James O'Brien - The Whole Show

James O'Brien - The Whole Show

Global

33 episodes

Episodes

The Israeli government is racist - that doesn't mean Zionism is
Oct 5, 2026 · 2h 22m
James O’Brien argues that the Green Party’s motion declaring Zionism racist is a category error that conflates the ideology with the current far-right Israeli government.
Possibly the best phone-in about prisons we've ever had
Oct 2, 2026 · 2h 24m
James O'Brien challenges listeners to assess their awareness of current affairs, revealing that 50% of prisoners in England and Wales are functionally illiterate.
Andy Burnham recognises how foolish Brexit was
Oct 1, 2026 · 2h 24m
James O’Brien reacts to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s admission that Brexit has done more harm than good and his proposal to explore rejoining the EU.
I think Andy Burnham stole my material
Sep 30, 2026 · 2h 23m
James O'Brien analyzes Andy Burnham’s Labour conference speech, praising its emotional authenticity and bold calls for electoral reform, rejoining Europe, and social care changes.
What's unfair, unsustainable, and costs £15bn a year?
Sep 29, 2026 · 2h 21m
James O'Brien explores the political and economic feasibility of scrapping the state pension triple lock to fund new social care plans.
Can Andy Burnham really pull this one off?
Sep 28, 2026 · 2h 31m
James O'Brien opens with a critique of the "Farage riots" narrative, arguing that demands to know the nationality of Fairford attackers are driven by opportunism.
White collar jobs are disappearing
Sep 25, 2026 · 2h 26m
James O'Brien debates Andy Burnham’s proposal to steer 14-year-olds toward vocational education, arguing that his privileged private school…
Children leading "let them drown" chants
Sep 24, 2026 · 2h 25m
James O’Brien opens the show with a monologue expressing deep horror over reports of fascist flash mobs at UK ports, specifically highlighting a…
What is the point of the Liberal Democrats?
Sep 23, 2026 · 2h 27m
James O'Brien opens the show by reflecting on the failure of anti-immigration rhetoric to resonate despite plummeting migration figures, arguing that…
Andy Burnham is about to meet Donald Trump for the first time
Sep 22, 2026 · 2h 25m
James O'Brien opens the show by questioning how UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham should navigate a meeting with Donald Trump, noting the impossibility…
What it's like living in a British tourist town
Sep 21, 2026 · 2h 25m
James O’Brien explores the proposed UK tourist tax, arguing that visitors should pay for the infrastructure wear and tear they cause.
The bravest people in this country are being terrorised by the biggest cowards
Sep 18, 2026 · 2h 29m
James O’rien condemns the closure of a Portsmouth RNLI lifeboat station after volunteers were terrorized by masked anti-migrant protesters.
The cleverest mathematicians are ringing alarms on AI
Sep 17, 2026 · 2h 25m
James O'Brien discusses growing warnings from AI experts, including Turing Award winners and Royal Society fellows, who urge governments to regulate the technology due to existential risks.
Is the Piddington row about racism or maleness?
Sep 16, 2026 · 2h 25m
James O'Brien examines the Piddington referendum, where residents voted to leave the UK in protest against housing 1,256 asylum seekers nearby.
If I was Scottish, I'd be pro-independence
Sep 15, 2026 · 2h 31m
James O'Brien reflects on his own ignorance regarding Scottish, Welsh, and Irish history, acknowledging he has been "gaslit" by a curriculum that…
£72m from crypto billionaires is not at all like union donations
Sep 14, 2026 · 2h 25m
James O’Brien opens by condemning Jared Kushner’s pro-Putin peace terms, arguing that Ukraine’s defense is existential while Russia’s aggression is not.
How 9/11 changed the world
Sep 11, 2026 · 2h 26m
James O'Brien marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 by exploring how the event permanently altered global politics, security, and social cohesion.
I'm not sure what "social class" means
Sep 10, 2026 · 2h 26m
James O'Brien explores the concept of social mobility, arguing that the term "working class" is increasingly meaningless and counterproductive for policy.
Ed Miliband is seeking an ethical foreign policy on Israel
Sep 9, 2026 · 2h 29m
James O'Brien discusses the UK’s new sanctions on illegal West Bank settlements, praising Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband’s ethical stance despite backlash from the Chief Rabbi and others.
Israel's President wants dialogue and no action
Sep 8, 2026 · 2h 26m
James O’Brien discusses the UK government’s impending sanctions on goods from illegal Israeli settlements, framing the debate around three camps:…
Violence against women breaks out on the floor of the Reform conference
Sep 7, 2026 · 2h 24m
James O'Brien expresses alarm over escalating far-right violence, specifically masked men terrorizing communities in Dover and Portsmouth.
If you want Farage as PM, you're either a mug or a billionaire
Sep 4, 2026 · 2h 24m
James O’Brien dissects new Channel 4 allegations that Nigel Farage’s inner circle conspired to accept illegal foreign donations.
Is this the beginning of the end for Reform?
Sep 3, 2026 · 2h 27m
James O'Brien critiques the media's disproportionate focus on Diane Abbott while ignoring Nigel Farage’s Kremlin-linked donations and Reform UK’s incompetence.
Do you blame Thatcher and Brexit for the UK's problems?
Sep 2, 2026 · 2h 28m
James O'Brien analyzes Andy Burnham’s speech blaming 40 years of neoliberalism, privatization, and Brexit for Britain’s decline, contrasting it with Kemi Badenoch’s dismissal of historical context.
You tell me why you're optimistic about Andy Burnham
Sep 1, 2026 · 2h 26m
James O’Brien analyzes the high public optimism surrounding new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, contrasting his authentic persona with the rapid turnover of recent leaders.
Why Middlesborough is such a dangerous place to live
Aug 28, 2026 · 2h 25m
James O’Brien examines why Middlesbrough is currently the most dangerous place in England, following a surge in violent crime and gang activity.
How will AI change human existence?
Aug 27, 2026 · 2h 26m
James O’Brien explores the societal impact of AI, citing Bill Gates’ warnings about job displacement and the need to protect human-centric roles.
Should Andy Burnham sanction Israel?
Aug 26, 2026 · 2h 25m
James O'Brien discusses Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s potential sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, following reports that the UK may follow Spain and Ireland.
Why would you watch a "joy ride" video?
Aug 25, 2026 · 2h 24m
James O’Brien discusses the tragic deaths of two police officers in a wrong-way crash, challenging the narrative that solely blames TikTok.
Should we encourage kids to become builders?
Aug 24, 2026 · 2h 24m
James O'Brien discusses the shifting value of vocational trades versus university degrees, contrasting a record-poor graduate job market with a construction skills shortage.
Normalisation of racism and misogyny in the UK
Aug 21, 2026 · 2h 25m
James O'Brien discusses the normalization of racism and sexism in the UK, citing Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson’s warnings.
What should Harry and Meghan do when they come back?
Aug 20, 2026 · 2h 24m
James O'Brien critiques the British media’s racist and sexist treatment of Meghan Markle, contrasting it with the favorable coverage of Kate Middleton for identical behaviors.
The shanty town I saw in London's centre
Aug 19, 2026 · 2h 26m
James O’Brien discusses the normalization of homelessness, sharing personal anecdotes and calling listeners to explain why people remain on the streets.
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