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

June 5 · 59 min
Is Twitter for the far-right and should the government come off it?
After misinformation spread on Twitter by Elon Musk and others about the police officers involved in the tragic murder of Henry Nowak, is it time the government, politicians and media companies come off the platform? In today's episode James takes passionate calls from the nation who give their verdict. And should we teach boys and girls differently in schools to help them reach their maximum potential? Well that's a theory ex footballer and England manager Gareth Southgate has, plus do bad bosses set you up to make you more resilient? This episode was recorded on the 5th of June. 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.
June 4 · 49 min
Farage disrespects Henry Nowak’s parent’s wishes - why?
Reflecting on the reaction to the killing of Henry Nowak, James examines how parts of the media and public life seize on race, policing and grievance - and asks what they really want when they sideline the truth. Later, he also speaks to Labour MP Jess Asato about taking legal action over the sexualised images of her created and published on X using the platform's AI chatbot, Grok, and what that says about the toxic state of social media. This episode was recorded on the 4th of June. 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.
June 3 · 59 min
Kemi Badenoch says Henry Nowak's murder is a "Stephen Lawrence moment"
James contrasts the dignified plea from Henry’s father not to use his son’s death to fuel “division, hatred or tension” with Nigel Farage’s inflammatory intervention, asking why so many were willing to ignore the family and the judge’s remarks... and why in the world is Kemi Badenoch drawing comparisons with the racist killing of Stephen Lawrence? This episode was recorded on the 3rd of June. 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.
June 2 · 1 hr 2 min
How Nigel Farage hijacked Henry Nowak's murder
James reflects on the killing of Henry Novak, the appalling police response in his final moments, and the anguish of a family now forced to watch their son’s death turned into a weapon of divison by Nigel Farage. James takes passionate contributions from listeners, including the former Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu. This episode was recorded on the 2nd of June. 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.
June 1 · 1 hr 3 min
Do you believe Nicola Sturgeon?
James unpacks the fallout around Nicola Sturgeon and asks the million dollar question: do you actually believe she knew nothing about her husband’s embezzlement of SNP funds? Later, the focus shifts to recent reports of NHS maternity care failures - from understaffed wards to traumatic postnatal experiences, callers share heartbreaking stories that reveal where the system is falling short. This episode was recorded on the 1st of June. 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.
May 29 · 59 min
What has Trump actually done in Iran?
James tries to make sense of a week in which the White House line on Iran seemed to change by the day: ceasefire, threats, victory, retaliation, then talk of a "deal". James asks how Donald Trump has taken us here. Later, James turns to figures showing tens of thousands of school suspensions in England linked to racist, homophobic and ableist abuse. Parents share heartbreaking accounts of what happens when their kids come home carrying hatred they’ve experienced in the classroom, and James explores what this says about the UK more broadly. This episode was recorded on the 29th of May. 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.
May 28 · 1 hr
1M young people out of work & Carol Vorderman vs Reform
As new figures show more than a million 16 to 24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training, James opens the phones to hear from the people living it: young jobseekers, parents and employers. What actually happens to young people when they leave educattion and try to find work? Later, James speaks to Carol Vorderman after she called for an apology from Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon over abusive online comments, in a wider discussion about misogyny, political accountability and the treatment of women in public life. This episode was recorded on the 28th of May. 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.
May 27 · 58 min
The day Tony Blair sounded like Trump
Tony Blair has stuck his neck back out, warning that Labour risks "relegating Britain" from the premier league of nations. Do you care what Tony Blair has to say any more? If you do, how do you explain the 180-degree change in his politics? And… is he right? And, as climate scientists sounded the alarm, the UK experienced its two hottest ever May days over the bank holiday weekend. The European heatwave even took the lives of seven people in France. This is not normal - so why aren’t we more worried? This episode was recorded on the 27th of May. 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.
May 26 · 1 hr 3 min
Two UK teenagers spared jail after rape - can this be right?
Today, top doctors warned that social media may be as harmful to young people as smoking — but what actually is the worst thing about it? Is it addiction, anxiety, misinformation, vanity, or something even harder to define? And after two boys avoided jail for rape because a judge feared prison would “damage” their futures, listeners try to make sense of a decision that has sparked outrage and confusion. How should justice balance punishment, rehabilitation, and the impact on victims? This episode was recorded on the 26th of May. 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.
May 25 · 48 min
Mystery Hour: How do football commentators remember players?
Time for your bank holiday instalment of Mystery Hour, the game in which James invites his callers to ask and answer questions about absolutely anything. You are guaranteed to learn something new after listening to this (however please note James cannot guarantee the usefulness of any newly acquired knowledge). The James O'Brien Daily podcast is back from the 26th May.
May 22 · 1 hr 3 min
Plummeting immigration & Brits abused in Israel
Immigration is plummeting - so why is the right-wing press screaming about a "brain drain"? James unpacks the ONS figures the Mail and Telegraph don't want you to understand. Plus, the disturbing footage of Israel's Security Minister abusing detained British citizens — including a 72-year-old RAF veteran whose hands were tied around his neck. James asks: why did he film it, and why hasn't he been sacked? Callers from Belfast, Sweden, Muswell Hill and Islington deliver. This episode was recorded on the 21st of May. 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.
