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MD MEETS

Mathias Döpfner

MD MEETS with Mathias Döpfner brings unedited conversations with the world’s most influential voices. From politics and science to arts and business, each episode dives into the most pressing issues of our time - and sometimes the completely unexpected. With a minimalist, authentic style and no artificial fillers, the focus is always on the guest and their story. High-profile discussions, recorded on location or remote, are released as both audio and video, giving viewers a rare inside look at ideas shaping our future. Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most.

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  • 14 episodes
  • Avg 56 min
  • English

Episodes 14

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  • Yesterday · 1 hr 5 min

    Jazz Legend Ron Carter: A Life in Music – From Coltrane to Miles Davis

    Jazz legend Ron Carter has spent nearly 75 years searching for what he calls “the right note.” The most recorded jazz bassist in history has played alongside some of the defining artists of modern music - from Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock to countless other icons who shaped jazz as we know it. Yet, approaching his 90th birthday, Carter says he still goes to work every night for the same reason: to get better. In this episode of MD MEETS, Mathias Döpfner sits down with Ron Carter for a deeply personal conversation about a life devoted to music. Carter reflects on playing with Miles Davis, the art of being a great bandleader, and why a musician should leave their ego at home. He recalls how racial discrimination helped steer him from the cello toward the double bass and explains why he believes classical music still has a problem with racism today. The two also debate the influence of Black culture on modern music, the relationship between jazz and classical music, and whether rhythm or harmony was really at the heart of the revolutionary sound Carter helped create with Miles Davis. And what happens when artificial intelligence enters the equation? Carter is deeply skeptical that a machine can replicate what comes from decades of experience, mistakes and listening: “75 years of trying to find the right fucking note.” But ultimately, this is a conversation about much more than music. Carter talks about discipline, curiosity, listening, growing older - and why, after one of the most extraordinary careers in music history, his dreams for the future include something remarkably simple: helping people who cannot afford to buy their groceries. A conversation with a legend who is still searching for the right note. Ron Carter Universe: https://www.roncarteruniverse.com Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most Video: youtube.com/@mdmeets | Web: https://mdmeets.com | Mail: mail@mdmeets.com MD MEETS is a podcast of Axel Springer SE. Produced by Daniel van Moll. All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mdmeets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • August 9 · 46 min

    Serbia's Aleksandar Vučić: Putin, Zelensky & the Next Big War

    "I think we are at the beginning of a bigger war." In this episode of MD MEETS, Mathias Döpfner sits down with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić just one day after his highly controversial meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Long regarded as one of Europe's leaders closest to Vladimir Putin, Vučić explains why he welcomed Zelensky to Belgrade, why Serbia refuses to choose between East and West, and why he believes his country's independent foreign policy serves Serbian interests better than alignment with any geopolitical bloc. The conversation explores Serbia's balancing act between Russia, Ukraine, China and the European Union, the future of peace negotiations, hybrid warfare, NATO, Kosovo, and the changing balance of global power. Vučić also shares his concerns about Europe's economic decline, argues that the continent must work harder to remain competitive, and explains why he believes the world is entering a new and more dangerous era. Is Europe prepared for a changing world order? And are today's conflicts only the beginning of something much bigger? Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most Video: youtube.com/@mdmeets | Web: https://mdmeets.com | Mail: mail@mdmeets.com MD MEETS is a podcast of Axel Springer SE. Produced by Daniel van Moll. All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mdmeets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 13 · 1 hr 3 min

    Palantir CEO Alex Karp: AI Fears, Rise of the Far Right & Germany's Crisis

    In this episode of MD MEETS, Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner sits down with Palantir CEO Alex Karp for a wide-ranging conversation about artificial intelligence, geopolitics, and the future of the West. Karp argues that Europe’s biggest challenge is not a lack of talent but a crisis of political leadership and technological competence. He explains why he believes AI is essential for defending democracies, why Palantir has become one of the world’s most controversial technology companies, and why Europe’s debate about surveillance misses the real battle over technological sovereignty. The two also discuss Germany’s political landscape, the rise of the AfD, and why Karp believes its growing support reflects deep public frustration over migration and economic stagnation - even as he rejects the party’s positions on Russia and authoritarianism. The conversation explores trust in institutions, China’s growing technological ambitions, the race between democratic and authoritarian systems, and the future of AI. Karp also reflects on inequality in the AI era, the responsibility of Silicon Valley, and why he still considers himself a progressive despite frequently being portrayed as a political outsider. Can open societies remain innovative enough to compete with authoritarian rivals? And what will determine whether the next decade belongs to democracies - or to those willing to abandon them? Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most Video: youtube.com/@mdmeets | Web: https://mdmeets.com | Mail: mail@mdmeets.com MD MEETS is a podcast of Axel Springer SE. Produced by Daniel van Moll. All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mdmeets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • April 30 · 54 min

