Under The Skin with Russell Brand

In this episode Deepak and I discuss the practical side of spirituality. He explains what scientific research has discovered about how a spiritual practice can significantly alter your life. Deepak also gives me a guided meditation. The meditation is in the second half of this part and includes a deconstruction of the method and why it works. Recorded in 2019 this episode, Part 2 of 2, continues to give and give. Come for the conversation, stay for the powerful meditation.

In this week’s "best of" episode, part 1 of 2, Deepak and I chatted about the nature of consciousness, He unloaded his extensive knowledge of the cosmos, described what it means to be embodied, shared his understanding of what a belief in God is or means, and listed some of the reasons people suffer from existential crises. It was a wonderful exchange. Enjoy. (Originally published September, 2019)

David Runciman is author of "How Democracy Ends" and host of the Talking Politics podcast. We spoke about what the function of democracy is, the significance of the generational divide when voting, the relationship between corporations and government, anarcho-syndacalism & the rise of populism.

For over 30 years Wendy Mandy has been practicing ancient shaman rituals and healing. She was bestowed all her knowledge by Indigenous Tribes in Africa and South America. We talk about how to maintain healthy relationships, the importance of ceremony and the power of plant medicine!

Douglas understands a lot about the intersection between social media and philosophy and the way that our culture and psyche has been influenced by new technology. He’s a fascinating person and I think you’re gonna love it.

What is precognition? What scientific studies are being done on the psychics, mediums and the mystical? Theresa Cheung author of the "Premonition Code" explains all.

Today we  discuss power, corruption, revolution and new systems. This is a proper academic episode, you’re gonna learn. Brad & Henry are brilliant thinkers and brilliant educators.

Today's guest is the always intriguing journalist and great storyteller Jon Ronson. Fascinating, open and honest. We talked about his investigative podcasts into the world of pornography, how he fought his way out of depression and the dark world of social media shaming! It was an authentic and emotionally very real experience with Jon.

Former armed robber, with two life sentences, tells his story of redemption on today's episode of Under The Skin.

We discuss ideas around body positivity, the way that we relate to food, capitalisms role in how we see ourselves and Megan's journey and recovery out of anorexia. It was a fascinating conversation.

Is it possible to run a business consciously? What does healthy masculinity look like? Stephen & Dave aka The Happy Pear know how it's done, promoting happiness and health in every aspect of life.

You gotta listen to the incomparable scourge of the right and food bank gourmet Jack Monroe on Under The Skin.

Today's podcast is with one of my own mentors and spiritual teachers - Radhanath Swami. An enlightening and pragmatic podcast questioning the role of religion, spirituality and our own place in modern society. Check it out and let us know social media what you thought of it tweet me @rustyrockets on Twitter or @trewrussellbrand on Instagram.

Can birth be a form of feminine empowerment? Why did footballer Harry Kane receive so much backlash for praising his wife? Today we go back to the beginning and delve into all things related birth - from combatting fear, the power of language and the role men can play. A very positive and insightful episode.

Do you suffer from the psychosis of whiteness? What is the politics of Blackness? These are just some of the questions Kehinde Andrews makes us think about during this episode. Honest questions, brutal truths and solutions that could potentially change the world for the better, for everyone.

An explosive conversation with controversial conservative thinker Candace Owen - a staunch advocate for the free market, capitalism and Donald Trump. Listen to some heated debates about the pros and cons of the left and the right and an attempt at negotiating what utopia might look like!

From identity and mental health to James Joyce and religion, Blindboy from The Rubberbandits enlightens us on today's first live Under The Skin podcast. Recorded in Dublin, Ireland.

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

Darren McGarvey is author of the award winning book "Poverty Safari", he joins us today to discuss the art of social mobility, the politics of poverty and how people from different backgrounds and perspectives can learn to understand one another.

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!

Dr. Gabor Maté a renowned specialist in addiction, childhood trauma and stress joins me on the podcast today. We discuss the many forms addiction can take, how we can cope as damaged people in the world and are we being ruled by traumatised politicians? Gabor has a very loving, optimistic and benevolent worldview that you will hopefully benefit from listening to in this episode.

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.

In this episode I'm joined by David Rudolf - the lawyer who represented Michael Peterson in the hit Netflix series "The Staircase". We spoke about what it's like to defend a person accused of murder, if true justice really exists at all and the importance of questioning authority.

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.

Today we welcome back Yuval Noah Harari to Under The Skin where we discuss his new book 21 Lessons For The 21st Century. We tackle the idea of the rise useless class, the power of new A.I. technology and what we can do to combat this potential assault on our identity and role as human beings in world.

Season #2 of Under The Skin returns. 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, Charles Eisenstein and David Rudolf. Join us next Saturday.

In this special edition of Under The Skin celebrating the paperback release of my book Recovery - clinical psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson joins me again to discuss the nature of social hierarchies, where power lies and how to live in harmony. We also compare his 12 Rules for Life with the 12 Steps in my book Recovery.

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...

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.

With his ever growing popularity I take a look back at my interview with Yuval Noah Harari, author of bestseller ‘Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind’. We discuss how homo sapiens came to dominate the world, how our society is built on fiction, the creation of a class of useless people, and the future for our species. (Originally published in 2017).

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.

