James O'Brien Daily

Global

Welcome to the best bits of James O'Brien's LBC phone-in show.
Listen back to all the highlights in a 60-minute bite sized chunk of his show with new episodes every weekday.
James covers all the big stories which will make you think - and possibly change your outlook.

James O'Brien Daily is a Global Production

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404 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes404

Newest first

Friday · 58 min
Is Donald Trump the Boy Who Cried Wolf?
Is Donald Trump bringing peace to Gaza, or simply claiming credit for something that has not happened yet? James examines a new US-led proposal, Israel’s telling silence, and the political forces that could still derail any agreement. Plus, TSB staff are preparing legal action after their new owner, Santander, insisted they return to the office for three days a week. Who should decide where you work: you or your boss? This episode was recorded on the 31st of July. 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.
Thursday · 54 min
Climate change feels like a holiday — but at what cost?
Can climate change make your life feel better while making the world worse? James confronts the uneasy appeal of hotter British summers and asks how we can hold both truths at once: enjoying a warm evening in the garden while recognising the catastrophic reality of climate change. Then, a challenging question about food. If organic eggs can have a bigger environmental footprint than caged ones, what does doing the “right” thing actually look like — and why aren’t more of us cutting down on meat and dairy? This episode was recorded on the 30th of July. 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.
Wednesday · 56 min
Should Farage call the police on himself?
In today’s episode, James dissects Andy Burnham’s speech on one of Britain’s most long-running crises: social care. Can the Prime Minister deliver the reform we have been waiting decades for? Plus, Green Party leader Zack Polanski has repeatedly refused to apologise to Nigel Farage over a reposted image of a guillotine T-shirt. Should Polanski say sorry — or does Farage’s response expose a glaring double standard in political language? This episode was recorded on the 29th of July. 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.
Tuesday · 1 hr
Why are we looking away while Europe burns?
France and Spain are facing devastating wildfires, mass evacuations and extreme heat — but why are so many of us tempted to look away? In today's episode, James confronts climate anxiety, news avoidance and the human reality behind the headlines. Before that, an examination of Andy Burnham’s plans to give technical education greater status alongside academic learning. This episode was recorded on the 28th of July. 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.
July 27 · 1 hr 4 min
The 'dementia tax' destroyed Theresa May... but was she right?
Burnham has said the NHS ‘will collapse’ without social care reform, but what should those changes look like? James hears about listeners’ experiences of care home costs, before asking why Britain still has no fair way to fund care. Did Theresa May have the right idea with her ‘dementia tax’? Then, James explores the growing number of young people who are too anxious to enter work, education or training. How can we help those who are frightened of the world take their first steps back into it? This episode was recorded on the 27th of July. 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.
July 24 · 59 min
Should Britain help Trump bomb Iran?
Should Britain continue to support US military operations against Iran, even when Donald Trump seems unable to explain what victory looks like? Can Burnham refuse to join Trump's war without abandoning Britain's long-standing allies? Then, as the Prime Minister cuts business rates for pubs and clubs, what do we really mean when we talk about "working-class culture"? This episode was recorded on the 24th of July. 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.
July 23 · 1 hr
The prison crisis & the truth about London crime
In today’s episode, James responds to the Prime Minister’s plans to review the early prisoner release scheme, following news that two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers could be freed early. What can Burnham feasibly do between now and Christmas to make a difference to our prison system? James also speaks with the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, about falling crime rates in the capital. Why are so many people determined to paint London as a dystopian hellhole? This episode was recorded on the 23rd of July. 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.
July 22 · 1 hr
A £2 bus fare could change your life
Why is capping bus fares one of Andy Burnham’s first priorities? In today’s episode, James explores how affordable public transport can mean the difference between getting to work, attending a medical appointment or simply being able to get out of the house. Then, a stark conversation about the reality of running out of money before payday. Callers share what it means to go without essentials — from food to toilet rolls and tampons — and James asks why so many people still refuse to acknowledge the precariousness facing millions of households. This episode was recorded on the 22nd of July. 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.
July 21 · 57 min
How close are you to being homeless?
In this episode, James explores what will define Andy Burnham’s early days in Downing Street: style, substance, or both? From cutting energy bills to making people feel heard, the new Prime Minister is attempting to restore faith in politics. Burnham has also made one of the first major pledges of his premiership: to end rough sleeping in this country. But is homelessness actually fixable? This episode was recorded on the 21st of July. 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.
July 20 · 54 min
Andy Burnham: the fifth Prime Minister in four years
Why does Britain keep tearing through Prime Ministers at breakneck speed? As Andy Burnham becomes the fifth Prime Minister in the past four years, James asks what's really behind the chaos: Brexit, media frenzy or a political culture that's addicted to change? And with Keir Starmer bidding farewell to Downing Street today, what can Burnham offer that Starmer couldn't? This episode was recorded on the 20th of July. 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.
July 17 · 52 min
Should Andy Burnham decentralise Britain?
