HARDtalk

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In-depth, hard-hitting interviews with newsworthy personalities.

BBC World Service


    • Jun 14, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 23m AVG DURATION
    • 1,926 EPISODES

    4.4 from 284 ratings Listeners of HARDtalk that love the show mention: program, interviews, questions, high, guests, show, good, time, great, best, love, stephen sackur, hard talk, hardtalk.


    Ivy Insights

    The HARDtalk podcast is an exceptional show that features in-depth and revealing interviews with a diverse range of guests. Hosted by Stephen Sackur, the level of research put into each episode is unparalleled, resulting in thorough and thought-provoking discussions. It truly stands as a jewel in the crown of the BBC.

    One of the best aspects of The HARDtalk podcast is Stephen Sackur's skillful interviewing style. He conducts thorough and fair interviews, asking probing questions that reveal fascinating insights from his guests. His preparation and knowledge on each topic are evident, making for high-quality conversations that captivate listeners. The tough questions he poses challenge guests to provide meaningful answers, resulting in engaging and enlightening discussions.

    On the downside, there have been instances where technical issues arise, such as incomplete episode uploads or audio glitches. While these occurrences are rare, they can be frustrating for listeners who eagerly anticipate new episodes. However, it is worth noting that these issues do not detract significantly from the overall quality and value of the podcast.

    In conclusion, The HARDtalk podcast is a top-notch program that excels in delivering intelligent and thought-provoking content to its audience. Stephen Sackur's exceptional interviewing skills combined with thorough research make for compelling conversations with a wide range of guests. Despite occasional technical hiccups, this podcast remains a must-listen for those seeking insightful discussions on global issues.



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    Latest episodes from HARDtalk

    Dr Tedros, WHO: Viruses are invisible enemy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2026 23:01


    “There is more spending in defence and less spending in global health or in public health or health security, which makes us vulnerable...Because the invisible enemy could be more impactful. Imagine, have you ever seen a war in recent memory that killed 20 million people? Why can't we come to our senses?”Justin Webb speaks to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, about the invisible threat of viruses and the rapid spread of a new strain of Ebola.Tedros recently visited the Democratic Republic of Congo where this latest outbreak started. It is particularly challenging because it involves a rare species of Ebola for which there is no vaccine, and the epicentre is in an area affected by conflict. There are also cases in neighbouring Uganda.The WHO General-Director claims governments are focusing too much on defence spending, and he makes an impassioned plea for countries to allocate more money to global health, and to prevent future pandemics.Thank you to the Today team for its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with with President of the International Rescue Committee David Miliband, Former Sudanese leader Aisha Musa and writer Maggie O'Farrell. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Justin Webb Producer: Cordelia Hemming Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Credit: Reuters)

    Paul McCartney, musician: I often think about the past

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 25:06


    “I do live here and now, but I often think about the past. But then again, I think a lot of people do. So I think writers, what are they going to draw on?”Mark Savage speaks to musician Paul McCartney.Born in Liverpool, England, during the Second World War, he found fame as a member of the legendary British band The Beatles in the 1960s, widely regarded as one of the most influential acts in music history.McCartney shared primary singing and songwriting duties with bandmate John Lennon, and along with George Harrison and Ringo Starr, the four-piece became a global pop music sensation with hits such as Twist and Shout, Yesterday and Hey Jude.They remain one of the best-selling musical acts of all time alongside the likes of Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.McCartney was knighted for his services to music in 1997, but despite his huge achievements, the 83-year-old seems to be showing no interest in retirement — he's releasing his 19th solo album.The Boys of Dungeon Lane is inspired by his experiences growing up in post-war Liverpool, during which a young McCartney, carrying a guitar and wearing a bowler hat to catch attention, would hitchhike with John Lennon to places as far away as Paris. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Chaka Khan, Pete Townshend and, Paul McCartney's bandmate, Ringo Starr. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Mark Savage Producers: Steven Wright and Ben Cooper Editors: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Paul McCartney. Credit: Getty)

    Mohammed Dewji, billionaire: I want to give back

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 23:01


    “I do want to make money, but I want to make money in the right way, ethically. But more importantly, I want use this money to be able to give back.”Charles Gitonga speaks to entrepreneur and businessman Mohammed Dewji about becoming one of Africa's youngest billionaires and how he wants to use his wealth.Mohammed Dewji is a Tanzanian businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist who has primarily accumulated his wealth from his family business, an East African conglomerate founded by his grandparents and expanded by his father in the 1970s. It deals with textile manufacturing, flour milling, beverages and edible oils. About twenty-five years ago, Africa had no dollar billionaires. Today, there are still only 23, not a huge number for a continent rich in mineral wealth and an abundance of relatively cheap labour. Their combined wealth has grown to more than 100 billion US dollars.Dewji signed the Giving Pledge in 2016 promising to donate at least half his fortune to philanthropic causes. He explains why he believes billionaires have a responsibility to give back.Thank you to the Focus on Africa team for its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Sierra Leone's first lady Fatima Bio, former Sudanese leader Aisha Musa, and SungAh Lee from the International Organisation for Migration. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producer: Cordelia Hemming Editor: Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Mohammed Dewji. Credit: Getty)

    Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon: Reconciliation over revenge

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2026 38:18


    ‘We are transforming feelings of revenge into reconciliation. We are transforming despair into hope, trauma into healing. So the future is peace is also like a manual, like a guide, not just for a shared journey across the holy land, but a guide for human conscience.'Rajan Datar speaks to Palestinian and Israeli authors and peace activists Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon.Maoz Inon‘s parents were killed during the Hamas attacks of October 7th. Aziz Abu Sarah's brother died after being detained for nearly a year in an Israeli military prison. Together, they have forged an unlikely friendship across the Israeli Palestine divide, become leading voices for reconciliation, arguing that peace can only be built through empathy, dialogue and a recognition of each other's humanity.Their new book, The Future Is Peace, chronicles their eight day drive across Israel and Palestine. They talk about loss, forgiveness, and why they remain hopeful despite the devastation of war. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Farhana Haider Editor: Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon. Credit: Getty)

