Michael Sheen: Why he gave back his OBE, Welsh independence, Brexit and the year of COVID

Michael Sheen is one of Britain's most acclaimed living actors, and also someone who has used his platform to shine a light on causes he's passionate about.
After a miserable year, we talk about whether things will change after the pandemic, whether Wales is heading for independence and whether he'd support it, why communities like his town - Port Talbot - went for Brexit, the crisis of the arts, whether Labour has a future, and what he thinks about Keir Starmer.
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[@OwenJonesTalks]

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[@nobchucknorris]

Define right-wing media please, or point me to a definition you are working to?...I genuinely can’t make head nor tail of legacy definitions when made by progressives/momentum/guardian types.

[@R2D6_10]

lol, no.

[@chriswatson3464]

Could you turn against Diane Abbott please?

[@doggdogg6019]

Still blaming everyone else for the 2019 election humiliation I see. It's the left wing media that are the problem. They pushed and pushed and gave us an eccentric back bencher as a leader, who you derided and said was a poor choice (until you realised he was there for a few years so you changed your tune and became his biggest fan). You just want to hear an echo of your own voice while getting very rich at the same time. Next thing we know you will be buying the house next door to Billy Bragg, that other famous "socialist"

[@elingrome5853]

‘Take on the right wing media’ ? Honestly that sentence alone is exactly why no one can take you seriously.

[@marzettik]

Michael Sheen puts his whole heart into everything he does. It’s always a pleasure to listen to him and he’s so well spoken too. He is a joy to watch. ❤

[@orth82]

Just when I thought my admiration for this man could not be any greater, I go and learn he's given back his OBE. ❤

[@jcreed09]

Michael Sheen is the rare successful Actor who matches his words with ACTION.

[@isabellekh8112]

@@oskabravo4953 what are you on about? He's very successful

[@andrewharrison3888]

@@oskabravo4953 he’s 100 % a list, RADA graduate, Olivier scholarship, golden globes/bafta awards. He’s an absolute master of his craft and anyone worth their salt would say so 👍

[@robertharwood8460]

At last, a recognition that the working class priorities of family and community should be celebrated instead of derided as they were during the Brexit debate. But does this mean middle class Labour will now reconnect with working class voters, I doubt it somehow, I think it will go right over their heads

[@c.j.griffin]

Delighted to see a Welsh guest, doubly so that it's Michael Sheen.

[@prangbro]

Obviously Owen Jones is of Welsh extraction, but I think I remember reading that his late father was actually a Welsh speaker from the north! I've never actually heard or read him speak about what Wales means to him, if anything, would be interested to know.

[@okaminess]

@@prangbro same

[@garethhillary2302]

The whole part of the language towards an independent Wales being reminiscent of an abusive/controlling relationship is something I have personally experienced quite a lot living in England. The language is always like "Wales couldn't survive" or "It's struggling now, imagine if it didn't have England's help?" My response to these nowadays is "and who made it that way? Where did our coal go? Where did our steel go? Who priced us out of our local communities? Why is it if I live in North Wales, I cannot get a train to my own country's capital city without first going through England?"

[@kentendo6453]

We've been ignored for a long time regardless of what our English friends tend to believe. I'm waiting for the vicious right wing media to set its fangs on our predominantly left leaning country before long. Those who want independence will probably be cast as treacherous sheep shagging lunatics... fine by me. I explained the political issues to a friend in Bristol recently and at first she was sceptical, but after covering my opinions she's changed her views. The movement isn't anti English like some think, it's about controlling our own country and investing in our infrastructure

[@garethhillary2302]

@@kentendo6453 Yeh, I find myself constantly pointing out my English mother (Welsh dad and born/raised there), I also find myself repeating "I do not hate English people, I hate Westminster."

[@beckybarnes4651]

Add to the coal and steel - profits of slate from the North.

[@ernestthesmallholder559]

That thinking like "Wales couldn't survive.." etc, really worries me. For centuries Russians used to use this in relation to the Ukraine and then.... Putin.

