John Amaechi

When he published his first memoir back in 2014, the actor and author Alan Cumming took a deep dive and opened up about his traumatic childhood. In his second memoir, Baggage: Tales from a Fully Packed Life, he dispels the myth that he had 'overcome' his trauma or 'triumphed' over it. Cumming believes that a willingness to be vulnerable is what captivates audiences, whether it be on stage or on screen, and he boasts an eclectic filmography ranging from Stanley Kubric's Eyes Wide Shut to Spice World. In this episode of Full Disclosure, he speaks to James about what he values about all of these experiences. His second memoir is out now.

18 Nov 202153min

How does a miner's daughter from Bishop Auckland in County Durham end up in the White House? Whilst her community was small, a combination of luck, opportunity and sharp intellect led Fiona Hill to Russia, opening her eyes to our shared human experience and deepening her geopolitical understanding. Hill's diplomatic qualities helped her work under both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Then in the first quarter of 2017 Hill was appointed by President Trump to his National Security Council. Two years later she would testify in the impeachment inquiry against him. Her book, There Is Nothing for You Here is out now.

11 Nov 20211h 2min

As a professional cricketer he was nicknamed ‘Whispering Death’ for his light-footed, silent run up to the bowling crease. As a commentator he was known for his unflinching and direct analysis of the game. Then, in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Michael Holding lead an impassioned and unexpected message about the “dehumanisation of the black race” within our collective human history. In this episode of Full Disclosure he speaks to James about his life and career. His book, ‘Why We Kneel, How We Rise’ is out now.

4 Nov 202156min

When he was 25 years old, Jimmy Carr realised that material wealth would not bring him happiness. He decided to sack off his safe job in middle management to become a comedian despite having no previous comedy experience. He went on to become one of Britain’s biggest names but still believes he possesses no inherent talent for his craft. His first book, Before & Laughter is part memoir and part self-help book, written for those stuck in a bit of a rut.

28 Okt 20211h 1min

She would not have become an MP were it not for her sister, Jo Cox who was murdered on a street in Birstall, West Yorkshire in 2016 by a white supremacist terrorist. Speaking to James one week after the killing of Sir David Amess MP, Kim Leadbeater questions how much has changed since her sibling's death. After fighting and winning a toxic campaign in her late sister's constituency of Batley and Spen, safety for politicians is an issue at the top of Leadbeater's agenda as she forms her own unique political voice and seeks to build what she describes as a more compassionate society.

21 Okt 202156min

Joe Tracini was only 18 months old when he first performed on stage with his Dad, Joe Pasquale. By the time he was 15 he was named as the most promising comedy act by Ken Dodd. Tracini then landed a role in Hollyoaks but his acting career was overwhelmed by a serious drug and alcohol addiction. Then in 2018 Tracini revealed that he had been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and he started to make short films explaining the condition, drawing in a new crowd and taking on a new relevance during the coronavirus lockdowns. His book, Ten Things I Hate About Me is available on pre-sale. Anyone impacted by this story or feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.

14 Okt 20211h

When Bernardine Evaristo was in her thirties she decided she wanted to win the Booker Prize. After breaking away from her career in theatre, Evaristo eventually became the first Black British person to receive the literary award and was catapulted into the international spotlight with her novel, Girl Woman, Other. But Evaristo’s life began in “curtain twitching” white suburbia where racists routinely smashed in the windows of her family home. Her first non-fiction book, Manifesto is also her memoir - a guide to never giving up.

7 Okt 202158min

Waheed Arian spent his childhood fleeing the war zones of Afghanistan. After recovering from an almost fatal illness at a Pakistan refugee camp as a child, he set his sights on becoming a doctor. Putting his life in the hands of people smugglers, Waheed eventually reached the UK and studied medicine at Cambridge. He now saves lives as an NHS A&E medic and is the founder of charity, TeleHEAL, providing volunteer medical support to people around the world. His book, In the Wars is out now.

30 Sep 20211h 6min