    David Miliband, International Rescue Committee President: It's a new world disorder

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 25:34


    “It's what we call a new world disorder: 60 wars, 120 million people - refugees and displaced, 300 million people hungry, plus another 45 million according to the World Food Program as a result of the constrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. That's a disordered world. And people can inveigh against international institutions as much as they like, but the problem we're facing is not that there's too strong an international system - it's too weak.”Caitríona Perry speaks to David Miliband, President of the International Rescue Committee.Miliband, who was previously British Foreign Secretary, first took up the post in 2013, overseeing the New York-headquartered organisation whose humanitarian relief operations are active in over 40 war-affected countries.As the world navigates multiple conflicts across the Middle East and Africa, in places such as Sudan, Lebanon and Gaza, humanitarian crises continue to grow.They are further compounded by cuts to international aid, the breakdown of the rules-based order, plus trade and shipping difficulties due to the conflict in Iran.This means aid organisations like the IRC are increasingly having to adapt how they respond.The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with the World Health Organisation's Hanan Balkhy; former US Ambassador to the UN, Samanthan Power; and humanitarian chef José Andrés. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Caitríona Perry Producers: Ben Cooper and Chloe Ross Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: David Miliband. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)

    Reid Hoffman, tech billionaire: AI job revolution

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 22:57


    “The change that we're going to see happen with AI does mean that there's going to be some really difficult challenges and times ahead. But the question is, how do we get to both navigating those challenges as humanly and as gracefully as possible, and how do we get to the same kind of benefits of the amplification we got with the Industrial Revolution?“Amol Rajan speaks to tech billionaire Reid Hoffman, about why he thinks artificial intelligence could transform the future of work.Reid Hoffman is best known for co-founding LinkedIn, the largest professional networking platform in the world, and revolutionising the world of work. He wants to do it again with a rapid adoption of AI in the workplace in a way he says is safe and ethical. As one of the world's richest men he also gives his thoughts on tech billionaires and his former relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Thank you to the Radical with Amol Rajan team for its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with entrepreneur Emma Grede, CEO of Otter.ai Sam Liang, and First Lady of Sierra Leone Fatima Bio. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Cordelia Hemming Editor: Farhana HaiderGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Reid Hoffman Credit: Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    Kate Kallot, AI founder: A global digital divide?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2026 22:59


    “Historically, as a region, we've been extracted at two levels. If you look at the AI value chain, a lot of our youth, some who have studied computer science, are left at data labelling roles at the bottom of the value chain, where the least value is created. In a different way, a lot of our data is being extracted for free to train those systems. We want to make sure we don't go into similar models that we had during colonisation.” Leanna Byrne speaks to Kate Kallot, founder of the Kenyan artificial intelligence company Amini, which is building AI infrastructure across Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America.She warns that billions of people risk being left out of the artificial intelligence systems shaping modern life, with languages, cultures and knowledge from large parts of the world underrepresented in the technology being built today.Kate argues that AI risks repeating old patterns of global inequality, with poorer countries supplying valuable data while richer nations reap the rewards.She explains why the Global South should help shape the future of AI, rather than simply supply the data behind it.The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Sundar Pichai and Julia Gillard. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: Leanne Byrne Producer: Osman Iqbal Editor: Farhana Haider and Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Kate Kallot. Credit: Getty)

    Maggie O'Farrell, writer: Identity is complicated

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 23:00


    “I was born in Coleraine, then I moved to Wales and then I moved to Ireland. It's very complicated and I feel there's a strange sense if you grow up somewhere different from where you were born. That's just true of everyone. If your accent doesn't match your name - as in my case - I think you walk alongside all your life a kind of ghost-self in that there's always a sense of ‘who would I have been if we'd stayed?'”Katie Razzall speaks to acclaimed writer Maggie O'Farrell. The 54-year-old has been a published author for more than 25 years, with her books translated into more than 40 languages.O'Farrell shot to wider international fame following the award-winning screen adaptation of her 2020 novel Hamnet, a story about the son of the English playwright William Shakespeare. She's now publishing Land, her sweeping new tale centred around an Irish map-maker working for the British army at the time of the Great Famine in Ireland in the mid-19th century. Between 1845 and 1852, at least one million people died due to starvation and disease, with a further two million people fleeing Ireland to escape the famine.The book is about colonisation and devastation, set against a backdrop of families left to die of starvation on estates owned by British aristocrats and landowners. Drawing on her own family history during that period, it's O'Farrell's most political work yet - and as she explains, its themes still resonate with the world today. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao, author Sir Salman Rushdie, and comedian Eric Idle. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Katie Razzall Producers: Ben Cooper and Roxanne Panthaki Editors: Farhana Haider and Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Maggie O'Farrell. Credit: Getty)

    Aisha Musa, former leader: Can Sudan rebuild?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 22:54


    “I feel numb. It feels unreal to me, having been in Sudan all my life. I have never imagined that it will turn into a war field, it looks like a nightmare. At first that it is just days or months or even a year, but it went on and it kept escalating. Even our homes are no longer habitable. One of my sons went back to have a look and he said you wouldn't even find a spoon for your tea.” James Copnall speaks to Aisha Musa, one of the civilian figures who helped lead Sudan after the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir in 2019.After popular protests led to Bashir's fall, Sudan's presidency was replaced by a Sovereign Council made up of military and civilian representatives. Aisha Musa was one of only two women appointed to the body, an unprecedented position of influence for a woman in Sudan.But hopes of democratic change collapsed with the outbreak of civil war in 2023 between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.Aisha reflects on working alongside the generals responsible for Sudan's civil war, what it would take to rebuild democracy and her frustration at UK visa restrictions for Sudanese refugees.The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Volodymyr Zelensky and António Guterres. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: James Copnall Producer: Osman Iqbal Editor: Farhana HaiderGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Aisha Musa Credit: Mahmoud Hjaj/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

