Claim OwnershipThe World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim
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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.
85 Episodes
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Who is the new Iranian leader and will he make a difference to the conflict? Trump says the war is "won" but do his team agree? And who is set to gain from the war in Iran? Yalda is in Qatar and Richard is in Tel Aviv for this week's episode. Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani has told Yalda he wants a diplomatic solution to the conflict and has told Iran to stop the attacks in the region. The pair discuss what the conflict means for the Gulf States and Richard gives some context to Iran's new leader Mojtaba Khamenei and what his appointment might mean for hopes of peace. They also answer listeners' questions on which countries will benefit from the war, that reveal some surprising answers. To watch the episode on YouTube, click here. Send your questions to theworld@sky.uk
What happens next in Iran? Will there be regime change? And what are the actual objectives of Israel and America? Yalda and Richard are both in Israel as the conflict in the region ramps up. Both have been reporting on the ground and working their contacts to find out what the American and Israeli strategy is. As the death toll in Iran climbs, and the Americans say the biggest hits are yet to come, just what happens next? The two of them will answer listeners' questions, so write to them at theworld@sky.uk To listen to Richard’s bonus Q&A episode, click here. You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here.
Can you carry out regime change without boots on the ground? Will President Trump walk away now the Supreme Leader is dead? Does this feel like 2003 all over again?Richard has been in Israel watching events unfold. He was in Tel Aviv when Israel and America launched strikes against Iran which ultimately led to the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei and many members of the top command.In this special episode, Richard answers some questions about the situation and what might happen next.He will be back with Yalda for a regular episode later in the week.The two of them will answer listeners' questions, so write to them at theworld@sky.ukYou can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here.
1Ken Burns is one of America's most successful documentary filmmakers.Ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence later this year, he sits down with Yalda in this extra episode to reflect on where the US has come from, as well as the current state of the nation.Burns has been making films for more than 40 years, winning Emmys and Grammys, and has even had a film effect named after him - 'the Ken Burns'.His most recent project is a six-part series on the American Revolution that took Burns and his team at PBS 10 years to make.He also talks to Yalda about why he chose this project, the process of making it and why he fears for the current state of America under President Trump.You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here.Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
What is Gaza like four months on from the ceasefire? Are Hamas still operating? Why won’t Israeli troops withdraw completely? And what about the Palestinians who have been forced to leave their homes?Richard has been taken into Gaza by the IDF, which is still the only way that international journalists are allowed into the Strip. He is shown a Hamas tunnel which the IDF says was used until recently.He also paints Yalda a picture of the complete destruction that he saw.The two also reflect on the war in Ukraine, four years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion.Yalda’s interview with the iconic American filmmaker, Ken Burns, will be available on Thursday 26th February.You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here.Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
Why did the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei just threaten to sink US warships? Is the progress made in the talks between America and Iran meaningful? What could happen next?US President Donald Trump has sent more military equipment towards Iran and has said regime change is the “best thing that could happen”. At the same time, Iranian officials have said that some progress has been made in indirect talks with America. So, what’s really going on?Richard and Yalda have both been talking to their contacts in the region and bring each other up to speed with what they are hearing.Yalda also spent the weekend at the Munich Security Conference and gives her view on the last Shah of Iran’s son, Reza Pahlavi, who was also there.Richard also talks about the Savannah Guthrie case. Savannah is a good friend and colleague of Richard, and the two have worked closely together for years.You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here.Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
What is next for Iran? Did MI6 know about Peter Mandelson’s past with Epstein? How does Europe bring Putin to the negotiating table? When he left his job in 2025, the former head of MI6 said that he didn't think he’d left the world in a better place than when he was first appointed in 2020. But a lot has happened since he took the position, Sir Richard Moore has served two monarchs, four prime ministers, five deputy prime ministers and six foreign secretaries. He was also in charge of the security service when Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when Trump returned to the White House, and during the upheaval in the Middle East with the war in Gaza. In this episode of The World podcast, Yalda Hakim asks him about the vetting of Peter Mandelson, how the war in Ukraine might end, and the new world order including China and the US. To watch the episode on The World YouTube channel click here.
