changed since Brexit and that it's time for an honest discussion about a return to free movement, with an EU-UK summit looming on the 20th of November... but could the freedom of movement conversation be made toxic all over again, by the very same people as before? Plus, Sylvester Stallone says you're not a good parent if you haven't performed a little nepotism. James agrees and tells the story of the connection that got him his first break in journalism. So when exactly does nepotism become a problem? This episode was recorded on the 26th of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Welcome to James O'Brien Plus

James O’Brien Plus is your one-stop shop for everything James O’Brien. For £4.99 a month, enjoy all four of James’s podcasts ad-free, plus exclusive bonus episodes and a bi-weekly newsletter. Every Wednesday, get a new episode of Ask James Anything, where you can put your questions directly to James. Politics, films, music, food, video games, Halloween parties - nothing is off limits. Then, on the last Monday of every month, catch James Reacts, as James revisits some of the funniest, most viral and most outrageous moments from his years on LBC, alongside stories from the month’s news cycle that he didn’t get to discuss on air. Plus, every other Friday, receive The Life O’Brien - James’s bespoke newsletter, delivered to your inbox for your weekend reading. That’s a lot of James for £4.99. To submit a question, email jamesobrienplus@global.com or send a message or voice note to 07879 809 731. Start your seven-day free trial now on Global Player by selecting any of James’s podcasts. James O’Brien Plus is a Global production.

Why Britain is being told to be ready

Is Britain right to prepare for the worst? As governments across Europe urge households to stockpile essential supplies, a debate over emergency preparedness raises questions about the growing threat of cyberattacks, power cuts and Russian aggression. Plus, the disturbing sex abuse allegations surrounding Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle, raise difficult questions about what happens when allegations of this nature emerge within your own family. Thomas Markle denies the allegations, while Meghan has explained why she cut contact with her father and wanted to protect her children. This episode was recorded on the 23rd of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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Barclays cuts 5,000 jobs for AI... are you next?

Barclays has revealed £2.3bn of profit in the three months leading up to September, while at the same time around 5,000 jobs are being cut. AI is squarely in the frame to take over. So James asks his listeners the question nobody wants to answer out loud: are you next? Plus: The UK government says it is working to identify any potential exposure in its online services, after critical cyber-security flaws were identified in the PHP programming language that underpins a significant number of the world's websites... LBC's tech correspondent Will Guyatt joined to explain it all. This episode was recorded on the 22nd of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Britain’s big bet on North Sea gas

More gas for Britain, but at what cost? The government’s decision to approve new North Sea gas drilling sparks a fierce debate over energy security, the climate crisis and Labour’s promise not to grant new licences. Can domestic drilling deliver cheaper energy and greater independence, or does it risk opening the door to further fossil fuel extraction? Plus, the Covid inquiry’s damning findings bring the tragedy of Britain’s care homes back into focus. With 43,000 residents dead and thousands of patients discharged from hospitals into care homes to free up beds, the human cost behind the figures is impossible to ignore. This episode was recorded on the 21st of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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UK's 'broken' water system and Burnham's plan to take it back

Andy Burnham has reportedly told officials to rip up their plans for fixing Thames Water because they don't go far enough. James wants to know something simpler: how was this allowed to happen at all? A company Britain used to own is now sitting on £100m of outstanding fines, asking its own creditors for another £2.4bn just to keep the taps on, while stakeholders including companies owned by foreign governments have made a fortune. The answers come from callers who were there. Jeremy was asked to leave in 1989 after telling senior management that leakage and sewage treatment figures were far worse than the company was reporting. Steve spent 36 years inside Thames and explains how land, property and skilled maintenance staff were sold or stripped away and why Burnham's real nuclear option might be insolvency law. Then a complete change of direction. Number 10 has openly rejected Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump's claims that NATO allies "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines" during the war in Afghanistan. 457 British personnel died on duty. James hands the show to the callers with most invested in the British military... soldiers who served alongside Americans and men who buried their friends. This episode was recorded on the 20th of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

France riots when Britain just puts up with it

Why are protests in France so different from those in Britain — and could the same anger ever explode on British streets? James examines unrest in France, exploring the country’s revolutionary tradition, its relationship with the state and why French citizens often see protest as both a right and a responsibility. Then, James looks at the stark postcode lottery facing children in England. From unsafe streets and overcrowded schools to access to education and mental-health support, callers reveal how the place a child grows up can shape their entire future. This episode was recorded on the 19th of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

How deep does racism run in Reform UK?

An undercover ITV investigation exposes racist and misogynistic views among Reform UK candidates and activists, raising serious questions about Nigel Farage’s leadership, the party’s vetting process and its repeated claims to be keeping extremists out of politics. Plus, we teach children to read and write, but do we teach them how to actually express themselves? James questions why oracy is so often overlooked, as callers share how struggling to express themselves can leave them feeling shut down in society. This episode was recorded on the 16th of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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Has Trump just handed Putin the upper hand?

What happens when America turns its back on Ukraine? Donald Trump’s apparent alignment with Vladimir Putin raises urgent questions about Ukraine’s future, from restrictions on Starlink and military intelligence to the possibility of Europe having to fill the gap left by a retreating America. Financial Times chief Ukraine correspondent Christopher Miller joins James to explore the impact on Ukraine’s fight for survival and the fears facing its people. Plus, an ITV investigation exposes racist comments by Reform UK candidates and councillors, raising serious questions about the party’s vetting process and Nigel Farage’s response. Where does the line between “legitimate concerns” and outright racism lie and could the public’s rejection of racist politics offer a reason for hope? This episode was recorded on the 15th of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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The urgent need for more foster carers

A national campaign has launched in the hope of finding 10,000 new foster places. James hears extraordinary, emotional accounts from foster carers - from children arriving with almost nothing, to the painful and joyful reality of letting them go, these calls reveal why fostering can change everyone involved. Then, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich joins James to discuss his 491 days in a Russian prison, why he quickly understood he was being held as leverage, and the prisoner swap that finally brought him home. This episode was recorded on the 14th of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.