Russell Brand interview on politics, fatherhood & addiction | Unfiltered with James O’Brien #1

[@mnb9162]

First time iv seen a James O'Brien podcast. So refreshing. Doesn't feel like its all about him like so many interviews these days. Plus hes listening and letting it flow based on what russell says, sign of a great interview. Whatever questions are on his cue cards are just a guide.

[@AdamDadeby]

An intense, profound conversation. Thank you both.

[@chrisorton6805]

I'm not a huge fan of Brand or O'Brien as personalities but they are both incredibly eloquent and regardless of anything else, It's pretty difficult to argue with their points of view 90%of the time!....fascinating interview!

[@wendyknox-leet1034]

This is a really great interview. Well done James. You have gone deeper than the other interviews for this book.

[@jacquelinem8028]

Russel is very intelligent and lm glad he's changed his life and has finally grown up good on him❤️

[@mattiemclean9882]

There are people, millions of them, all over the world, that are intelligent and have changed their lives and grown up. Why not give praise to all the people in the world who have achieved this without the help of showbiz mates and access to the best therapists and luxurious surroundings?

[@williamobryan682]

@@mattiemclean9882 hear hear . He's got a lot more growing to do , it appears .

[@mmisbah]

Talking in a relaxed way is brilliant I love it!! Allows you to open up Well done James 👍

[@PlanetaryCitizen]

I've just added the word badinage to my vocabulary!

[@sunnysjwinter]

This was so bloody good! Great topics and two brilliant communicators. Looking forward to more great guests on here. Thanks Joe / Russell / James

[@binnybros]

Two of my favourite people to listen to in one video, bliss

[@binnybros]

portlandstone3mw not really actually but you might want to take a good look at yourself and think ‘why did I feel the need to write that reply a week after that person wrote it and because I have a different opinion I felt the need to try and insult a complete stranger’ the answer for yourself might be a lot more complex then ‘sad’

[@binnybros]

Dave Long I’m guessing you know that because you are also a member

[@leevweleevwe4813]

You sad twat

[@ronsan1561]

Geeeez! This Joe really likes his name!!

[@cocalonga]

What a beautiful conversation. Fills me with optimism.

[@RaxLakhani]

This is what we need more of. Masculinity redefined through entertaining yet insightful conversation. Brand and O'Brien are two of the national treasures of the not too distant future. I find what they both say to be incredibly honest and compelling. I would ask their critics what they specifically disagree with in this open and honest conversation. From Brand's perspective all I see is a man who passionately wants the world to be a better place. Also, having followed James O'Brien's career closely over the years, he is extremely compassionate and wants to tackle injustice with logic, intellect and social justice in a way that isn't exclusive or pompous. I'm looking forward to more of these shows from JOE. It's the antidote to soundbite led broadcast TV interviews that we all need.

[@betaleftist9218]

Rax Lakhani How can masculinity be revised? Masculinity is derived from male biological imperatives, not derived from social constructs.

[@arnold-hu4vk]

Beta, are you sure?

[@augnkn93043]

Rax Lakhani Lots of people want the world to be a better place. Hitler, Stalin, Pol pot, Jesus, etc. Brand believes in a god that does not exist and he appears to be a Chompskite. When you get through the word salad he doesn’t seem to understand how the world works or that his politics would never be achievable without murdering millions.

[@arnold-hu4vk]

CountJimbo, who used the term?

[@arnold-hu4vk]

ah I was hoping that the Beta in his name was refering to something, but maybe you are right.

[@mlo3784]

Would be very interesting if O'Brien did a interview with Brand today *lmao*

[@gabrielsouthrenburns41]

I agree, I wonder what O'Brien would have to say with Brands flirtations with right wing populism lately

[@dulcettonezzz8229]

I’ve never seen James sit up properly. Always looks like he’s about to fall asleep

[@dabrooz]

شكراً جزيلً، لقد تعلمت الكثير في أقل من ساعة و اتمنى لكما حظا سعيدا و المزيد من التفوق و التألق.

[@gurtana]

What an amazing conversation. I'm floored by the amount of truth and depth from both interviewer and interviewee. I want you two to have a regular monthly meet and let us listen!