What is the mood in Iran’s capital? Are people still protesting in the streets? What is the regime saying about what happened?Richard Engel is in Tehran for NBC News and tells Yalda what he is seeing and what officials are telling him.Because of the internet issues in Iran, Richard’s connection dropped off halfway through. Yalda then speaks about her exclusive interview with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino. When asked whether FIFA should lift its ban on Russia, he said it had "not achieved anything". He also explains why he stands by his decision to give President Trump the FIFA Peace Prize.You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here.To watch Yalda’s full interview with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, click here.Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
How does the Iranian regime use technology to control its people? How has AI and misinformation been used in the current wave of protests?The Iranian regime just implemented the longest internet shutdown in its history. For over two weeks, very little information was getting in or out of the country as security forces cracked down hard on protestors.Shutting off the internet is something the regime has done many times before. But why and how does it do it?Mahsa Alimardani is associate director of technology threats and opportunities at WITNESS and specialises in how disinformation and AI are used in protests across the globe.An Iranian herself, Mahsa tells Yalda the full scale of the misinformation tactics used by the regime as well as her ambitions to democratise satellite internet access.You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here.Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
It's been a month since a wave of protests spread across Iran, followed by a brutal government crackdown. With the country under an internet blackout, it's still unclear how many have been killed - Richard and Yalda discuss what the death toll could be and we hear from one woman who shares what life is like inside Iran. With Trump’s Board of Peace now established, Richard and Yalda explain what it is, who is on it and whether it could ultimately rival the United Nations. Finally, as the United States deals with the aftermath of the killing of Alex Pretti – the man who was shot dead by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis - Richard and Yalda explain whether this could be a turning point for the country. You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
Why does Donald Trump want Greenland so much? How is Europe reacting? Yalda is at Davos where the president insisted that America must have Greenland. He has announced a framework has been agreed with NATO, but that the details still need to be worked out. Yalda has been speaking to officials in Davos, who told her how betrayed they felt by the president. Yalda also speaks to foreign policy expert Richard Fontaine about how Washington is reacting to the president’s latest moves. Richard and Yalda then bring an update on the ongoing protests and internet blackout in Iran. With reports of soldiers firing on those in the streets, what will happen next? To listen to Yalda’s bonus episode on the situation in Iran, go to the page on Spotify or Apple. If you want to know more about the framework agreed on Greenland between Trump and NATO listen to our sister podcast Trump100. You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
What does the Iranian diaspora want America to do? Do they want intervention? And what do they think is next for Iran?As protests continue across Iran and President Trump warns of consequences if the killing continues Yalda Hakim sits down with two Iranian American women to hear the views of the Iranian diaspora.In this extra episode of the World, she speaks to Azadeh Afsahi, a human rights activist and Moj Mahdara who set up the Iranian Diaspora Collective about their motherland, their relationship to it, and what they want to happen next.You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here.Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
US President Donald Trump says "help is on its way" to the protesters in Iran – but what does he mean? Will the president strike Iran? And what could actually happen if the regime falls? Protests in Iran have been spreading across the country for nearly two weeks. Why are tens of thousands of people out on the street? Richard and Yalda take stock of the fast-moving situation in Iran and try to make sense of what might happen next. The two of them have been speaking to their contacts from across the globe, and Yalda has had a conversation with Shervin Pishevar, an American-Iranian businessman who has been instrumental in getting Elon Musk’s Starlink up and running in the country. Richard also explains why even if Mr Trump acts, it will not be as easy a task as what he did in Venezuela. You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
What is the real reason that Trump wanted to remove Nicolas Maduro? Could he be about to do the same thing in other countries? And why is he saying he “needs” Greenland?After the audacious events in Venezuela which saw President Nicolas Maduro removed by American special forces and taken to New York to face trial, Richard and Yalda discuss what could happen next in the region.Richard is in Colombia and tells Yalda what the mood is like in the neighbouring country.Yalda also talks about what is happening in Iran and why she thinks Israel could strike the country this year.You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here.Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
