Best Stephen Bates Podcasts (2025)

1
Jameela Jamil: Getting hit by that car changed everything 1:01:36

17h ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Actor, activist, and unapologetic truth-teller, Jameela Jamil has lived many lives and survived every single one of them with grit, wit, and an unwavering sense of justice. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Jameela to explore a journey that defies expectation. From a childhood shaped by illness, isolation and relentle…

1
Larry Lamb: Damaged people are dangerous because they know they can survive 1:03:39

8d ago1:03:39

1:03:39

Known to millions as Mick Shipman in Gavin & Stacey and Archie Mitchell in EastEnders, Larry Lamb has lived a life far more complex than any character he’s played. From a fractured childhood in postwar London, to becoming one of Britain’s most familiar faces- his story is one of survival, resilience and transformation. In this episode of Full Discl…

1
Jimmy Anderson: Behind the Bowler 57:14

15d ago57:14

57:14

In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with cricketing icon Jimmy Anderson to trace the arc of a record-breaking career- from growing up as a shy kid in Burnley, to becoming the most successful fast bowler in Test history. Jimmy reflects on the early self-doubt that plagued him, the physical toll of a 20-year career, and the in…

1
Christiane Amanpour: From Global Crises to Personal Truths 50:01

22d ago50:01

50:01

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 Ful…

1
Laura Bates: Misogyny, Machine Learning and The Manosphere 1:04:12

29d ago1:04:12

1:04:12

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 sc…

1
Christian O’Connell: I had everything I ever wanted, and I was falling apart 1:03:45

1M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

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 …

1
Brian Conley: “I made everyone laugh, that was my defence mechanism.” 1:10:00

1M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

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 …

1
Kenneth Roth: Tyrants Trust Sycophants, I Challenge Them with the Truth 1:05:04

2M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, has spent over three decades at the forefront of the global human rights movement, challenging abusive governments and fighting for justice. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O'Brien sits down with Kenneth to discuss his extraordinary career, from his early years learning his fa…

1
Ash Atalla: The Office, The IT Crowd, and the Unlikely Road to Comedy Success 1:01:12

2M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

Ash Atalla, the creative mind behind some of the most beloved British comedies, sits down with James O'Brien to explore his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in Northern Ireland to becoming a powerhouse producer in television. From The Office to The IT Crowd, Big Boys and more, Ash shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, in…

1
Steven Frayne: I Had To Kill Dynamo To Be Steven 1:08:14

2M ago1:08:14

1:08:14

Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo, takes us on an extraordinary journey from the tough streets of Bradford to becoming one of the world’s most celebrated magicians. In this revealing episode of Full Disclosure, Steven opens up about his transformative life experiences- growing up in a single-parent household, dealing with adversity, and findi…

1
Carol Vorderman LIVE! Numbers, Politics, and Finding Her Voice 1:12:10

2M ago1:12:10

1:12:10

Carol Vorderman is best known as the queen of Countdown, but there’s far more to her than just numbers. From growing up in a single-parent household to becoming one of the most recognisable women in British television, her journey has been anything but ordinary. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O'Brien explores Carol’s path from excelling …

1
Episode #47, Less Tanking Please, Stephen "Hate" Smith, Anthony Davis is still ELITE and Zhang Weili 1:07:47

2M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

New podcast here for you guys, talking about the tanking issues in the NBA, the LeBron and Stephen A beef as well as a couple other topics. I close it out by talking about my favorite female UFC fighter. Enjoy!By Gavin Geary

1
Jon Ronson: “It's good training for a journalist, being bullied at school.” 57:57

3M ago57:57

57:57

From investigating the minds of psychopaths to examining the impact of public shaming in the digital age, Jon Ronson is a journalist and author who has built a career exploring stories that reveal the complexities of human nature. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O'Brien sits down with Jon to unpack the experiences that shaped his unique o…

1
David Harewood: "I was not 'black' enough, I didn't know where I fit in" 1:02:32

3M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

David Harewood is one of Britain's finest actors, but fame found him late in life after he was cast as CIA Director David Estes in smash-hit show Homeland. In this fascinating episode of Full Disclosure, join James O'Brien as he takes a tour around David's life, from his early childhood, racist abuse from theatre reviewers, his psychosis diagnosis …

1
Episode #46, Suns in Shambles, Lakers' Grit, Who Matters in the West and Honest Thoughts 1:16:48

3M ago1:16:48

1:16:48

Back after a long break and aiming to be better than ever. My joy has been restored by how well the Lakers are playing and now we have Luka? The Suns have no options but Bradley Beal is fine with that. Also, I really open up. Listen now and get it all. See you on the next one!By Gavin Geary

