The Interview

Eliot Higgins, founder of Bellingcat and open-source journalism advocate, dives into the critical fight against misinformation online. He emphasizes the urgent need for transparency and trustworthy media, as conspiracy theories proliferate in a fractured information landscape. Higgins discusses the shifting responsibility of information verification from institutions to individuals and stresses the need for grassroots efforts to rebuild trust in public institutions. He calls for a revival of local media and the importance of community engagement in fostering informed democracies.

Giuseppe Lavazza, chairman of the Lavazza Coffee Company, shares his insights on the coffee industry’s complexities. He discusses the soaring costs of raw coffee, impacted by climate change and geopolitical tensions. The episode highlights the balance between coffee’s luxury status and its daily necessity. Lavazza also delves into sustainable practices that support farmers and biodiversity. As global coffee consumption rises, he emphasizes the need for innovation to adapt to changing trends, ensuring coffee remains a vibrant cultural staple.

Jim Lovell, the legendary commander of the Apollo 13 mission, shares gripping insights from his harrowing journey through space. He vividly recounts the moment of explosion and the immediate chaos that followed, highlighting themes of survival and teamwork. Jim reflects on the emotional toll of abandoning the lunar landing dream while working against time and rising CO2 levels. With a blend of tension and humor, he reveals how camaraderie kept the crew grounded, culminating in the bittersweet relief of splashdown. A touching tribute to resilience and human spirit.

Ajay Banga, the President of the World Bank and former CEO of Mastercard, discusses pressing global issues. He emphasizes the urgent need for job creation as a cornerstone of sustainable development. The conversation highlights the potential of small and medium enterprises and the challenges posed by trade barriers. Banga also addresses the impending job shortfall against a backdrop of a growing workforce. He advocates for empowering communities through AI and infrastructure improvements, particularly in Africa, to stimulate economic growth and create opportunities.

Pieter Engelbrecht, the CEO of Shoprite Holdings and leader of South Africa’s largest supermarket group, shares insights on the crucial role his company plays in providing affordable food to those in need. He emphasizes the importance of data-driven strategies, community support, and the challenges of youth unemployment in South Africa. Engelbrecht discusses how Shoprite aims to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and the impact of the pandemic on retail delivery. His commitment to social responsibility shines through as he highlights opportunities for growth despite economic hurdles.

John Denton, Secretary-General of the ICC, represents millions of businesses globally as he sheds light on the chaotic impact of U.S. tariffs. He expresses concern about the uncertainty these policies create, stifling business decisions. Denton highlights a shift in Southeast Asia towards consumption-driven economies, reflecting changing global trade dynamics. He also calls for strategic engagement with major powers like China and the U.S., emphasizing the importance of including developing economies in discussions on innovation and climate change.

In this engaging discussion, Petr Pavel, the current Czech President and former NATO military committee chairman, shares his insights on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He highlights the critical role of economic pressure in compelling Russia to negotiate. Pavel advocates for dialogue as essential for peace, even if that means uncomfortable compromises. He also addresses Czechia's military support for Ukraine and ongoing concerns about Russian hybrid warfare tactics impacting Europe. His background as a military leader adds a unique perspective to the complex geopolitical landscape.

John Kerry, a seasoned US politician and former Secretary of State, opens up about the current state of American politics and his extensive career in global affairs. He reflects on the lasting impacts of the Iraq War, insisting it was America’s foremost foreign policy blunder. Kerry speaks candidly about the challenges posed by political greed and insensitivity, urging the Democratic Party to reconnect with the electorate on pressing issues like immigration. He emphasizes the urgency of climate action and the need for transformative leadership in a polarized landscape.

Sarah Rainsford speaks to Belarussian opposition activist Sergei Tikhanovsky about his imprisonment after challenging the country’s authoritarian leader, President Lukashenko. He spent five years of solitary confinement in a high security prison in Belarus before being unexpectedly released this year, following a meeting between Lukashenko and an American special envoy.Tikhanovsky had planned to run against the Belarussian leader in the 2020 presidential election, but was detained before the vote.A year later, he was sentenced to serve 18 years in prison, convicted on charges of organising mass protests against President Lukashenko. His trial was condemned as a sham by international observers.Tikhanovsky’s wife, Svetlana, stood in for him in the 2020 election. But the day after Lukashenko claimed a disputed victory, she fled to Lithuania with her children fearing for her safety. In her absence, she was convicted by a Belarussian court on charges including high-treason and conspiracy to seize power. Tikhanovsky is now reunited with his family in Lithuania, where he is living in enforced exile following his release from prison.Thank you to Sarah Rainsford, Davide Ghiglione and Franceso Tosto 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: Sarah Rainsford Producers: Lucy Sheppard, Ben Cooper and Arsenii Sokolov Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Sergei Tikhanovsky. Credit: Valda Kalnina/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford and a leading candidate for Archbishop of Canterbury, shares her unique journey as an Iranian refugee. She discusses her Persian heritage and the emotional complexities of longing for home amidst exile. Guli emphasizes the need for modernizing the role of the Archbishop and championing inclusive dialogue within the Anglican Communion. She also sheds light on navigating diversity in the Church, advocating for marginalized communities and confronting challenges around leadership and social justice.