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The Mediator's Studio

An Oslo Forum podcast
Yemen
United Nations
Syria
Ukraine
Oslo Forum
Peace Negotiations
Afghanistan
Governments
Lebanon
Russia
Stockholm Agreement
Kofi Annan
Peace Mediation
Qatar
Northern Ireland
Gerry Adams
Martin Mcguinness
Good Friday Agreement
Colombia
Mozambique

What happens behind closed doors when peace agreements are negotiated? The Mediator’s Studio gives you a glimpse into the normally hidden world of peace diplomacy. Host Adam Cooper brings you first-hand stories from mediators, armed groups and governments on what it takes to end wars. The Mediator’s Studio is a podcast from the Oslo Forum, the world’s leading mediation retreat. It’s brought to you... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes53Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsGovernmentNews

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Mediator's Studio

Latest Episodes

Staffan de Mistura, veteran UN diplomat and currently the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, shares insights from a career spanning more than fifty years, twenty-one missions, and service under four UN Secretaries-General. From... more

Recorded in November 2025, Dr Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari, advisor to the Prime Minister of Qatar and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shares first-hand experience from the front lines of mediating today’s most brutal and entrenched con... more

The fourth President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, shares his unique perspectives on mediation efforts both during his tenure as head of state and within regional peace initiatives, including in Eastern DRC and Ethiopia’s Tigray region. He highlights the... more

Born to a Palestinian father and a Jewish mother, Clare Hajaj grew up with an intimate understanding of how deeply divided narratives can shape lives—and conflicts. Now Executive Director of Inter Mediate, she works behind the scenes to support dialo... more

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Recent Guests

Staffan de Mistura
UN diplomat with decades of mediation experience; Special Envoy for Syria (and other missions)
United Nations
Episode: Staffan de Mistura on timing in mediation, as in life and love
Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari
Advisor to the Prime Minister and Foreign Ministry spokesperson for Qatar
Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Episode: Al-Ansari on making peace when dialogue fails
Uhuru Kenyatta
Former President of Kenya and mediator
Former President of Kenya
Episode: Uhuru Kenyatta on using coffee breaks to advance mediation
Nazih Elnaggary
A longtime seasoned Egyptian diplomat involved in peacemaking efforts in Syria and Lebanon.
Egyptian Government
Episode: Nazih Elnaggary on when to step in and when to hold back
Kyung-wha Kang
South Korean diplomat, former Foreign Minister and current CEO of the Asia Society.
Asia Society
Episode: Kyung-wha Kang on quiet diplomacy

Host

Adam Cooper
Host of The Mediator's Studio

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 129 ratings
  • Podcast inspirant

    Toujours des invité.e.s de grande qualité, et des discussions de haut vol! Je recommande chaudement ce podcast à tous ceux qui s’intéressent à la médiation. Des réflexions très inspirantes!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Leonie Leon
    France2 years ago
  • Deep insights into conflict, peace and international relations

    This podcast offers a rare insight into what it means to mediate conflicts and make peace. I highly recommend this podcast for anyone interested in international relations and conflict resolution. Guests provide great advice for anyone in this field, either students, early-career, or experienced peacemakers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jack_lake
    Switzerland2 years ago
  • Really recommend!

    Amazing. Really recommended it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Su W G
    Switzerland2 years ago
  • Exciting stories by famous peacemakers!

    Very insightful perspectives on mediation. The episodes with Abbas Ibrahim and Phumzile provided great back channel nitty-gritties related to negotiations and geopolitics. Looking forward to the new season.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Yogesh.._
    Switzerland2 years ago
  • Inspiring for every student interested in the field

    What an amazing concept! Each podcast is so well crafted with excellent questions by Adam Cooper. The diverse selection and background of speakers provide for deep insight into the field. In addition to personal interest, we were so happy to also share it with Oxford Diplomatic Society where our members have showed great interest. Can’t wait for more!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tiril Rahn / OxDiplo Society
    Norway5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the practical, behind-the-scenes look at negotiations and human dynamics.
Guests are consistently high quality and deeply knowledgeable about mediation and peacebuilding.
The host guides conversations with insightful questions and diverse perspectives, making complex topics accessible.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Staffan de Mistura on timing in mediation, as in life and love
Q: How did you decide when to keep pushing or step back from Syria talks?
The balance came from reading the situation, maintaining creativity, and recognizing when it was time to pursue a different geometry of engagement or to support humanitarian actions that could sustain legitimacy and hope.
Staffan de Mistura on timing in mediation, as in life and love
Q: What ran through your mind when you were asked to lead Syria negotiations after two predecessors had resigned?
I felt a strong sense of duty, but also the need to avoid being irrelevant by constantly introducing new ideas and rhythms to keep the process alive, even if the path forward remained uncertain.
Al-Ansari on making peace when dialogue fails
Q: Tell me about the underlying motivations for your mediation.
The motivation stems from Qatar's commitment to an international order that prevents conflict and protects global prosperity, driven by a belief that dialogue and inclusive engagement can prevent escalation and create peaceful pathways even in volatile contexts.
Claire Hajaj on why talking to guys with guns is the only way
Q: How do you maintain your empathy?
Empathy is something I don't struggle with; instead, I struggle with having too much, and it's essential to balance that in negotiations.
Claire Hajaj on why talking to guys with guns is the only way
Q: Do you think there's a broader lesson about our ability to read countries that are not our own?
Yes, we often misread countries and our ability to invest in conflict prevention seems weaker than responding after a crisis.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Mediator's Studio

What is The Mediator's Studio about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This program spotlights the unseen work behind peace agreements, featuring long-form conversations with seasoned mediators, diplomats, and policymakers. Episodes typically explore real-world negotiations, the human dynamics in rooms where deals are brokered, and the aftermaths that matter as much as the signatures. Listeners get practical insights into strategy, trust-building, and the ethical tensions that surface when quiet diplomacy meets geopolitical flashpoints. A distinctive through-line is the emphasis on personal relationships, candid reflections from field experts, and the emotional and mental demands of resolving conflict.

A standout facet is the breadth of guests, from former heads of state to UN envoys, who illuminate how negot... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Mediator's Studio?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Mediator's Studio:

1. Hold Your Fire!
2. Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes
3. The Rachman Review
4. Ones and Tooze
5. The Foreign Affairs Interview

How many episodes of The Mediator's Studio are there?

The Mediator's Studio launched 6 years ago and published 53 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Mediator's Studio?

Recent guests on The Mediator's Studio include:

1. Staffan de Mistura
2. Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari
3. Uhuru Kenyatta
4. Nazih Elnaggary
5. Kyung-wha Kang

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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