[@matthewganley5951]

Great conversation. Mature and insightful. To me this transcends political leanings. Very human chat.

[@martinseal1987]

I think O'Brien is great here he's insightful, has clearly read the material, so he has an informed point of view, great discussion

[@cherylsmith1609]

Agreed - so many of Russell's interviews around this book have been carbon copies of one another. Loved this.

[@Lee_Forre]

James is pleasure to listen to. As an American, I envy my cousins across the pond for wealth of important voices for the public. We could use more like him over here.

[@willioneblood2454]

Lol

[@pumbar]

These two are some of the greatest thinkers alive now. I can't believe that I am able to watch them for free online. They are the new great philosophers, the equal of Wittgenstein, Locke or Aristotle.

[@historex54tamiya]

2 of the biggest tools on the planet and everything wrong with the U.K. O'Brien drones on in his hollier than thou dribble about harassment yet support and befriends this idiot, short memory, does he not remember the famous radio hoax. Brand treats women like crap.

[@rogerhagger7967]

. Russel's next book should be entitled " Verbal Diarriah as the background to the fall of western culture"- alternatively " diary of a red-neck Hippie" . .

[@sajones563]

Who would have imagined that 5 years on, Russell Brand would become a click-bait generating conspiracy theorist who's fans are mainly Trump and Q-anon supporters. How far the (supposedly) mighty can fall...

[@jasoncoleridge5872]

Didn't understand a fucking word of that.. but it sounded absolutely fantastic.

[@ayouaa]

Hahaha I've been watching Russell's youtube channel for a while, but it took a while to get use to it.

[@techtipsuk]

He’s talking shite half the time anyway

[@TookThisPictureInSpace]

@@techtipsuk You mean you don't understand him and so it must be shite? Or care to elaborate in particular which part was shite for you and most importantly why? Because in intelligent conversations that's how people make their point valid. By stating something and then providing evidence to that statement. Saying that something is shite without putting any effort into researching said thing is in my opinion pretty shite. And I just explained why. See?

[@andreaphelps4091]

I love Russell brand

[@theresbob8878]

Totally amazing to have watched Brand move from an intelligent but destructive boy...to an amazing, intelligent and compassionate man. Full kudos to O'Brien for smart and enlightening conversation that should be shown to young people over and over.

[@timothythomas7445]

I just love this guy. Why, because he's not just about himself. He actually things deeply about the less fortunate and fortunate. Like me, he is imperfect but clings onto the knowledge of this recognised fact.

[@tk2097]

I could listen to them two all day.. two of my favourite blokes..

[@TheElewalker]

I never used to like Russell Brand but now I really like him

[@JOE_co_uk]

Great stuff!

[@waynesharp8999]

If love to pick Russell's brain ...he is an enlightened man...well done Russell

[@bereal6590]

You still think that now?

[@bigdaz7272]

Great stuff hope your next podcast is as enjoyable and filled with lively badinage.

[@stannats2637]

Great Coup for Joe, Bring your A game to these guys.

[@danroberts4909]

Great stuff, Joe. More, please.

[@rjy8960]

Brilliant interview - I really enjoyed watching this, thanks!

[@adrianwatt4819]

rjy8960 I

[@martinmcnulty8155]

James O'Brien Russel Brand's best friend... James totally destroyed Greenwood for his behaviour while Brand has behaved much much worse. Oh the hippocrit...

[@Gunth0r]

Thanks for this talk! I've come to realize I'm an addict to a very hard to detect drug; information. At first, a quest for knowledge and enlightenment, now, a fix. I'm gonna start detox now.

[@JG-ib7xk]

Addicted to the smell of your own farts too, by the sound of it.

[@jacquelinem8028]

Just love Russell 💓

[@lauriehayes6121]

This was great.

[@NikAureli]

Interviewer *babbling*: "androgenousness!" Russell Brand *under his breath*: "androgyny..."

[@integrowsalessolutions]

Brutal honesty - brilliant!!!

[@tigereyez01]

Great discussion. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@paulpeartsmith]

Beautiful, actual enquiring intelligence. This'll never get on the tv. I found this so useful.

[@CapraDemon101]

This was brilliant.

[@carmenuva4955]

That was brilliant boys! So authentic!

