James O'Brien Daily

We're glued to our phones. And it's getting out of hand. As the government moves to ban mobile phones in schools, James turns the conversation away from children and asks whether adults have a problem of their own. James speaks to callers about the psychology of smartphone addiction, how tech companies deliberately engineer apps to keep us hooked, and whether our constant need for distraction is changing the way we think, behave and interact with the world.
And, James opens up about his own experience of therapy, the childhood experiences he spent years convincing himself were perfectly normal, and the dangers of toxic positivity. After a caller shares how therapy helped him confront childhood sexual abuse, James asks why so many people dismiss therapy, bury their trauma and struggle to acknowledge the things that have hurt them. Plus, breaking news as David Walliams is named following his failed attempt to prevent allegations against him being reported.
This episode was recorded on the 10th of November. 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.

As Russell Brand is sentenced for rape and sexual assault, James explores why individuals who report sexual abuse and misconduct can face such a long and difficult battle to be heard. Why are institutions so often slow to act on allegations of sexual violence? From protecting powerful public figures and reputational concerns to failures in accountability, safeguarding and institutional responsibility, the discussion examines why justice can take so long, why victims and survivors are not always listened to, and what needs to change to ensure organisations take allegations of sexual abuse seriously.
Plus, an independent inquiry into white working class educational outcomes reveals those on free school meals fall behind their better-off white classmates from the earliest years of school. James asks how much of that gap starts at home, what children bring with them when they walk through the school gates, and what schools can do to give them a better chance.
This episode was recorded on the 9th of November. 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.

The Russell Brand sexual assault case has reignited debate about sexual violence and the challenges women face when reporting rape. But what does it really take to come forward with allegations against a famous or powerful man? James explores why women can find it so difficult to speak out, the fear of not being believed and the barriers to getting justice. Callers share their personal experiences of reporting sexual violence, being heard and the emotional impact of seeking justice.
Plus, as fewer young people consider a career in the armed forces, would military veterans recommend joining the British Army or serving in the military today? James hears from former service personnel about life in the armed forces, the opportunities and sacrifices of military service, and its lasting impact on veterans and their families.
This episode was recorded on the 6th of November. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The American midterm results offer a glimmer of hope that the tide may be turning against Trump, corruption and the politics of division. But how did standing up for equality, human rights and basic compassion become so controversial?
Plus, callers discuss the influence of billionaires, the cost of living and political corruption, as well as efforts to reclaim Christianity from the far right. Is this a turning point, or just the beginning of a much longer fight?
This episode was recorded on the 5th of November. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Donald Trump has suffered an extraordinary electoral defeat, with Democrats making gains far beyond expectations. But is this a rejection of Trump's racism, corruption and attacks on democracy, or have voters simply had enough of the cost of living? James hears from callers in Britain and America as he struggles to balance joy at the result with concern about what comes next.
Plus, LBC's America correspondent Simon Marks explains the scale of the Democratic victory, what it means for Trump's remaining presidency and why some of the powerful figures who backed him could now face serious scrutiny.
This episode was recorded on the 4th of November. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.