1
Alistair McGowan: My friends laughed when I said I was doing comedy 1:07:48

3M ago1:07:48

1:07:48

Alistair McGowan is a man of many talents, as well as being one of the UKs most beloved impressionists. From award winning performances on the West End Stage, sell-out pianist shows and dominating the 90s and 00s sketch TV scene, he is a man that never disappoints to entertain. In this episode, James O'Brien goes back in time to Alistair's school d…

1
KT Tunstall: “I lost my hearing, it didn’t come back.” 58:51

3M ago58:51

58:51

From busking on the streets to topping the charts, KT Tunstall has carved a career defined by resilience, reinvention, and raw talent. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien dives into KT’s journey from growing up in Scotland in a family with no musical background, to discovering her biological father’s Irish singing roots, and ultimatel…

1
Matt Forde: Doctors said I would never walk again 1:07:55

4M ago1:07:55

1:07:55

Matt Forde is an eternal optimist. From growing up on a council estate to a single mother on benefits, to playing sold out nights at the London Palladium, he's a comedian and broadcaster with a very different story to most. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O'Brien takes a tour of Matt's formative years from the industrial city of Nottingha…

1
Zoe Lyons: My mum screamed about me..."I can't cope anymore" 1:01:58

4M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

Zoe Lyons is a comedian that has graced our screens for over two decades, being a regular panelist on Mock the Week as well as numerous appearances on Have I Got News For You and Live at the Apollo. She grew up in rural Ireland, with a peripatetic childhood that would see her move to England, America and Scotland all by the time she reached 10-year…

1
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee: This breathing exercise will save your life! 59:59

4M ago59:59

59:59

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee is a British physician, author, television presenter, and podcaster, known for his alternative approaches to health and wellbeing, aiming to find the root cause of disease rather than simply treating symptoms. During this episode of Full Disclosure, James O'Brien sits down with Dr. Chatterjee to find out how his childhood shap…

1
Full Disclosure is taking a short break, but we will be back! 2:01

5M ago2:01

2:01

Full Disclosure is taking a short break over Christmas but don't worry, we'll be back at the end of January with a line up of exceptional guests. If you can't wait until then, why not catch up on some of the episodes you might have missed. It's been a vintage year with incredible guests including Rob Brydon, Sir David Jason, Sally Lindsay and lots …

1
Best of... Full Disclosure 2024 50:10

6M ago50:10

50:10

As we take short break for Christmas – here's a selection of some of our favourite conversations from 2024. Full Disclosure will be back in the new year with more brilliant guests. In the meantime, why not listen back to your favourite episodes or catch up on the ones you might have missed. You can find them all on Global Player or wherever you get…

1
Rob Brydon: Rejection, manifesting success & meeting Steve Coogan 1:05:06

6M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

Rob Brydon has done pretty much everything you can. From radio DJ & Voice over artists, hosting one of the UKs most loved panel shows to being the star of Gavin & Stacey and acting alongside Margot Robbie in smash-hit Barbie. Rob is a comic that has never lacked ambition, but his success came later in life, during one of his darkest personal moment…

1
Shaun Keaveny: "I have self-doubt and massive amounts of imposter syndrome" 1:03:53

6M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

Shaun Keaveny is one of the UKs most beloved broadcasters, having spent 11 years presenting one of the countries biggest music breakfast radio shows. His journey began upon leaving college, where he knew he wanted to work in a creative industry with a passion for writing skits, listening to the radio and playing music. Shaun soon got his first brea…

1
Alex James: 'Modern Life is Rubbish' was our last chance at success 55:52

6M ago55:52

55:52

Alex James is the bass player in one of Britain's biggest bands, Blur. With millions of record sales and 2 sold-out nights at Wembley in 2023, he sits down with James O'Brien to discuss his early childhood, the emergence of Blur, cheese making and his brilliant new book 'Over the Rainbow'. With a self-confessed short attention span, Alex failed his…

1
Baroness Lola Young: From foster care to the House of Lords 57:52

7M ago57:52

57:52

"As I grew up, I realised I had to look after myself because no one else was going to do it for me." Baroness Lola Young of Hornsey joined the House of Lords in 2004, becoming one of its first Black female members. But from the age of eight weeks old to eighteen years old, she moved between foster care placements and care homes in north London. In …

1
Dan Snow: I'd die if my kids said they wanted to be broadcasters 1:01:49

7M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Dan Snow makes history exciting. Whether it’s through his award-winning documentaries, bestselling books, or popular podcast History Hit, he has a gift for bringing the past to life and showing us why it still matters today. Coming from a family of celebrated journalists—his father is broadcaster Peter Snow and his mother is Canadian journalist Ann…

