Balance of Power: Introducing The Mishal Husain Show

Podcast: Balance of Power (Bloomberg)
Date: October 18, 2025
Host: Mishal Husain
Featured Voices: Bloomberg Washington correspondents Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz, with clips from guests including Elon Musk, Keir Starmer, Jesse Armstrong, Shonda Rhimes

Episode Overview

This episode introduces listeners to "The Mishal Husain Show," a new Bloomberg Weekend podcast hosted by the renowned broadcaster Mishal Husain. After more than two decades at the BBC, Husain brings her formidable experience and unique perspective to Bloomberg, promising thought-provoking conversations that delve deeper than daily headlines. This introductory episode previews the show’s format, its philosophy, and the caliber of guests to expect—from political heavyweights and cultural icons to influential business leaders.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Mishal Husain’s Background and Motivation

• Mishal reflects on her extensive BBC career, covering pivotal political debates, global news events, and high-profile interviews.
  • "For more than 20 years I was at the BBC presiding over political debates." — Mishal Husain [00:02]
• Husain reveals her driving ambition: to move beyond the daily news cycle and create space for conversations around the larger ideas and individuals shaping our world.
  • "All the time I was delivering the headlines, I wanted to go further than the news of the day. I wanted to talk about the ideas behind it, to spend more time with the people shaping our world." — Mishal Husain [00:28]

Preview of Notable Guests and Their Perspectives

• Elon Musk: On dialing back political spending
  • "In terms of political spending. I'm going to do a lot less in the future." — Elon Musk [01:00]
  • Motivated by a sense that he’s done his part: "I think I've done enough." — Elon Musk [01:06]
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer: On Palestinian state recognition
  • Husain’s pointed question: "Recognizing a Palestinian state was in your manifesto. Do you want to be the British Prime Minister who delivers that?" — Mishal Husain [01:10]
  • Starmer’s response: "Our manifesto was clear about our position on recognition." — Keir Starmer [01:14]
• Jesse Armstrong: Creator of 'Succession' on power and the wealthy
  • Armstrong reflects: "I believe I'm doing it because I'm interested in that. The power, not the money." — Jesse Armstrong [01:29]
• Shonda Rhimes: Responds candidly to questions about ‘Bridgerton’ and criticisms of “woke” casting
  • Rhimes’ dismissive humor: "That's so cute. This is going to be a place where every weekend you'll hear one essential conversation. But I hope that it’s also going to be a place with head, heart and soul." — Mishal Husain & Shonda Rhimes [01:43]

The Show’s Ethos: Intelligence, Empathy, and Depth

• Husain promises a podcast that balances intellect, emotion, and authenticity:
  • "This is going to be a place where every weekend you'll hear one essential conversation. But I hope that it's also going to be a place with head, heart and soul." — Mishal Husain [01:43]
• The show’s goal is to create meaningful dialogue that resonates personally with listeners and guests.
  • Guests echo the podcast’s conversational, personal tone: "Personal conversational podcast." [01:54]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On news fatigue and ambition:
  • "Even if I did have to get up at 3am most mornings. But all the time I was delivering the headlines, I wanted to go further than the news of the day." — Mishal Husain [00:28]
• On the show’s unique voice:
  • "You might even enjoy it. So please join me, listen and subscribe to the Mishal Husain show." — Mishal Husain [01:56]
• On Husain’s interviewing style:
  • "You certainly ask interesting questions." — Guest [02:11]

Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------| | 00:02 | Mishal Husain introduces her BBC background in political journalism | | 00:28 | Hustain shares her longing to delve deeper into stories and ideas | | 01:00 | Elon Musk on reducing political spending | | 01:10 | Interview clip with Keir Starmer on Palestine recognition | | 01:19 | Conversation with Jesse Armstrong on 'Succession' and the rich | | 01:34 | Shonda Rhimes responds to 'Bridgerton' criticism | | 01:43 | Husain’s promise: Essential conversations with “head, heart and soul” | | 02:11 | Guest praises Husain’s interviewing approach |

Conclusion

"The Mishal Husain Show" launches with a compelling proposition: weekly, in-depth interviews with decision-makers and cultural forces that illuminate both the headlines and the complex forces behind them. Husain’s blend of sharp journalism, warmth, and curiosity sets an engaging tone, as demonstrated in this preview of high-profile guests and future discussions. Listeners are encouraged to join the conversation every Friday morning.