[@jameswatkins2596]

Sheen is the leader Wales' needs. A great guy.

[@drewwilliams6888]

I'd vote for him, as long he doesn't stand for the Tories.

[@okaminess]

@@drewwilliams6888 I don’t think he does.

[@witte2702]

Michael Sheen preparing for his leading role in upcoming Karl Marx biopic

[@MIKIEC71]

I was thinking he was preparing to play Zeus.... or maybe Poseidon

[@VikingRhys]

Yeah, I'd like look forward to seeing him do that, he has the gravitas at least to portray Karl Marx and he even bears a relationhip to him lol

[@spoilthevines]

@@VikingRhys wait what? how is he related to Marx?

[@VikingRhys]

@@spoilthevines lol, I think he just happens to bear a passing resemblance to the great man lol but I would certainly go and see him take the part if he did in the cinema lol

[@VikingRhys]

@@oskabravo4953 I think you must be thinking of Stalin, Karl Marx would definitely not approved of anything Stalin did, it was Stalin who killed millions of people, not Karl Marx, he would have been horrified by what Stalin did to the people of Russia.

[@jesdavies44]

Yes Michael!! Speaking up for the Welsh and for an area of South Wales which has been severely over looked for too many years, I work in Neath and it is shocking how few services there are for the young people I work with. With the amount of water we have and the advancements we have made in many other industries we have enough steam to become independent, we are much stronger and smarter than the apparent 'United Kingdom' Love the comparison to a unhealthy relationship, so true. Cymru Am Byth!!!!

[@jesdavies44]

@Tony Rogers Yes it is, services for young people are questionable still regardless of it being a labour local authority. A lot of things a young person would need they have to go to either Swansea or Cardiff to get additional help/services for

[@jesdavies44]

@Tony Rogers well with that attitude of 'they are all corrupt' we might as well go back to hitting each other with sticks.

[@craigroberts5965]

How would these services improve with less money to spend per head?

[@jesdavies44]

Oh look at that, Tony has run away.

[@tomjohnson6860]

Who gets more funding per head - Welsh people or English people?

[@Beccalewis45]

We love the very splendid Michael Sheen. Not just because he’s Welsh ( but that obviously helps!) He’s a brilliant actor, an inspirational human being and has selflessly ploughed so much back into Wales and the Welsh community. We are very proud of this son of Gwalia. He has an indomitable spirit,remaining a vocal advocate for social equity and equality.The rights of the many are lost time and time again, when pitted against the privilege bestowed on the few. Yet Michael Sheen remains an ever constant advocate for the few , for those whose voices are rarely heard. I suspect had he been born many, many years ago , he’d have been a bard or Druid (and that’s not just because of the beard and woolly hair !) He has remained true to his deeply held beliefs but has continued to learn and remain open to different perspectives.This has helped him grow in both wisdom and conviction. We look forward to watching his future creative , social and political efforts. Many congratulations to both him and his wife on the joys of parenthood. I hope he continues to raise his voice, highlight and engage in the many causes, issues and concerns that so many are struggling with today. He proves that one human being can make a real difference to our world and I hope he will inspire others to do so. Thank you Michael Sheen.

[@sazzieb1]

Unless there's flooding then he thinks money should go abroad rather than help the UK.....

[@ernestthesmallholder559]

This is one of the best interviews I've seen on any media platform. Michael Sheen has been allowed to give an honest opinion of Wales and its internal and external issues. Annibyniaeth i Gymru yn bendant !

[@DavidJones-dq7iu]

What a fantastic interview. Thank you. As a Proud Welsh man Michael Sheen hit the nail on the head of most of my views and feels.

[@welshskies]

Michael is spot on about Wales. If Scotland leaves the UK then we in Wales will have to decide whether we should rethink our position too, even Mark Drakeford has admitted this.

[@patriciaball7423]

Saw Michael Sheen at the Hay Festival in 2018(?). His speech on the NHS got a standing ovation that raised the roof, it was so loud, and went on for ages! And always been an admirer of Owen Jones. Keep on keeping on!!!!!

