Best Small Hours London Podcasts (2025)

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Angela Rayner's Resignation 44:27

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1h ago44:27

44:27

James navigated an extraordinary moment in British politics with the breaking news of Angela Rayner’s resignation from Government. Before the announcement, James invited listeners to share their perspectives on the independent investigation led by Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister’s adviser on ministerial standards. Although the story has domin…

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Angela Rayner - should she stay or should she go? 1:02:59

20h ago1:02:59

1:02:59

Pressure is mounting on the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner, after she admitted to underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 flat. Should she stay, or should she go? And, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has testified before the US House Judiciary Committee to discuss freedom of speech. Democrat congressman, Jamie …

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Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner admits not paying enough tax 59:45

2d ago59:45

59:45

Sir Keir Starmer is considering introducing digital ID cards in a bid to crack down on small boat crossings. These ID cards would be issued to everyone, nationwide - but what are the security pros and the invasion of privacy cons? Also, James speaks to Jessica Elgot, Deputy Political Editor of The Guardian on her story that has cast serious doubt o…

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Who are Keir Starmer’s anti-immigrant policies meant to please? 55:51

3d ago55:51

55:51

The government is temporarily suspending new applications for a scheme allowing refugees to bring their family members to the UK. The move has been called out as another attempt to appeal to those swept up by growing anti-immigrant sentiment. How can this country operate when such views dominate so much of the discourse and who is Keir Starmer tryi…

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St George's flags: patriotism or racism? 1:03:04

4d ago1:03:04

1:03:04

This summer, thousands of St George's flags have been seen painted on roundabouts and hung from lamp-posts across the country. Supporters say the flags are an expression of English pride, whilst critics say they're a nationalist expression of racism. What do you think, and how do the flags make you feel? And, the most comprehensive poll of British …

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80s Archive Podcast Ep.101 - Victor McGuire. “I was never really comfy with being a celebrity" 1:17:32

8d ago1:17:32

1:17:32

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* We have a great chin wag with Scouse Actor Victor Maguire about his career in TV and film, covering the popular series Bread and Goodnight Sweetheart to name just two as well as Phantom Of The Opera and Star Wars!! It was no surprise to us to find that Vic is a warm, humble and down to ear…

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Sir Ed Davey on why he’s boycotting Trump’s state banquet 1:03:07

9d ago1:03:07

1:03:07

To finish off LBC’s week-long guest series is Sir Ed Davey. He asks the callers what they think of his controversial boycotting of King Charles’ state banquet for Donald Trump’s visit next month. Do you think he was right to refuse the invitation because of Trump's inaction regarding Gaza? Next, Ed looks bigger. During his second term, Donald Trump…

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James Cleverly: Are we over-diagnosing kids with mental health conditions? 56:38

9d ago56:38

56:38

Continuing LBC’s week-long guest series is James Cleverly, the Shadow Secretary of State for Housing. James’ colleague and former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said that children are being overdiagnosed with mental health conditions and that society needs to remember that growing up is naturally “messy and uneven”. Are we doing our children a di…

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Emily Thornberry on Asylum Hotels and the Ukraine War 59:59

9d ago59:59

59:59

Continuing LBC’s week-long guest series is Emily Thornberry, Labour MP and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. Despite asylum hotel numbers dropping from 400 to just over 200 and new policies targeting the asylum claim back-log left by the previous government, this summer has seen more anti-immigration protests than ever before. Sometime…

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Penny Mordaunt on the Small Boats Crisis 46:02

11d ago46:02

46:02

To kick off LBC’s week-long guest series, former Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt stepped in for James O’Brien to tackle one of the most divisive issues in British politics: the small boats crisis. On the same day Reform UK unveiled their plans on illegal immigration, Penny asked listeners: Do you believe today’s politicians are capable of solving it…

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BONUS: Mystery Hour 48:06

12d ago48:06

48:06

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour from the 14th August. The James O'Brien Daily Podcast will return after the bank holiday, on Tuesday 26th August and will be presented all that week by very special guests! James returns on the 1st September.

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80s Archive Podcast Ep.100 - Andrew Cartmel (Writer - Dr.Who) 40:10

12d ago40:10

40:10

Welcome Writer, Author Andrew Cartmel.