    Chaka Khan, singer: Music is a calling

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2026 26:01


    “This is a calling. It's bigger than anything in your life as an individual. If you found the thing that you were put on this planet to do, and a lot of people are put on this planet and they don't know, it's such a gift to find it.”Nick Grimshaw and Annie Macmanus speak to global music icon Chaka Khan about her life and career.Born Yvette Marie Stevens in the US city of Chicago in 1953, her big break came at the age of 20 when her band Rufus signed its first record deal. With her powerful vocals and striking stage presence, she quickly caught the public's attention.The band enjoyed commercial and critical success in the years that followed, before Chaka decided to go it alone around a decade later… a decision which transformed her life and career.Worldwide hits such as I'm Every Woman and I Feel For You followed, as well as collaborations with legends like Whitney Houston and Prince, multiple Grammy Awards, and an induction into the Rock ‘n' Roll Hall of Fame.As a new musical telling her story begins its run, the 73-year-old has a lot to reflect on.Thank you to the Sidetracked team for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro, and artist Tracey Emin. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenters: Nick Grimshaw and Annie Macmanus Producers: Ben Cooper, Gráinne Morrison and Christine Czerniec Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Chaka Khan. Credit: Getty)

    Jennifer Riria, banking chief: Financial system still excludes women

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 23:53


    “Most of Africa is rural, and although urbanisation is taking root now, the systems that deliver financial services to women are still eluding them.” Leanna Byrne speaks to microfinance pioneer Dr Jennifer Riria about her life, career, and personal mission to improve the lives of women in some of Africa's poorest communities. Having started life in a poor, rural village in Kenya, Dr Riria worked her way up to develop and run one of the biggest microfinance institutions for women in Africa. Microfinance is a banking service providing small loans and more, to people with low income who might lack access to traditional banking. It's aimed at fostering self-sufficiency, financial education, and entrepreneurship in developing areas. Her focus is not limited to finance. She also draws on her experiences of teaching at university, and consulting for UNICEF, the UN children's aid agency, in order to progress women's development in education and leadership. Thank you to the Business Daily team for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Botswana's president Duma Boko, entrepreneur Emma Grede, and astronaut Jeremy Hansen. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producers: Ben Cooper, Ahmed Adan and Amber Mehmood Editor: Damon Rose Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Jennifer Riria. Credit: Getty)

    Daniel Noboa, Ecuador President: A war on gangs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 23:00


    “This is a war. We will treat it as a war, and first thing that we want is the war to end. We want peace. We want a better life for our people, especially for our youth.”Caitriona Perry speaks to Ecuador President Daniel Noboa about his hard-line military crackdown on violent criminal gangs, which has involved measures that human rights groups warn could pose a risk to civil liberties.President Noboa, who is one of the world's youngest leaders, has warned about the levels of crime faced in Ecuador. He claims that due to its location between Colombia and Peru, the world's two largest producers of cocaine, it has become a major location for drug-trafficking gangs.He talks about the attempts that have been made on his life, and the threats his family have faced. He calls on the cooperation from other countries to help fight international crime organisations. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Volodymyr Zelensky, Azar Nafisi and Julia Gillard. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Caitriona Perry Producer: Ellyn Duncan, Chloe Ross and Cordelia Hemming Editor: Farhana HaiderGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Daniel Noboa. Credit: Getty)

    Fatima Bio, Sierra Leone first lady: speaking up

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2026 23:00


    “The person who has always been my uncle, and whenever he comes to the house, I'm running to him. He buys me sweets, this is like my uncle. And then one day they said, oh, this your husband. I'm like, what? At that point I hated myself, I hated my mum because I wanted an adult to fight for me but she just did not have it to fight because she was so scared of my dad.” BBC journalist Megha Mohan speaks to Sierra Leone's first lady, Fatima Bio, about escaping child marriage at the age of 13, rebuilding her life as a refugee in London, and her rise to become one of the country's most outspoken public figures. Since becoming first lady, Bio has transformed the role in Sierra Leone, campaigning publicly on issues including child marriage, sexual violence and period poverty. To supporters, she is a refreshing voice in politics, who speaks up for women and girls, while others say she has overstepped her remit and that she is too vocal and too involved in the running of her husband's party. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky, and Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the UN. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Megha Mohan Producers: Osman Iqbal Editor: Damon Rose and Justine Lang Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Fatima Bio. Credit: Getty)

    Leopoldo Lopez, Venezuelan opposition leader: I am not bitter

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 23:00


    “Our best reply to the regime is that they didn't make us bad people. That we remain focused on our dream of seeing a free Venezuela. I have seen other people become very bitter and angry and resentful. And I think they lose. Because when you become angry you become, in a way, a prisoner of a sentiment that doesn't allow you to go forward.” James Menendez speaks to Leopoldo Lopez, once the most prominent face of Venezuela's opposition, he is now living in exile in Spain. He spent more than a decade attempting to unseat Nicolás Maduro's authoritarian government and was imprisoned for over three years, accused of inciting the 2014 anti-government protests. Following the capture and arrest of Maduro by US forces in January, the country has entered a new and uncertain phase, with Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez now acting as interim leader. Leopoldo Lopez talks to us about the prospect of elections in Venezuela and the personal cost of standing up for political change. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel prize winner Maria Corina Machado, director Chloe Zhao and musical icon Ringo Starr. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: James Menendez Producer: Farhana HaiderGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Leopoldo Lopez. Credit: Reuters)