[@beatrizgilq7993]

How I wish many more people saw and said things so clearly. It is a pleasure to listen to bright people speaking against nonsense and putting so much passion in the importance of comunities and the support for those left behind.

[@daiberry1152]

One of the best hours I have spent in several years. Political yes, yet a mature presentation of thoughts. As a devout Nationalist who listens to thoughtful conversation, it was a truly magnificent discussion. What was missing was the snug in a bar, with a pint and a warm fire. Diolch yn fawr iawn Owen a Michael Sheen - Cymro arbennig.

[@MrMesospheric]

The kind of intelligent, considered and, indeed, passionate discussion that Britain so sorely needs right now.

[@sazzieb1]

Don't get him started on flooding.... then he couldn't give a toss about Britain

[@bwmanhath3770]

@@busterthedog2351 those two words don't make sense together in a senetence

[@jhunter6392]

Michael Sheen is a superb actor and a sound man. Great interview.

[@loriwilson7666]

It is so refreshing to see someone with such prominence to use their platform as a foundation to genuinely promote, direct and intervene in social causes, in order to highlight issues and campaign for change. So often those with the means just use their money, in a surface level effort to claim that they're an activist. Michael seems to not only really care but understand and get involved at the ground level. I look forward to seeing the successes of his work as it grows - and that beard too of course!

[@nicoladavies5986]

What a fantastic man Michael Sheen is.

[@huwchurchman5415]

An absolute joy from start to finish, superb.

[@oyemate8647]

For a second i thought you said he was Finnish

[@huwwilliams3230]

Da iawn Michael.If you have time listen to his lecture about Owain Glyndwr on Facebook and also in 2017 Sheen founded the End High Cost Credit Alliance working to promote more affordable ways to borrow money.[250] That same year Sheen became a Patron of Social Enterprise UK, a charity which supports social projects which benefit local, environmental and co-operative causes.

[@carrieparry732]

I absolutely adore you Michael Sheen!😻

[@jonathandavies7462]

Proper Welsh hero 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@okaminess]

😃

[@markcarnall3249]

Martin's metaphor of saying Wales or Scotland can not leave UK control because they could not survive on their own, being like an abusive relationship, is a very valid, insightful observation. National treasure.

[@katiemiaana]

He’s great, and has my full support of a lot of the North of England. I am in Liverpool so have seen similar things to Wales in terms of service cuts. I love that he is using his platform for this.

[@owentomos2306]

Liverpool, as they say, the capital of North Wales

[@juliewake4585]

I’m so glad I found this. I’ve liked Michael Sheen for ages and I’d heard about his politics, but this is wonderful.

[@okaminess]

Same. :)

[@andrewwilkie9540]

He looks like he could play Karl Marx :)

[@rajiad853]

About time there’s a movie about Karl Marx!

[@bendigeidfran1282]

@@rajiad853 Be careful what you wish for!

[@MrMegaTubs]

@@rajiad853 Get any idealistic bum who uses his friends for money and shelter and then show his legacy as one that creates human beings doing the most disgusting things. Why you fools love Marx, ffs.

[@tyrionlannister6459]

@@MrMegaTubs I’m more interested to know who fools like you love ?

[@mypradasatthecleanerss]

Very interesting points about Welsh independence. I think here in England we certainly take the other nations for granted a lot of the time. There’s all this talk about where Parliament should relocate to when the Palace of Westminster renovation can’t be delayed any further and much of the suggestions are The Midlands or the North of England. Yet why not move it to Wales or Scotland (NI not a sound option)? Help rebalance the Union through relocation of some of the apparatus of the UK state.

[@chrisdunn3817]

I was lucky enough to see Michael Sheen interview Bernice Sanders at the Hay literary festival..... the local boy got as much applause as the Bern did, and it was such a pleasure.

[@corneliusowl6024]

All the hearts for Michael Sheen. Bloody amazing human.