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Would you vote for Jeremy Corbyn’s new party? 1:03:09

16d ago1:03:09

1:03:09

One in four Labour members have said they’d consider supporting Jeremy Corbyn’s new left-wing, pro-Gaza party at the next general election. This news comes at a pertinent time - a UN-backed food security body announced today that famine has been confirmed in Gaza City. Lewis speaks with Zack Polanski, Deputy leader of the Green Party of England and…

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How will the war in Gaza end? 58:03

17d ago58:03

58:03

Israel has taken the first steps in a take-over of Gaza City and wider occupation of the entirety of Gaza. This comes despite widespread condemnation and warnings that the offensive will likely lead to the displacement and death of many more Palestinians. Lewis discusses the ongoing conflict with the callers and is joined by Yaakov Katz, former adv…

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If not hotels, where should we house asylum-seekers? 59:04

18d ago59:04

59:04

By the end of March this year there were 200 “asylum hotels”, housing around 30,000 asylum seekers. Yesterday, a high court ruled that asylum seekers will have to be removed from the Bell Hotel in Essex - a site of large protests after an asylum seeker staying there was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. To break it down, Lewis sp…

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Are we any closer to peace in Ukraine? 58:48

19d ago58:48

58:48

Welcome to another instalment of James O’Brien Daily hosted by Lewis Goodall of the LBC and The News Agents, who’s stepping in for James all this week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hails Monday's talks with Donald Trump and European leaders as "significant" - despite progress to a peace deal or a security guarantee. Trump has, however, co…

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The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting - can they end the war? 1:01:39

20d ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with Keir Starmer and other European leaders, are meeting Donald Trump today in an effort to end the Ukraine War. Just last night Russian drone attacks killed at least 10 people across Ukraine. Lewis discusses this pivotal moment with Hanna Hopko, Former head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Ukra…

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80s Archive Podcast Ep.99 - Nicola Bryant (Actress - Dr.Who) : "Fame is madness and not something I was looking for" 1:12:59

22d ago1:12:59

1:12:59

We welcome Actress Nicola Bryant most know for her role as Doctor Who's companion Peri Brown - John's favourite companion to John's favourite Doctor. To this end, although David did the noble thing and let John go a bit silly on a solo mission, he still did the hard work to make him sound less silly...sort of. Nicola was an absolutely lovely guest …

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Has Putin already won the war? 1:04:35

23d ago1:04:35

1:04:35

The long awaited meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will be taking place today in Alaska. Putin will inevitably seek the handover of Ukrainian territory as part of any “peace” agreement. Is this already a win for Putin? If he and Trump carve up Ukraine today, then what can Ukraine and Europe do about it? James' Europe-based callers sha…

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Could Europe take on Russia without the US? 49:16

24d ago49:16

49:16

Sir Keir Starmer held a breakfast meeting with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of Donald Trump and Putin's summit on Friday, at which they'll discuss ending the war in Ukraine. What the results of that summit will be is anyone’s guess. Can you conceive of a world in which a united Europe stands against Russia - without the US? And…

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The undercover operation protecting female joggers from harassment 1:01:32

25d ago1:01:32

1:01:32

The police are being encouraged to disclose the ethnicity and nationality of suspects charged in high-profile cases, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper saying that the government and the public want "greater transparency". Why is the government encouraging this? An attempt to appease right-wing liars, diffuse right-wing lies, or something else? And,…

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Is it Trump and Putin against Ukraine? 58:43

26d ago58:43

58:43

Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Vladimir Putin on Friday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky isn’t invited - not surprising, seeing as Trump consistently blames him for the ongoing war. What’s the point of this meeting and why does Trump seem to blame Zelensky? And, today, the government announced that 40,…

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Over 500 arrested at Palestine Action protest in London 1:04:33

27d ago1:04:33

1:04:33

Yvette Cooper has defended the arrest of more than 500 people holding signs expressing their opposition to genocide and support of Palestine Action, a proscribed terror group. Around half of them were aged 60 and above - including almost 100 people who were in their 70s. James also speaks to Tamer Almisshal, senior presenter at Al Jazeera Arabic, t…

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80s Archive Podcast Ep.98 - Ben Addison (Boys Wonder/ Corduroy) : "Balls & Flamboyance, that's what any decent band should have" 1:12:27

29d ago1:12:27

1:12:27

Ahead of Britpop by some 5 years, Ben Addison and his twin brother Scott forged a band that were a magic blend, steeped in references. channelling his Anthony Newley via Bowie, kicking out Who licks in power pop punk troupe Boys Wonder. This was a riveting conversation with someone who was a visionary with a clear sense of what he could and could n…

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How can world leaders stop Netanyahu? 53:56

1M ago53:56

53:56

Benjamin Netanyahu has approved plans for the "takeover of Gaza City" ahead of a full military occupation of the entirety of Gaza. Condemned by those calling for an end to the war, Sir Keir Starmer stated the decision is "wrong" and has called on Israel to reconsider. What is Netanyahu's endgame and and how should world leaders react? This episode …

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Homelessness minister forced out her tenants before raising rent by £700 58:20