    Yurii Tokar: Russia deployed Kenyans to death zone

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 23:00


    “Russians collected all Kenyans and did everything for them to go to the front line, to go to the death zone.”Waihiga Mwaura speaks to Yurii Tokar the Ukraine ambassador to Kenya. The Ukrainian claims Russia deliberately deployed many conscripted Kenyans to the front line of the Russia-Ukraine war shortly before the Kenyan foreign minister arrived in Moscow with the intention of stopping recruitment of his countrymen.The Russian embassy in Kenya did not immediately respond to the BBC's request for comment. It has previously denied any Government involvement in the illegal recruitment of Kenyan citizens. A representative of Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the BBC that "the government is not aware of such allegations and treats them as possible rumours and propaganda.”Thank you to the Focus on Africa team for its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with John Healey, Nadia Calviño and Volodymyr Zelensky. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Waihiga Mwaura Producer: Cordelia Hemming Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Yurii Tokar. Credit: Getty Images)

    Mikhail Ulyanov: rescuing Iran nuclear talks

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2026 21:54


    “It's outrageous because these nuclear plant facilities were certified by the International Atomic Energy Agency as purely peaceful facilities. The inspectors, they spent, there, a lot of time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Iran is the most verifiable country, thousands of inspections. The agency knows everything about what is going on.” BBC journalist Farnaz Ghazizadeh speaks to Mikhail Ivanovich Ulyanov, Russia's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, about the collapse of diplomacy over Iran's nuclear programme and whether negotiations can still be rescued. With decades of experience in disarmament and nuclear negotiations, Ulyanov insists Iran's nuclear programme is already among the most heavily monitored in the world, and argues concerns over the programme have been exaggerated. Now, as conflict in the region intensifies, Russia is offering to act as a mediator. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky, and Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the UN. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Farnaz Ghazizadeh Producers: Osman Iqbal Editor: Damon Rose and Justine Lang Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Mikhail Ulyanov. Credit: Reuters)

    Hanan Balkhy, WHO chief for Sudan and Iran: work continues despite conflicts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 22:59


    “During the recent conflict [in Iran], there was a pause, not a full stop or halt of the functions. Once the airspace opened up again, we reprioritized the delivery of those life-saving kits to the member states, and we came back on track… We still find hope in the communication between the different member states, between the different partners to secure some of these supplies, or keep supply chains alive.” Daniel Dadzie speaks to Hanan Balkhy, the World Health Organisation's Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, about navigating the challenges posed by recent conflicts in Sudan and Iran. It's one of six regional WHO offices around the world, covering a total population of nearly 745 million people from Morocco in the west to Pakistan in the east, and as far south as Sudan. The WHO works with governments and local authorities to improve access to basic healthcare and provide support during humanitarian emergencies. Global supply chains were severely disrupted when the conflict in Iran began just over two months ago. Although much of the focus of this disruption has been on oil and trade, crucial medical supplies have also been delayed in reaching where they're needed most. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with entrepreneur Isaac Larian, African politics professor Simukai Chikudu, and campaigner Baroness Arminka Helic. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Daniel Dadzie Producers: Ben Cooper and Simon Mbai Editor: Damon Rose Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Hanan Balkhy. Credit: Getty)

    Emma Grede, entrepreneur: Success needs trade-offs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 23:01


    “There's this idea that you [can] sail your way to success or have some overnight success or kind of come upon success relatively easily. And that has just never, ever been.”Amol Rajan speaks to entrepreneur and businesswoman Emma Grede about the trade-offs we have to make to get to where we want to be in life.Emma Grede is co-founder of the clothing brand Skims, which she created with her husband Jens and Kim Kardashian. From ordinary beginnings in East London to the forefront of global consumer brands and social influence in LA, Emma Grede argues that focus, trade-offs and relentless effort matter more than comfort if you are to succeed. She says that opportunity still exists, if you're willing to chase it.Thank you to the Radical with Amol Rajan team for its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Arlo Parks, Parmy Olson and Chloé Zhao. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Cordelia Hemming Editor: Damon Rose and Farhana HaiderGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Emma Grede. Credit: Reuters)

    Sam Liang, Otter.ai CEO: AI captures everything

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2026 22:39


    ‘The power of AI is that it's able to capture everything, it's able to try to interpret everyone objectively. Human beings are imperfect in terms of their capability to listen and understand. Everyone unconsciously, when they listen, they don't hear everything.' Zoe Kleinman speaks to Sam Liang chief executive and co-founder of artificial intelligence transcription start-up Otter.ai Sam Liang was born in China and moved to the US in 1991. He received a PhD from Stanford University before joining Google, where he led the search engines location services. He co-founded California based Otter.ai in 2016. The start-up has evolved from a voice-to-text transcription service to offer AI-powered recordings of live events, meeting summaries and content searches. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Karim Beguir, boss of Africa's biggest AI firm, the former Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard and musical icon Ringo Starr. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Farhana Haider Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Sam Liang. Credit: Bloomberg / Contributor via Getty)

    Robert Brovdi, Ukraine drone commander: Striking inside Russia

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 22:59


    “When we only had reconnaissance drones, we learned fast. We began attaching warheads to the drones. Grenades, then homemade munitions that we produced ourselves. We would locate the enemy with the drone and drop them on him. Then FPV drones entered our lives. An FPV drone is a one-way, disposable drone. That was when the way of war began to change” In a rare interview, Sarah Rainsford speaks to Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's drone forces, about the rapid evolution of drone warfare and how it is reshaping Russia's war in Ukraine. Drones are now being used to strike oil facilities and military targets deep inside Russian territory but initially were used just to spot Russian forces. Commander Brovdi was among the first to see their true potential and, as technology advanced, drones began to change everything on the battlefield. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky, and Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the UN. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Sarah Rainsford Producers: Osman Iqbal Editor: Farhana Haider Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Robert Brovdi Credit: Oleksii Samsonov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