[@stevelogan1699]

I grew up in the Welsh valleys and live in Cambridge and so exist in a perpetual state of conflict between my political allegiances and my daily experience. In this, one of the most ‘unequal’ cities in England, there are homeless people on many streets. It’s quite avoidable as the Finnish example has demonstrated. What’s chiefly needed is a visionary politician (someone a bit like Michael Sheen who’s a bit like Nye Bevan) to persuade the government to stop treating taxation as theft and raise the necessary funds. Pity Michael’s such a fabulous actor. We could otherwise start a public campaign to get him elected to government. Excellent interview.

[@FullNietzsche]

If you support open borders, don't complain about homelessness.

[@MrNinjaFish]

@@FullNietzsche If you support large private business, don't complain about being asset stripped

[@phil3572]

Ah.. and there it is. Everyone must sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others because I'm a philosopher king and my ideas are better than yours. So let's take what that person has and "redistribute" it to these people because everyone must be "equal" irrespective of ability or merit. Equal justice under law isn't enough, so we'll have this system and call it socialism or social justice or some other gibberish. The trick will be that we'll call it Altruism and everyone will go along with it out of guilt. Obviously that's worked out great in Russia, China, Venezuela etc, and that pol pot guy in Cambodia really did well with it! If you're so keen on sacrificing yourself (and I'm not comparing that to defending yourself in a war), why not be first in the queue at the inland revenue and offer everything you have now and in the future first before pontificating to others. You know - lead by example and see how many others do the same. Or perhaps that just wouldn't be fair.

[@MrNinjaFish]

@@phil3572 ...so starving people of investment after suddenly taking away their main source of employment is perfectly okay? Individualism and a trickle down approach to economics is a cancer.

[@phil3572]

@@MrNinjaFish investment in what and paid for by who? How do you think investment works and and how does the money get there ? How ironic you call individualism a cancer when, if nothing else, the evidence is for all to see is how easily the crass glibness of state collectivism has crushed the rights and freedoms of that smallest and most vulnerable minority in these Islands - the Individual. That's you by the way. All in the name of Altruism and with the blessing of the mobs who like the idea of not having to think for themselves too much as long as politicians of left or right (doesn't make any difference ) say "don't worry, we'll look after you" as they massage your balls whilst fleecing you of whatever you've spent your life working for. The only thing that is proven to raise people out of poverty with some semblance of self esteem is laissez-faire capitalism. The mixed economy doesn't work, but hey, history doesn't teach us anything - right ?

[@zamiadams4343]

Great interview, Michael carrying on the great tradition of Welsh actors along with the legendary Richard Burton.

[@duncanmckeown1292]

As a former Labour Party member...who has now joined the SNP...my road to Damascus moment very much matches Michael Sheen's. Power needs to devolve, and the reluctance of Labour to support a totally federal state with all four nations having considerable powers...like Canadian provinces, for example...will inevitably bring a break-up. Things have gone too far in Scotland, and perhaps Northern Ireland for more complicated reasons...but to keep Wales, a considerable rethink is in order from Starmer and Co. And I might add The North West and North East of England...otherwise forget the Prince of Wales title...Andy Burnham may be crowned King of The North for real!

[@robineur]

It's so refreshing to hear intelligence and honesty expressed in these days of intellectual intelligence that is put in the service of hubristic power plays. Michael Sheen truly gives himself time (and also research) to really think before he expresses his views. As we move towards a new age in political thinking, here is an example of the value of examining the past - mistakes and all - before rushing into reactionary revolution simply because change is so clearly needed.

[@Dionysos640]

So Owen, how do we go about making Michael Sheen become Prime Minister? We all want it.

[@TalentSpotter83]

@@busterthedog2351 how is he a tax dodging bigot?

[@bujin1977]

Prime Minster of Wales? Yeah, I'd vote for that.

[@kashiichan]

@@busterthedog2351 You seem to already know, given your assertion that he should be paying more. 🙄

[@dexstewart2450]

no thanks - just find your own when the UK splits

[@dexstewart2450]

@@oskabravo4953 Oh, don't worry so much - the UK won't exist soon, so no chance of him being PM of a foreign State

[@gmckayak]

Brilliant interview. Michael Sheen is a gem.