[@shab8697]

Great interview

[@philanaemic]

I like Russell Brand a lot more now that he's grown up.

[@Exsugarbabe1]

I feel I've grown up with this man. Like us, he probably looks back on his life and cringes at his mistakes and now he seems to be finding what he needs in the truest sense, I love his honesty mixed with self confessed narcissism .

[@mrcorbs5088]

Ruth Barr Absolutely, we get more truth, authenticy or whatever you want to call it than we get from the majority of the politicians/social commentators it seems

[@Exsugarbabe1]

I guess Russell now has made his money and can now say what he likes, so his truth is coming out. Politicians are very restricted and opinion obsessed.

[@peterhalliday975]

I feel exactly the same Ruth

[@StephenBeale]

Phil Roberts yes, me too. The Trews is a great show which I recommend checking out

[@almazmessenger466]

really enjoyed this, thought provoking and entertainig

[@kristianbarford]

Nothing short of incredible, from a boy who's trying his best to establish whether he's lost a bit of himself, or is finally coming to terms with who he is. Adore James O'Brien, paradoxically have never previously been able to stomach Russell Brand. Consider this the addressing of the equilibrium.

[@nazirkazi2588]

Oh well.. where do we even begin to explain Russell's misinterpretation of Darwin? "Humans are like a machine" and James goes "Yes"! "Evolution sculpts the perfect version"? Imagine thinking about evolution in those terms! It means you know nothing. You are a regurgitator. Russell plays people and that's all he can do. He doesn't stand up to scrutiny; but even at a distance I feel he could make you give him your money. That's what he can do. A street performer. A Yuri Spoon Bender.

[@bereal6590]

100% and O'Brien is too up his own asse to see it

[@michelletaylor-gill7484]

3:02 its not a reimagining of the 12 steps it's the steps verbatim and to a very high clinical standard as is working in Brands new way of life since 2002

[@jompyjom]

oh dear

[@i-am-alxdz]

wow..........fantastic conversation

[@lilifox1116]

first time watching this Joe show, fairly new to both Russell and James, so don't have strong opinions on their characters, I just found this enjoyable, even and informative.

[@peterhalliday975]

Two of my favourite people together at last!

[@viv3845]

Brilliant to see such brainy people having this conversation!

[@elabrago]

Love both of them!

[@TomRotherhamMusic]

wicked, what a duo

[@leevweleevwe4813]

Yeah 2 left wing twats

[@michelletaylor-gill7484]

Is this the podcast Russell mentions in his book on the river in Henley? With the "tribe" I love his book available on iTunes... he writes beautifully all the time it's a gift!

[@Erzengel491]

Badinage, eh. What an unexpected way to sum up what makes these self-loving thunderbellends what they are, in their different ways.

[@waynesharp8999]

2 people who I have a lot of time for

[@kerrybruce760]

Just sit back and let Russell be Russell ♥️

[@alfsmith4936]

Probably not a good idea..

[@makila7715]

Freddie Mercury did more for gender politics in the midst of glam rock almost 50 years ago than he's yet been credited with.

[@stevefrompolaca2403]

fyi, the founder of AA was inspired by LSD which had helped him overcome his alcoholism.

[@BigHenFor]

Thanks for this guys. An interesting perspective on Brand and his evolution. What's interesting that certain enemies of this pair have taken the opportunity to prove Mark Twain right: "It is better to stay silent and be thought a fool, than open one's mouth and prove it beyond doubt." You're failing to persuade anyone of the soundness of your arguments, because you're not making any. You're whining, bitching, and complaining. Sorry, but I'd rather listen to these two than you nonentities go on in the comments whinging. It's like listening to the weirdo on the bus.

[@sgc5964]

bingo :)

[@willioneblood2454]

Lol

[@augnkn93043]

BigHenFor Unless Mark Twain’s comment more appropriately applies to Brand and yourself?

[@mysterymaverick1982]

I think change is difficult when you live in society that embodies capitalism. Just one point about evolution that I feel Russell didn't really explain is that evolution is not based on survival of the fittest(another false claim by the capitalist elite) but the survival of the best adapted. As Russell states if it was about survival of the fittest looking out for number one the human race would never have evolved to such an extent. Some research describes how traits become stable over evolution for example if people were always selfish and self motivated(Hawk) then there would not be the trait of autruism between people (Dove) because the Hawk would out number the Dove in all instances making the Hawk (selfishness) become a stable trait.