1
Episode #45, UFC 309, Tyson Trouble, NFL Week 11, Lately in the League, and Laugh at Me with Me 1:11:59

7M ago1:11:59

1:11:59

I'M CELEBRATING ONE YEAR OF PODCASTING! Thanks for being on this journey with me. Your support means the world. On this one, I reflect on the last year as well as talk about UFC 309. You get some NFL week 11 coverage and what I've felt about the NBA lately. You even get the return of Laugh at Me with Me! It's all inside, listen now!…

1
Rupert Everett: “I stuck out like a sore thumb in Hollywood" 56:11

7M ago56:11

56:11

For thirty-six year, James has been chasing this interview and now, he's finally secured it. Actor, writer and director Rupert Everett joins him to talk about the highs and lows of his extraordinary 40-year career in show business. Rupert discovered performing when he was a young boy and got a thrill from showing off in school plays at Ampleforth C…

1
Episode #44, NBA lately, Hot Rookies, Lakers Inconsistency, NFL Week 10, JAKE BATES GAME WINNER! 1:03:33

7M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

This is a wild one, a lot of yapping going on here. I talk about the UFC for just a moment and then jump right into my favorite NBA rookies this season. I then talk a little Hawks as well as how surprising the Warriors' success has been. Also, Nikola Jokic is CRAZY. Some NFL Week 10 breakdowns and I get excited about the Lions comeback. I also ran …

1
James Rebanks: The shepherd who tells the stories of ordinary, extraordinary people 58:59

7M ago58:59

58:59

Growing up on a Lake District farm that had been in his family for centuries, James Rebanks always knew his place in the world. School wasn't for him - he felt his teachers looked down on farming and his grandparents worried education might lure him away from the land. By the age of 15, he had left school with just two O-Levels to work full-time on…

1
Hanif Kureishi: A freak accident left me paralysed - and it broke me 59:13

8M ago59:13

59:13

"I really need a future. What happened to me is so dark and so depressing that I've got to believe in something." On Boxing Day 2022, Hanif Kureishi's life changed forever. The acclaimed novelist and playwright had a fall that left him paralysed, a single, shattering moment that split his life in two. In this episode, Hanif tells James about the li…

1
Episode #43, Compact Podcast, Jets Still Make Me Sad, Packers' Close Win and Lakers 3-0 38:46

8M ago38:46

38:46

This is a wild one. I give some NFL Week 8 coverage, talk a little UFC 308, and close it out with the Lakers and Thunder. Hope you enjoy, keep listening and I'll catch you on the next one. Oh, and how 'bout them Cowboys!!!By Gavin Geary

1
Michel Roux: Cooking for presidents, kitchen battles and continuing the family legacy 57:41

8M ago57:41

57:41

One of Britain’s most celebrated French chefs, Michel Roux Jr is restaurant royalty. Born into the legendary Roux family, his father and uncle, Albert and Michel Roux Snr founded Le Gavroche, the first British restaurant to earn three Michelin stars. Determined to follow in their footsteps, Michel left school at 16 to begin a pastry apprenticeship …

1
Episode #42, Too Much Sports, Basketball Back, Packers Have a Kicker, Lakers Look Great and More 1:12:15

8M ago1:12:15

1:12:15

Yeah, this one is a little messy. Talk about all the NFL from the past ten days and the RETURN of the NBA(YES!!!). I also touch on UFC 308 which is coming Saturday. Tune in and enjoy!By Gavin Geary

1
Sir David Jason: "I’m addicted to an audience" 1:04:47

8M ago1:04:47

1:04:47

"I wasn’t driven by being famous, I was driven by being successful. I wanted to be recognised by my peers, people who I considered ‘posh actors’”. Award-winning actor and bestselling author, Sir David White, is better known by his stage name David Jason. His career has spanned over 50 years, and is best known for his iconic roles Del Boy in Only Fo…

1
Episode #41, The Day of No Defense, Bucs Score 51, Cowboys Get Waxed and Twenty-One Pilots 1:02:14

8M ago1:02:14

1:02:14

Wow. What a day that was. Wait, so did everyone get thirty? A crazy week six in the NFL. The Cowboys get embarrassed AGAIN! How good are the Lions? How good are the Falcons? Is Twenty-One Pilots the best concert out there? Let's discuss. Enjoy!By Gavin Geary

1
William Dalrymple: A life shaped by history 1:01:57

8M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

"I'm that lucky guy who found his hobby and was able to turn it into a job." William Dalrymple is a multi-award winning and bestselling historian. Growing up on the Dalrymple family estate in North Berwick, with an almost Edwardian childhood, William was sent off to Ampleforth College at just eight years old. It was there that his passion for histo…