[@davelanglois8465]

One of the best interviews I've seen lately. A likeable man of great integrity.

[@martinnolan4800]

I think I heard from the youngest Sheen around 19mins. What a clever, thoughtful, man. It’s so unusual for someone as justly famous and respected to be that engaged in his community. Why am I surprised? ... I shouldn’t be!

[@necrosbowen]

met michael a few years ago, as i am newport born and bred when he was doing a documentary on the chartist, he is such a nice guy and amazing actor also

[@edwardal7980]

Am Newport born and bred too! He is the greatest guy to come out of our city!

[@webleydevelopment]

@@edwardal7980 He's from Port Talbot. He has a little bit of class ;-)

[@edwardal7980]

@@webleydevelopment Ah, he was born in Newport and lived nearby for a fair bit of time! His family lived in Llanmartin, just 5 minutes from mine!

[@webleydevelopment]

@@edwardal7980 No.....Way!!!! I didnt know that.

[@lightgiver7311]

All peoples should have the right to their Independence. All countries have a right to their independence. I am reminded of Michael Collins fight to free Ireland from British rule.

[@niccymak8243]

Wow, my first Christmas jumper viewing this year! More seriously thank you for intelligent, sensitive conversation with ideas for a kinder future.

[@webleydevelopment]

Well done Owen. Great interview. Come back home to Wales Owen... Your heat is calling you..... Love Michael. What a hero.

[@neilsontc]

The man, the myth, the legend! Love this guy. Really enjoying your long form interviews Owen.

[@russellgrice6966]

Great conversation!

[@MellorDR]

refreshing to see a honest and sympathetic actor who genuinely cares

[@sazzieb1]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@leonbrooks2107]

@@busterthedog2351 anything to backup that accusation?

[@aileeneralraislensku6944]

A lovely interview! So many interesting topics covered and it’s always nice to hear from Michael - such a decent and sensible guy. Glad to hear some chat about Welsh independence. A lot of highlighting of how unhealthy the relationship is with England up here in Scotland too and I think it’s so important that these relationships move with the times.

[@craigroberts5965]

As much as I respect Michael, it is an horrendous idea.

[@tomjohnson6860]

*_" A lot of highlighting of how unhealthy the relationship is with England up here in Scotland too"_* Can you explain why the relationship with England is unhealthy, in your opinion? (other than Scots just not liking the English)

[@JamesMartin-wr8oi]

We need to oust the current tory govt based in Westminster, hopefully for the better, however citizens of Scotland and Wales shouldn't steep to always blaming Westminster for most woes. I can't speak for Wakes obviously, where clearly the Welsh language has become a real tool for Plyaid Cymru in their pursuit of independence. However, here in Scotland the nationalists have got to firm a grip on Scottish politics. Always nice to beat England at sports when the occasion arises, however it's only a game at the end of the day, so therefore we need more politicians with the Cenopath and Holyrood to convey the importance of maintaining the political and economic union between the three nations which make up GB.

[@dylannewton76]

A wonderful human being and brilliant actor. Thankyou Michael and Owen.

[@matthewprice2626]

He speaks truth. Wales supplies the West Midlands and Liverpool with water. Thats billions of pounds of revenue. Plus Wales is a huge electricity supplier. Wind farms everywhere where I live.

[@davidrobinson2776]

Like they did with Scotland, the government try and belittle the achievements of Wales and their contribution to the UK when in reality they would soil themselves if either one ever upped sticks and left.

[@LG-lb8qg]

He truly has a brilliant mind, I could listen to him talk for hours and never get bored!

[@Linz0440]

I really enjoyed this interview, MS is so astute, engaged and compassionate. Loved hearing him talk about his journey of discovery re the relationship between Wales and England. It tends to be a one way journey as so many have discovered in Scotland since 2012, especially when you see the patterns repeat - and the same questions now arising in Welsh heads. I also love the beard!

[@jayden3759]

You are talking nonsense us welsh love our nation but we are part of the UK and British

[@okaminess]

Love Michael Sheen.

[@gillmoran309]

What a great man!

