The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim
Sky News
Sky News’ Yalda Hakim and NBC’s Richard Engel have covered world events for years. This is the podcast where they share experiences from the frontline.
They debrief from global flashpoints and discuss their encounters with the biggest decision makers. They’ll also be joined by some of those key players to help make sense of world events.
From conflict in the Middle East, to the Trump presidency, and the war in Ukraine there is no better place for analysis and expertise
New episodes from Richard and Yalda every Wednesday.
They debrief from global flashpoints and discuss their encounters with the biggest decision makers. They’ll also be joined by some of those key players to help make sense of world events.
From conflict in the Middle East, to the Trump presidency, and the war in Ukraine there is no better place for analysis and expertise
New episodes from Richard and Yalda every Wednesday.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 25, 2026 • 36min
Inside Lebanon: A war within the war
Reports from Beirut show neighborhoods devastated and over a million people displaced. A tense press briefing in Tel Aviv raises questions about long-term military aims and regional pipelines. Discussions cover possible US troop moves, shifting front lines, and fears of carving new borders in Lebanon. Regional mediators and the risk of wider sectarian fallout are also explored.
Mar 19, 2026 • 28min
Inside Iran: What's it like in Tehran right now?
Zein Ja'Far, on‑the‑ground Sky News reporter in Tehran, shares field observations amid bombardment. Dominic Waghorn, Sky News International Affairs Editor, reports from Tehran on funerals, street gatherings, and interviews with officials. They discuss daily life under strikes, state media narratives, public resilience, and regional strategic risks.
Mar 18, 2026 • 34min
Did America and Israel just ramp up the war in the Middle East?
They break down recent escalations across the Middle East, from troop deployments to targeted ground operations in southern Lebanon. They explore Iran's leadership strike and its ripple effects on regional diplomacy. They discuss internet blackouts, media restraints in war zones, and the risks of a U.S. military foothold in the Gulf.
Mar 11, 2026 • 35min
10 days of war: How the Iran conflict is becoming a global crisis
They tackle Iran’s new supreme leader and what his rise might mean for the conflict. They debate Trump’s claims, misinformation and the role of deepfakes. A Qatar interview explores Gulf states’ anger and vulnerability after regional strikes. They map possible military options, the risk of wider great-power involvement, and who could gain or lose from the war.
Mar 4, 2026 • 27min
Have America and Israel just started a forever war with Iran?
Reporting from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv about recent strikes and escalating threats. Discussion of U.S. and Israeli objectives, from degrading military capabilities to preventing proxy attacks. Analysis of Iran’s leadership, internal divisions, and how long Tehran can sustain conflict. Assessment of escalation risks, regional spillover, and the evolving role of drones and air campaigns.
Mar 1, 2026 • 20min
Ayatollah Khamenei killed: What next for The Middle East? Q&A with Richard Engel
Breaking news from the Middle East and the shockwaves of leadership loss. The challenges of forcing regime change without ground troops. How diplomacy failed and what drove sudden strikes. Israel’s current military dominance and regional dynamics. The roles of the U.S., Russia and China in the unfolding crisis. Possible futures for Iran and the uncertain succession.
Feb 26, 2026 • 36min
'We are not out of the woods': Why democracy in the United States is being tested
Ken Burns, documentary filmmaker known for epic American histories, reflects on the nation's past and present. He discusses the complexity of the Revolution, why long-form storytelling matters, and how everyday lives shaped the founding. He warns democracy is being tested while urging historical perspective ahead of the 250th anniversary.
Feb 25, 2026 • 38min
'Not a Palestinian in sight': Inside Gaza after the ceasefire
A firsthand account from inside Gaza showing widespread destruction and the sharp divide between rebuilt border areas and ruined neighborhoods. Discussion of continued Israeli military presence, shown tunnels, and why withdrawal remains contested. A look at risks of wider conflict with Iran and reflections on four years of war in Ukraine and shifting leadership decisions.
Feb 18, 2026 • 41min
Is Iran about to go to war?
Discussion of Iran’s recent threats and military posturing toward the US. Reports from Tehran on internet blackouts, protest suppression and economic hardship. Debate over indirect Geneva talks and whether nuclear negotiations can be separated from missiles and regional proxies. Reactions from Israel, Arab states and attendees at the Munich Security Conference are also examined.
Feb 10, 2026 • 39min
Former spy chief on Mandelson, Ukraine, China and Trump
Sir Richard Moore, former head of MI6 and veteran diplomat. He reflects on life inside intelligence and the limits of vetting. He discusses MI6’s role in supporting Ukraine, risks around Iran, and how to engage and counter a rising China while sustaining Western alliances.