    Reform UK’s Nigel Farage: Trump’s “crazy” courage & why Brexit failed

    Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and one of the most polarizing figures in British politics, joins Mathias Döpfner for a wide-ranging and explosive conversation. Farage speaks about his close relationship with Donald Trump, the future of the transatlantic alliance, and why he believes the West must stand firm against Russia, China, and Iran. He defends Trump’s leadership style, discusses assassination attempts, and explains why he sees the former U.S. president as a model of political resilience. At the center of the debate: migration. Farage outlines his controversial plan to deport hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants, warns of rising Islamism and antisemitism in the UK, and argues that mass migration is reshaping British society. He also explains why Brexit has not yet delivered economically - and what radical changes he would implement on energy, deregulation, and growth. The conversation also covers the collapse of traditional parties, the rise of populism across Europe, comparisons to Germany and the AfD, and Farage’s own ambition to become Prime Minister. Is Britain heading for a political earthquake? And can Farage really turn disruption into power? Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most Video: youtube.com/@mdmeets | Web: https://mdmeets.com | Mail: mail@mdmeets.com MD MEETS is a podcast of Axel Springer SE. Produced by Daniel van Moll. All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mdmeets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • April 15 · 56 min

    UK Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch: Western Weakness, Mass Migration & Far-Left Antisemitism

    At a time of political fragmentation and rising populism, Mathias Döpfner meets Kemi Badenoch, leader of the British Conservative Party and one of the most prominent voices of a new conservatism. They discuss the future of the centre-right, the failures of the past, and the battle over identity, migration, and economic growth. Badenoch argues that conservatism must return to its core principles - personal responsibility, free markets, and strong national identity - while adapting to the challenges of the 21st century. She calls for an “economic revolution” to restore growth, stricter migration policies, and a clear break with what she sees as a culture of victimhood and “woke” ideology shaping Western societies. She addresses tough questions: Why did traditional conservatives lose ground to populists? Has the West become complacent? Can meritocracy be restored - and welfare reformed? And how can open societies defend themselves against internal division and external threats? A conversation about power, values, and the future of conservatism in a changing world. Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most Video: youtube.com/@mdmeets | Web: https://mdmeets.com | Mail: mail@mdmeets.com MD MEETS is a podcast of Axel Springer SE. Produced by Daniel van Moll. All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mdmeets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • February 13 · 48 min

    Iran’s Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi: Trump, War & Regime Change

    At the Munich Security Conference, Mathias Döpfner meets Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last Shah and a leading voice of the Iranian opposition. They discuss the future of Iran, the possibility of regime change, and the geopolitical consequences for Europe, the U.S., Israel, and the Middle East. Pahlavi argues that diplomacy with Tehran has failed after decades of negotiations. In his view, only regime change can bring stability - led by the Iranian people, supported by targeted international action against the regime’s instruments of repression. He addresses tough questions: What is his message to President Trump? Has Western appeasement strengthened the regime? Could a democratic Iran become a strategic ally of Israel and the West? And does he seek power himself - or only a transitional role toward free elections? A conversation about revolution, freedom, and the future of Iran. Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most Video: youtube.com/@mdmeets | Web: https://mdmeets.com | Mail: mail@mdmeets.com MD MEETS is a podcast of Axel Springer SE. Produced by Daniel van Moll. All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mdmeets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Dec 17, 2025 · 1 hr 33 min

    Pop Icon Nile Rodgers: 750 Million Records Sold - A Life That Changed Music Forever

    He shaped the sound of entire generations - from Diana Ross to David Bowie, from Madonna to Beyoncé. Nile Rodgers is not just a producer; he is a phenomenon whose work has sold more than 750 million albums worldwide. Yet the man behind “Le Freak,” “Good Times,” Let’s Dance, Like a Virgin and Get Lucky has remained remarkably grounded, almost invisible behind the global icons he helped define. In this episode of MD MEETS, Nile Rodgers opens up about the creative philosophy that made him one of the most influential musicians of all time. He explains why he plays on every record he produces, how “complex simplicity” became his signature, and why he still feels more like an ensemble musician than a superstar. Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most Video: youtube.com/@mdmeets | Web: https://mdmeets.com | Mail: mail@mdmeets.com MD MEETS is a podcast of Axel Springer SE. Produced by Daniel van Moll. All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mdmeets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Nov 29, 2025 · 54 min

    Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella: AI Boom, Energy Battle & His Complicated Alliance with Sam Altman

    Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world - and straining the planet’s power grid. In this episode, Mathias Döpfner talks with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella about the explosive AI boom, the massive energy demands of data centers, and what it takes to keep innovation sustainable. How can technology grow without running out of power - and will Europe keep pace in the new AI era? Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most Video: youtube.com/@mdmeets | Web: https://mdmeets.com | Mail: mail@mdmeets.com MD MEETS is a podcast of Axel Springer SE. Produced by Daniel van Moll. All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mdmeets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Nov 15, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min