[@tommyebbs9399]

Hi Owen, absolutely loving the new channel. Been saying for years that the UK needs a bigger “bread tube” echo-system. With you, DDN and Novará, that finally seems to be happening to counteract our hopelessly corrupt media. Any plans to release these in a podcast format on Apple or Spotify? Would be great to listen to these when I’m on the go.

[@OwenJonesTalks]

Hello! Thanks so much! Yes, paperwork now sorted and the podcast is happening in the New Year!

[@juliewake4585]

I love DDN and Novara. I know they both have a very left-leaning stance but I think we can always trust their reporting to be honest.

[@KiaraKoala-ke6tl]

Brilliant Michael Sheen!

[@onerva0001]

"Only a small percentage is going to die" Yes THANK YOU for saying this Michael Sheen from an asthmatic & 50% lung capacity owner! Us nonhealthy people like life too!

[@patrickjones7942]

Wales is not a principality it is and has always been a kingdom of it's own....have a look at Britain's hidden history online

[@davidmcdonnell767]

As a socialist, common sense advocate and supporter of all things to make the UK better I have just subscribed :)

[@Zenhumanist]

Love being from the same country as these guys.

[@florafauna5883]

They are actually form two different countries/nations..England and Wales.

[@rubyxoxo2368]

@@SSMMTTEE the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is not a country

[@sazzieb1]

@@rubyxoxo2368 Is my passport wrong then???

[@florafauna5883]

@@SSMMTTEE The way I see it they are different countries within the same "kingdom". I like to give it the Scottish prospective, and I believe the scots don't like to think of England and Scotland being the same country. Then again, yes I know that Great Britain/United Kingdom is officially one 'country'. Also Yugoslavia used to be a 'country'...remember?

[@florafauna5883]

@@SSMMTTEE 'not an English/Scottish/Welsh passport'...yet!

[@mbast7585]

Michael Sheen is a thoroughly wise and decent man. And a galaxy away from Tory and, unfortunately, many Labour politicians. Much respect to him from a continental European. And congrats on the well deserved Old Beardy 'Ead :-).

[@50teajay]

40:00 minute mark gets to the OBE comments.

[@drewwilliams6888]

Diolch yn fawr Michael, a Welshman politely giving up a gong from the British royal family.

[@awesomeadam2299]

Comrade Sheen

[@mabrukclee4385]

Brilliant. Could listen to him for hours.

[@veggiebr0th]

saw the title and immediately had to click on this. its so interesting to listen to others talk about their country’s and region’s politics that are so different, yet in a way similar to my own

[@stevejonesphd]

The point remains that the title "Prince of Wales" is a humiliation, but a small correction: it was first used by English royalty after the defeat of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (late 13th century), so that was a bit before the defeat of Owain Glyndwr (early 15th century)

[@mixodorians12]

Thank you for the correction.

[@llyrjones1532]

I was going to bring this up as well ! Michael should have done more research or should have remembered the facts before broadcasting this.

[@neilevans4352]

Michael sheen the first welsh president, mark my words❤️

[@owenroberts207]

Thanks so much for this both of you. My family history is more or less the same as yours Owen and i'm more and more drawn to a home that i never lived in i think because of these issues. I'm told i'm suffering from 'Hiraeth'?! I found this conversation really helpful in making sense of some of these feelings and putting the little knowledge i have in some historical/societal context. Big diolch to both of you.

[@owenroberts207]

(my family history in terms of north welsh roots but grew up in england - politically my family not quite as exciting as yours!)

[@cymro6537]

Da iawn Michael ! 👏👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@monkeytron5061]

Who doesn’t love Michael Sheen?

[@monkeytron5061]

@@busterthedog2351 Ha, fair enough

[@sazzieb1]

Me

[@alextw1488]

I saw Michael playing Hamlet at the Young Vic a few years ago with a couple of lads who'd been street homeless and then hospitalised with psychosis diagnoses. We got in for free through the theatre's community outreach scheme and it was so interesting as the play was re-imagined in a psychiatric ward, something we didn't even know when we booked. Michael was brilliant and it really had a positive impact on us.