    SungAh Lee, International Organisation for Migration: Sudan needs us

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 23:00


    “I saw the damage, the loss. The buildings being destroyed, the infrastructure being completely damaged in that area. And it was sad and heartbreaking.”Waihiga Mwaura speaks to SungAh Lee, from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) about the war in Sudan which has entered its fourth year and has led to one of the worst humanitarian crisis and biggest displacements of people. SungAh Lee recently travelled to Sudan to assess the situation on the ground. She tells us how it felt to return to parts of the country she had spent time in as a child. She explains how current conflicts are changing migration patterns and what impact cuts to government aid budgets are having on people effected by war.Thank you to the Focus on Africa team in its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with the head of UNAids Winnie Byanyima, Nigeria's Information Minister Mohammed Idris, and UN chief Antonio Guterres. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Waihiga Mwaura Producer: Cordelia Hemming Editor: Farhana HaiderGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: SungAh Lee Credit: IOM/ Muse Mohammed)

    Ringo Starr, musician: I never play music alone

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2026 22:58


    “If you play piano, bass guitar, saxophone, I don't care - I'll play with you all night. That's how I did it. And I tell all my grandkids - get an event, get a few of your schoolmates together. They're practising and playing by themselves. Get with people!”Regan Morris speaks to musician Ringo Starr about his career. Born in Liverpool, England, during the Second World War in 1940, Ringo, real-name Richard Starkey, found fame as the drummer of the legendary British band The Beatles - widely regarded as one of the most influential acts in music history.After joining John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison in 1962, the four-piece became a global pop music sensation through hits such as ‘She Loves You', ‘Yesterday', ‘Penny Lane', and ‘Hey Jude'. They also released multiple studio albums and starred in five major motion pictures.Although the band split up in 1970, their legacy continues to live on. They remain one of the best-selling musical acts of all time over half a century later. And such was his and the band's cultural impact, that Ringo, one of two surviving members of The Beatles, received a knighthood at Buckingham Palace for his services to music in 2018.But despite achieving seemingly all that can be achieved in a music career, the 85-year-old seems to be showing no interest in retirement — he's just released his third country album, which is his 22nd album as a solo artist. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Stevie Wonder, Patti Smith and Pete Townshend. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Regan Morris Producer: Ben Cooper Editor: Farhana HaiderGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Ringo Starr Credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

    Isaac Larian, entrepreneur: Failure is the foundation for success

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 22:56


    “One thing I have learned from my childhood til now is that when you fall, you get up, dust yourself off, and do it over and over again. I've had a lot of up and downs in my business life in America. I've had many failures and people only talk about successes, but failures in my mind are the foundation of success.”Rahul Tandon speaks to Iranian-American entrepreneur Isaac Larian.The 72-year-old billionaire is the founder and chief executive of US-based MGA Entertainment, one of the world's largest toy companies. Over the years, he's been involved in several high-profile toy launches, including the ‘Bratz' range of dolls back in 2001.But his success today, regularly appearing on rich lists compiled by the likes of Forbes, is a far cry from his early years growing up Tehran, where his family often struggled to put food on the table in a home without electricity or running water.His father ran a small textile shop that a young Larian would work in, buying and selling stock. And at the age of just 17, Larian took this business experience with him when he bought a one-way ticket to America to seek his fortune.Thank you to the Business Daily team for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with AI expert Parmy Olson, Syrian politician Hind Kabawat, and Finland's president Alexander Stubb. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Rahul Tandon Producers: Victoriya Holland and Ben Cooper Editor: Farhana HaiderGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Isaac Larian Credit: Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for The Toy Foundation)

    Dr Kalema-Zikusoka, wildlife vet: Saving gorillas

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 23:00


    “We were able to improve the health of the gorillas and people together. What we do is we improve the health and the livelihoods of the local communities. Because as long as people are poor, they're going to keep entering the forest to poach and collect firewood and they're going to end up making the gorillas sick, or picking up diseases from wildlife in the forest.” Myra Anubi speaks to Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, a Ugandan wildlife vet and founder of Conservation Through Public Health, about the approach she developed to help save mountain gorillas from extinction.When she began her work in 1994, their numbers had fallen to just a few hundred. Not just because of habitat loss and poaching, but because of human diseases.Rather than focusing only on treating the animals, she realised the solution lay with the people living alongside them. Better health and livelihood opportunities meant less poaching and less need to rely on the forest, reducing the risk of disease and protecting the gorillas.The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky, and Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the UN. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Myra Anubi Producers: Osman Iqbal Editor: Justine Lang and Damon Rose Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Dr Gladys Kalema Zikusoka Credit Kibuuka Mukisa)

    Arlo Parks, singer-songwriter: I want to make music that lasts

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2026 23:00


    “I don't necessarily want it to be the most giant album of all time and be selling out stadiums. I want something that lasts and that feels timeless and thoughtful.”Mark Savage speaks to Mercury Prize-winning singer-songwriter Arlo Parks about her life and music career.Born in London, the half Nigerian, quarter Chadian and quarter French artist, real name Anaïs Marinho, has enjoyed great success in her music career since her debut album was released in 2021.Having broken onto the music scene two years prior, Parks has performed twice at the Glastonbury music festival in England, supported the likes of Harry Styles and Billie Eilish on tour, and even written for Beyoncé.It's been something of a whirlwind journey for the 25-year-old, who has returned with a new album after taking some time out of the spotlight in order to reclaim some normality in her life. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with director Guillermo del Toro, author Azar Nafisi and actor Arden Cho. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Mark Savage Producer: Ben Cooper Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Arlo Parks Credit: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images)

