

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

Dec 4, 2024 • 23min
Peter Boehringer: Is Germany's far right in a powerful position?
Peter Boehringer, a senior MP for the far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party, delves into the rise of nationalism and populism in Germany. He discusses the ambitious electoral goals of his party ahead of the upcoming elections and the challenges posed by their anti-immigration stance. Boehringer addresses controversial comparisons with Nazi rhetoric in politics and raises concerns about political bias affecting intelligence services in Germany. He also explores the complex geopolitical landscape, particularly in relation to Russia and the European Union.

Dec 2, 2024 • 23min
Barbara Taylor Bradford: A woman of substance
Barbara Taylor Bradford, the best-selling novelist known for her iconic family sagas, reflects on her remarkable journey from Yorkshire to literary stardom. She shares insights into her debut, 'A Woman of Substance,' and discusses the inspiration behind her strong female protagonist, Emma Hart. The conversation dives into the interplay of class and gender in British society and Bradford's early struggles in journalism. Engaging with themes of feminism and identity, she explores the balance between creative freedom and critical reception in her work.

Nov 28, 2024 • 23min
Liz Carr: The UK's assisted dying debate
Liz Carr, an actor, disability rights campaigner, and comedian, dives deep into the heated debate on assisted dying in the UK. She questions whether focusing on a 'good death' overshadows the right to a good life, especially for vulnerable individuals. Carr shares her personal journey through chronic illness and the importance of representation for disabled actors in the theater. Packed with humor and thought-provoking insights, she highlights the ethical dilemmas of legalizing assisted dying and its impacts on society.

8 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 23min
Aleksandar Vučić: Is Serbia looking to the West or Russia and China?
Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia, discusses his country's pivotal political crossroads. He examines the tension between pursuing EU membership and strengthening ties with Russia and China. The conversation dives into Serbia's national identity, the implications of historical conflicts, and the complexity of acknowledging past tragedies like Srebrenica. Vučić also highlights the challenges Serbia faces regarding economic stability while navigating a polarized global landscape. His insights offer a revealing look at Serbia's future direction.

Nov 19, 2024 • 23min
Masoumeh Ebtekar: Is Iran's leadership in danger of losing its grip?
Masoumeh Ebtekar, Iran's former Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, reflects on her journey from a student radical to a government leader. She discusses the fierce resistance Iranian women face against restrictive laws, highlighting issues like the hijab and police violence. Amidst social unrest, she questions whether the current regime can maintain its grip on power. The conversation also touches on the impact of U.S. sanctions and the potential for diplomatic shifts, revealing the complex dynamics shaping Iran's future.

Nov 18, 2024 • 23min
Paddy Hill: Rebuilding after a miscarriage of justice
Paddy Hill, a member of the Birmingham Six who was wrongfully convicted in the 1970s, shares his harrowing experience and the aftermath of 16 years in prison. He discusses the psychological scars of reintegration and the lingering anger towards a flawed legal system. Paddy reflects on reconnecting with family, particularly his daughter, amid the emotional turmoil of his past. He also highlights the crucial role of public outcry in seeking justice and the resilience needed to confront such historical injustices.

Nov 15, 2024 • 23min
Sir Steve McQueen: The power of film
Stephen Sackur chats with Steve McQueen, the Oscar-winning director of '12 Years a Slave' and 'Widows', whose work confronts racial injustices. They discuss his latest film 'Blitz', portraying the harrowing journey of a black boy in World War II London. McQueen shares insights on how personal identity shapes storytelling and the vital role of representation in cinema. He reflects on the complexity of emotions in filmmaking and the transformative power of kindness and love in addressing societal challenges.

Nov 13, 2024 • 23min
Farah Nabulsi: Challenging imbalance in value of human life
In this engaging conversation, British-Palestinian filmmaker Farah Nabulsi discusses her poignant film 'The Teacher,' which captures the emotional and human toll of the Palestinian experience under occupation. She shares her transition from investment banking to filmmaking after a life-changing visit to the West Bank. The dialogue explores the complexities of portraying individual humanity amidst geopolitical tensions and the psychological effects of conflict on Palestinian youth. Nabulsi also tackles the moral dilemmas artists face in politically charged environments, encouraging positive narratives.

Nov 11, 2024 • 23min
Edmund Bartlett: Does Jamaica have a security problem?
Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, discusses the fine line between the island's vibrant tourism industry and its ongoing struggles with violence and gang warfare. He addresses the critical need for political measures to ensure safety and restore Jamaica's international appeal. Bartlett emphasizes how tourists view security as paramount and highlights the socio-economic implications of crime on Jamaica's economy. He also touches on the potential for judicial reform and the need for a diversified economic approach post-COVID-19, alongside the complex issues of decolonization and reparations.

Nov 8, 2024 • 23min
Jason Jones: How can you change cultural attitudes?
In this conversation with Allan Little, Jason Jones, a Trinidadian human rights activist, shares his fight against anti-gay laws in Trinidad. He discusses the legal challenges he's faced and the potential impact of his cases on cultural attitudes globally. Jason reflects on the historical roots of these laws and the personal toll of living under legal persecution. The dialogue also touches on the need for broader acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ rights across the globe, especially in the context of colonial legacy and societal change.


