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

May 8 · 59 min
Labour’s terrible night as Reform & Greens surge
Britain’s political map is shifting, and Labour is feeling the backlash. The party has lost many council seats across the country, even in traditional strongholds. With gains for Reform and The Green Party, a big question looms: was Labour wrong to tact to the right, or is something deeper reshaping politics? Who’s gaining momentum, who’s on the back foot, and what do these first signals tell us about the road to 2026? This episode was recorded on the 8th 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 7 · 51 min
The accidental star of TV’s biggest mix-up
It started as a job interview, and ended as live TV history. Congolese finance graduate Guy Goma was mistakenly pulled into a BBC interview and thrust on air as a tech expert. What followed was panic, confusion, and accidental viral fame that still echoes 20 years later. Guy joins James in the studio to relive the moment that turned him into an internet legend. Plus, a Sainsbury’s worker has been sacked after tackling a champagne thief just hours after performing CPR on a security guard colleague. Should policy matter more than immediate public safety? And are we now punishing the very instinct to help? This episode was recorded on the 7th 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 6 · 58 min
Is Iran calling Trump's bluff?
Oil is spiking, ships are stranded, and the world’s most critical shipping lane is on edge. Now, President Trump says a peace deal with Iran is within reach. But is this real diplomacy, or just a pause before the next escalation, and who really wins if a deal happens? And, who is Zack Polanski really? The Green Party leader has quickly risen into the spotlight and is in the headlines for a second time this week. Supporters see a bold new voice in British politics, while critics aren’t so sure his story adds up. This episode was recorded on the 6th 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 5 · 52 min
How did £5m gift to Farage slip under the radar?
Why isn’t this front-page news? Nigel Farage reportedly pocketed £5 million from a billionaire donor before becoming an MP, and yet the story has barely made a ripple. Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East are escalating. Iran warns “we are just getting started” after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, putting global security on edge. And back home, a major crackdown on antisemitism is underway. Universities could soon be forced to publish data on campus incidents as part of a sweeping effort to confront rising Jew hate, but what if it's already too late? Plus, a cruise nightmare is unfolding. 20 British passengers are stranded amid a suspected hantavirus outbreak, with one crew member in urgent need of care. When it comes to cruises, why are people still taking the risk? This episode was recorded on the 5th 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 4 · 47 min
Why are there so many breads?
As it's a Bank Holiday Monday, we wanted to give you a dose of James O'Brien still - so here's a special Mystery Hour where he's discussing all about bread...as you were. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every weekday on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.
May 1 · 52 min
Has Zack Polanski inflamed antisemitism fears?
Met police defend the “extraordinary” response in the Golders Green terrorist attack after fierce backlash to Zack Polanski’s post accusing officers of violence. Was this a reckless misstep or a justified call for scrutiny? James breaks down the fallout as the stabbing suspect appears in court. Plus, Police review London pro-Palestine marches amid rising terror concerns, reigniting heated debate. Who gets to decide what qualifies as a “hate march” and if bans are introduced, will it backfire by fuelling even more antisemitism? This episode was recorded on the 1st 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.
April 30 · 55 min
How do we stamp out antisemitic violence?
Yesterday’s antisemitic attack in Golders Green has shaken London’s Jewish community, prompting urgent calls for “more protection.” But with little agreement on what that actually means in practice, the tragedy is already being pulled into political point-scoring. And, just a week after warnings about the dangers of cryptocurrency money flowing into politics, explosive revelations have emerged about a UK politician allegedly receiving a huge personal sum from a Thailand-based crypto tycoon. Plus, fresh updates from Washington DC on US politics and the escalating standoff with Iran, as Trump’s approach once again draws controversy. This episode was recorded on the 30th of April. 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.
April 29 · 50 min
What happened in the Golders Green terrorist attack?
A targeted stabbing in Golders Green has sent shockwaves through the Jewish community, with Keir Starmer calling it “deeply concerning” as counter terrorism steps in. Fears are growing over rising antisemitic attacks, online radicalisation, and the dangerous blurring of lines between political rhetoric and real-world violence. Plus, The King’s US Speech lays out a vision of unity, diversity, and support for Ukraine, but what’s really behind the emphasis on “checks and balances” at this moment of global tension? And, as Trump claims Iran won’t agree to a non-nuclear deal, are the cracks in international diplomacy starting to show? This episode was recorded on the 29th of April. 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.
April 28 · 52 min
Should the government freeze rents because of the Iran war?
The King has met Trump with a message: Britain and America willl always find common ground. But why now? And what does Keir Starmer really wants out of this high-stakes moment on the world stage? And, former Foreign Office chief says there was “absolutely” pressure to rush vetting. Meanwhile, criticism mounts over Mandelson’s ambassador appointment called a “serious error of judgement.” Plus, Rachel Reeves is weighing a rent freeze to soften the economic shockwaves of conflict with Iran. What is the real-world impact of a freeze and what it could mean for renters and landlords alike. This episode was recorded on the 28th of April. 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.
