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John Kerry, Former US Secretary of State: We face a special challenge in America Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

We face a special challenge in America.

James Naughtie speaks to veteran US politician John Kerry about the state of American politics and his long career at the top of global affairs.

As well as standing for president himself as the Democratic candidate in 2004, he served as Secretary of State in the Obama administration and as Joe Biden’s climate envoy.

Secretary Kerry was at the centre of some of the most significant global crises in recent history from Iraq to Iran and Syria. He still believes one of America’s greatest foreign policy mistakes was invading Iraq in 2003 without first seeking formal approval from the US Congress.

He is forthright in his views on America today, saying he has never seen anything like what the country is living through. He describes politics as defined by greed and insensitivity, and guided by the lowest aspirations. For his Democratic party to return to power once more, he challenges them to face and address the issues the American people care about, including immigration.

Thank you to the Politically 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. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: James Naughtie Producers: Lucy Sheppard, Giles Edwards Editor: Nick Holland

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: John Kerry. Credit: Reuters)

Sergei Tikhanovsky, Belarussian opposition activist: Belarus will be free Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

Sarah Rainsford speaks to Belarussian opposition activist Sergei Tikhanovsky about his imprisonment after challenging the country’s authoritarian leader, President Lukashenko. He spent five years of solitary confinement in a high security prison in Belarus before being unexpectedly released this year, following a meeting between Lukashenko and an American special envoy.

Tikhanovsky had planned to run against the Belarussian leader in the 2020 presidential election, but was detained before the vote.

A year later, he was sentenced to serve 18 years in prison, convicted on charges of organising mass protests against President Lukashenko. His trial was condemned as a sham by international observers.

Tikhanovsky’s wife, Svetlana, stood in for him in the 2020 election. But the day after Lukashenko claimed a disputed victory, she fled to Lithuania with her children fearing for her safety. In her absence, she was convicted by a Belarussian court on charges including high-treason and conspiracy to seize power.

Tikhanovsky is now reunited with his family in Lithuania, where he is living in enforced exile following his release from prison.

Thank you to Sarah Rainsford, Davide Ghiglione and Franceso Tosto 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. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Sarah Rainsford Producers: Lucy Sheppard, Ben Cooper and Arsenii Sokolov Editor: Damon Rose

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Sergei Tikhanovsky. Credit: Valda Kalnina/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Guli Francis-Dehqani, Church of England Bishop: We were outsiders Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Bishop Guli is currently the Bishop of Chelmsford, a city in England, but it is also being reported that she’s one of the leading candidates to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury - the most senior bishop in the Church of England.

Although she is keen not to add to any media speculation, if selected, Bishop Guli would be a remarkable choice. Not only would she be the first woman to hold the position in the Church’s long history, but she would also become the first person of Middle Eastern heritage to hold the position too.

Born in Iran, her family came to the UK as refugees after her brother was murdered in the wake of the Iranian Revolution. Edward Stourton, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Sunday programme, speaks to Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani about her Persian identity and her faith. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Ben Cooper, Katy Davis and Lucy Sheppard Editor: Damon Rose

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani. Credit: BBC Radio 4/PA)

Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor: Europe was free-riding on US Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

Europe was free-riding on US

Nick Robinson speaks to Friedrich Merz, the new German Chancellor, about the future of Europe’s defence amid the growing threat posed by Russia. Merz, the leader of the centre-right Christian Democrat party, was elected as Chancellor earlier this year at the second attempt, following chaotic scenes in the German Bundestag that saw him lose the first parliamentary vote. He’s been in the UK to sign the first-ever friendship treaty between the two countries - it’s a wide-ranging agreement covering everything from migration to energy, and business to defence.

Unlike his predecessors who, in the shadow of World War Two, were keen to reassure the world that German military strength was not a priority, Chancellor Merz has decided to invest heavily in defence.

He says that a strong army is now essential, thanks to the grave threat Russia poses to European peace and stability - and that Germany must be able to protect itself, and not rely on America.

Chancellor Merz also talks about his good relations with US President Donald Trump and the rise of the far right AFD (Alternative für Deutschland) party in his country, which is now the official opposition.

Thank you to the Today programme 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. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Nick Robinson Producers: Lucy Sheppard, Ben Cooper and Kirsty McKenzie Sound: Dave O’Neill Editor: Nick Holland

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Friedrich Merz. Credit: Reuters)

Donald Trump, US President: I’m disappointed with Putin Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

“I'm just disappointed in him, but I'm not done with him”

The BBC’s Chief North America Correspondent, Gary O’Donoghue, speaks to US President Donald Trump in a wide-ranging telephone interview from the Oval Office. The call with the president came just hours after he announced plans to send weapons to Ukraine and warned of severe tariffs on Russia if there was no ceasefire deal within 50 days. Mr. Trump, who celebrated his 79th birthday last month, was inaugurated for a second term in the White House at the start of this year. It’s safe to say that the 47th president of the United States has wasted little time in picking up where he left off four years earlier, upending the status quo both at home and abroad.

In the conversation, he reflects on the failed attempt on his life at an election campaign rally last July in Butler, Pennsylvania. He also discusses the ongoing war in Ukraine, US immigration policy, and hopes for his legacy.

Thank you to Gary O’Donoghue and Iona Hampson 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. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Gary O’Donoghue Producers: Iona Hampson and Ben Cooper Sound: Dave O’Neill Editor: Nick Holland

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: President Trump. Credit: Reuters)

Catherine Corless, Irish historian: I’m going to be a voice for these children Jul 13, 2025

Show notes

I’m going to be a voice for these children

Chris Page, the BBC’s Ireland correspondent speaks to the Irish historian Catherine Corless, who has changed history in her own country.

