Best Alex Haynes Podcasts (2025)

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Sir Gareth Southgate: There were days I didn’t want to get out from under the duvet 57:31

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7m ago57:31

57:31

From missing the most famous penalty in English football to leading the national team into a new era, Gareth Southgate’s story is one of quiet resilience, modern leadership and emotional intelligence forged under relentless public pressure. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Gareth to trace the long road that shaped hi…

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The Elixir of Initiation: Crafting Your Content Formula 14:24

5h ago14:24

14:24

The focal point of our discussion today revolves around the intricate process of creating what I term the "Elixir of Initiation," a transformative approach designed to facilitate the act of content creation, particularly in moments of self-doubt. We delve into the psychological barriers that hinder individuals from producing content, emphasizing th…

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Jan Ravens: “I lived with a nameless dread” 1:02:00

3h ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Jan Ravens, the acclaimed impressionist at the heart of Dead Ringers, grew up learning to change the mood of a room long before she ever changed her voice on stage. In this conversation with James O Brien, she reflects on a childhood shaped by humour, instability and her father’s illness, and how those early pressures sharpened the instincts that l…

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Hal Cruttenden: Divorce blew my mind- it hits harder than losing parents 1:04:43

13d ago1:04:43

1:04:43

Before he became one of the most recognisable storytellers on the comedy circuit, Hal Cruttenden was a shy kid from West London who spent years trying to be what he thought others wanted him to be. He trained as an actor, chased approval, and tried to outrun a gnawing sense that something in his life was not quite aligned. It took heartbreak, thera…

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Stephen Mangan: When Mum died, I knew I couldn’t waste life being a lawyer- I had to act 1:00:18

25d ago1:00:18

1:00:18

Before he became one of Britain’s most familiar faces, Stephen Mangan was a bookish North London boy from an Irish working-class family- the son of a builder and a barmaid- who won a scholarship to a boarding school his parents didn’t want him to attend. From there to Cambridge, to RADA, and to the West End, his path looks polished. But behind it l…

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Toby Jones: I never wanted to feel desperate about acting 1:04:28

25d ago1:04:28

1:04:28

From Truman Capote to Mr Bates, Toby Jones has built a career on disappearing- an actor whose transformations are so complete they can seem alchemical. But behind that versatility lies a story of inheritance, self-doubt and quiet rebellion. The son of two actors, Toby grew up watching his father’s unpredictable career and vowing never to feel so ex…

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John Lloyd: Blackadder, Spitting Image, QI and a life in search of meaning 1:03:46

28d ago1:03:46

1:03:46

As the creative mind behind Blackadder, Spitting Image, Not the Nine O’Clock News and QI, John Lloyd has quietly shaped British comedy for more than forty years. In this episode of Full Disclosure, he sits down with James O’Brien to look back on the work that defined his career-and the questions that have driven him ever since. Lloyd reflects on hi…

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Jimmy Wales: The man who built Wikipedia 1:05:34

1M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Long before it became one of the most visited websites on Earth, Wikipedia began as a radical idea from a curious boy in Huntsville, Alabama. Raised by a father who managed a grocery store and a mother and grandmother who ran a tiny, Montessori-inspired school where “each one teach one” was the guiding principle, Wales grew up surrounded by early c…

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Charles Dance: From builder’s labourer with a stammer to Tywin Lannister 58:58

2M ago58:58

58:58

Before he was Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones or the commanding presence of The Jewel in the Crown, Charles Dance was a boy from Worcestershire whose father died when he was three and whose mother built a new life for the family, remarried to their lodger. A childhood marked by loss, a stammer and humble beginnings gave little hint of the comman…

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The Weight of Healing: The journey from Anorexia to Mental Health Advocacy 47:18

2M ago47:18

47:18

Send us a text In this powerful episode, I sit down with Holly, a remarkable professional who transforms her harrowing journey through anorexia into a mission of mental health advocacy. From battling a life-threatening eating disorder as a teenager to now leading digital mental health technology regulation, Holly shares an intimate and inspiring st…

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Alexander Armstrong: My default setting is fear- I expect the worst of people 53:58

2M ago53:58

53:58

Before Pointless, Classic FM and comedy stardom, Alexander Armstrong was a restless kid growing up in rural Northumberland- lonely at boarding school, obsessed with music, and quietly desperate to perform. In this revealing conversation with James O’Brien, he opens up about the bruises and eccentricities of his childhood, the teachers who changed e…

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Season 2 Episode 5 What Would Kate Winslet Do? Direct a film! Goodbye June or Goodbye, June ? Bringing people together. 1:34:38

2M ago1:34:38

1:34:38

What Would Kate Do? Direct a film! Goodbye June or Goodbye, June ? Bringing people together. Excited to be back for another episode of What Would Kate Do. We have a most amazing guest and interviewer: Anne from Germany. Anne & I met because of our interest in the Liverpool Football Club, but as we talked more, we discovered another even greater mut…

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Jack Thorne: “I was allergic to moving - the doctor said, ‘This might be forever.’” 1:06:24

2M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Growing up in Bristol, acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Jack Thorne was a shy, politically driven kid who believed he could change the world- first through politics, then acting, before discovering that storytelling was where his voice truly belonged. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with the Emmy and BAFTA-winning c…

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Cor Hutton: The Quadruple Amputee Who Found Her Feet 51:59

2M ago51:59

51:59

In 2013, businesswoman and mum Cor Hutton was given just a five percent chance of survival after contracting pneumonia that developed into sepsis. She pulled through, but lost both hands and her legs below the knee. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien speaks to Cor about her extraordinary journey- from relearning how to live as a quad…

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Jamie Oliver: “I’d gone from being skint to having a lot of money, I felt like a fake.” 1:03:22

2M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

Before he became one of the world’s best-known chefs, Jamie Oliver was a dyslexic kid growing up in his parents’ pub in rural Essex, learning the value of hard work, fresh food, and family. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Jamie to trace his journey from peeling veg at his parents’ pub to fronting The Naked Chef, res…

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Leo Varadkar: Former Prime Minister of Ireland on Power and Letting Go 1:05:21

3M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

Before becoming Ireland’s youngest Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar was a Dublin GP with bold ambitions and a belief that politics could be a kind of medicine for society. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with the former Prime Minister to explore his extraordinary rise from a mixed-heritage childhood in 1980s Ireland, to leading h…

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Dr Richard Shepherd: Lessons from 23,000 Postmortems- including Hungerford, Hillsborough and Princess Diana 1:01:49

3M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Britain’s leading forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd has performed over 23,000 postmortems and given evidence in some of the most high-profile cases of our time, from Hungerford to Hillsborough, from Princess Diana to David Kelly. But his fascination with death began much earlier, when his mother died suddenly from heart disease and he was le…

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Arabella Weir: At nine my mum said, “I can’t bear the sight of you” 1:00:56

3M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Actor, comedian and bestselling author Arabella Weir grew up in a family that prized intellect and appearances but struggled to offer love. In this episode of Full Disclosure, she tells James O’Brien how an unsettled childhood shaped her fearless streak, her need to perform, and her instinct to turn pain into comedy. From the brutal remarks of her …

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Natalie Haynes: Greek Myths, Medea and the Comedy of Classics 1:04:23

3M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

Natalie Haynes has never been easy to categorise. A stand-up comedian turned broadcaster and best-selling author, she has built a career out of making the ancient world vivid, funny and urgent. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien talks with the presenter of Stand Up for the Classics about her unusual path from Birmingham bookshops to …

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From The Vault: Brian Cox 1:09:05

4M ago1:09:05

1:09:05

From a childhood in Dundee marked by loss, poverty and resilience, to becoming one of the most respected actors of his generation, Brian Cox’s life and career have been defined by an unrelenting pursuit of truth on and off stage. In this in-depth conversation with James O’Brien, the Emmy and Golden Globe winner reflects on the death of his father a…

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Susana M. Morris 19:46

4M ago19:46

19:46

Susana M. Morris by HarperAcademicBy HarperAcademic

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From The Vault: Miriam Margolyes 1:00:08

4M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

From a childhood in Oxford shaped by unconditional love, Jewish heritage and a keen sense of curiosity, to a career spanning stage, screen, voice work and bestselling memoir, Miriam Margolyes’ life has been anything but ordinary. In this candid conversation with James O’Brien, the beloved actor reflects on the security of her early years, the sting…

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Cariad Lloyd: Talking About Grief Changed My Life 1:01:05

4M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Cariad Lloyd never set out to become the voice of modern grief, but after losing her father at just fifteen, the silence around death stayed with her. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien speaks with the actor, comedian and creator of Griefcast podcast about how turning her personal loss into public conversation has transformed both he…

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Kevin Rowland: Beyond Come On Eileen 59:08

4M ago59:08

59:08

From a shifting childhood split between Wolverhampton, rural Ireland and London, to fronting one of the most distinctive and uncompromising bands of the 1980s, Kevin Rowland’s life has been defined by defiance, vision and resilience. In this in-depth conversation with James O’Brien, the Dexys Midnight Runners frontman reflects on the lasting impact…

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Irvine Welsh: We’re More Addicted Now Than in Trainspotting 1:01:43

5M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

From the high-rises of Muirhouse to the heart of countercultural Britain, Irvine Welsh has built a literary universe fuelled by punk energy, dancefloor euphoria, and radical empathy. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien meets the novelist and cultural icon to trace a life shaped by rebellion, recovery, and relentless storytelling. They…

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David Lammy: I’ve had imposter syndrome my whole life- until now 54:57