April 27 · 1 hr 3 min
King Charles is off to visit Trump… what’s the worst that could happen?
King Charles embarked today on his US state visit to the White House, despite gunshots being fired at a dinner attended by Donald Trump on Saturday night. Assassination attempts aside, what’s the best and worst case scenarios for his time spent with the US President? And, over the past decade, healthy life expectancy in the UK has dropped by around two years to just under 61. Why the UK? Why the last 10 years? And, why is London doing better than the rest of the country? This episode was recorded on the 27th of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
April 24 · 1 hr 2 min
Should assisted dying be legal? And, Starmer rejects Trump’s warmongering
A proposed law to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales will run out of time on Friday, almost 17 months after MPs first voted in favour of it…although the their may be another attempt to get the bill through in the next session of Parliament. James’ callers candidly share their experiences, and whether people should, under certain circumstances, be allowed to end their life. And, James believes Starmer’s rejection of Trump’s demands to join in on strikes against Iran is some of the best Prime-Ministerial leadership this country has ever seen… Trump’s even threatened to review the UK’s Falkland Islands claim by way of punishment. Does Starmer deserve more credit, and what could the US do in regards to the Falklands? This episode was recorded on the 24th of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
April 23 · 1 hr 1 min
Is the UK-US "special relationship" over?
James unpacks growing doubts over the future of the UK-US “special relationship”, after stark warnings from former NATO figures were met by firm reassurances from the American ambassador. Is the alliance over? If so, how should Britain respond? Then, as social media executives deny their platforms are inherently addictive to children, the callers share whether social media mirrors more traditional forms of addiction - and what living with serious addiction really feels like. This episode was recorded on the 23rd of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
April 22 · 1 hr 1 min
Has the Mandelson scandal shown that Starmer can't hack being Prime Minister?
Considering how the Peter Mandelson scandal has been dealt with over the last few days, is Sir Keir Starmer actually up to the job of Prime Minister? And, half of young people have said they would categorically never fight for Britain, according to the Youth Poll. If that's you - why? This episode was recorded on the 22nd of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
April 21 · 1 hr 2 min
Who is actually at fault in the Starmer-Mandelson scandal?
Today, former Foreign Office official, Olly Robbins, sacked by Sir Keir Starmer for not disclosing Lord Mandelson’s vetting failure, told the Foreign Affairs Select Committee that No 10 had a "dismissive" approach to Mandelson's vetting - Downing Street denies this. James is joined by LBC’s Political Editor, Natasha Clark, to break down the 2.5 hours of evidence provided by Robbins, and asks the listeners whether this is as big a deal as it appears. This episode was recorded on the 21st of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
April 20 · 55 min
What's the evidence that Trump has gone mad?
With Keir Starmer facing MPs in the Commons over the Peter Mandelson scandal, James asks how serious the mounting pressure really is - and what today’s showdown could mean for his leadership. And, as three very different columnists separately conclude that Donald Trump has “gone mad”, what evidence do you see of mental decline? This episode was recorded on the 20th of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
April 17 · 58 min
The Peter Mandelson debacle: Should Starmer go?
The Foreign Office's most senior civil servant has been effectively sacked by the Prime Minister, who claims the office failed to inform him that Peter Mandleson had failed his security vetting for the role of US ambassador. Does is even matter whether Starmer knew or not - and should he go? This episode was recorded on the 17th of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
April 16 · 50 min
Why the rich live longer
New findings reveal that well-off people can expect to live 20 more “good years” than those with financial stress. Why does this gap exist, what drives it, and what practical steps could help close it? And, LBC’s Political Editor, Natasha Clark, joins James to discuss her interview with the Prime Minister today, during which Sir Keir Starmer told her there is an “overwhelming case” for tighter social media restrictions. This episode was recorded on the 16th of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
April 15 · 1 hr
Should those who failed to stop the Southport killer be named and shamed?
Following the Southport Inquiry, the lawyer for the murdered girls’ families says that the local authority officials at fault should be “named and shamed”, unless suitable disciplinary measures are taken. Would this be fair? Also, James is joined by the UK's leading money saving expert, Martin Lewis, who, alongside his charity, is set to fix the currently vicious council tax debt collection system. And, James is joined by Washington Correspondent, Simon Marks, for an update on Donald Trump, America, and beyond. This episode was recorded on the 15th of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
April 14 · 1 hr 4 min
Southport Inquiry: What is it like to fear your own child?
The Southport murders could have been prevented by the killer’s parents and the authorities, according to an inquiry. What could have been done differently, and what is it like to fear your own child? And, a former Nato secretary general, Lord George Robertson, has warned that the UK’s security is "in peril". How do we know we’re at risk of military attack, and why isn’t the public more concerned? This episode was recorded on the 14th of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
April 13 · 57 min
Trump's Iranian blockade has begun
The US blockade of Iran’s ports has begun, while the Strait of Hormuz stays closed, with oil prices surging above $100 a barrel. What's going to happen next? Joining James to break it all down is the inimitable Simon Marks, LBC's Washington Correspondent. This episode was recorded on the 13th of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.