    Hungary’s Viktor Orbán: Putin vs. Trump, Nuclear War & Illegal Migration

    Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán speaks with Mathias Döpfner about his meetings with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, his vision for a new European order, and why he believes Brussels has turned a “peace project into a war project.” He calls Trump “the man of peace,” and warns that continued escalation risks a third world war. “The longer the war continues, the stronger Russia becomes.” A revealing exchange about power, belief - and the uncertain future of the West. Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most Video: youtube.com/@mdmeets | Web: https://mdmeets.com | Mail: mail@mdmeets.com MD MEETS is a podcast of Axel Springer SE. Produced by Daniel van Moll. All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mdmeets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Nov 9, 2025 · 1 hr

    Spotify Founder Daniel Ek: Europe vs. USA

    In this new episode of MD MEETS, Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner sits down with Spotify founder and CEO Daniel Ek for a focused conversation about Europe’s future - what it is, what it could be, and what it must become. Ek argues that Europe’s challenge is not talent but throughput - too little R&D, too few scaled software companies, and a culture that stigmatizes risk. He points to a simple lever with outsized impact: channel even 1 percent of Europe’s vast savings into innovation, and the continent could double its venture firepower and unlock a new generation of builders. Policy and power matter, too. Energy costs are a brake on competitiveness, while smart regulation in fintech shows where Europe can lead. Ek makes the case for investing in AI and new defense technologies that raise deterrence at lower cost to human life - and for a more confident Europe that can defend itself while deepening the transatlantic alliance. Can Europe turn world-class talent into world-class scale? And will the next decade be the moment when Europe stops admiring its past and starts building its future? Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most Video: youtube.com/@mdmeets | Web: https://mdmeets.com | Mail: mail@mdmeets.com MD MEETS is a podcast of Axel Springer SE. Produced by Daniel van Moll. All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mdmeets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Oct 29, 2025 · 44 min

    Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi: Self-driving Cars, Immigration & Israel/Palestine

    In this third episode of MD MEETS, Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner sits down with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi for a sweeping conversation that moves from the future of transportation to the forces that shape human destiny. Khosrowshahi reflects on a world in motion - where cars drive themselves, cities breathe easier, and mobility becomes a shared experience rather than a private luxury. He speaks about Uber’s bold bet on electric and autonomous vehicles, air taxis, and delivery drones, painting a vision of cities where movement is frictionless and freedom is redefined. But the discussion turns deeply personal when Khosrowshahi recounts his journey from Tehran to America after the Iranian Revolution - an immigrant’s story of loss, gratitude, and second chances. He shares his conflicted emotions about his homeland, the lessons of humility from his father, and how those values shaped his leadership through controversy and change. From artificial intelligence to immigration, from the loneliness of power to the humility of listening, this conversation explores what it means to move - not just through space, but through life itself. Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most Video: youtube.com/@mdmeets | Web: https://mdmeets.com | Mail: mail@mdmeets.com MD MEETS is a podcast of Axel Springer SE. Produced by Daniel van Moll. All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mdmeets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Oct 12, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min

    Media Mogul Barry Diller: Success, Sexuality & Serendipity

    In this second episode of MD MEETS, Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner sits down with legendary media mogul Barry Diller - the man who shaped Hollywood, created FOX, and built one of the world’s most powerful internet empires. From being bounced at Studio 54 on opening night - despite arriving with Hollywood royalty - to discovering John Travolta and producing Saturday Night Fever, Diller recounts the wild rise of an entertainment visionary whose career has spanned every screen, from silver to digital. In a rare and intimate conversation, Diller opens up about the loneliness of his childhood, the drive that rejection gave him, and how risk - from his sexuality to his career - became his creative engine. He speaks about the glamour and darkness of fame, his lifelong partnership with Diane von Furstenberg, and what it means to build something that truly lasts. A story of reinvention, risk, and romance - and of one man’s extraordinary journey from Hollywood’s back rooms to the frontlines of media history. Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most Video: youtube.com/@mdmeets | Web: https://mdmeets.com | Mail: mail@mdmeets.com MD MEETS is a podcast of Axel Springer SE. Produced by Daniel van Moll. All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mdmeets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Oct 1, 2025 · 44 min

    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman: AI Warfare, Freedom & Immortality

    In this premiere episode of MD MEETS, Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner sits down with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for an unfiltered conversation about the promises and perils of artificial intelligence. From the risks of AI-driven warfare, to the threat posed by “bad actors” to freedom and democracy, to the role of journalism in an AI-powered world - and even the age-old question of whether humans should live forever - no topic is off limits. Altman reflects on freedom, democracy, superintelligence, and his personal dream of becoming a farmer once AI takes over his job. A rare and candid look at one of the most influential voices shaping our future. Subscribe for essential insights, candid perspectives, and the dialogues that matter most Video: youtube.com/@mdmeets | Web: https://mdmeets.com | Mail: mail@mdmeets.com MD MEETS is a podcast of Axel Springer SE. Produced by Daniel van Moll. All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mdmeets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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