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
Sep 24, 2024 • 23min
Ingrid Newkirk: Will humans ever go animal-free?
Ingrid Newkirk, president of PETA and a passionate advocate for animal rights, shares her insights on humanity's struggle with animal exploitation. She discusses the challenges in eradicating the use of animals in food, fashion, and research. Newkirk highlights the moral dilemmas of animal testing and the provocative tactics used in activism. The conversation also explores human-animal relationships, advocating for better treatment and ethical considerations in pet ownership. Can we truly go animal-free? It’s a thought-provoking discussion.
Sep 23, 2024 • 23min
Martin Griffiths: Can the humanitarian system survive?
In this insightful discussion, Martin Griffiths, former UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, shares his extensive experience in conflict zones. He highlights the dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where 25 million people urgently need aid, emphasizing the neglect from powerful nations. Griffiths also navigates ethical dilemmas faced when engaging groups like the Taliban in humanitarian efforts. Lastly, he speaks on the stark funding challenges for aid organizations and the critical need for ongoing support to foster peace in conflict areas.
Sep 18, 2024 • 23min
Oliviero Toscani: Photography with a social conscience
Oliviero Toscani, a world-renowned Italian photographer, is known for his provocative campaigns that blend beauty with social issues. In this conversation, he discusses how his early experiences shaped his unique approach to photography and advertising. Toscani dives into the controversies sparked by his work, reflecting on the ethical implications of addressing sensitive topics. He also shares personal insights on aging, life's transience, and his hopes for societal change, emphasizing the role of art in fostering understanding and empathy.
Sep 13, 2024 • 23min
Philippe Lazzarini: Is UNRWA's mission in Gaza impossible?
Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, shares his insights on the dire situation in Gaza, where over 220 UN staff have lost their lives amid ongoing conflict. He addresses serious accusations against UNRWA regarding neutrality and collusion with Hamas, emphasizing the need for independent investigations. The humanitarian crisis deepens as funding sources dwindle, complicating efforts to provide essential aid. Lazzarini sheds light on the devastating impact on children and calls for accountability amidst escalating violence in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Sep 12, 2024 • 23min
James Earl Jones: An incredible journey
In a profound reflection, James Earl Jones, the legendary actor known for his iconic voice as Darth Vader, recounts his extraordinary journey from poverty in the Deep South to Hollywood stardom. He shares insights on the impact of race in theater, his experiences during the civil rights movement, and the evolving roles of black actors. Jones also discusses the sacredness of live performance and the lasting legacy of his voice, revealing how identity and representation shape narratives in the arts.
Sep 10, 2024 • 23min
Balázs Orbán: Has Hungary's government created a template for far-right movements?
Balázs Orbán, a prominent Hungarian MP and advisor to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, dives into Hungary's hardline nationalist policies and their potential influence on Europe’s far-right movements. He discusses the ongoing struggle between Hungarian sovereignty and EU pressures, spotlighting tensions over migration and democracy. Orbán also addresses Hungary's demographic challenges and family policies, advocating for a focus on native growth rather than immigration. He navigates the complexities of Hungary's ties with authoritarian regimes, revealing the intricate balance of global politics.
Sep 9, 2024 • 23min
Senator Lindsey Graham: Will Trump return to the White House?
Stephen Sackur speaks to a close ally and sometime confidant of Donald Trump, Republican Senator from South Carolina Lindsey Graham
Sep 5, 2024 • 23min
Fawzia Koofi: Women's rights in Afghanistan
Fawzia Koofi, the former deputy speaker of the Afghan parliament, shares her harrowing journey after fleeing the Taliban's return. She discusses the grim reality for Afghan women, highlighting how their rights have been stripped away under oppressive laws. Koofi emphasizes the concept of gender apartheid, calling for the international community to take urgent action. She also highlights the resilience of women who continue to fight for education and rights amidst the turmoil, urging a unified Muslim response against the Taliban's misrepresentation of Islam.
Sep 3, 2024 • 23min
Rev Andrey Kordochkin: Putin and the Church
Andrey Kordochkin, a former Russian Orthodox priest, shares his powerful experiences opposing the Ukraine war and Putin's influence on the church. He reveals the moral dilemmas faced by clergymen amid the invasion, highlighting the courage of nearly 300 dissenting priests. Kordochkin discusses the troubling nexus between faith and state under Putin, as well as the struggles for nonviolent resistance in oppressive regimes. He also addresses the implications of Ukraine banning certain clerics and the impact on religious freedom and identity.
Sep 2, 2024 • 23min
Motaz Azaiza: Photographing Gaza
Motaz Azaiza, a Palestinian photojournalist whose impactful images of Gaza's devastation have resonated worldwide, shares his journey from capturing vibrant life to documenting conflict. He discusses the emotional toll of portraying resilience amid destruction, the ethical dilemmas faced during humanitarian crises, and the struggle with grief in the aftermath of loss. Azaiza also examines the role of social media in raising awareness, highlighting the challenges of fostering real change and the mental health implications for journalists amid ongoing turmoil.