1
Episode #40, UFC 307, NFL Week Five Recap, LeBron and The Wild Robot Review 1:01:28

8M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Gosh, I'm exhausted. This may or may not be a terrible podcast. You'll just have to listen and find out. I cover Alex Pereira's big win on Saturday at UFC 307, as well as the last week in the NFL. Talk a little LeBron as well and close with a movie review. Enjoy!By Gavin Geary

1
Graeme Park: How I accidentally became a resident DJ at the Hacienda 1:03:00

8M ago1:03:00

1:03:00

Graeme Park is a legendary DJ and one of the founders of the UK's house music movement. Best known for his nine-year residency at Manchester's iconic superclub, The Hacienda, Graeme's journey into DJing was far from planned. In fact, he stumbled into it almost by accident. However, his passion for sharing the music he loved had a huge impact on the…

1
Episode #39, UFC 307, Seven Games and What Happened, The Great Jayden Daniels and Laugh at Me 1:01:23

9M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Hey, I've got everything you'll need to know about what happened during the early games in the NFL yesterday, it's all here. I also talk a little about the Karl-Anthony Towns trade and UFC 307 coming up. I then close this one out with some Jayden Daniels praise and a Laugh at Me with MeBy Gavin Geary

1
Episode #38, Thursday Night Football, NFL Week Four Preview and Laugh at Me with Me 36:14

9M ago36:14

36:14

Hey, got your coverage of the Cowboys and Giants game from last night. I also have everything you NEED to know about six exciting matchups coming this Sunday in the NFL. I close it out with a Laugh at Me with Me. Hope you love it!By Gavin Geary

1
Jon Sopel: The Making of a News Agent 57:19

9M ago57:19

57:19

"Britain is nowhere near as bad as America but let's not get complacent about the risk." Jon Sopel is a journalist, broadcaster and author who launched the hugely successful The News Agents podcast with Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall in August 2022. Previously, he was the BBC’s North America Editor, covering U.S. elections including Donald Trump’s…

1
Episode #37, Expectations VS. Reality with Quarterbacks, NFL Week Three, and Laugh at Me with Me 48:31

9M ago48:31

48:31

Talking on this one about overwhelming expectation with new QBs and how they eventually find better homes. Also covering yesterday's events in the NFL and closing it out with Laugh at Me with Me. Enjoy!By Gavin Geary

1
Episode #36, Five Games in Week Three of the NFL, and Quotes of the Week 31:42

9M ago31:42

31:42

This is a quick preview for week three in the NFL and has everything you need to know for the games happening tomorrow. Enjoy!By Gavin Geary

1
From The Vault: Angela Rayner 1:07:52

9M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

James is back with another incredible guest from the Full Disclosure vault. Angela Rayner is a politician you simply can’t ignore, Her story is as inspiring as it is unlikely. She grew up in poverty in Stockport, left school at 16, pregnant and without a single qualification to her name. And yet through sheer grit, she’s fought her way up to become…

1
Episode #35, Five Games Worth Noting from Week Two in the NFL, and UFC 306 1:00:08

9M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

Hey, I've got all the info on week two in the NFL. In case you missed anything or just need some stats and insight, you can tune in here. And don't worry, I didn't forget about UFC 306 in the Sphere of Las Vegas. It's all inside episode thirty-five. You'll hear from me again on Thursday morning! Tell someone about the pod if you enjoy!…

1
From The Vault: Sir Keir Starmer 1:04:51

9M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

James revisits one of the most memorable episodes of Full Disclosure with none other than the current Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. Sir Keir’s journey to Downing Street was far from straightforward. In fact, for a long time his life was headed in a completely different direction. He joined James for a live recording of Full Disclosure back in 2…

1
Episode #34, My Most-Exciting One O'clock Games on Sunday Ranked, Week 1 Quotes, and Laugh at Me 44:44

9M ago44:44

44:44

Hey, I've got an NFL week two preview for you here where I've ranked all ten games on the one o'clock slate in terms of how excited I am to watch them. After that, I have my favorite quotes from week one in the NFL, a UFC 306 preview you'll want to hear, and as always, Laugh at Me with Me. Enjoy and you can hear from me again Monday morning! Be wel…

1
Episode #33, NFL Week 1 Recap, Jayden Daniels Looks Great, and Laugh at Me with Me 59:49

9M ago59:49

59:49

Hey, THE NFL IS FINALLY BACK! This podcast is going to be your perfect recap of everything you may have missed in week one. Don't miss it! Seriously, click play, you won't regret it. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @iamgavingeary and @thegavingearypod Enjoy the Laugh at Me with Me that closes out the podcast. See you next week!…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Stephen Bates Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide