Best Tony Bates Podcasts (2025)

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

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1d 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

4d 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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Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office: Patrick Spence, Gwyneth Hughes, and Nick Wallis on Dramatizing the UK’s Biggest Scandal 43:17

5d ago43:17

43:17

Host Gabe González introduces us to the shocking true story of the British Post Office scandal, and how the Peabody Award-winning series Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office led to real-world justice for the victims of this horrific abuse of government power. Jeffrey Jones sits down with the show’s Executive Producer Patrick Spence to understand the scand…

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How To Build A $100 Million+ Book With NO Cold Outreach 35:15

7d ago35:15

35:15

Managing over $100 million in client assets without making a single cold call… Sounds like a dream, right? For Mark Cecchini, Wealth Advisor & Director of Wealth Solutions at Quadrant Capital, this is the reality. And it’s the result of his focus, consistency, and knowing how to position himself in a noisy market. In this episode, Mark shares the i…

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From The Vault: Brian Cox 1:09:05

11d 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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From The Vault: Miriam Margolyes 1:00:08

18d 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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The $400k Hack Financial Advisors Are Missing with Stephanie Bogan 44:32

21d ago44:32

44:32

You could be leaving hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table and not even know it. And you wouldn’t be alone. Many advisors are wasting valuable hours of their day on activities that don’t generate revenue. And that’s why Stephanie Bogan joins us in this episode - to uncover the activities that separate high-performing financial advisors from…

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

26d 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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Fantasmas: Julio Torres on Art Surviving in Late-Stage Capitalism 33:21

26d ago33:21

33:21

Host Gabe González introduces us to the brilliant, absurdist, hilarious Peabody Award-winning HBO series Fantasmas. In a funny, enlivening conversation with creator, writer, and comedian Julio Torres, they explore how Torres uses humor to uncover the real absurdity of our immigration, healthcare, and economic systems. They discuss how creating fict…

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Kevin Rowland: Beyond Come On Eileen 59:08

1M 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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The Reality of Setting Up A Successful Firm In The US with Jason Walker 38:58

1M ago38:58

38:58

What happens when you leave a distinguished career behind to start all over again in another country? That’s exactly what Jason Walker did. After building a name for himself in UK financial advice, he moved to the US. And despite his impressive résumé, he was starting from square one. In this episode, Jason Walker, Managing Partner at Cross Border …

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

1M 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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Episode 175 - Michael Dore - Amazing singer and musician 21:55

2M ago21:55

21:55

A real pleasure to chat to Michael Dore who has so much experience in the music world. I find out how he started as a young boy performing with his family, and how he progressed to be the sought after vocalist and performer he is today. His story is truly inspiring and he has some valuable advice for musical people aiming to follow in his footsteps…

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

2M 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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Out of My Mind: Amber Sealey on Disability Representation and Why Accessibility Matters 30:16

2M ago30:16

30:16

The Peabody Award-winning Disney+ movie Out of My Mind employs Jennifer Aniston’s voice alongside actress Phoebe Ray Taylor’s stellar performance to reveal the lack of accessible public school education in the early 2000s. Host Gabe González speaks with director Amber Sealey about what sparked her interest in this story, the state of accommodations…

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How They QUADRUPLED Their Referrals and Got Acquired! with Josh Mersberger 47:28

2M ago47:28

47:28

How do you take a financial advisory firm to the next level without losing its culture? In this episode of High Performance Financial Advisor, we’re joined by Josh Mersberger, Managing Principal, Partner at Merit Financial Advisors. Josh and his brother bought a controlling share in their family business back in 2014, and since then, they’ve scaled…

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

2M 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

2M 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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The Secrets Of A High Performing Financial Advisor with Jason Greenfield 44:00

2M ago44:00

44:00

What does it take to achieve at the highest level as a financial advisor? Let’s find out. In this first episode of High Performance Financial Advisor, we’re joined by Jason Greenfield - Managing Partner at Crescent Harbor Private Wealth. Jason spent several years with with Merrill Lynch before deciding to set up his own venture. Jason has a wealth …

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

2M 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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Sharon Horgan and Oona Metz on Coercive Control, Empowerment, and Storytelling 39:53

2M ago39:53

39:53

Writer, comedian and showrunner Sharon Horgan joins Executive Director of the Center for Media & Social Impact Caty Borum for an in-depth conversation regarding the themes of her critically acclaimed shows. From Catastrophe to Divorce to the Peabody Award-winning Bad Sisters, Sharon’s work is singularly focused on showcasing messy, strong women as …

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

2M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

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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Episode 174 - Sabina Chantouria - Swedish Singer Songwriter with a Brilliant New Song 10:26

3M ago10:26

10:26

A pleasure to catch up with the talented Sabina who has a great new song out, 'Changes'. She tells me a bit about her history and all about the song, I play a bit so you can hear how good it is. Sabina has great advice for anyone struggling in the music business, well worth listening to. Find Sabina's music and much more on her website at www.sabin…

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

3M 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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High Performance Financial Advisor [Trailer] - The financial advisor podcast for those who want to succeed 1:06

3M ago1:06

1:06

What does it take to succeed at the highest level in the world of financial advice? Let’s find out… High Performance Financial Advisor is the podcast for people working in financial advice in the US who want to find their next million dollar producer - or become one themselves. I’m your host, Tony Bates, and in each episode we’ll uncover the strate…

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

3M 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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Pachinko: Soo Hugh on Family, Korean History and Finding Home 34:40