    The Epstein survivors speak

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 22:58


    Victoria Derbyshire speaks to survivors of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting a trial for sex trafficking.The interview took place in Washington DC, two weeks before Melania Trump, US First Lady, gave an unexpected press conference at the White House where she called for congressional hearings for the Epstein survivors.Millions of documents, e-mails and photographs are now in the public domain and show Epstein's connections to high profile figures from politics, business and royalty.In this interview, which some listeners may find upsetting, Chauntae Davies, Joanna Harrison, Jena-Lisa Jones, Wendy Pesante and Lisa Phillips share their experiences, and discuss the impact that the abuse has had on their lives. Thank you to the Newsnight team for their help in making this programme.If you've been affected by this programme, you can reach out to Befrienders Worldwide for help by visiting befrienders.org The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Victoria Derbyshire Producers: Katherine Hodgson, Charlotte Sexton, Carys Nally and Ben Cooper Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

    John Healey, UK Defence Secretary: Russia's covert operations

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 21:55


    “It was three submarines. We tracked them 24/7 for over a month to make sure that we are able to say to Putin, we see what you're doing, we're watching you. It means that if there is ever any damage to our cables or our pipelines, we know we can hold Putin to account. We know he can't deny it.” Adam Fleming speaks to John Healey, the UK Defence Secretary, after he revealed Russian submarines have been carrying out covert operations over the UK's deep-sea cables and pipelines, critical to energy and internet traffic. He says the activity could form part of a wider strategy to map infrastructure in peacetime, and target it during conflict. While global attention is focused on the Middle East, he argues Britain cannot be distracted from what he calls its “primary threat”, and that the UK and its Nato allies must remain on constant alert to Russian activity. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky, and Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the UN. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Osman Iqbal Editor: Justine Lang and Damon Rose Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: John Healey Credit: Thomas Traasdahl / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty Images)

    Mark Suzman, Gates Foundation: Countries should be embarrassed

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2026 22:58


    “The fact that we are now the world's largest funder of the World Health Organisation should be a major embarrassment to every country on this planet.”Sam Fenwick speaks to Mark Suzman, CEO of Gates Foundation, the world's largest philanthropic organisation, about why he thinks cuts to global aid spending is costing lives.He says the Foundation has overtaken world governments to become the largest financial backer of the WHO. Last year, the United States scaled back parts of its overseas aid budget. It wasn't the only county to do so, with many governments including the UK, Germany, France and Japan all spending less.For an institution with little democratic accountability, Mark Suzman is asked whether there is too much reliance on the Gates Foundation globally and whether its priorities are the right ones.Thank you to the Business Daily team for its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, and Samantha Power, former US Ambassador to UN. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Sam Fenwick Producer: Cordelia Hemming Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Mark Suzman Credit: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    Simukai Chigudu, African Politics Professor: I support reparations

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 23:01


    “The European empires are guilty of a great many sins and horrors. And I actually think they should all be taking on a very serious project of decolonisation and reparative justice.”Amol Rajan speaks to Simukai Chigudu, Associate Professor of African Politics at Oxford University about the legacy of empire and how to reckon with the past. A member of the first generation born after the end of colonial rule in Zimbabwe, Simukai Chigudu came to the UK as a teenager and later became one of the founding members of a campaign to try to get the statue of imperialist Cecil Rhodes moved from Oriel College in Oxford.Now an associate professor of African politics at the University of Oxford, he's written a memoir called Chasing Freedom: Coming of Age at the End of Empire.He discusses the legacy of the Rhodes Must Fall campaign, why he thinks we should be decolonising the curriculum and whether countries like Britain should pay reparations for slavery.Thank you to the Radical with Amol Rajan team for its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Helen Thompson, professor of political economy at Cambridge University, and acclaimed author Sir Salman Rushdie. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Cordelia Hemming Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Simukai Chigudu Credit: BBC)

    Parmy Olson, AI expert: Who controls the future?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 23:00


    “These companies don't really care what governments do. Their priority is their shareholders, their own existence and the next quarter of growth. There is the possibility that governments can regulate them, but they just don't. They don't regulate them properly. The most they get are multi-billion dollar fines, which sounds like a lot, but actually in the grand scheme of things it's pocket change. It is a parking ticket for these companies.” Misha Glenny speaks to technology writer Parmy Olson about artifical intelligence, power and politics.As AI rapidly reshapes economies and societies, Parmy has been tracking the growing power of the companies driving this technological revolution.With tech giants now valued in the trillions, she also questions whether governments are equipped to regulate them effectively, or if their influence has already outpaced political control. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Google boss Sundar Pichai and Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Misha Glenny Producers: Lucy Shepperd and Osman Iqbal Editor: Damon Rose and Justine Lang Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

    Eric Idle, comedian: Nothing is off limits in comedy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2026 12:28


    “I think there's nothing off limits [with comedy] because it's subconscious, it's examining things. I find it quite interesting. And Monty Python was particularly good at not allowing ourselves to be censored, although people tried with ‘The Life Of Brian'... But that's what made it a hit.”John Wilson speaks to English comedian, writer, musician and actor Eric Idle about his life and career.He's best-known for being a founding member of the comedy troupe Monty Python, writing and performing across their four television series and their films, including ‘The Life Of Brian' and ‘The Meaning Of Life'.Idle is also behind the Tony Award-winning musical ‘Spamalot', based on the film ‘Monty Python and The Holy Grail'. It ran twice in London's West End and on Broadway, and has also been staged in 14 countries around the world.Thank you to the This Cultural Life team for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Mexican actor Diego Calva, tennis champion Martina Navratilova, and global music icon Stevie Wonder. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: John Wilson Producers: Ben Cooper and Edwina Pitman Editors: Justine Lang and Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Eric Idle Credit: Sarah Jeynes/BBC)

