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
Aug 28, 2025 • 23min
Pete Townshend from The Who: Farewell tour doesn’t mean the end
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.
Aug 26, 2025 • 23min
Conductor Gustavo Dudamel: Music has the power to unite
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.
Aug 19, 2025 • 23min
Eliot Higgins: Algorithms don’t drive the truth
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.
Aug 18, 2025 • 23min
Giuseppe Lavazza: Coffee is a big responsibility
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.
Aug 15, 2025 • 26min
Captain Jim Lovell, Apollo 13 commander.
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.
11 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 23min
Ajay Banga: world must focus on creating jobs
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.
Aug 10, 2025 • 23min
Pieter Engelbrecht, CEO of Shoprite: We have a purpose to help people survive
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.
7 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 23min
John Denton, Secretary-General of the ICC: Uncertainty is harming business
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.
Aug 3, 2025 • 23min
Petr Pavel, Czech President: Russia cannot stand economic pressure
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.
Jul 29, 2025 • 23min
Former US Secretary of State John Kerry: We face a special challenge in America
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.
