The Interview

Stevie Wonder, a global music icon and advocate, shares insights from his extraordinary life and career. He discusses the deep connection between artists and their music, emphasizing how songs evolve over time. Reflecting on his childhood, Stevie highlights the encouragement from his mother and the spontaneity of creativity. He also addresses his commitment to social justice, recalling his advocacy for civil rights and disability rights. With a legacy spanning decades, Stevie's vibrant spirit shines through as he inspires listeners to use music as a tool for change.

In a revealing conversation, former US Vice President Mike Pence reflects on his tumultuous time in the Trump administration and the Capitol riots. He shares insights on the importance of strong alliances, especially concerning NATO and support for Ukraine. Pence discusses the challenges of upholding American democratic values in a post-truth era and reflects on the significance of unity in times of chaos. He also touches on personal experiences of resilience, divine intervention during crises, and the lessons learned from navigating a politically charged environment.

John Wilson speaks to British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason about his obsession with music, adjusting to fame and how he’s faced racist abuse.While still a student, he performed to an audience of more than one billion people at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, instantly becoming one of the most recognisable classical performers in the world. Now, still just 26 years old, he explains the unique joy of performing with his family. Kanneh-Mason is one of seven siblings, all are talented musicians and regularly play together.Of Antiguan decent, he was the first black person to win BBC Young Musician of the Year. He’s also used his profile to join calls for dropping ‘Rule, Britannia!’ from the Last Night of the Proms, explaining how difficult it is for someone whose ancestors were enslaved to hear imperial songs sung with such determination. Thank you to the This Cultural Life team for helping to make 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: John Wilson Producers: Alex Loftus, Ben Cooper and Edwina Pittman Editor: Nick HollandGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Photo by Ian West - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Francis Fukuyama, a renowned political economist and author known for his influential book 'The End of History', shares his insights on the current threats to liberal democracies. He warns that the US is adopting a 'Putin-esque' approach, highlighting the troubling expansion of executive power and the polarization amplified by recent political events. Fukuyama also discusses risks posed by AI, such as decision-making delegation and deepfakes, stressing their potential to undermine trust and fuel a geopolitical race.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s first female president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, shares her remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to leadership. She discusses the profound impact of education on her life and the critical role women played in her ascent. Sirleaf recounts the trials of rebuilding Liberia post-civil war, facing corruption and gender biases. She emphasizes the importance of visionary leadership and community engagement in restoring a nation, while inspiring young women to pursue their ambitions despite obstacles.

In this engaging conversation, Pete Townshend, the influential songwriter and guitarist of The Who, shares insights from the band's farewell tour. He reflects on the emotional complexities of saying goodbye, especially with a changing lineup. Townshend discusses how his musical roots shaped his career, revealing the family struggles that fueled his passion. He humorously explains the infamous guitar-smashing as a possible misunderstanding. Ultimately, he contemplates The Who's legacy and his unique place in the ever-evolving music landscape.

Gustavo Dudamel, a celebrated Venezuelan classical conductor known for his dynamic style and pop culture appeal, shares his journey from Barquisimeto to the global stage. He discusses the impact of El Sistema on youth and community, highlighting music's power to inspire and unite. Dudamel reflects on the challenges faced in a divided world, emphasizing how music serves as a vital instrument for empathy and resistance. As he prepares to lead the New York Philharmonic, his insights reveal the transformative role of cultural diversity in creating harmony.

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.