Recently making the headlines after a combative interview about the gender pay gap with Channel 4’s Cathy Newman, my guest today is Jordan Peterson, who discusses with me some of his 12 Rules for Life.

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.

Co-founder and voice of the Headspace app, Andy Puddicombe joins me to discuss his striving to teach meditation and mindfulness within a consumerist society via an interesting journey from the UK to becoming a Tibetan Buddhist monk and training with the Moscow State Circus.

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!

Professor Barry Smith discusses collaborative research between philosophers, psychologists and neuroscientists and their discoveries, including how we have many more than the commonly perceived 5 senses.

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.

Psychological therapist Emma Kenny discusses new and forgotten ideas around personal growth, gained from 17 years working with people in crisis including some of the UK’s toughest estates.

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.

Historian and novelist Pankaj Mishra joins me to talk about what he calls the ‘age of anger’ - a global pandemic of rage - and how the pursuit of progress and individualism has created a demoralised world.

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.

Having spent years investigating some of the wealthiest people on the planet, journalist and broadcaster Jacques Peretti joins me to discuss the secret billion dollar deals that we never hear about but which are changing our world and revolutionising everything we do.

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.

Dubbed “the most controversial scientist on Earth” Rupert Sheldrake joins me to discuss the dogmas within conventional science, the evolving laws of physics, memory in nature, and how science validates and improves spiritual practices.

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.

First Lady of New York City Chirlane McCray joins me to discuss America's mental health crisis, why our society breeds depression, the importance of mental health reform, and her organisation ‘Thrive NYC’.

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.

In the week of the devastating Las Vegas shooting, author Gary Younge discusses his most recent book “Another Day In The Death Of America” - a harrowing account of children's lives cut short by the ubiquity of gun violence in the US. This show was recorded a few days before events in Las Vegas.

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.

The world's leading Marxist thinker joins me to discuss the contradictions at the heart of capitalism, Marxism’s recent rise in popularity, and why it resonates more today than ever.

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.

Author and friend Professor Brad Evans gets under my skin regarding my new book “Recovery”. We discuss the age of addiction, the ability to be liberated from our unhealthy habits and the overwhelming need for human connection.

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.

Author and anthropologist Jason Hickel joins me to explain how a handful of rich countries have been able to control economic policies in the rest of the world; why we’re being lied to about poverty; and the radical revolution required to stop the global inequality machine.

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.

Dr Robin Carhart-Harris (Head of Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London) discusses unlocking the unconscious, the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs, and why research into their benefits has been shut down for over 40 years.

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.

Author of “Selfie” Will Storr and I discuss where the ideal of the perfect self came from, why it is so powerful and whether there is any way to break its dangerous spell.

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

As Naomi Klein discusses her new book with me she explains how the groundwork laid by Bill Clinton and Bill Gates led to Donald Trump’s presidency; the political shock tactics being used to force through destructive policies; and how resistance and imagination can lead to radical change.

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.

This week philosopher Simon Critchley enlightens us to the roots of philosophy, as well as topics including football as ‘working class ballet’, what constitutes a 'good death’, and the relevance and importance of philosophy in these times.

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.

On the eve of the UK General Election I talk with Stop The War’s Lindsey German and Dr Brad Evans about how violence has been normalised to the point where as voters we’ve not only become desensitised to it, but have been taught to desire it from our leaders.

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?

Dr Brad Evans, Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain and I reflect on the tragic events in Manchester and ask how we can break the cycle of violence.

George Monbiot and I discuss the dark money capturing our politics for the billionaires and corporations; the terrifying power of Big Data; and the opportunity for a new democracy.

Comedian Simon Amstell and I discuss his film 'Carnage', how veganism began a journey of personal enlightenment and how taking Ayahuasca changed his life.

Neuroscientist and laughter expert Sophie Scott and I discuss the use of comedy within politics, how the left and the right use language differently, and what communication techniques to look out for in the run up to the UK election.

Does politics matter? Dr Brad Evans and I discuss the snap UK election, how to reimagine a better future and what real radical politics looks like.

I’m joined by writer Matthew Todd to discuss the crisis of shame facing the LGBT community, the disproportionate link to mental health problems and how taking a lead on trauma recovery could change the world.

Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick and I discuss the difficulty in overcoming boundaries between human and animal science, Noel’s own groundbreaking work, and the need to understand and harness the love between humans and animals.

This week I’m joined by Yuval Noah Harari, author of bestseller ‘Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind’. We discuss how homo sapiens came to dominate the world, how our society is built on fiction, the creation of a class of useless people, and the future for our species.

In this week’s show I talk to Professor Anne Phillips about feminism, its perception within society and the cultural shift necessary to create real change and greater equality.

This week I speak with filmmaker Adam Curtis about the rise of individualism, where real power lies, and whether we really want change.

In this week’s show I talk to Professor Paul Gilroy about the re-emergence of open racism within political rhetoric, the relationship between race and religion, and why we still divide humanity into different identity groups based on skin colour.

What does it mean to be human in the 21st century? In this first show I speak with Dr Brad Evans about how the liberation of prejudice and emergence of a politics of hate and division has led to the the normalisation of violence and in turn to perpetual ‘terror'.

Inaugural trailer by Russell Brand on what will lie ahead on Under the Skin.