When she began to research a long-closed mother and baby home near where she lived, she encountered local resistance. But her dogged investigation led to the discovery that hundreds of babies and young children were buried in mass, unmarked graves inside a disused sewage tank at the site in Tuam, Ireland.

Her work led to the discovery of the scandal of Ireland’s historical mother and baby institutions, which housed unmarried mothers and their babies at a time when they were ostracized by Irish society and often their families too. An inquiry launched by the Irish government into the network of homes concluded about nine thousand children died in the eighteen homes investigated.

The revelation led to apologies from the Catholic Church in Ireland, the Irish Government, the council which owned the home in Tuam and the religious order which ran the home. The order has also contributed millions of dollars to a compensation scheme, and to the excavation now underway in Tuam.

Thank you to Chris Page and Chrissie McGlinchey from the BBC’s Ireland bureau 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. 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: Chris Page Producers: Lucy Sheppard and Chrissie McGlinchey Editor: Nick Holland

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Catherine Corless. Credit: PA)

Keith Siegel, freed Israeli hostage: I pray for peace Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

I pray for peace. Nick Beake speaks to released Israeli hostage Keith Siegel about his experience of captivity in Gaza, of the suffering he says he witnessed at the hands of Hamas and the moment he was released. Mr. Siegel, an American-Israeli, was captured by Hamas fighters in the October 2023 attack that marked the start of the conflict in Gaza. He was one of 251 hostages taken that day, in an assault that killed around 1,200 other people who were mainly civilians. Mr Siegel was released in February after nearly 500 days. His mother passed away while he was still in captivity. You’re going to hear his accounts about his time as a hostage. Some listeners may find his descriptions disturbing. He talks about desperate living conditions in Gaza, as well as extreme levels of violence to which he says he and other hostages were subjected. Hamas has said it doesn't abuse anyone in captivity. Mr. Siegel is calling for all 50 remaining hostages to be freed - up to 20 of them are still believed to be alive. Talks on a ceasefire proposal that would include a hostage release deal are ongoing between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas's 7 October 2023 attacks. More than 57,000 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Nick Beake Producers: Ben Cooper, Kyla Herrmannsen, Katie Law and Lucy Sheppard Editor: Nick Holland Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.ukand use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Keith Siegel. Credit: Jack Guez/Getty)

Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister: The UK needs strong international relationships Jul 06, 2025

Show notes

The UK needs strong international relationships

Nick Robinson, presenter of the BBC Today programme and Political Thinking podcast, speaks to Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister, about the importance of maintaining strong international relationships.

In an interview recorded to mark Sir Keir’s first year in office, he defends the time he’s spent developing alliances with other world leaders. His critics claim he’s neglected domestic politics, and point to a series of policy u-turns. But Sir Keir tells Nick Robinson that building these relationships is essential to protect the UK’s national interest, particularly in a time of global conflict and instability.

Challenged over his domestic performance, he concedes he has changed position on some policy decisions but describes himself as a pragmatist who takes a common sense view in the light of changing circumstances.

In this conversation, Sir Keir also reflects on the impact on his family of his role as prime minister, and how he likes to relax by playing football.

Sir Keir Starmer was elected in 2024 on a substantial majority, returning the Labour party to power after fourteen years. Twelve months on, his party’s approval rating has gone down in the polls as it has run into a series of political difficulties.

Thank you to the Political Thinking team for helping to produce this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Nick Robinson Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Lucy Sheppard Editor: Nick Holland

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Keir Starmer. Credit: Reuters)

Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister: Regime change is a futile exercise Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

Lyse Doucet speaks to Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, about the future of Iran’s nuclear programme and its government. The interview took place in the country’s capital Tehran after Iran’s twelve-day war with Israel.

Both sides fired missiles into each other’s territories, with hundreds killed as military sites were destroyed and civilian infrastructure badly damaged.

Israel first attacked Iran on 13 June, claiming Iran was close to building a nuclear weapon. The conflict ended when the United States bombed three of Iran’s nuclear sites.

It is worth remembering, before any of the aggression started, talks about the future of Iran’s nuclear programme were ongoing with the US. But they were overshadowed by a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency declaring Iran was in breach of its nuclear obligations and questioned why Iran was enriching uranium to such high levels.

For now, there’s a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Majid Takht-Ravanchi explains why he thinks it will hold and what it will take for diplomacy with the United States to resume in good faith. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Lyse Doucet Producers: Charlotte Scarr and Ben Cooper Sound: Dave O’Neill Editor: Nick Holland

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Majid Takht-Ravanchi. Credit: Safin Hamid/AFP via Getty Images)

Philippe Kehren, CEO of multinational Solvay: Reducing reliance on China’s rare earth metals Jun 29, 2025

Show notes

Jonathan Josephs speaks to Philippe Kehren, CEO of chemical multinational company Solvay. His firm sits at the forefront of Europe’s efforts to diversify its supply of rare earth metals. These elements are essential to much of modern technology, from mobile phones to medical equipment, car batteries and renewable energy.

Currently their supply is heavily dependent on China, which mines around 70% of all rare earth metals, and refines around 90%. Solvay aims to play a significant role in reducing this dependence, by increasing European capacity to mine and refine these materials.

However, Mr Kehren says the European Union needs to play its part by introducing incentives for customers to buy from European suppliers rather than their cheaper Chinese competitors. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Jonathan Josephs Producer: Lucy Sheppard Editor: Nick Holland

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Philippe Kehren. Credit: Dirk Waem/Belga Mag/AFP via Getty Images)

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