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 20, 2024 • 23min
Dmytro Kuleba: What are Ukraine's options?
Stephen Sackur speaks to former Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba. Russian forces are gaining ground along the frontline in eastern Ukraine, and US president-elect Donald Trump wants the war to end. What are Ukraine’s options now?
11 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 23min
Marty Baron: Is mainstream media in terminal decline?
In this engaging conversation, former Washington Post editor Marty Baron shares insights from his Pulitzer-winning career. He discusses how Trump's rise exposed the media's disconnect from middle America and highlights the challenges of maintaining objectivity today. Baron reflects on the Post's recent choice to forgo political endorsements amidst declining trust in media, particularly among younger audiences. He emphasizes the necessity for traditional outlets to adapt for the future, reinforcing the critical role of journalism in a fragile democracy.
Dec 13, 2024 • 23min
Terumi Tanaka: Is nuclear war unthinkable?
Terumi Tanaka, a 92-year-old survivor of the Nagasaki bombing and co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo, shares her powerful story as she advocates for nuclear disarmament. She recounts the traumatic experience of surviving the atomic blast at just 13 years old. The conversation highlights the emotional scars left by such tragedies and critiques the misguided belief in nuclear weapons as security. Tanaka emphasizes the urgent need for public awareness about the ongoing threats of nuclear armament, particularly with the alarming global arsenal still present today.
9 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 23min
Mark Alford: Is America ready for Trump 2.0?
Stephen Sackur interviews Mark Alford, a Republican congressman and fervent Trump supporter, who discusses the potential for Trump 2.0 and its implications for America. They delve into economic strategies, such as proposed tariffs and the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The conversation touches on the impact of deportation policies on agriculture, the balance between enforcing immigration laws and protecting vulnerable communities, and critiques of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Gaza.
Dec 5, 2024 • 23min
Arab Barghouthi: Will his father shape Palestinians' future?
Arab Barghouthi shares his experiences as the son of Marwan Barghouthi, a revered Palestinian leader imprisoned in Israel for over twenty years. He discusses the emotional toll of his father's incarceration on their family and broader Palestinian identity. The conversation dives into the complex realities of justice and resistance, examining perceptions of his father's trial and the political dynamics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Arab emphasizes resilience, hope, and the dreams for a united Palestinian future despite ongoing struggles.
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.
