Under The Skin with Russell Brand

#056 Meeting A Mentor (with Tony Robbins)

Tony Robbins - pain, redemption and reprogramming with the incomparable Elvis/Jesus of Personal Development.

#054 Can Spirituality Save The World From Godless Politics? (with Marianne Williamson)

Renowned author and spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson joins me on today's podcast to discuss the current disconnect between spirituality and politics, how to to navigate mental health such as depression and whether a spiritual and political revolution is on its way!

#052 How Loving Extremists Will Defeat Hate (with Deeyah Khan)

This Deeyah Khan episode is special. She is an award winning documentary filmmaker who has met and confronted Jihadists and members of the KKK in order to understand what drives them. So much insight, bravery and practical love on difficult topics - religion/race/gender/identity. Also COINCIDENTALLY I barely speak in it.

#050 Systems Of The Damned (with Charles Eisenstein)

On today's episode of Under The Skin I'm joined by author Charles Eisenstein to discuss alternative economic systems, find out what's wrong with the current climate change narrative and how we can actually change the world, challenge the powerful and empower the powerless.

Under The Skin Season #2 - Teaser

Season #2 of Under The Skin returns next Saturday 13th October! In this teaser you'll hear clips from upcoming episodes with Yuval Noah Harari, Charles Eisenstein, Blindboy from The Rubberbandits and Loki The Rapper aka. Darren McGarvey. We've got some fantastic guests coming up over the course of this series from across the political and ideological spectrum. You'll hear from writers, actors, academics and more including Gabor Mate, Candace Owens, Marianne Williamson, Deeyah Khan, Charles Eisenstein and David Rudolf. Join us next Saturday 13th Oct for Yuval Noah Harari's episode.

Some Exciting News...Season #2: Under The Skin to the bone!

The first season of Under The Skin has come to an end. Thank you for listening to and supporting this podcast, it's been a fantastic year with brilliant guests. But don't worry Season #2 will be back on June 2nd with some exceptional new guests including Jim Carrey, Gabor Mate and Tony Robbins! Stay tuned...

Yanis Varoufakis - Euro Power From A Man Who Knows

One of my favourite guests on Under The Skin and an episode you should definitely listen to is the fascinating interview where I discuss with Yanis what happens when you take on the political, financial and media elite, and how radical reform can occur. Through accounts of his confrontations with the IMF, European institutions and the German government we examine where true power lies and how it is wielded.

#047 Egos and Alcohol (with Ryron & Rener Gracie)

Brothers and part of jiu jitsu’s most illustrious family, my guests today are Ryron and Rener Gracie who discuss how Brazilian jiu-jitsu has shaped the people they are today; the pressure of continuing their family’s legacy; how UFC (their father’s creation) has become one of the fastest growing sports in history; and the importance of being able to defend ourselves.

#045 What’s The Biggest Threat To Freedom? Islam Or Consumerism (with Sam Harris)

In a bumper 2 hour episode neuroscientist, author and fellow podcaster Sam Harris and I discuss the effects and rationality of religious belief, the illusion of freedom, Western intervention in the Middle East and where true power lies.

#043 Professor Brian Cox - God, The Universe and Meaning

The one we’ve been waiting for - the brilliant Professor Brian Cox discusses the possibility of intelligent life other than our own; the danger of dogma within science; and Elon Musk’s space travel plans. As well as the small matters of God, the Universe and Meaning. Strap in for this one!

#041 Shakespeare And Power! (with Professor Tony Howard)

Is Shakespeare still at the heart of British culture? Tony Howard discusses Shakespeare’s continued relevance in reflecting the shifts in British society; the marginalisation of Black and Asian performers; and how the entertainment sector still faces urgent calls for greater diversity.

#039 Putin & Trump, Global Gangsters Or Same Old Same Old? (with Luke Harding)

Author of current New York Times bestseller ‘Collusion: Secret Meetings, Dirty Money, and How Russia Helped Donald Trump Win’ Luke Harding talks me through the international espionage, off-shore banks, mobsters, money laundering and computer hacking at the heart of the web of relationships between the Kremlin, Trump and members of Trump’s circle.

#037 Extreme Survival with Ed Stafford - Is The Toughest Terrain Your Own Mind?

Survivalist and adventurer Ed Stafford joins me to discuss his life changing expeditions and their physical and mental consequences, the lure of extreme isolation and the importance of meditation.

#035 Ruby Wax - Madness & Meditation. Can We Heal Ourselves?

The brilliant Ruby Wax joins me to discuss her transition from the world of showbiz to becoming known as a campaigner on mental-health issues and a champion of mindfulness. We discuss her own inner battles with self-esteem and her life-changing methods for getting mindfulness into a hectic everyday life.

#033 Is Trump Better For Black America Than Barack Obama? (with Kehinde Andrews)

Author and Professor of Black Studies Kehinde Andrews joins me to discuss Britain’s colonial nostalgia, how the west is built on racism, and that Donald Trump is better for black America than Barack Obama.

#031 Gender Fluidity - Is It Time To Abandon All Labels? (with Mae Martin)

Comedian Mae Martin joins me to discuss gender fluidity, breaking down barriers and the compelling statistic that 40% of people under 25 don't identify as gay or straight. Plus, we discuss her experiences with addiction and an intriguing obsession with Bette Midler.

#029 Does Even The Establishment Know Anarchy Is The Answer? (with Carne Ross)

This week I'm joined by Carne Ross, a former high-flying diplomat and Middle East adviser who lost his faith in western democracy but put his trust in people power and is now putting forward the case for anarchism.

#027 Can We Have More Connected Sex?

Author Isabel Losada joins me to discuss the importance of making our sex life blissful, as well as her experiences at the international conference of clitoral stroking, and learning mystical sensations with tantric masters.

#025 Art And Activism With Billy Bragg

Billy Bragg joins me to discuss music’s changing cultural role, as well as the charge of being a “champagne socialist”, the importance of Grime, and the challenge of inspiring people to make change.

#023 Al Gore - Can We Protect The Planet When It's Not In The Interests Of The Powerful?

Environmentalist and former Vice President Al Gore joins me to discuss his new film “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power”, his feelings about Donald Trump, the corruption of big money, and the future for renewable energy.

#021 Is There Any Point In God? (with Alister McGrath)

Author, professor, priest and former atheist Alister McGrath and I discuss the rationality of religious belief, the war between science and religion, and whether faith is still destined to play a central role in the 21st century.

#019 Frankie Boyle - Is It Possible To Live A Moral Life?

Frankie Boyle and I discuss media censorship, the virtues of nihilism, and the effects of fatherhood on life as a comedian.

#017 Will Spirituality Solve Our Global Problems? (with Sharon Salzberg)

Leading meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg explains why we find it so hard to be in our own mind, why we have a habit to always go to the negative, and how meditation can transform society.

#015 Yanis Varoufakis - How To Construct A Global Revolution

In a fascinating interview I discuss with Yanis what happens when you take on the political, financial and media elite, and how radical reform can occur. Through accounts of his confrontations with the IMF, European institutions and the German government we examine where true power lies and how it is wielded.

#013 Why Are You Who You Are? (with Raoul & Francesca Martinez & Dr Brad Evans)

This week’s show asks: What kind of freedom do we have? Are we responsible for our actions? Do we create our own identity and if not, should we question it?