[@JonnyArtistic]

so good....two of my favourite people!

[@ivorsmith3999]

Still two of your favourite people today?

[@PlanetaryCitizen]

two of mine as well!

[@Erzengel491]

🤣

[@martinbegley]

Two of the great disruptive inquisitive thinkers of our time, along with Monbiot, Jones and Klein

[@lukedavies6716]

Answer the question Brand!

[@smartrecovery5858]

Brand new Russel another soul 2 sit on the ultimate Truth council. Thank you both, first and last sacrifice LOVE

[@RuachEden]

Two interesting men in genuine conversation. Would like to have been the 3rd!

[@bradleyknight8584]

It's like a wordsmith competition, most people won't understand the words being spoken.

[@jeremyweate1969]

Interesting, if self-absorbed discussion with some scintillating language. However, I'm no clearer about the book and why anyone should buy it. As a discussion supposedly based around this book, the discussion was therefore a fail. As other commentors have noted, its not clear what gives Russell Brand the right to consider himself an expert about addiction, apart from being one himself (is that sufficient?) Its not clear if the book - based on the 12 Steps - is supposed to be a guide for drug addicts, or for the rest of us. Is Brand saying in the book that we could all do with our own version of the 12 Step process, because ultimately we are all addicted to capitalist materialism? None of this was explored in the chat - there was a missed opportunity to go in this direction when Brand made the good point that drug addicts are outliers for the rest of us. Another undiscussed line is that there are many other ways out of the rabbit hole of addiction - other forms of therapy that some say are more effective (such as the SMART approach), and of course there is the great unmentioned of ibogaine, which physically interrupts addiction in the brain. Perhaps Brand, in his abstinence-based approach has not even heard of ibogaine. You can't talk about everything in an interview, and addiction is a highly complex area with competing theories (from Gabor Mate's wounded child individual approach to Bruce Alexander's "Globalisation of addiction" collective perspective) but I am no nearer interested in buying Brand's latest bookywooky, and I'm someone very interested in addiction. This is worth a watch - a body language analysis of Russell Brand and the competing elements of narcissism and dominance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rovEqp5uatp-i5I

[@outlawJosieFox]

I love you Russell but let's not forget that most drug addicts live in poverty and suffer from long term unemployment and bad health. It's easier to swap drugs for your life but people who watch day time tv all day need drugs to cope. Why don't you try sitting in a flat for a couple of weeks with absolutely nuthin and then tell me you need to fix what's within. We need to be honest in our society and admit that there is no such thing as full employment and we need to get young people into education and training. This is what is missing- youths are not helped to move forward by the benefits system but instead the system is punitive, adding further to stress .

[@outlawJosieFox]

And family. You have always had a family and now you have a wife and kid. I'm happy for you mate but you had every reason not to be a drug addict and that is not true for many

[@cadnewham]

Spot on mate. I work with addicts most lead absolutely broken lives. A vicious cycle that has taken everything away

[@ukno001is]

Well said Josie Fox.

[@pokey38]

Russell Brand has always recognised that he is in a privileged position compared to other addicts, but to be fair to him he does understand the struggles of addicts less fortunate and he knows the depths of how addiction grows and manifests and he uses his position to raise awareness

[@richardboughton8338]

Kenneth Williams love child 😂A very funny, erudite chap.

[@MatchesMalone1183]

I'm not a fan of O'Brien to put it very politely, but that Dutch reach anecdote was actually some very useful information.

[@georgepapatheofilou6118]

See o much intellectual interaction and syncing interaction with ( have a fix , blah blah blah) Darwinism, survival of the sphincters.

[@jaymondo]

This is absolute Gold!! Great interview (who's the interviewee?)

[@omygod9062]

Battle of the acquired Estuary English........

[@jsbart96]

Neither of these lads speak in Estuary English though?

[@rolybling]

Great interview, Russell is certainly an interesting character.