5M ago54:57

54:57

From a working-class childhood in Tottenham to the Cabinet table, David Lammy’s path to becoming Foreign Secretary was anything but straightforward. Raised by a single mother after his father disappeared when he was twelve, David’s early life was shaped by absence, ambition and a fierce sense of justice. In this deeply personal conversation with Ja…

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Grace Dent: Almost Everything I’ve Done, I’ve Been Told No First 1:02:35

5M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

Before she was a MasterChef judge and one of Britain’s most distinctive food writers, Grace Dent was a Carlisle kid eating crispy pancakes and dreaming of life beyond beige dinners. In this episode of Full Disclosure, she joins James O’Brien to talk about blagging her way into London media, finding her voice through food, and why she still can’t be…

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Graham Fellows: Playing John Shuttleworth Came at a Cost 59:30

5M ago59:30

59:30

Before he became known as the quirky, banana-snacking John Shuttleworth, Graham Fellows was a kid from Sheffield with dreams of classical acting and a knack for writing unforgettable songs. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien meets the man behind the cult characters to trace the unpredictable path from Jilted John to Chicken Town. The…

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Episode 42: Being Different is Your Superpower: How One Man Turned Facial Paralysis into a Million-View TEDx Talk 1:16:38

5M ago1:16:38

1:16:38

Send us a text Meet John Kippen, a resilience coach, magician, and inspirational speaker who is not just a member of the exclusive Magic Castle in Los Angeles but also connected to the prestigious Magic Circle in the UK. A true renaissance man who has transformed personal adversity into a powerful message of hope and empowerment. In this electrifyi…

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Jon Culshaw: The Impressionist Who Fooled the Prime Minister 1:00:26

5M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

Long before Dead Ringers or Spitting Image, Jon Culshaw was a schoolboy with a knack for mimicry and a fierce determination to escape into voices- finding freedom, fun, and a future through the radio dial. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Jon to explore how a shy kid from Lancashire became one of the UK’s best-loved …

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AI Cannot Fix Your Marketing: Discover the Truth 11:38

6M ago11:38

11:38

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the prevalent misconception that artificial intelligence possesses the capability to rectify inherent deficiencies in marketing strategies. I assert unequivocally that AI cannot substitute for fundamental clarity in messaging, audience understanding, and content strategy. Without a coherent …

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Michael Lewis: America Is Run by Bullies 1:01:03

5M ago1:01:03

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Before The Big Short, Moneyball or The Blind Side became bestsellers (and Hollywood hits), Michael Lewis was just trying to make sense of a world where things didn’t add up- from Wall Street to the government to the rules of sport. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with the celebrated writer to unpack the origins of his ou…

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Amber Rudd: I resigned because I couldn’t defend the indefensible 59:24

6M ago59:24

59:24

Former Home Secretary who chose principle over position, Amber Rudd has spent much of her life at the centre of power. From banking to frontbench politics, her career has spanned the high-stakes worlds of business, government and Brexit-era turmoil. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Amber to reflect on the decisions, …

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

6M 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…

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

6M 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…

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Transforming Marketing Chaos into Strategic Gold 14:25

7M ago14:25

14:25

This podcast episode elucidates three concealed bottlenecks that may be undermining your content strategy, thereby impeding its efficacy in generating conversions. We commence by emphasizing the paramount importance of incorporating a clear call to action, as the absence of such an element can render your content utterly forgettable, no matter how …

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Jimmy Anderson: Behind the Bowler 57:14

7M 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…

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

7M 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…

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Episode 41: From Classroom to Clicks: A Tech Marketing Maverick's Journey 20:44

7M ago20:44

20:44

Send us a text Meet Ifunanya Vivian Ugwuoke from Kenya, a former history teacher who traded lesson plans for digital strategies, transforming her career from education to empowering AI and SaaS brands through cutting-edge content and email marketing. Discover how she broke free from perfectionism and carved a bold new path in the tech world, provin…

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

7M 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…

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Emily Bender and Alex Hanna 23:37

7M ago23:37

23:37

Sarah George talks with authors Emily Bender and Alex Hanna about their new book, The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech's Hype and Create the Future We Want. You can learn more about the book here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-ai-con-emily-m-benderalex-hanna?variant=43065101189154By HarperAcademic

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

7M 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 …

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

8M 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 …

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

8M 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…

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Episode 40: From Stage Fright to Spotlight - Dr. Alex McWilliam's Performance Secrets 58:11

8M ago58:11

58:11

Send us a text Join me as I dive deep with Dr. Alex McWilliam, an award-winning actor and performance coach who transforms public speaking fears into powerful storytelling skills. From his experiences on Harry Potter film sets to completing a groundbreaking PhD on public speaking anxiety, Alex reveals how improvisation can unlock confidence, creati…

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

8M 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…

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

8M 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…

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

9M 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 …

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

9M 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…

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

9M 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 …