1M ago58:20

58:20

Homelessness minister Rushanara Ali is facing calls to resign after claims she evicted tenants from an east London townhouse, shortly before re-listing the property at £700 increased rent a month. This practice will soon be illegal under the government’s upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill. Should she stay or should she go? And, in an interview about her…

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Should the police be forced to share the ethnicity of crime suspects? 59:03

1M ago59:03

59:03

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has called for information about police suspects such as nationality and immigration status to be shared with the public. This comes amidst growing far-right unrest about - most recently - the alleged rape of a 12 year old girl in Nuneaton. The suspects are reportedly Afghan, with Reform UK claiming they’re asylum seeke…

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Why are half of Brits so wrong about immigration? 59:50

1M ago59:50

59:50

The latest YouGov polling shows that over half of Brits incorrectly think more migrants are in the UK illegally than legally. In reality, 96% of immigrants are here legally. How did this catastrophic misconception happen and what can be done about it? And, the Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, has accused Sir Keir Starmer of giving Hamas a “p…

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Bonnie Blue: The pornstar who had sex with 1000 men in a day 52:13

1M ago52:13

52:13

Sir Keir Starmer is giving serious consideration to the idea of introducing a digital ID system - in defiance of longstanding warnings by civil liberty advocates. Are you for or against digital ID, and why? And, Channel 4 has aired a documentary detailing 6 months in the life of Bonnie Blue, the pornographic actress who claims to have slept with 1,…

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80s Archive Podcast Ep.97 - Julian Mendelsohn (Engineer, Producer, Mixer) : "I would learn about all the studios and the great producers from record sleeves, but you can't do that now, with streaming" 54:06

1M ago54:06

54:06

Welcome to Melbourne born studio legend, Julian Mendelsohn, who tells us all bout his journey from his 'Radio Shack' electronics obsession that developed into recording gear and studio equipment, which after a family move to England drove him into a career doing exactly that. Julian has worked with just about everybody and his name featured heavily…

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The government internship exclusively for the working class 1:01:58

1M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

Heathrow Airport has submitted its “shovel-ready” plans for a third runway that’d allow 750 additional flights a day over London and, according to the government, generate 100,000 jobs. The Prime Minister loves the idea, whereas London Mayor Sadiq Khan is fighting tooth and nail against it. Who’s side are you on and why? And, the main internship sc…

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Should we be scared of police facial recognition tech? 49:55

1M ago49:55

49:55

Britain’s biggest police force is set to more than double its use of live facial recognition. Many are worries about the ethical use of the technology, particularly considering its complete lack of regulation. When do you stop using tech that does good, in order to prevent it being used for something bad in the future? And, Brits are “cheating the …

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The UK will recognise the state of Palestine... or will it? 58:09

1M ago58:09

58:09

Sir Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will join the other 147 UN nations that recognise the sovereign state of Palestinian, unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire, amongst other conditions. Why has Starmer done this now and what is this likely to achieve? And, for the first time ever, No 10 is hosting a reception for social media influencers at D…

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A year on from the Southport killings 56:35

1M ago56:35

56:35

A year ago today, the nation was struck by the horrific Southport killings, in which three young girls were murdered. Today, Jonathan Hall, the independent reviewer of UK terrorism legislation, told LBC that there should be a total ban on social media for under 16s. He believes social media can radicalise young people and fuel such crimes. Do you a…

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Is the UK at the mercy of far-right rioters? 59:22

1M ago59:22

59:22

James analyses the current swathe of headlines such as “Deprivation and immigration straining social cohesion, says Rayner”, “Demonstrators clash at Epping hotel as protests spread nationwide” and “Two in five arrested for last summer’s UK riots had been reported for domestic abuse.” When the entire media and political class is portraying the UK as…

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80s Archive Podcast Ep.96 - Simon Scardanelli (Big Bam Boo) : "My career is basically a catalogue of 1:12:43

1M ago1:12:43

1:12:43

Simon was one half of 80s folk pop sensation Big Bam Boo, along with Shark they stormed America destined for big things with a big budget. David was lucky enough to see them live several times in London venues supporting various bands in the late 80s. Simon's journey through the world of writing and performing has been a very interesting one going …

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New laws ban under-13s from social media - will it work? 1:02:42

1M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

Under new laws beginning today, under-13s in the UK must be barred from social media. How will it work and are there aspects of online identity verification that politicians might not have considered? Joining James to discuss the new laws is Lisa Kenevan, whose son Isaac died aged just 13 in a tragedy that she believes was caused by social media ex…

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The doctor's strikes: necessary or irresponsible? 59:18