[@kl8132]

Absolutely amazing interview. Both are able to finish their thoughts without interruptions. LOVE the insights presented and as an American I find it gratifying to hear someone speak the same concerns and issues we all are going through. Interesting take on Prince of Wales position and for what its worth I completely see your point, it would right a long standing insult. My question/concern being, once a person is crowned Prince of Wales and is outside the family control, that he get an inflated ego and get power hungry and hurt Wales in the process? Again American here coming out of the (gag) Trump fiasco and seeing a maniac around every corner lol. All human egos regardless are susceptible to corruption and greed. With it being "in the family" so to speak the queen can deliver the preverbal "spanked bottom" if the prince gets a bit over reaching. IF they agreed to this, would putting restrictions/protections be another slap in the face? Also, do you feel the Monarchy is still relevant to todays England? Thank you

[@luluguru008]

Great insights on arts and artists, story telling. 👏❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@lisahartley3831]

That was a very interesting and thought provoking interview. I love him as an actor and love he has principles.

[@lauramartin5579]

As soon as finances allow I will support yr channel Owen. Just living (surviving?) at this time on benefits. Meanwhile thank you and solidarity.

[@paulbismuth10]

Very intelligent actor. My respect for him grew a lot because of this interview/ podcast.

[@Lennon6412]

Interesting interview, always nice to hear from Michael Sheen.

[@valerieschreiner9292]

Great interview. Thank you.

[@bettyjones2614]

He's a great actor and now I know he's a an even better bloke becasue he handed back his OBE!

[@kevinmassey7675]

Would have been an even better guy ( with better principles)if he never accepted in the 1st place........he wasn't a kid.......he knew what he was doing ...."thank you you majesty "

[@mikepen918]

31:41 "foothills of an understanding" - a nice turn of phrase

[@luluguru008]

Great interview. Love Michael Sheen's work. Great insight on reinforced empathy within the ranks. It's how wars are won, and lost for the lack of it. We see it in the difference between America and New Zealand, to use extreme examples. They need to give medals for empathy, not wealth. Indeed, tax wealth to reinforce empathy.

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

As a kiwi I'm exceedingly grateful to live in New Zealand. The US has too many problems to ever right itself.

[@wanderkind0]

If tiny countries like Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania can be independent, so can Wales and Scotland.

[@gilesjones3626]

It's not a case of Wales being too small to be independent, of course it could be. It's an issue of the short and medium term economic pain that would come after independence. Wales has a budget deficit of £13bn, over 20% of GDP. The economy is not very diverse with very high public sector employment and a small tax base. Putting up borders to your biggest export market by far (England) would be suicidal.

[@Linz0440]

@@gilesjones3626 That budget deficit is the deficit for Wales within the UK. An independent Wales could develop as radically different approach as the Welsh people choose. When the choice is short and medium term economic pain with no visionor short and medium term economic pain with an independent vision, why would you stick with the Union that sees Wales facing a £13bn deficit?

[@gilesjones3626]

@@Linz0440 because the £13bn deficit is currently not a massive issue in the context of the UK. But if Wales was independent it would be a massive issue very quickly. It doesn't matter what vision you have, economics dictates an independent Wales outside both the UK and the EU would not prosper.

[@wanderkind0]

@@Linz0440 You are dead on. Most countries have debt. The choice is either stay in a bad relationship and continue accruing debt out if the fact that Westminster won't provide the resources for Wales to thrive or become independent with an actual shot at getting Wales' needs prioritized. Small countries are nimble and innovative.

[@FullNietzsche]

@@wanderkind0 "Small countries are nimble and innovative." - why do I have a feeling you call Brexiters 'little Englanders' though.

[@M_Bamboozled]

Great interview and a great reminder to me that we really don't hear enough Welsh voices, directly from Wales. Also a reminder that the "union" has been and remains unbalanced and in many ways riddled with injustice. I'm English and I don't believe it's for any Englishman to ever tell Wales what it should do, but one thing I can do is stand in solidarity. Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.

