The Interview

‘There are real consequences to our physical and mental health’Katty Kay speaks to Dr Vivek Murthy, former US Surgeon-General about the challenge posed by loneliness and isolation in the modern world. Dr. Murthy, the first person of Indian descent in the post, was appointed during the second Obama administration. He then returned in 2021, serving until the beginning of this year.The Surgeon-General’s job is to provide the American public with the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury. They also oversee the country’s 6,000 public health professionals who respond to national health threats and public health crises.It was during his second term, under the Biden administration, that Dr. Murthy first started expressing concern about the impact of social media on the mental health and wellbeing of young people. He described the loneliness epidemic of social isolation as a risk to public health akin to smoking and diabetes.In this interview, he examines the scale of the challenge posed by loneliness and how artificial intelligence, or AI, on the one hand is being used to tackle it, but may also be simultaneously adding to the problem. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: Katty Kay Producers: Ben Cooper, Aiden Johnson and Ilyas Kirmani Editor: Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Surgeon General Vivek Murthy Credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Jamie Dimon, the Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, discusses pressing global economic concerns, highlighting the underestimated risk of a U.S. stock market correction. He reflects on the impact of the Ukraine invasion on global resilience and emphasizes the need for strengthened defense investments. Dimon also critiques the current AI investment frenzy as potentially wasteful, while defending the U.S. as the top investment choice amid rising geopolitical tensions and inflation drivers. With candid insights on market valuations, he stresses the importance of robust leadership and strategic policies.

Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Prize-winning education activist from Pakistan, shares her transformative journey after surviving an assassination attempt at 15. She reflects on the challenges of identity and friendship in the public eye, explaining how fame complicated her personal connections. Malala discusses her mental health journey, therapy, and her mother’s pivotal support. She also highlights the ongoing threats to girls' education worldwide, emphasizing the resilience of female activists and the importance of critical thinking in education.

Duma Boko, a Harvard-educated human rights lawyer and the newly elected President of Botswana, discusses his ambitious plans for economic reform and diamond ownership. He aims to take control of diamond reserves and diversify the economy beyond mining. Boko emphasizes the need for Africa's representation in global forums and advocates for tariff-free access to U.S. markets. He also highlights the importance of regional collaboration and empowering women and youth in governance as part of a broader vision for a strong, united Africa.

Bjorn Borg, a five-time Wimbledon champion, opens up about his legendary tennis career and the challenges he faced after retirement. He candidly discusses his ongoing battle with prostate cancer, sharing his experience with diagnosis and treatment. Borg reflects on the struggle of balancing fame with a desire for privacy, his journey through addiction, and the rekindling of his passion for tennis during a comeback. He also reminisces about his iconic rivalry with John McEnroe and the emotional triumphs that marked his storied career.

In this conversation, Chris Wright, the United States Energy Secretary and former energy industry leader, shares his provocative views on climate change, claiming it’s exaggerated. He argues that the shift to renewable energy has failed and emphasizes the potential of nuclear fusion. Wright challenges the scientific consensus on extreme weather events and defends cuts to renewable subsidies, stating they create dependency. He also predicts that fusion technology could transform energy production within a decade, changing the landscape of emissions management.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the dynamic President of Somalia, dives deep into the nation's security challenges and the ongoing battle against al-Shabaab and ISIS. He passionately defends Somalia's sovereignty against external pressures, particularly regarding Somaliland's recognition. Mohamud discusses plans for constitutional reform aimed at establishing direct voting rights, emphasizing the importance of unity in his country. Additionally, he shares insights on improving relations with Ethiopia and lifting the US travel ban, signaling Somalia's progress on the international stage.

Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General and former Nigerian Minister for the Environment, shares her insights on global peace and development. She expresses concern over the devaluation of the term 'peace' and discusses the UN's challenges during its 80th General Assembly. Amina emphasizes the need for Security Council reforms to enhance accountability and African representation, while also highlighting the importance of persistent negotiation for progress. She reflects on the UN's successes and the urgency of addressing global crises through collaborative efforts.

Ione Wells speaks to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the President of Brazil in an exclusive, wide-ranging interview.He sets out his anger not only at the hefty trade tariffs imposed on his country by President Trump, but also at the lack of communication or negotiation from the US administration. Now, he says, he has no relationship with the American president.President Lula da Silva does not want to celebrate the recent guilty verdict and lengthy sentence handed down to his predecessor Jair Bolsanaro for plotting a coup against him. But while he hopes Mr Bolsanaro continues to defend himself, for now, he says, he is guilty. The President also attacks what he views as the outdated and unrepresentative nature of the United Nations, and claims the conflict in Ukraine would not have happened if the UN was more effective. He describes the war in Gaza as genocide. President Lula da Silva has been in office since 2023, and also led Brazil between 2003 and 2011. He’s been a figurehead of the left in the country for many decades, having risen through the trade union movement into politics.Thank you to Ione Wells and Jessica Cruz for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: Ione Wells Producer(s): Ben Cooper, Jessica Cruz and Lucy Sheppard Editor: Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Credit: Andre Borges/EPA/Shutterstock)

Moazzam Malik, Chief Executive of Save the Children UK, brings a wealth of experience in humanitarian policy to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza. He reveals alarming conditions on the ground, highlighting the erosion of wartime norms that endanger aid workers. Malik shares insights into the dire famine situation affecting children and the challenges facing operational staff amid violence. His advocacy for international support and the need for policy change underscores the importance of long-term humanitarian assistance for Gaza.