[@JOE_co_uk]

Thanks

[@natasharubens9497]

great talk

[@jemmajuster]

Russ have you got a cheeky bit of highlighter on her mate?

[@rdg289]

Weird observation but have you noticed how much calmer and more succinct Russell is around a more analytical interviewer like James O'Brien. It's probably the calmest I've ever seen him. Perhaps he knows that O'Brien is more intelligent than most who interview him and his usual outbursts don't detract from his questions...

[@Reynoldinio]

I generally loathe Brand, but I think this must be him at his best. Yes, he's still massively verbose, but at least here (not talking about politics), he's interesting. Really good content.

[@robertkraljii5048]

There is a lot of experiential wisdom in this interview.

[@littlelemontart]

If Mr Brand is going to industry on talking about "Darwinism" and evolution, can he bloody inform himself about it first?The most important thing I learned watching this is that he has opinions without being informed on the topic.He just comes off as an arrogant nutter Which sucks because he has some good ideas buried in the chaff

[@deanslife1]

I don't know James o brien but he is articulate and as a good voice I guess. He sounds very intelligent. So should be a long words battle this with Brand

[@wendyknox-leet1034]

I understand his foreknowledge of the possibility of parental Love, even tho I was never given it as a child, I knew it would come, and when it did, I identified it as a chemical hormonal surge that reminded me of a hit of smack pushed into my veins. So that's what I was looking for, parental love of a child

[@wendyknox-leet1034]

Too bad I waited till 40 to get clear enough to procreate! I would have had more than two if I could have started sooner. Considering what amazingly talented shits they have grown to be, perhaps the world will be suffice with the double

[@badknees9034]

Russell, do you think that marriage, fatherhood, and pursuit of a 'formal education' has dampened your natural wit and spontaneous flow of wisdom?

[@CloudsCastles]

1:09 seconds in, to answer your question: The REVOLUTION is the priority 💎

[@krushjones6596]

Mankind is fascinating and a complete mystery. How we evolved has never been proved with distinction. We don't use the whole of our brains which is not understood. We each have a third eye, the pineal gland is a real thing. Unlocking our minds could be key. What could have happened that mankind stopped using their entire brain?

[@theguywithabow]

it's so odd to feel such carnality and divinity in the same space....this is flesh..this is screaming....this is blood.....this is not like "ooo ello"...but on the other hand I can feel this is transcendent, the fabric of time is tearing as sure as the flesh is...something real is happening here...

[@JAMAICADOCK]

After Vanity fair, comes the slough of despond - and then, finally - tender conscience, if you're lucky.

[@drumsoclock3312]

Perfect Internet Parkinson replacement..(without the trumpet music)

[@JG-ib7xk]

I don't think he's got Parkinson's, just sometimes struggles with his words is all

[@seanb2039]

Love James O'Brien. Not so much the Brand (though he's more palatable the more political he becomes). Hilarious, though, and quite embarrassing, to see O'Brien's ego at work here--in full flight at the end--taking the opportunity to remind Brand that he once taught him a word, haha. Seems like he's attempting to assert his own linguistic prowess because he knows the person he's speaking to has an aptitude for expression. O! the fragility of the human ego.

[@sandymack9345]

Yes it's apparent here..Embrace it♥️

[@regulajoe1]

What an amazing speaker, thinker and person. I am more n more liking Russell.

[@adambinnie1332]

if he gave all his money away like a true socialist then i would agree with you.

[@arnold-hu4vk]

a true socialist gives away all their money?? Have a think.

[@source2950]

Two beautiful minds really talking- wow and thankyou you give me hope

[@anngent4775]

Very refreshing! More of this please.

[@perjonsson8033]

Brands only career for years have been to go on and on about hos addicton and childish talk about politics.He don't know much about any of those things.

[@jamsteracton]

Now i'm looking up what badinage means.

[@russellmessenbird6859]

Russell brand could play Lord byron.

[@infinitel00p94]

Got busted at the end about that word..He just pretends to be smart by putting in the word whenever he can

[@waynesharp8999]

@Jack Nash...don't watch it then, negative!!

[@adambinnie1332]

All these rich celebrities tell us all that money has no importance.

[@mr.shankly]

Is 'JOE' an acronym? James O'Brien's Echochamber perhaps?