    Jeremy Hansen, astronaut: Moon mission shows best of humanity

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 22:58


    “I hope humanity will stop for a moment when four humans are on the far side of the moon and be reminded that we can do a better job as humans of just lifting each other up. Not destroying, but creating together.”Rebecca Morelle and Tim Peake speak to Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen ahead of the launch of Artemis II.Hansen is one of four crew members of NASA's latest mission into Space. Launching from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, Artemis II will be heading to the Moon and will circle it before returning home. Although they won't be landing, it's the first time in over half a century that humans have ventured to the Moon.If the mission is successful, it'll result in some historic firsts: Hansen will become the first non-American to leave low-Earth orbit with crewmates Christina Koch the first woman and Victor Glover the first person of colour to do so too.Thank you to the 13 Minutes team for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro, former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and Ugandan human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenters: Rebecca Morelle and Tim Peake Producers: Ben Cooper, Alex Mansfield and Sophie Ormiston Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Jeremy Hansen Credit: Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP via Getty Images)

    Winnie Byanyima, head of UNAids: I am somebody who fights for social justice and gender equality

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 22:59


    Winnie Byanyima, head of UNAids. has devoted her life to advancing human rights and equality, first in her home country Uganda, and then on the global stage: “We live in a complex world, a challenging world. I am somebody who fights for social justice and gender equality, and I continue to do so. It's maybe a tough environment, but I do not change my position. I don't alter it at all.” Part of the pro-democracy movement in Uganda, she is now a critic of the country's leadership and what she believes to be the wrongful arrest and detention of her husband Kizza Besigye. And as the leader of a global organisation charged with co-ordinating the response to HIV Aids, she is having to weigh up funding cuts, a loss of trust in the UN and increasing global conflict. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Joy Phumaphi of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance and artist Tracey Emin. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Catherine Byaruhanga Producers: Clare Williamson and Osman Iqbal Editor: Damon Rose Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Images: Winnie Byanyima Credit: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP)

    Mohammed Idris, Nigeria's Information Minister: Stopping militant attacks

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2026 23:09


    “I don't think they failed. I think that more work needs to be done. Nigerian security agencies are working around the clock to ensure that this does not happen again. We don't want to see people being attacked, we don't to see people denied sleep as a result of the activities of these criminals and religious extremists.”Victoria Uwonkunda speaks to Mohammed Idris, Nigeria's Information Minister, about renewed concerns over security following a wave of deadly suicide bombings in the country's north-east, which killed more than 20 people and injured more than 100.The violence has raised fresh questions about whether the authorities can prevent such attacks.Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and one of its largest economies, but it faces pressing challenges. From tackling brain drain and creating opportunities for a young and fast-growing population, to managing its role as a major oil producer in an uncertain global economy. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky, and Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the UN. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Victoria Uwonkunda Producers: Lucy Sheppard and Osman Iqbal Editor: Justine Lang and Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Mohammed Idris Credit: REUTERS)

    Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, head of the WTO: What is going on in the Middle East will have a significant impact on trade

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 22:59


    “The global economy is full of uncertainty… business doesn't do that well with uncertainty. So with respect to trade… what is going on in the Middle East will have a significant impact on trade” Ben Thompson speaks to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Director General of the World Trade Organisation. The global trade system - embodied by the WTO - is supposed to bring countries together by setting and enforcing the rules for them to sell goods and services to each other as well as resolve trade disputes. This week in Cameroon a WTO ministerial Conference is taking place against the backdrop of war in the Middle East and unprecedented challenges to the established world trading system. The war, President Trump's tariffs and a growing urge for independence are all impacting the way goods and services flow across borders. In this interview Dr Okonjo-Iweala discusses the restrictions coming into force and their impact on global trade. She also talks about the need to reform the trading system so it works better for all parties. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Samantha Power, former US ambassador to the UN and Dame Sarah Mullally, the archbishop of Canterbury. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Ben Thompson Producers: Jonathan Josephs, Clare Williamson Editor: Damon Rose Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Credit: PIERRE ALBOUY/AFP via Getty Images)

    Joy Phumaphi, African Leaders Malaria Alliance: Malaria is an all of society challenge

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2026 23:00


    “Malaria is an all of society challenge. When you look at the environmental issues, addressing the breeding sites for mosquitoes, it's an all of society issue…it is not just the responsibility of the heads of state.”Daniel Dadzie hears from Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, or ALMA.ALMA was founded with the goal of eradicating malaria in Africa by 2030. Now, Joy Phumaphi concedes this is not going to happen. In fact, she says only a few countries across the continent will hit this target, thanks to a “perfect storm” of climate change, insecticide and drug resistance, spiralling costs and cuts in aid. She also highlights the risk that private sector development projects can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Thank you to Daniel Dadzie, Albert Kirui and Brian Khisa their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with South Africa's Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Daniel Dadzie Producer: Albert Kirui, Brian Khisa and Lucy Sheppard Editors: Damon Rose and Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Joy Phumaphi Credit: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

    Nadia Calviño, EIB President: Can Europe compete?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 23:01


