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
12 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 23min
Bill Gates: The importance of aid and philanthropy
Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist, shares his insights on philanthropy, particularly his commitment to donate over half of his fortune to health initiatives in Africa. He emphasizes the dire consequences of potential cuts to international aid and the pressing need for investments in health and education. Gates also delves into the complexities of misinformation impacting public health views and advocates for strong leadership in global development to ensure progress in vulnerable communities.
Jun 3, 2025 • 23min
Carsten Breuer, the German chief of defence: Nato faces "very serious threat" from Russia
Carsten Breuer, the German Chief of Defence, shares insights into the escalating threat posed by Russia to NATO. He emphasizes the urgent need for NATO allies to prepare for potential attacks within four years. Breuer highlights recent incidents like undersea cable attacks and drone sightings as evidence of Russia's tactics. He advocates for a comprehensive military buildup among European nations, framing security as essential for prosperity. The conversation reinforces the significance of NATO unity and readiness in the face of evolving global challenges.
Jun 1, 2025 • 23min
Tom Fletcher, UN Humanitarian Chief: Is the world doing enough to get aid into Gaza?
Tom Fletcher, the Chief of Humanitarian Affairs for the United Nations, sheds light on the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, claiming that enforced starvation is being used as a tactic. He discusses the challenges of delivering aid amidst ongoing conflict and the implications of military actions. Fletcher reflects on his controversial statements regarding the blockade, expressing regret for any miscommunication. The conversation emphasizes the need for international accountability and highlights the urgent plight of civilians caught in the turmoil.
22 snips
May 27, 2025 • 23min
Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services - what is the future of big tech?
Simon Jack chats with Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services, who began his journey at AWS as an intern. They delve into the future of big tech, focusing on the transformative potential of cloud computing and AI. Garman advocates for minimal regulation to spur innovation and addresses the importance of sustainable energy solutions for data centers. He also discusses the balance between major corporations and startups in the cloud market, emphasizing the need for a reliable power supply and responsible AI deployment.
May 25, 2025 • 23min
Surviving Syria’s sectarian violence
In this thought-provoking conversation, Rindala Aduba, a British-Syrian Alawite, shares her harrowing experiences during sectarian violence in Syria. She recounts her family's struggle for survival amid chaos and targeted attacks, highlighting the deep-rooted anger towards the Alawite community. Rindala critically addresses the empty promises of justice and the complexities of identity as she navigates the shifting landscape of hope and fear following Assad's ousting. Her story sheds light on the grim realities faced by civilians and the broader implications for stability in Syria.
May 20, 2025 • 23min
Dovilė Šakalienė, Defence Minister of Lithuania: Uncertain times for Europe
Dovilė Šakalienė, Lithuania’s Defence Minister, brings a wealth of experience shaped by her family’s past under Soviet rule. She discusses the escalating fears in the Baltic region due to Russia's aggressive actions, particularly since the invasion of Ukraine. Šakalienė emphasizes the importance of NATO's collective security and calls for increased European defense spending. She also critiques the skepticism surrounding peace negotiations with Russia, and advocates for a unified European military response to address the changing geopolitical landscape.
May 18, 2025 • 23min
Doris Salcedo, Colombian artist - giving voice to victims of violence
Doris Salcedo, a renowned Colombian artist known for her poignant sculptures, discusses how her childhood amidst Colombia's political violence shapes her compelling work. She recounts her mission to amplify the voices of war victims, especially children affected by conflict. Salcedo reflects on her transformative experiences and the importance of community engagement in healing through art. Despite her battle with declining eyesight, she continues to create impactful installations, exploring themes of loss and trauma while advocating for peace and remembrance.
May 13, 2025 • 23min
Radosław Sikorski, Foreign Minister of Poland: dealing with the growing threat from Russia
Radosław Sikorski, the Foreign Minister of Poland, shares his insights on the escalating threat from Russia, particularly following Poland’s closure of its consulate in Krakow. He discusses significant events like a suspicious fire in Warsaw, linked to Russian operatives. Sikorski addresses the complexities of achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine and emphasizes NATO's crucial role in defense strategies. He also reflects on Poland’s political landscape, public support for the government, and the influence of international figures like President Trump on regional dynamics.
May 11, 2025 • 23min
Sir John Major, former UK Prime Minister - are the lessons of WW2 being forgotten?
Sir John Major, former UK Prime Minister and the last British leader alive during WWII, shares profound insights about the lessons of the conflict. He warns that democracy is under threat from rising tyranny, reflecting on modern geopolitical tensions. Major emphasizes the importance of a united Europe and a stronger NATO in defending freedoms, particularly in Ukraine. He also touches on personal memories from VE Day ceremonies, highlighting the sacrifices of veterans and the need to educate future generations about the dangers of forgotten history.
7 snips
May 8, 2025 • 23min
Joe Biden: Can the world still rely on America?
In a candid conversation, former US President Joe Biden reflects on the current threats to democracy and the crucial role of NATO in the face of rising geopolitical tensions. He delves into the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and stresses the importance of international alliances. Biden also shares his thoughts on the legacy of VE Day while honoring the sacrifices of World War II veterans. Additionally, he addresses the challenges of leadership transitions and offers insight into the impact of domestic politics on America's global standing.
