In this powerful episode of Icons of Influence, we dig into the ever-evolving journey of Russell Brand. Known to many as a comedian, actor, provocateur, or spiritual voice, his story today is about how influence adapts, survives, and reconstitutes.

We cover:

• Brand’s early climb: stand-up, TV, film, commentary, and how that exposure built a foundation
• His shift into owning media: how his production/business arm Pablo Diablo’s Legitimate Business Firm Ltd achieved multi-million profits — £5 million in one tax year alone.
• The revenue engine: YouTube monetisation (until suspended), advertising, platform diversification, subscription models (“Awakened Wonders”), direct audience engagement
• The move to alternative platforms like Rumble after his monetisation was blocked on YouTube
• How he weaves content, ideology, business, spirituality, identity, conspiracy themes — a complex tapestry of influence
• The controversies: allegations of sexual misconduct, removal from monetisation, legal challenges, brand damage
• Lessons for movement makers: own your platforms, adapt when platforms fail you, stay aligned with core voice, embrace reinvention, manage risk, build direct relationships over intermediaries

This is an episode about influence at the edge — how you persist when platforms shift, when legitimacy is tested, when audiences fragment. Expect strategy, caution, conflict, audacity, and reinvention.

Hosted by Hannah Hally, The Business Book Club brings together three empowering podcast series — 5-Minute Book Summaries, Icons of Influence, and Leadership Unpacked — sharing practical lessons, success stories, and leadership insights from the world’s most inspiring thinkers. Explore more episodes and resources at www.thebusinessbookclub.online . Visit thebusinessbookclub.online to explore every episode, join our leadership community, and grow your business mindset.

Find out more about Hannah Hally: https://www.thebusinessbookclub.online/about-us/hannah-hally/