    “We put the money where Europe's priorities are. Many people may think defence is about tanks. No, defence is also about energy security. It is about social cohesion and territorial cohesion. That's the European brand. So we need to act in all these areas in order to ensure peace, security, stability on our continent.” Peter Macjob speaks to Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank, about Europe's shifting priorities, and the growing urgency around defence and security. With wars, energy shocks and tariffs reshaping the global economy, Europe is being forced to rethink its position in a changing world. The EIB is the EU's lending arm, mobilising billions of euros to finance infrastructure, energy and technology projects across Europe and the developing world. Calviño, a former Spanish finance minister, took on the role in 2024 at a time of war in Ukraine, rising geopolitical tensions and growing strain on global trade. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and free speech campaigner Maria Ressa. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Peter Macjob Producers: Osman Iqbal and Lucy Sheppard Editor: Justine Lang and Damon Rose Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Nadia Calviño Credit: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    Ali Bahreini, Iran's UN Ambassador: No surrender

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 23:02


    “Donald Trump was indicating that they will attack Iran for a few days and then the system will collapse, and then they will repeat what they have done in Venezuela. And everything went into a different direction. The Iranian nation is not a nation to surrender.” Evan Davis speaks to Ali Bahreini, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, about the ongoing war. He talks about Iran's nuclear negotiations, how it says the war is unfolding, and why it believes their strikes on neighbouring countries are justified. Bahreini has represented the Islamic Republic of Iran in international diplomacy since 1999. He is now speaking at a time of heightened regional and global tension, following a wave of strikes by the United States and Israel, and Iran's retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. Despite senior Iranian figures being killed, Bahreini insists Iran remains defiant and will never surrender. Thank you to the PM team for its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Evan Davis Producers: Guy Emanuel, Caleb Darwin, Lucy Shepperd, Osman Iqbal Editor: Justine Lang and Damon Rose Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Ali Bahreini Photo by SALVATORE DI NOLFI/EPA/Shutterstock (16721914l)

    Alexander Stubb, President of Finland: We live in a world of disorder

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 23:02


    “The changing date was the war in Ukraine in February 2022, and then probably the new American administration. So we don't know where the world is going to land. We live a little bit in a world of disorder right now.”Matt Chorley speaks to Alexander Stubb, President of Finland about shifting global priorities and allegiances.President Stubb is known for his good relationship with his American counterpart Donald Trump, forged in part over their shared love of golf. But in spite of this he believes it is right that Nato, as a defensive alliance, should stay out of the war in Iran. This, he says, is the US and Israel's conflict.Thank you to the BBC Newsnight team for its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Polish President Karol Nawrocki and the Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Matt Chorley Producers: Jonathan Aspinwall, Adam Bowen, Katherine Hodgson, Jack Hunter and Osman Iqbal Editor: Justine Lang and Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Alexander Stubb Credit: Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    Tracey Emin, artist: I've been given a second chance

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 23:00


    “When you've been really nihilistic in your life when you're younger, and then you feel you've been given a second chance.”Emma Barnett speaks to artist Dame Tracey Emin about her life and career. Emin rose to fame in 1990s as a disruptor of the art world, with her works, such as the sculpture ‘My Bed', gaining widespread media attention. Having been at the forefront of the modern art scene for over three decades, a solo exhibition has now opened at the Tate Modern in London showcasing 40 years of her work.She's well-known for channelling her life experiences into her artwork. Following a troubled childhood, in which she was a victim of sexual abuse, Emin battled alcohol addiction throughout her adult life. However, she gave up alcohol after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer in 2020 - which is now in remission.Emin views the experience as a ‘second life', and believes the lifestyle change has been for the better.Thank you to the Ready to Talk with Emma Barnett team for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, free speech campaigner Maria Ressa, and Olympic cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Emma Barnett Producers: Ben Cooper, Mark Ward and Clare Williamson Editor: Justine Lang and Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Tracey Emin posing beside her artwork during a preview of her upcoming show, Tracey Emin: A Second Life at The Tate Modern in London. Credit: ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images)

    Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk: Freedom of navigation will depend on some kind of deal between the two sides at war

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 23:01


    “We need to get back to something where freedom of navigation and peaceful navigation is restored, and that will depend on some kind of deal between the two sides in that war.” Jonathan Josephs speaks to Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk the world's second largest shipping company. The conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States has led to the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz. It's one of the world's most important shipping routes which before this war, carried about a fifth of global oil supplies. Cargo ships there are being targeted, and seafarers have been killed. The disruption is halting the transport of vital cargo containers and pushing up energy prices. Countries in the Gulf region like Saudi Arabia, rely heavily on energy exports, and, Asia, where much of it is sold, will be hit hard. Food and fertiliser supplies are also being affected. It's not just the Strait of Hormuz that's being disrupted. Security threats mean shipping is also avoiding the Red Sea route through the Suez Canal, which because of the sheer volume of cargo traffic, is arguably more important to global trade. Vincent Clerc says the cost of war will have to be passed on, leading to higher prices for consumers around the world. Thank you to Jonathan Josephs for his help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister, Jamie Dimon Chief Executiveof JP Morgan Chase and many others. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Jonathan Josephs Producer: Clare Williamson Editor: Damon Rose Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Vincent Clerc Credit: BBC)

    Karim Beguir, co-founder of InstaDeep: People are too gloomy about AI

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 23:01


    “People are too gloomy about AI, particularly in the developing world it is seen as a threat, that people are going to be using AI systems, rather than offshoring jobs and the like. That's true, but you could use AI yourself and develop solutions to the challenges you have in your community, in your country, and create unprecedented wealth.” BBC presenter Ed Butler speaks to Karim Beguir, co-founder and boss of InstaDeep, Africa's biggest AI firm. InstaDeep's technology played a key role during the pandemic, tracking new disease variants to support the development of targeted vaccines. And while he acknowledges artificial intelligence does need control and direction, he believes it has the potential to bring enormous benefit to the developing world. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and political economist Professor Helen Thompson. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Ed Butler Producer: Hannah Mullane, Niamh McDermott, Lucy Sheppard Editors: Justine Lang and Damon Rose Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Karim Beguir Credit: JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP via Getty Images)

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