In this special Christmas episode, Richard and Yalda answer your questions. After a huge year in international news, the two reflect on the year that has been and what might be coming up in 2026.Questions include: What was the defining story of 2025? If you weren’t a journalist, what would you be? And how do you adjust to life after covering conflict?They also answer some more light hearted questions and reveal their favourite cocktails, cities and best cures for jet lag.You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here.If you have a question for Richard and Yalda, write to them at theworld@sky.uk
What's next for Australia after the deadly Bondi Beach terrorist attack? Yalda grew up in Sydney and tells Richard about why Bondi is such a special place for her and Australians, as well as sharing how the country might recover after the horrific events. Yalda has also been speaking exclusively to the sons of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who give her an update on the conditions their father is in. To hear the full interview with the sons, click here. To hear what the Pakistan government says about the claims Kasim and Sulaiman make, click here. Richard also gives an update on the peace talks to end the war in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump says a deal is closer than ever. But how true is that? You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
What is the truth behind that deepfake of Yalda? Why was it so inflammatory? A deepfake of Yalda and her guest went viral after it made the two women say something completely false. Yalda tells Richard exactly what happened and why these types of videos can be so dangerous. Yalda also gets to grips with the new powers granted to Pakistan’s military chief Asim Munir with the help of journalist and human rights activist, the British Pakistani woman Gul Bukhari. Richard and Yalda also break down America’s new national security strategy. Why was Russia happy with it? And why did European leaders reject it? Yalda also spoke to Donald Trump’s son, Don Junior, who revealed whether or not his father might walk away from the war in Ukraine. You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
Is Pakistan slipping into military rule? Why is the UN sounding the alarm about new changes to the country’s constitution? Will Imran Khan ever be released? Yalda breaks down exactly what is going on in Pakistan and speaks to one of Imran Khan's close advisors Zulfi Bukhari to get the latest on the former Prime Minister. Richard is in Ukraine and has an update as negotiations on a possible peace plan continue between America, Ukraine and Russia. But will President Putin accept the amendments President Zelenskyy has made to the plan that appeared last week? You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
What is actually in the detail of the Ukraine plan? Will Russia agree to the EU and Ukraine's amendments? The leaked 28-point plan for peace in Ukraine which emerged last week was seen by many as capitulation to Russian demands. In response, European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted their counter demands. Richard has been at the peace talks happening in Geneva and breaks down the US plan with Yalda. They go through the main sticking points: territory, military and NATO membership. They also recap the corruption scandal engulfing the heart of Zelenskyy's government, which is putting extra pressure on the need for a ceasefire with Russia. You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
Is this Mohammed bin Salman’s comeback tour? Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, also known as MBS, is returning to the White House for the first time since the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 at the country's consulate in Istanbul. US intelligence concluded that the crown prince approved the capture or killing of Khashoggi, a prominent critic. MBS has denied this but acknowledged responsibility as de-facto ruler. Plus, Richard, now back from Colombia, reveals what he learnt from his interview with the country’s president, Gustavo Petro, who is currently in a war of words with Donald Trump about the flow of drugs into the US. And Yalda explains why the former Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death, and Yalda shares a story about when she caught the ‘fiery woman' off guard. You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk
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A lot happening in the world and barely a podcast by these two. Great concept but need to keep your audience engaged and listening.
It’s really different
Very interesting and thanks soucb for sharing. That said I would have liked to have had ore about the details of where the kidnapping was, who the group was, who was the group that had saved you. This is all in the public domain now, and it would have added colour to the story.
What do you think about the allegations that Iran sold Hasan Nasrollah?