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
Nov 14, 2025 • 23min
Brandi Carlile, singer-songwriter: I believe in the separation of church and state
Brandi Carlile, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and LGBTQ+ icon, dives into her music and activism. She expresses deep concerns about the separation of church and state and the threats to same-sex marriage. Carlile recalls the healing power of country music in her relationship with her mother amid childhood struggles. She reveals her unconventional recording process, channeling raw emotions into her new album, while also reflecting on the healing of past wounds. Anger and vulnerability shape her work, making it as personal as ever.
Nov 12, 2025 • 23min
Maria Alyokhina, Russian punk activist: The price of political art was prison
Maria Alyokhina is a founding member of Pussy Riot, renowned for her fierce activism against the Kremlin. In this conversation, she shares her harrowing experiences in a penal colony following her arrest for the protest song Punk Prayer. Maria reflects on the power of political art and its cost, the difficulties of continuing activism under constant surveillance, and her dramatic escape from house arrest disguised as a courier. She discusses the growing dangers for protesters in Russia and her ongoing commitment to challenging oppression, despite the risks involved.
Nov 10, 2025 • 23min
Sir Salman Rushdie, author: Writing fiction in a time of lies
In this engaging conversation, Sir Salman Rushdie, an acclaimed novelist and a passionate advocate for free expression, discusses his latest work, The Eleventh Hour, after surviving a harrowing attack. He explores the role of fiction in uncovering truths against a backdrop of lies and censorship. Rushdie shares insights on the impact of book bans, the challenges he faced in reclaiming his narrative, and the themes of mortality and farewell in his new novellas. He also reflects on the power of literature to counter disinformation and the challenges posed by AI.
Nov 7, 2025 • 23min
Nhial Deng Nhial, South Sudanese politician: South Sudan is being run down
Nhial Deng Nhial, a senior South Sudanese politician and former foreign minister, critiques the current government, reflecting on political instability and governance failures. He discusses the squandered oil wealth that could have fueled development and warns of South Sudan's reliance on aid. Nhial emphasizes the urgent need for free elections to mitigate violence, questions President Salva Kiir's legitimacy, and addresses the handling of Riek Machar's charges. He expresses disappointment over unfulfilled hopes for the country since independence.
Nov 5, 2025 • 23min
Sir Bradley Wiggins, cyclist: I couldn’t see hope or joy
Sir Bradley Wiggins, the first Briton to win the Tour de France and a five-time Olympic gold medallist, shares his tumultuous journey through fame, loss, and recovery. He candidly discusses the pain of childhood abuse from a coach and the ensuing struggles with drug addiction. Wiggins reflects on the challenges surrounding doping allegations and the importance of reclaiming his narrative through his book. He emphasizes the vital role of family love in his recovery and how he now values personal growth over past accolades.
Nov 3, 2025 • 23min
Edward Enninful, former editor of British Vogue: Fashion has to be more inclusive
Edward Enninful, former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, brings a rich perspective on inclusivity in fashion. He recounts arriving in London from Ghana and feeling out of place among a predominantly white crowd. Enninful emphasizes the need for diversity, highlighting his mother's influence on his vision of beauty. He warns against a return to narrow beauty standards and shares his plans for EE72, a platform dedicated to inclusivity. He also discusses the evolving role of social media and the importance of protecting youth from harmful ideals.
Oct 31, 2025 • 23min
Sir Philip Pullman, author: Fantasy can be unsatisfactory
Sir Philip Pullman, the acclaimed author of the His Dark Materials trilogy, discusses his new book, The Rose Field. He critiques conventional fantasy for lacking psychological depth and explores the tension between personal faith and institutional religion. Pullman shares insights on the importance of imagination, stating it perceives non-physical realities. He reflects on childhood experiences that shaped his writing and expresses concern about declining reading rates among children, advocating for family reading and libraries as solutions.
Oct 29, 2025 • 23min
Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia co-founder: We’re living in an era of a massive lowering of trust
Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia and advocate for open knowledge, discusses the urgent need to rebuild trust in the digital age. He shares insights from his book, The Seven Rules of Trust, exploring how Wikipedia's community-driven model counteracts the rising tide of misinformation. Wales addresses challenges like political bias, moderation of bad actors, and maintaining neutrality. He also highlights the risks and opportunities presented by AI, advocating for transparency as a cornerstone for restoring public confidence in information.
9 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 23min
Kamala Harris, former US Vice President: I am not done
Kamala Harris, the former Vice President and 2024 presidential hopeful, delves into her rapid 107-day campaign in this insightful conversation. She takes responsibility for her whirlwind run after Joe Biden's surprising withdrawal and discusses the challenges of connecting with voters in such a short time. Harris candidly critiques Donald Trump, labeling him a 'tyrant' while stressing the need for more time to communicate her policies. She also reflects on her future in politics, indicating that she's not done serving and exploring new paths ahead.
Oct 21, 2025 • 23min
David Grossman, author: Isolating Israel is not the answer
In this compelling discussion, David Grossman, a renowned Israeli novelist and peace activist, shares his profound insights on the current Israel-Hamas war. He argues that isolating Israel is a misstep, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue over boycotts. Grossman elaborates on why he labeled Israel's actions as genocide and delves into the challenges faced by Palestinian citizens in Israel. He also reflects on the shifting dynamics of Israeli society post-October 7, highlighting the importance of maintaining moral values amid crisis.
