Christiane Amanpour: From Global Crises to Personal Truths
From the war zones of Bosnia to the frontlines of Gaza, Christiane Amanpour has reported from the epicentres of global upheaval for over three decades. Her commitment to being “truthful, not neutral” made her one of the most respected correspondents of her generation and a sharp, unwavering voice in the age of misinformation.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Christiane to explore the emotional and political terrain of her career. They trace her journey from Tehran to CNN’s international anchor desk, discussing the deep personal impact of motherhood, the shifting challenges for women in journalism, and the influence of her high-profile marriage to diplomat Jamie Rubin. From candid reflections on the media’s role in Trump-era America to her evolving understanding of clarity, empathy and leadership, this is a conversation shaped by the past but rooted firmly in the turbulent present.Christiane also opens up about her new podcast, The Ex Files, co-hosted with her ex-husband Jamie Rubin. Told through the prism of their 20-year marriage and subsequent divorce, the series explores the biggest issues of the day and the historical moments that shaped them- from Donald Trump’s return to office, to the escalating global economic crisis, the war in Gaza, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine- all examined through lived history on opposite sides.Listen to The Ex Files here
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Laura Bates: Misogyny, Machine Learning and The Manosphere
From founding the Everyday Sexism Project to unpicking how AI is entrenching misogyny, Laura Bates has become one of the UK’s most unflinching feminist voices. In this episode of Full Disclosure, she joins James O’Brien to explore how one devastating week in her early twenties sparked a lifetime of activism- and why storytelling, statistics, and school visits remain central to her mission.Laura traces her path from a bookish childhood to acting ambitions, before recounting the moment a string of seemingly “everyday” experiences of harassment triggered a wider awakening. The conversation spans her battles with media hostility, the evolution of digital misogyny, and the personal toll of online abuse. With clarity and urgency, she discusses how sexism is coded into everything from CV-sorting algorithms to deepfake pornography, and why AI may be the next great battleground for gender equality.Honest, analytical, and deeply human, this conversation delves into what drives Bates to keep going, and what gives her hope for the next generation.Find out more about Laura Bates book,The New Age of Sexism, here
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Introducing... Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files
There was once hope in the Middle East, but does it now feel further away than ever? In this first episode, unparalleled insight into groundbreaking peace deals left dangling, a recent covert negotiation effort in the West Bank, revealed for the first time… and what it's like having Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat hang up on you live on air.As President Donald Trump lands in the Middle East – for the first major trip of his second term – Christiane and Jamie ask: could he be the person to broker peace between Israel and Hamas?We take a look back at Oslo’s shredded promise, America’s failures that led to Hamas’ election victory, and Jamie’s secret wrangling at the heart of the Middle East peace process. Christiane asks, could Trump’s unpredictability bring peace, or deepen the divide? What’s at stake for civilians, and is lasting peace still possible?Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social
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Christian O’Connell: I had everything I ever wanted, and I was falling apart
From dominating the UK airwaves to starting over on the other side of the world, Christian O’Connell is a broadcaster and writer who has built a career out of connection, candour, and comedy.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Christian to trace the path from his childhood in Hampshire to becoming one of the UK’s most celebrated radio voices- and the breakdown that forced him to confront what success really meant. They explore the roots of Christian’s anxiety, the healing power of storytelling, and the courage it took to walk away from it all to begin again in Australia.Warm, unfiltered and often profound, Christian opens up about family, fame, fear and finding clarity in chaos- a conversation about reinvention, honesty, and what it takes to truly come home to yourself.Discover more about The Heart of Speaking here
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Brian Conley: “I made everyone laugh, that was my defence mechanism.”
From the world of variety to the West End stage, Brian Conley has built a career around his infectious energy, unique humour, and remarkable talent. In this episode of Full Disclosure, Brian opens up about his journey, from growing up in a working-class family to finding solace and confidence in showbiz. He reflects on the highs of performing with legends like Tom Jones to his struggles with dyslexia and alcohol. With his trademark wit, Brian shares how his love for comedy, musicals, and warm-up performances led to a stellar career, while touching on the personal challenges that shaped him along the way. Insightful, raw, and full of laughter, Brian’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of finding your true calling.You can buy tickets to The Prat Pack tour here
Award-winning LBC presenter and best-selling author James O’Brien hosts a series of compelling conversations with fascinating people from the worlds of politics, news and entertainment. These are thoughtful conversations with a curious and interested interviewer.
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