Amanpour and Company

News and Public Affairs Series / 2 Seasons

Featuring conversations with global leaders and decision makers on the issues affecting the world today, Amanpour and Company adds to the long tradition of public affairs programming that has been a hallmark of public media for decades.

Watch: S2023 E6121

26m 46s

A Nat Geo Explorer’s Quest to Help Solve Drought

15m 33s

In the U.S., at least seven states are affected by the alarming depletion of the Colorado River. Water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead have reached historic lows. Author and journalist Erica Gies is sounding the alarm in her book “Water Always Wins," and offering a glimmer of hope with a look at innovative ways to conserve this essential resource.

New Documentary: "The Flagmakers"

17m 38s

Among the world’s most recognizable symbols, the American flag is displayed on almost every public building and countless homes across the country. Have you ever wondered where all these flags come from -- and who makes them? The answer is in a new documentary, "The Flagmakers." Directors Sharon Liese and Cynthia Wade met factory workers who stitch stars and stripes for a living.

How the Bipartisan Committee to Fix Congress Got Things Done

17m 56s

Every few decades, it seems, Congress realizes things aren’t working the way they should and tries to do something about it. The latest effort was a bipartisan select committee on the modernization of Congress -- also known as the “Fix Congress” committee -- led by Democrat Derek Kilmer and Republican William Timmons. They join Michel Martin to explain how they tried to fix Congress.

Bill Browder: Putin Thinks He Can Outlast Us

17m 42s

Over the past two weeks, chaotic scenes of Russian tanks exploding and driving into minefields were recorded by Ukrainian military drones in Donetsk, indicating major failures in the Kremlin’s military tactics. Investor Bill Browder speaks with Walter Isaacson to discuss the effectiveness of the NATO allies’ sanctions on Russia and the pace of its assistance to Ukraine at this critical juncture.

These Veterans Are Combating Extremism at Home

17m 14s

Iraq war veteran Kris Goldsmith is founder of the Task Force Butler Institute. It’s a nonprofit with a mission to take down right-wing extremist movements that are gaining influence – especially among some of Goldsmith's fellow vets. He speaks with Hari Sreenivasan about this phenomenon in a conversation that is part of Exploring Hate, our ongoing series on antisemitism, racism, and extremism.

Finding Joy in Early Black Writing

17m 45s

February is Black History Month in the U.S., and a new book offers stories of joy that arose amid the horrors of slavery. Author Tara Bynum, a professor of English and African American studies at the University of Iowa, explores the work of four Black writers who found moments of happiness while enslaved. Bynum joins Michel Martin to discuss the humanity in their stories.

Julia Ioffe: Would Putin Turn to Assassinations?

17m 36s

Russian-born American journalist Julia Ioffe is the Washington correspondent for Puck, the media company of which she is co-founder. Ioffe joins Walter Isaacson to discuss her recent reporting on the Russian president.

Martin Wolf: "The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism"

16m 55s

A new book takes a look at the colliding interests of democracies and their economies. In "The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism," Financial Times commentator Martin Wolf argues that this marriage has hit the rocks. He speaks with Walter Isaacson about where it went wrong -- and why it needs to be put back together.

Biden Efforts Not Resonating with Voters

17m 10s

With the 2024 presidential campaign slowly moving into gear, President Biden is expected to announce his candidacy in the coming weeks. Toluse Olorunnipa is The Washington Post’s White House bureau chief and speaks with Hari Sreenivasan to evaluate Biden’s presidency on the day he delivers his first State of the Union under a divided government.

Investigative Reporter Lisa Guerrero Reflects on Her Career

18m 17s

Lisa Guerrero hosted a sports show for several years before becoming an NFL sideline reporter in the early 2000s. Fired after one season, she is now an award-winning journalist and chief investigative correspondent for the newsmagazine Inside Edition. Guerrero's new memoir details the sexism, misogyny, harassment and suicidal thoughts she experienced in her career as a sports broadcaster.

Michelle Yeoh on "Everything Everywhere All At Once"

2m 4s

Michelle Yeoh is unintimidated by glass ceilings. Age, nationality, gender -- nothing can stop her from taking Hollywood by storm. Fresh off a Golden Globe Award for her virtuoso performance in "Everything Everywhere All at Once," Yeoh leads the list of contenders for this year’s Best Actress Oscar.

Eddie Izzard on Acting, Marathons, and Activism

17m 46s

Emmy Award winner and Tony nominee Eddie Izzard is a stand-up comedian who performs around the world in four different languages. Now she has developed Charles Dickens’ classic novel "Great Expectations" into a solo show, playing all 19 characters in an epic performance. Izzard speaks with Hari Sreenivasan about her off-Broadway show and future projects.

Why Diverse Democracies Fall Apart and How They Can Endure

16m 38s

In much of the world, democracy is currently under threat by the rise of authoritarianism. Writer Yascha Mounk is known for his work on democratic institutions and liberal values. In his latest book "The Great Experiment," Mounk describes ethnically diverse democracies as the biggest test of our time. He discusses with Walter Isaacson.

The Fight for Paid Family Leave Unites Lawmakers

17m 8s

Roughly three in four American workers do not have access to paid family leave. This is something a new bipartisan group in Congress is trying to change. Representatives Stephanie Bice and Chrissy Houlahan speak with Michel Martin about their renewed effort to push this over the line.

Lessons from the World’s Longest Happiness Study

17m 44s

Dr. Robert Waldinger is director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has been investigating the human experience since 1938. Now he’s sharing his findings in a new book, "The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness," and he explains all to Walter Isaacson.

Jodi Kantor of the Supreme Court Abortion Leak

17m 26s

The overturning of Roe v Wade ignited a political firestorm both outside and inside the Supreme Court. A leaked draft opinion sparked an investigation into the institution, but failed to resolve the question of who was responsible. New York Times investigative reporter Jodi Kantor has reported extensively on the leak and the inquiry.

Tech Talk with Kara Swisher: Mass Layoffs, ChatGPT & More

17m 47s

The tech industry has had its fair share of headlines recently, with big news from Meta, Twitter, Google, Netflix – to name just a few. To take us through it all, we turn to one of the beat’s top reporters. Kara Swisher hosts the "Pivot" podcast, "On with Kara Swisher," and is the co-founder of tech website Recode. She speaks with Hari Sreenivasan.

The Last Witness to Emmett Till’s Abduction Tells His Story

17m 49s

The lynching of Emmett Till was a case that helped spark the Civil Rights Movement. The Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., the last surviving eyewitness to the tragedy, details his memories in a new book, "A Few Days Full of Trouble: Revelations on the Journey to Justice for My Cousin and Best Friend, Emmett Till." Now a pastor, district superintendent and public speaker, the Rev. Parker speaks with Michel.

Artist Behind MLK Sculpture Responds To Critics

18m 11s

Heated debate has surrounded a new monument commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King. Unveiled in Boston earlier this month, “The Embrace” sparked backlash and even mockery. Now, artist Hank Willis Thomas is speaking out about his work, alongside the Rev. Liz Walker of Embrace Boston, the organization that funded the project. They join Michel Martin to discuss.

Reenvisioning U.S. Citizenship to Save Democracy

18m 3s

Richard Haass is proposing a way to heal internal divisions and safeguard American democracy. In his book, "The Bill of Obligations," Haass argues for reimagining what it means to be an American. A former diplomat, Haass has served under four presidents, both Democratic and Republican. He speaks with Walter Isaacson about his belief that the greatest threat to American democracy comes from within.

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