As Andy Burnham prepares to become Prime Minister on Monday, James asks whether the new Labour leader's plan to move decision-making out of the capital is the right thing to do. Is this the start of a genuine political reset? Then, with two million parents taking their child out of school during term-time, James asks whether it is ever acceptable to prioritise a holiday over their education. This episode was recorded on the 17th of July. 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.
July 16 · 58 min
What do we owe young people out of work?
After England’s defeat to Argentina, James asks what’s changed in the national mood around the team — and why this group of players feels so different from those of the past. Then he turns to a more urgent question: if simply paying benefits isn’t enough, what would actually help young people who are out of work get into the workplace? This episode was recorded on the 16th of July. 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.
July 15 · 55 min
Why does football make us feel so much?
In today’s episode, James dives into the powerful, often irrational emotions football stirs in us, as England prepare to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. Why does supporting our team move us to tears? From sporting nerves to a different national anxiety: retirement. With the state pension age rising and many feeling unprepared for life after work, James asks what happens when retirement comes too soon — or never feels within reach at all. This episode was recorded on the 15th of July. 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.
July 14 · 1 hr 2 min
Heatwaves, child health and why Britain’s getting both wrong
In today’s episode, James takes on two urgent questions shaping life in modern Britain: why coverage of extreme heat so often avoids mentioning the climate crisis, and why the UK is raising one of the unhealthiest generations of children in Europe. This episode was recorded on the 14th of July. 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.
July 13 · 1 hr 6 min
Why this Farage scandal is different
James O’Brien is back - and straight into the storm. In today’s episode, James asks whether this time really is different for Nigel Farage, as questions mount over his secretive £5 million "gift', his shifting explanations, and a response that James argues has made him look rattled, thin-skinned and weak. If Farage has always sold himself as the outsider taking on the establishment, has the mask finally slipped? This episode was recorded on the 13th of July. 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.
July 10 · 46 min
Will Andy Burnham succeed where Keir Starmer failed?
Independent MP Karl Turner guest presents James O’Brien Daily as he asks whether Andy Burnham would make a better Prime Minister than Keir Starmer. Callers weigh in on Burnham’s communication style, Labour’s direction after Starmer, the pressures of modern media scrutiny, and whether a more devolved, regionally driven model of government could reconnect Westminster with the rest of the country. (James is back on Monday!) This episode was recorded on the 10th of July. 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.
July 9 · 45 min
Robert Jenrick defends Farage's $5M "gift" and the Clacton by-election
Robert Jenrick guest hosts the James O’Brien Daily podcast as Nigel Farage’s shock decision to quit as MP for Clacton and trigger a by-election dominates the national conversation. Is this a bold democratic move that puts the question back to voters — or a political stunt designed to dodge scrutiny? Robert hears from callers on both sides as they clash over accountability, the parliamentary standards process, media coverage, and whether Farage is being targeted by the establishment or simply refusing to face the facts. This week's guest hosts: Friday: Independent MP Karl Turner This episode was recorded on the 8th of July. 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.
July 8 · 46 min
Jess Phillips takes on Nigel Farage
Jess Phillips guest hosts the James O’Brien Daily podcast and doesn’t hold back. With Nigel Farage triggering a by-election in Clacton rather than facing parliamentary scrutiny over questions about his finances, Jess asks whether this is political genius, political cowardice, or just a desperate grab for attention. As callers weigh in, the conversation turns to standards in public life, accountability, and whether Farage is playing the public for fools. This week's guest hosts: Thursday: Reform UK Treasury Spokesperson Robert Jenrick Friday: Independent MP Karl Turner This episode was recorded on the 8th of July. 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.
July 7 · 49 min
Wes Streeting on the NHS Crisis
Former Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting guest hosts the James O’Brien Daily podcast and takes on one of the biggest rows in public life: should NHS consultants be demanding more pay right now? Drawing on his time in government, Wes reflects on the strikes threat, the pressures facing the NHS, and the difficult balance between valuing doctors properly and protecting the wider health service. Along the way, callers share powerful personal experiences of care, waste, staffing shortages, disability support, student debt, and what it really feels like trying to build a life in Britain today. This week's guest hosts: Wednesday: Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley Jess Phillips Thursday: Reform UK Treasury Spokesperson Robert Jenrick Friday: Independent MP Karl Turner This episode was recorded on the 7th of July. 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.
July 6 · 47 min
Angela Rayner takes on Farage — and asks what Britain must fix
Angela Rayner guest hosts the James O’Brien Daily podcast and brings a mix of optimism, anger and straight-talking politics. After England’s World Cup victory over Mexico lifted the mood, Angela asks what needs to change in Britain to make life feel fairer and more hopeful - from flexible working and better jobs to stronger public services and more opportunity for young people. She also takes on Nigel Farage over fresh questions about money, donations and transparency, and later turns to the care system to hear from those living and working through its daily pressures. This week's guest hosts: Tuesday: Former Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting Wednesday: Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley Jess Phillips Thursday: Reform UK Treasury Spokesperson Robert Jenrick Friday: Independent MP Karl Turner This episode was recorded on the 4th of July. 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.