3M ago34:40

34:40

Gabe González is joined by Soo Hugh, showrunner of the Peabody Award-winning series Pachinko, Apple TV’s trilingual series set in Japan and Korea. Pachinko is an epic family drama spanning more than sixty years of history, during and after the Japanese occupation of Korea. Through the eyes of protagonist Sunja, who moves to Japan with her husband a…

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

3M 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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Episode 173 - Lexie Chilton-Bates - Amazing 19 Year Old Singer Songwriter 10:06

3M ago10:06

10:06

A pleasure to chat to Lexie, who at only 19 has written and released her first ever single ' Feel Like Someone'. I play a bit for you and I know you will agree Lexie has lots of talent. We discuss how she got started in music and what the song is all about, and she has valuable advice for fellow young musicians too. You can find out more about Lexi…

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Jimmy Anderson: Behind the Bowler 57:14

3M 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

4M 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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We Are Lady Parts: Nida Manzoor on Punk Music, Not Selling Out and The Burden of Representation 35:13

4M ago35:13

35:13

Executive Director of the Peabody Awards and resident musician Jeffrey Jones talks with Nida Manzoor, creator and writer of the Peabody Award-winning We Are Lady Parts and the action comedy film, Polite Society. They dive deep into the show’s delightful use of punk music; Nida’s musical inspirations, as well as teaming up with her siblings to write…

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Episode 172 - Hannah Jenkins - Amazing Taylor Swift Tribute 13:00

4M ago13:00

13:00

I chat to Hannah who is a fabulous Taylor Swift Tribute act, very busy with her own Eras Tour! She tells me how she started in the music world, and who else she has performed as a tribute act for. An inspiring story and full of advice for other aspiring Taylors! Find Hannah's information on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/touroftheeras/ and on Inst…

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Episode 171 - Dick Plant - Recording Engineer with Stories and his own Fabulous Music! 18:05

4M ago18:05

18:05

A pleasure to chat to Dick Plant about his life and music career. He has worked with scores of musicians and bands over many years as a recording engineer - I could have chatted with him for hours as you can imagine! Have a listen to all the people he has recorded - the list is very impressive! He has so many stories to tell which will inspire you …

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

4M 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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Christian O’Connell: I had everything I ever wanted, and I was falling apart 1:03:45

4M 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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Episode 170 - Pola - Very Talented Singer from Poland 16:29

4M ago16:29

16:29

A great pleasure to chat to the talented Pola,a classically trained musician wit a new single out now, 'Emerald Sea' is superb and I play a bit for you to hear her amazing voice and music. Pola tells me how she got started in music, how she took a break and then came back stronger than ever. Her story will inspire fellow musicians everywhere. The i…

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Episode 169 - Bill Welychka - Canadian TV Personality and Music Artist Interviewer 21:31

4M ago21:31

21:31

Fantastic to catch up with fellow interviewer Bill Welychka in Canada and talk about his new book, 'A Happy Has-Been' second edition. We talk about the value of interviews ( he has done over 5000 ) and he gives great advice to anyone thinking about writing memoirs or getting into the every changing media world. Stripe the studio cat makes an appear…

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

4M 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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Episode 168 - Soft Cotton County 22:35

5M ago22:35

22:35

A real pleasure to catch up with Andy Coombs from the amazing band 'Soft Cotton County'. In fact we chatted about stuff so much that I almost forgot to play a bit of their new single 'Coward of The Country Fair' ! We chat about his music and the amazing voice of singer Shira, and got talking about how the industries have changed, both music and rad…

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Hacks: Jen Statsky and Margaret Cho on Women Hacking the Comedy Business 39:34

4M ago39:34

39:34

Host Gabe González sits down with Jen Statsky, co-creator of HBO’s Peabody Award-winning series Hacks. We talk with Statsky about the complex relationship between the show’s two central characters - and their stark generational divide and friendship, while delving into broader themes of the complex history of women in comedy and the importance of f…

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

5M 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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Ash Atalla: The Office, The IT Crowd, and the Unlikely Road to Comedy Success 1:01:12

5M 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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Episode 167 - Russell Watson & Helen Jane Long - New Music! 17:32

5M ago17:32

17:32

Also known as 'The Voice' Russell Watson has released a new pop album with songs written and composed by Helen Jane Long, the amazing pianist and song writer / music composer. I talk to them both about their fascinating individual music life stories and how they got together to collaborate on the album ' SHINE', and the single from it just released…

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Episode 166 - Catlea - Young Successful Singer Songwriter with Great Advice 11:27

5M ago11:27

11:27

A pleasure to talk to the very talented Catlea about her music and how she had a choice - either take a year out of college and try the music business or go to college! Of course being a multi instrumentalist she chose music and now gets millions of downloads. Her album 'Language Barrier' is out now and her second single from it 'Why Them' is brill…

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

5M 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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Andor: Tony Gilroy on Oppressive Regimes and Popular Revolutions 36:01

5M ago36:01

36:01

This week on We Disrupt This Broadcast, we’re talking about one of the most thrilling and politically thoughtful shows out right now - Andor. Peabody Awards Executive Director Jeffrey Jones talks with Andor creator and showrunner Tony Gilroy about the ideologies explored in the Disney+ series in the Star Wars story universe. They dive into how revo…

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

5M 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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Episode 165 - Emeli Dondey - Awesome Swedish Singer Songwriter 15:01

5M ago15:01

15:01

Another first for Music Stories with a fascinating interview with the very talented Emeli Dondey - in Stockholm, Sweden - with a brilliant dance track sung in Swedish! 'Lyfta Blicken' is actually her first single release and she explains what took her that amount of time to release it. I play a bit for you and it is very good! Have a little dance t…

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

6M 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…