[@okaminess]

I haven’t really heard from Wales since Charlotte Church went off the radar. Seeing the Prince of Wales on tv doesn’t count. Lol

[@posh0610]

Very interesting conversation. Difficult to believe that this is the man who was brilliantly playing Kenneth Williams on tv last night😀

[@juliewake4585]

And Brian Clough a little while ago.

[@martinnolan4800]

Michael’s performance as Brian Clough was completely extraordinary. Not just accurate portrayal of a well known man, it was an insightful study of depression and alcoholism. He’s a once-off!

[@justaworkingbloke6537]

Ooh matron!!

[@pcuimac]

I loved his depiction of an intelligent Werewolf in Underworld.

[@craigroberts5965]

@@oskabravo4953 i don't see this as a negative. He's a better actor than many a-listers. And, more importantly, a better man.

[@craigroberts5965]

@@oskabravo4953 he's living in Port Talbot, champ. That's dedication.

[@craigroberts5965]

@@oskabravo4953 ?

[@stevendouglas3860]

Saw him play Ken Williams .last night ..so sad suffer . Brilliant acting by Michael .

[@philbroughton3402]

Thought of this interview today after William got given the title of POW. What is the point of tradition with this over something to symbolise keeping people down. Definitely should have chosen a different title here. But I suppose the significance of that would lead to a wider debate. Fascinating interview 👍

[@alisonashurst]

Fabulous

[@MrFubber]

Thoroughly enjoyable and very insightful., especially the controlling relationship analogy re independence.

[@martinwilliams9776]

A thoughtful and interesting bloke.Enjoyed the interview.Diddorol iawn Mr Sheen.

[@derwzulm5213]

Cenedl heb iaith, cenedl heb galon.

[@upendasana7857]

So much respect for Michael Sheen,remember some years ago hearing about his campaigns to help homeless people and people being housed in sub standard accomodation and vulnerable people being housed in hostals with predators and convicted sex offenders

[@MindfulMomentsInNature]

He's more excited about the beard of year award than the obe 😂

[@marg233]

Agree light is brighter due to r experiencing 2020 👏 great actor, appears a great guy, down to earth guy, makes me happy & like him more 😘

[@davarjos]

Deal?..Wales was conquered and Annexed..those castles weren't always tourist attractions..sheen implies Wales had a choice whether to be ruled by England or not..Wales didn't it annexed or colonised..which are the same thing

[@bendigeidfran1282]

Yes, his use of that word struck me the same way. To 'strike a deal' implies a mutually beneficial agreement - as if we had a choice. We didn't have a choice. It wasn't that civilized. It was brutal conquest.

[@davarjos]

@@bendigeidfran1282the man thinks he can rewrite history obviously

[@craigroberts5965]

Not by England. Not by Britain even.

[@sueharper581]

I really enjoyed hearing from Micheal sheen and his feelings about Wales and poverty etc. I live in Holyhead which is poor community that's been hit hard by closures. So why haven't we got the services that oxford etc have? Anyone????

[@owentomos2306]

Location, location I'm afraid is one explanation. The Holyhead out of town retail development situated close to the A55 has been a great success. One of life's great mysteries however is that prior to the financial crash of 2008, Holyhead never really benefited when the Irish economy was booming.

[@sueharper581]

@@owentomos2306 The Irish people used to come here to shop before they became members of the EU. They didn't need to come here any more as they were doing a lot better than us

[@ineffablemars]

Just a few minutes in and I keep finding myself nodding in agreement with Michael and pausing to have my own thoughts lol. This is great 👍

[@2008Tiefighter]

Owen love the new content on this channel, this has possibly been one of my favourite interviews you've done, along with Mary Lou McDonald and Piers Morgan. Fascinating conversations Owen please keep it up. Big love from Northern Ireland.

[@oddjobgranny]

SUPERB!

[@BenDPB]

Love Michael Sheen, met him while I worked in Screwfix and he was sound as F££k

[@hayleyava7398]

Brilliant interview. Merry Christmas Owen! ✨🍸