

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.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
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.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 30, 2026 • 1h 1min
Is the Net Zero debate the new Brexit?
After Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine and Donald Trump attacked Iran, it became clear that the UK has a potentially crippling dependency on fossil fuels. When it comes to energy we cannot afford to be beholden the unpredictability of the world, so why is the move toward sustainable energy the subject of political debate?Following reports that 92% of burglaries went unsolved in Britain last year, why is burglary no longer being taken seriously? Has it always been like this and is there a way to turn this around?A former head of Harrow school has said that stress is ‘good’ for GCSE pupils. Is there a difference between good stress and bad stress - and what is the best way to deal with stressed students?This episode was recorded on Monday 30th March. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Mar 27, 2026 • 58min
What happens if Trump put boots on the ground in Iran?
Today, as thousands of U.S. troops head towards the Gulf and speculation grows over whether Donald Trump could order “boots on the ground” in Iran, James asks what would a major escalation really mean?James is also joined by Simon Marks, LBC’s Washington Correspondent, for the latest from the U.S., as tensions rise and the stakes reach a potentially catastrophic new level.This episode was recorded on the 27th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Mar 26, 2026 • 57min
When does social media become an addiction?
Meta and Google have been found liable for social media addiction in a landmark trial in Los Angeles. A young woman sued the companies saying that the addictive design features of their platforms Facebook, Instagram and YouTube caused her harm and worsened her depression. When does social media use become a problem and cross the line into addiction? What happens when we shift our focus from dangerous content on social media to the platforms themselves? And when can wholesome content become harmful? This episode was recorded on Thursday 26th March. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Mar 25, 2026 • 55min
What has Trump's war shown us about the modern world?
Donald Trump declares the war with Iran “won” - even while deploying thousands more troops to the region and requesting military support from NATO states. What have the past three weeks of the war in the Middle East taught you about the modern world?And despite the chaos, one statistic refuses to budge: 36% of American voters still back Trump. Why? What explains this enduring loyalty in the face of war, controversy, and contradiction?This episode was recorded on the 25th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Mar 24, 2026 • 1h 1min
Who do you believe, Donald Trump or Iran?
It's looking like the President of the United States could very well have lied through his teeth about the supposed peace talks with Iran. We’re being asked to decide who to believe out of Donald Trump, or the remaining leaders of a tyrannical theocratic regime - tricky. What in the world will happen next?Also, Conservative MP, Charlie Dewhirst, has said more needs to be done to address the "underachievement" of white working class boys in the UK. What should - and what could - society be doing?And, LBC reporter and presenter, Henry Riley, is back with James for Riley's Reform Round-up!This episode was recorded on the 24th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Mar 23, 2026 • 1h 5min
Has Donald Trump completely bottled it on Iran?
James unpack today's breaking claims from Donald Trump that the United States and Iran have held “very good and productive” talks on a “complete and total resolution of hostilities” in the Middle East—prompting a temporary pause in planned military strikes. But with Tehran denying direct negotiations and the region still on edge after weeks of escalating conflict, what's really going on?This episode was recorded on the 23rd of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Mar 20, 2026 • 1h 3min
Why has Trump started this war?
Benjamin Netanyahu says that true regime change will not be achievable through military force alone - despite supposedly undertaking this war with that ambition. With the U.S. and Israel now deep into a war that has destabilised global energy markets and triggered deadly retaliation across the Middle East, James asks the question at the heart of it all: why did Donald Trump go to war in the first place?This episode was recorded on the 20th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

10 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 53min
Does the Tory party have a “problem with Muslims?”
Simon Marks, Washington correspondent who reports on US politics and international affairs. He discusses Donald Trump’s shifting stance on Israeli strikes and the US intelligence reaction. The conversation covers conflicting public statements and scrutiny in Washington. Short, sharp updates on geopolitical fallout and political manoeuvring.

Mar 18, 2026 • 1h 6min
Is Rayner right about Starmer?
A meningitis case has been confirmed at a second Kent university, with officials believing the outbreak originated at a Canterbury nightclub. Of the 20 confirmed cases thus far, two people have died. James asks his listeners who’ve suffered with meningitis what it was like and what processes are in place to protect people from it.Also, James is joined by LBC reporter Henry Riley, for the next instalment of Riley’s Reform Round-up, complete with listener-made jingles.And, former Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has backed a large group of Labour MPs lobbying the government against its right-wing immigration reforms, which she has says risk being “un-British”. Is it indeed time for Labour to change course?This episode was recorded on the 18th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Mar 17, 2026 • 1h 5min
Would anything change if the world called out Trump’s lies?
James has been waiting for this one… today he asks why it’s so hard for society and the media to call out President Donald Trump as the “deranged liar” that the evidence suggests he is. Then, if we did, would it even matter?And, the Government has set out plans to tackle the spiralling number of young people not in employment, education or training, including a £3000 grant for each company that hires unemployed under 24 year olds… James asks young people and employers how this sounds to them.This episode was recorded on the 17th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.


