James O'Brien - The Whole Show
Global
Listen to James O'Brien's phone-in show, which will make you think - and possibly change your outlook on the big stories.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 5, 2026 • 2h 28min
Trump's administration can't get its story straight on Iran
A sharp rundown of conflicting US explanations for strikes on Iran and how shifting rationales are amplified by media. Discussion of deliberate ambiguity, regional calculations involving Gulf states and Israel, and nuclear escalation risks. Listeners probe motives from politics to ego. The show ends with a lighter Mystery Hour covering curious everyday questions.
Mar 4, 2026 • 2h 31min
Donald Trump publicly slagging off Keir Starmer is good news
Natasha Clark, political editor tracking UK government moves. Simon Marks, Washington-based journalist on US diplomacy. Dr Victoria Rose, surgeon who worked in Gaza on trauma care. Saeed Usman Shah, London market trader who faced racist abuse. They discuss Trump's public insults toward Keir Starmer, media coverage dilemmas, US political reactions, humanitarian medical needs in Gaza, and the impact of online abuse on small business.
Mar 3, 2026 • 2h 26min
Why have Starmer's critics forgotten Iraq?
Callers and contributors share personal perspectives and anecdotes. Henry Riley, Reform Roundup reporter, outlines Reform UK and local political developments. Simon Marks, Washington correspondent, offers US political dispatches. They discuss memories of Iraq shaping debate on Iran, the risks of hasty intervention, legal and planning requirements for military action, and international and regional escalation concerns.
Mar 2, 2026 • 2h 24min
Trump reprimands Starmer for being "worried about the legality" of Iran war
Live reaction to a weekend strike on Iran and the messy politics that followed. Discussion of legality versus popular reaction and the uncertainty of regime change. Debate over a politician’s cautious split between rejecting the strike and permitting defensive support. Calls and commentary explore media coverage, military protections for bases, and fears of regional escalation.
Feb 27, 2026 • 2h 25min
The Greens have beaten Reform and Labour
Henry Riley, on-scene reporter from Manchester who covered the count, brings lively colour and anecdotes from by-election night. Hannah Spencer, newly elected Green MP with a working-class plumbing background, gives an acceptance speech focused on cost-of-living, public services and rejecting divisive politics. They discuss the Greens’ campaign style, grassroots momentum, local organising, and what the result means for Labour and national politics.
Feb 26, 2026 • 2h 23min
Why are maternity services failing?
A probing look at failures in maternity care, from staffing and accountability to racism and unconscious bias. Personal stories reveal how some families struggle to be heard while good and poor care coexist. The conversation also covers institutional protection, calls for accountability, and wider public outrage. Then the show pivots to local issues like fly-tipping and a lighthearted Mystery Hour.
Feb 25, 2026 • 2h 27min
Why the Green Party are so popular
Simon Marks, political commentator on UK and US affairs, and Aggie Chambre, Westminster correspondent who briefs on PMQs. They discuss the Green Party surge, wealth tax proposals and green jobs. They debate youth appeal, media reaction to Green popularity, and whether charisma or policy detail drives support.
Feb 24, 2026 • 2h 22min
If WW3 has already begun, why are we so relaxed about it?
This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's live, daily show on LBC Radio. To join the conversation call: 0345 60 60 973
Feb 23, 2026 • 2h 24min
Making special needs education less special
This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's live, daily show on LBC Radio. To join the conversation call: 0345 60 60 973
Feb 20, 2026 • 2h 23min
Can the monarchy survive?
This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's live, daily show on LBC Radio. To join the conversation call: 0345 60 60 973
