The Interview
BBC World Service
Conversations with people shaping our world, from all around the globe. Listen to The Interview for the best conversations from the BBC, the world's most trusted international news provider.
We hear from titans of business, politics, finance, sport and culture. Global leaders, decision-makers and cultural icons. Politicians, activists and CEOs.
Each interview is around 20-minutes, packed full of insight and analysis, covering some of the biggest issues of our time.
How does it work? Well, at the BBC, our journalists interview amazing people every single day. And on The Interview, we bring them to you.
It’s your one-stop-shop to the best conversations coming out of the BBC, with the people shaping our world, from all over the world.
Get in touch with us on emailTheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.
We hear from titans of business, politics, finance, sport and culture. Global leaders, decision-makers and cultural icons. Politicians, activists and CEOs.
Each interview is around 20-minutes, packed full of insight and analysis, covering some of the biggest issues of our time.
How does it work? Well, at the BBC, our journalists interview amazing people every single day. And on The Interview, we bring them to you.
It’s your one-stop-shop to the best conversations coming out of the BBC, with the people shaping our world, from all over the world.
Get in touch with us on emailTheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 21, 2024 • 23min
Frank Skinner: What unites his many sides?
Stephen Sackur speaks to stand-up comedian, and broadcaster Frank Skinner, who also happens to be a writer on poetry, religion and much more. Football and sex were, and are, the staples of much of his humour, but he’s never been a one-trick pony. What unites his many facets?
Oct 17, 2024 • 23min
Seyed Hossein Mousavian: How vulnerable is Iran?
Seyed Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator and now a Middle Eastern nuclear policy expert at Princeton, discusses Iran’s precarious position amid escalating tensions with Israel. He details Iran's perceived vulnerabilities and resilience, touching on the enduring strength of its proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas. The conversation also addresses Iran's economic crisis, public discontent, and the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations, highlighting how external threats can foster national pride and unity among Iranians.
Oct 16, 2024 • 23min
Ali Abbasi: Is censorship a growing cross-cultural problem?
Ali Abbasi, an Iranian-Danish film director known for his controversial works like Holy Spider, dives deep into the world of film and censorship. He discusses the challenges of creating 'The Apprentice,' a sharp critique of Donald Trump's rise in real estate, and the complex balance between truth and artistic expression. Abbasi reflects on the hurdles posed by political climates, emphasizing the struggle for artistic integrity. He also shares insights into the impact of censorship in both Iran and the U.S., highlighting the vital role of storytelling in oppressive environments.
Oct 14, 2024 • 23min
Marietje Schaake: Is Silicon Valley too powerful?
Stephen Sackur speaks to the former MEP Marietje Schaake, who is now a cyber expert at Stanford University. Her book, The Tech Coup, suggests the world’s failure to properly regulate digital technology threatens individual rights and democratic freedom worldwide. Is it too late to change course?
Oct 10, 2024 • 23min
Danny Danon: Can force alone deliver security for Israel?
Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN and former Likud MP, discusses Israel's military actions against groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah amidst a multi-front conflict. He questions whether military force can truly deliver the security Israel seeks. The conversation delves into the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, military morality, and the necessity for a balanced approach to achieve lasting peace. Danon emphasizes the importance of mutual recognition in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for leaders to denounce extremism for a hopeful future.
Oct 9, 2024 • 23min
Tamir Pardo: Does Israel's greatest threat come from within?
Stephen Sackur speaks to Tamir Pardo, former director of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. He was appointed by Benjamin Netanyahu but now he’s a fierce critic of the Israeli Prime Minister. When he says the greatest threat to Israel’s future comes from within, what does he mean?
Oct 7, 2024 • 23min
Kim Aris: The fate of Aung San Suu Kyi and Myanmar
Kim Aris, son of Aung San Suu Kyi, opens up about his mother's imprisonment and the current state of Myanmar. He reflects on the personal cost of political oppression, highlighting the emotional toll on families. The discussion touches on Aung San Suu Kyi's dual legacy, grappling with the criticisms she faced while striving for democracy amidst a military backdrop. Aris also explores the hope for reconciliation and what Aung San Suu Kyi's potential release could mean for Myanmar's future, emphasizing the need for international support.
Sep 27, 2024 • 23min
Imaan Mazari-Hazir: Seeking justice for Pakistan's disappeared
Imaan Mazari-Hazir, a dedicated Pakistani lawyer, is renowned for her fierce advocacy of human rights, particularly against state abduction and disappearance. In the discussion, she addresses the escalating human rights crisis in Pakistan, emphasizing the culture of fear and the impunity faced by perpetrators. Imaan also critiques the violence in Balochistan and its implications for justice. Despite the challenges, she highlights the resilience of Pakistan's youth and their potential to drive positive change through activism.
Sep 27, 2024 • 23min
María Corina Machado: Defending democracy in Venezuela
María Corina Machado, the de-facto leader of the Venezuelan opposition, shares her insights on confronting Nicolás Maduro's regime. She discusses the challenges faced after a contentious election, highlighting the resilience of the Venezuelan people amidst oppression. The conversation delves into the significance of international support for their struggle for democracy. Machado also touches on the plight of political prisoners and the urgent need for sanctions to address the humanitarian crisis. It's a compelling call for change in a beleaguered nation.
Sep 26, 2024 • 23min
Amin Salam: Can all-out war be averted in Lebanon?
Amin Salam, the economy minister of Lebanon, discusses the dire implications of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah on Lebanon's stability. He stresses the urgent need for international diplomatic efforts to prevent a humanitarian crisis. Salam highlights Hezbollah's recent military vulnerabilities and the growing opposition within Lebanon against militant actions. He urges for unity among Lebanese factions amidst political dysfunction, emphasizing that cohesive national action is vital to avert all-out war and restore peace.
