James O'Brien Daily

Racism and sexism are becoming normalised in Britain, according to Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson. From casual racist language to far-right narratives online, when did behaviour once considered beyond the pale start to feel ordinary?
Then, as England has been described as a “maths powerhouse” following improved exam results, James explores the lifelong impact of maths anxiety, dyscalculia and an education system that can shut doors on young people.
This episode was recorded on the 21st of August. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

As Harry and Meghan prepare to return to the UK later this month, what would they need to do to make a life in Britain possible again? James explores the racism and misogyny surrounding Meghan’s treatment, and the media machine that helped turn affection into fury.
Also, boys are catching up with girls at GCSE and outperforming them at A-Level. Are exam-heavy assessments, classroom policy and changing pressures on young people reshaping the results gap?
This episode was recorded on the 20th of August. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

As Andy Burnham launches his 'national drive' to get rough sleepers off the streets by Christmas, James examines why homelessness has become part of the backdrop of city life.
Plus, new research suggests London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone has helped children’s lungs recover from the effects of pollution. So why did ULEZ provoke such extraordinary fury?
This episode was recorded on the 19th of August. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Donald Trump has threatened to bomb US ally Oman if it “gets in the way” of talks with Iran. As he fuels instability across the world, why has the public conversation about Trump become quieter rather than louder? Have we become desensitised?
Plus, as Wetherspoon bans customers from playing music on their phones in pubs, James asks: why don’t we feel shame about disturbing other people anymore?
This episode was recorded on the 18th of August. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

When does legitimate scrutiny become something crueler? James reflects on the death of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday, the media frenzy surrounding the allegations against him, and whether the gleefulness of some commentary demands a reckoning.
Plus, as Andy Burnham is minded to approve a North Sea gas field, can Labour support fossil-fuel jobs in the short term without abandoning its climate commitments?
This episode was recorded on the 17th of August. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.
If you’re affected by anything discussed in this episode, you can call the Samaritans for free, at any time, on 116 123.