May 21 · 1 hr
Do the racists know that immigration has dropped off a cliff?
Net migration has plummeted to 193,000 - down more than 80% in just three years. So will it actually make any difference to the national conversation, or has the immigration debate moved beyond the reach of facts? Plus, James speaks with Claire Zugar, who's father, Malcolm Ducker, a 72 year-old-British RAF veteran, has been filmed being detained and taunted by Israel's far-right security minster, Itamar Ben-Gvir, along with other Gaza flotilla activists. And, Sir Bill Browder, anti-corruption campaigner & head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign, delivers a blunt verdict on the UK's decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil. This episode was recorded on the 21st of May. 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.
May 20 · 1 hr
Gen Z haven't got any money
Life for young people seems to be harder than ever. How are young people coping with the astronomical cost of living, soaring house prices and rising youth employment? And, with AI use on the rise as it infiltrates daily life, James ponders the question, when does AI use become cheating? As judges of a writing competition can’t be sure that AI wasn’t involved – where is the line for ‘proper’ use of AI and its place in modern society. Today's show also features an interview with Arab Barghouti, son of Marwan Barghouti who has been in prison in Israel for 24 years after being convicted for involvement in attacks that resulted in the deaths of five people. He has always denied the charges and an Inter-Parliamentary Union report found that Barghouti was not given a fair trial. This episode was recorded on the 20th of May. 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.
May 19 · 1 hr 3 min
Is 10 years old too young to be criminally responsible?
HS2 could cost up to £102.7bn (up from £32bn) and may not open until 2039. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also explained today that the so-called “high-speed” trains will likely be ran slower, to trim costs. Why is HS2 taking so much time and money and why has the UK become so bad at building things? And, Justice Secretary David Lammy is to consider raising the age of criminal responsibility above the current threshold of 10 years old. The move would mean children up to the age of 12 or 14 may no longer face prosecution for crimes... what age do you think a human being becomes criminally responsible for their actions? This episode was recorded on the 19th of May. 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.
May 18 · 1 hr 1 min
Did Labour just put Brexit back on the table?
Brexit is back in the political spotlight thanks to the two biggest threats to Keir Starmer’s leadership - former Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. Streeting has advocated for a return to the EU, whereas Burnham believes re-running Brexit would leave the UK in rut. Do you welcome this renewed national conversation about rejoining the EU? This episode was recorded on the 18th of May. 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.
May 15 · 1 hr 3 min
Why is Andy Burnham so popular & will he challenge Keir Starmer?
Today, James tackles the political bombshell shaking Labour: MP Josh Simons has resigned, clearing a path for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster - and potentially mount a future leadership challenge. Is this a smart political move, blatant career choreography, or exactly what Labour needs right now? And if you’re from Manchester, why does Burnham remain so popular? From the Bee Network to his “King of the North” reputation, James asks what’s behind Burnham’s rising appeal and and whether that popularity could translate nationwide. This episode was recorded on the 15th of May. 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.
May 14 · 57 min
Does the country need stability or a full reset?
Has Keir Starmer developed a credibility problem with the public? As frustration grows across the country and speculation intensifies over divisions inside Labour, is there actually a real appetite for a leadership challenge right now? And if change did happen, would any alternative genuinely connect better with voters, or risk making things worse? Plus, the rumours and rising political pressure surrounding Wes Streeting, and the bigger question hanging over the party: would a new leader steady the ship, or plunge Labour into even deeper uncertainty at exactly the wrong time? This episode was recorded on the 14th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.
May 13 · 54 min
A coup in the air and The King's big promises
Keir Starmer came into office promising a clean break. An end to the chaos, the incompetence, and the slow decay that’s defined British politics since 2016. But the sense of political rot hasn’t gone away. Public trust is still shattered, institutions are fragile, and voters across the spectrum are more cynical than ever. So what went wrong? Why hasn’t Starmer managed to turn things and now as he faces a leadership challenge, is it too late? And, the King’s Speech today set out the roadmap for the country ahead - housing, immigration, energy, policing, and economic reform all on the table. But is this a serious plan for renewal, or just a familiar list of promises in a system already under strain? This episode was recorded on the 13th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.
May 12 · 57 min
"I will not walk away" Starmer faces mounting pressure
The tide appears to have turned on Kier Starmer with reports that 81 Labour MPs want him to stand down. But Starmer says he won't go down without a leadership challenge. So, what’s actually gone wrong? And if Labour did move on from him, who could realistically step up and change the party’s direction? Plus, Zack Polanski admits he made a mistake after failing to pay council tax, adding to a difficult few weeks for the Greens. As the party gains more attention ahead of the general election, so does the scrutiny. This episode was recorded on the 12th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.
May 11 · 57 min
Is Starmer's survival speech too little too late?
Keir Starmer is under pressure after Labour’s bruising losses last week. In an impassioned defence of his leadership, Starmer insisted he is “not going anywhere,” warning Labour MPs that changing leader wouldn’t solve the party’s problems. He also laid out priorities including closer ties with Europe, taking control of British Steel in the national interest, and renewed support for working people and young families. But with questions growing over leadership, is Starmer safe in his role? And can his message still rebuild trust before the next big political test? This episode was recorded on the 11th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.