

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

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.

May 6, 2025 • 23min
Tidjane Thiam, Ivory Coast opposition leader - can he run for president?
Tidjane Thiam, former CEO of Credit Suisse and current opposition leader in the Ivory Coast, discusses his controversial candidacy for president, which is challenged by a court ruling on his nationality. He argues that the decision is politically motivated, highlighting the importance of rule of law for attracting investment. Thiam shares his vision to strengthen the economy by promoting SMEs and digital technology, tackling youth unemployment, and enhancing education and health systems, all while navigating the complex political landscape.

7 snips
May 3, 2025 • 23min
Prince Harry: Is his safety at risk?
Prince Harry, a former working royal who moved to the U.S. with Meghan, opens up about his tumultuous journey toward reconciliation with the royal family. He discusses his legal battles surrounding security arrangements in the UK, expressing his fears for his family's safety amid public scrutiny. Harry reflects on the emotional toll of being cut off from his heritage, navigating complex security challenges, and his yearning to fulfill public duties while prioritizing family. The conversation reveals a poignant struggle between personal safety and royal responsibilities.

7 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 23min
Emi Mahmoud, poet: Has the world abandoned Sudan?
James Copnall, presenter of Newsday, speaks to Emi Mahmoud, Sudanese activist and poet, about the war that has claimed more than 150,000 lives since it began two years ago. In what the United Nations has called the world's largest humanitarian crisis, about 12 million people have also been forced to flee their homes.Emi speaks about the pain of losing many members of her family, the brutality of the current conflict in the western region of Darfur which she believes to be genocide, and the trafficking of women and girls caught up in the fighting. In the aftermath of the destruction of the Zamzam camp for displaced people, she describes life in the community there - and calls on the world to do more to resolve the violence in Sudan. As an award-winning poet, she uses her poems to spread her message.The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: James Copnall
Producers: Clare Williamson, Lucy Sheppard, Madeleine Drury
Editor: Max DevesonGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.Image: Emi Mahmoud attends TIME100 Women's Leadership Forum at Chelsea Piers, Studio 59 on September 10, 2024 in New York City (Credit: Shannon Finney/Getty Images for TIME)

Apr 27, 2025 • 23min
Kurt Volker, former US diplomat: Decoding Trump, the second time around
Kurt Volker, former US ambassador to NATO and Trump’s special representative for Ukraine, offers an insightful look into President Trump’s second term. He discusses the swift changes in governance and Trump's unique decision-making style. Volker highlights transformative diplomatic strategies, particularly a pivotal meeting with Ukraine's Zelensky. He also examines the reconfiguration of Middle Eastern relations and the rise of culture war policies in the U.S. Additionally, he addresses the implications of Trump's actions on America's global credibility and the political landscape.

Apr 22, 2025 • 23min
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, billionaire businessman: Making Manchester United great, again
Dan Roan, the BBC’s sports editor, speaks to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, billionaire businessman and co-owner of Manchester United Football Club. In this conversation, Sir Jim discusses the changes he’s implementing both on and off the pitch, as well as his vision to transform the iconic club into one of the world’s most profitable businesses.
Born into a modest family, he’s been a lifelong Manchester United supporter. After studying chemical engineering at university he set up his chemicals business, INEOS, in 1998. He is still the Chairman and Chief Executive. INEOS has invested in cycling, Formula One motor racing and sailing.
He’s been running Manchester United for just over a year and he himself admits its been a challenging 12 months.
In this interview, you’ll hear how he is applying his business skills to turn the club – currently struggling both on the pitch and financially – into a success. With a substantial debt estimated at around one billion pounds, the club has seen job cuts and ticket price increases. Sir Jim acknowledges that the anger directed at him is understandable but remains focused on his goal: to make Manchester United the most profitable club in the world.
The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Presenter: Dan Roan
Producers: Clare Williamson, Mantej Deol & Gabriel May
Editor: Sam Bonham
Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

Apr 20, 2025 • 23min
Bobi Wine, the Ugandan opposition politician: From the streets to state?
Victoria Uwonkunda, reporter and presenter for BBC News, speaks to Bobi Wine, the Ugandan opposition politician, as he reflects on the personal and political challenges he has faced as well as his determination to run again as President in the next election. Born in the slums of Kampala, Bobi Wine -birth name Robert Kyagulanyi - first entered the political arena in 2017 when he was elected to parliament with huge popular support, so much so that he became known as the ghetto president. He went on to run against President Yoweri Museveni in the 2021 election - taking on a leader in power for nearly 40 years.But the campaign was rocked by violence and for Bobi, countless times in jail.Now Bobi Wine is preparing to run again in the 2026 presidential election.
The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: Victoria Uwonkunda
Producers: Clare Williamson, Gabriel May
Editor: Sam BonhamGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.