2M ago59:18

59:18

The BMA has said NHS bosses will be putting patients at risk from tomorrow's resident doctors' strike. Only non-urgent care will be cancelled - a move that will spread senior doctors too thinly according to the union. Considering their 22% pay rise across the last 2 years, do you support the doctor’s strikes this time round? Also, new data shows a …

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Can Keir Starmer prevent more far-right riots? 1:01:16

2M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

Following two riots outside an asylum hotel in Epping last week, Sir Keir Starmer is demanding urgent action to avoid a repeat of last summer’s far-right violence. What should they do? Also, have you ever experienced brain fog? According to a new study, the Covid-19 pandemic may have aged our brains prematurely. Do you think this has happened to yo…

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Has the world finally turned against Israel? 58:45

2M ago58:45

58:45

Israel has launched another offensive in Gaza, targeting the main hub for humanitarian efforts in the strip, Deir al-Balah, amid warnings of Palestinian starvation. This latest assault comes just after Israel killed at least 85 Palestinians waiting for aid on Sunday, in what has become almost daily slaughter. Yesterday, a joint statement issued by …

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Has "taking the knee" failed to tackle racism in football? 1:03:40

2M ago1:03:40

1:03:40

Water regulator Ofwat will be scrapped and replaced with a new watchdog to “prevent the abuses of the past”, including an estimated £85 billion being extracted from the UK water industry, with next to no investment. Simple question here - what has happened to our water and why? Also, the Lionesses have decided to stop taking the knee to protest aga…

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80s Archive Podcast Ep.95 - Mark Williams (Paramount Super 8 VHS Horror) : "I had a Super 8 of Star Wars six months before it was even out in the UK" 1:10:25

2M ago1:10:25

1:10:25

*This episode features 3rd party musical content* John talks the hind legs off Super 8 and VHS expert Mark Williams, about his days at paramount in Wardour Street, working with Michael Man, possible dodgy dealings in the good days of VHS and all things niche in the world of horror. Mark's film VHS Forever and his book Bootlace Cinema are available …

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Diane Abbott: "Labour leadership wants me out" 56:33

2M ago56:33

56:33

MP Diane Abbott has said it "is obvious this Labour leadership wants me out" after the party suspended her for a second time over comments she made about the racism experienced by black people in comparison to the Jewish and Traveller communities. What do you think of comments? And, former Masterchef presenter John Torode has been sacked by the BBC…

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16 year olds are getting the vote 59:10

2M ago59:10

59:10

Four MPs have been suspended by Labour for their rebellion against welfare cuts earlier this month. One of them, Rachel Maskell, described the cuts as "Dickensian” and belonging to a “different era and a different party". She’ll now sit as an independent and says that the suspension won’t silence her. What do you think about this moment of Starmer’…

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Why did the government cover up their Afghan data breach? 1:02:58

2M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

The previous government withheld news of their operation to relocate 24,000 Afghans to the UK in order to protect some of those that they’d put at risk of Taliban attack after a Ministry of Defence data leak. So, why did the government cover it up? Also, the two men that cut down the Sycamore Gap Tree have both been jailed for four years and three …

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Revealed: The government’s secret Afghan relocation scheme 55:31

2M ago55:31

55:31

Secondary school pupils in England are to be taught about "incel" culture, with a focus on positive role models for boys in efforts to tackle “manosphere” related misogyny. To help understand the importance of this, James asks what it’s like to grow up without a positive role model as a boy. And, James is joined by Lewis Goodall for the breaking st…

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Can autism excuse Greg Wallace’s alleged sexual misconduct? 1:00:43

2M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

Health Secretary Wes Streeting will meet representatives from the BMA this week, as he hopes to avert five days of strikes by resident doctors. Public support for the strikes has plummeted from 52% in the last round to 26%, according to new polling. Have you changed your mind on doctors strikes? Also, last week’s sacking of former MasterChef host G…

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80s Archive Podcast Ep.94 - Bob Beland (American solo artist) : "Tom Waits told me to get into a punk a band" 1:00:51

2M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party Musical content* In this edition we welcome American songwriter Bob Beland. - DA

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Did Brexit create the UK’s small boats crisis? 1:02:49

2M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

How do we tell the difference between the relatively tiny number of people who take advantage of the welfare state and those who suffer from serious mental health issues? Once that is established - what will really help them? Also, French President Emmanuel Macron has said that Brexit has drastically worsened the UK's small boats crisis, because th…

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The death of the pub 57:34

2M ago57:34

57:34

Major building projects in the UK take two and half years longer to complete than in the rest of the developed world, according to new analysis. Why is the UK so slow? Also, pubs across Britain will close down at a rate of more than one a day this year, according to new research. Why are pubs dying off, and this a natural, or unnatural death? And, …