As a seasoned journalist and longtime co-host of Today, Savannah Guthrie is no stranger to high-profile interviews with global leaders and A-list celebrities. 

While she usually keeps her nerves in check, there are certain moments that have made even her feel the pressure. 

In a recent interview, the 53-year-old broadcaster opened up about the one interview that made her particularly anxious.

The Pressure of Interviewing Bill Gates

During a recent discussion, Guthrie revealed that her conversation with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates was one of the more nerve-wracking experiences of her career. 

She explained that the challenge wasn’t just speaking with such a well-known figure, but rather the limited time she had to cover a vast range of topics.

“I [recently] did one with Bill Gates, and there’s just a lot you could talk to him about, and we only have seven minutes,” she said. “You don’t know what you’re going to get. You can have your plan, and then [it] runs right into a real human being.”

Despite years of experience, Guthrie still takes great care in preparing for major interviews. She admitted that while she doesn’t get nervous once the cameras are rolling, she does feel anxious leading up to big sit-downs.

“If I have a really big one, my husband’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, steer clear.’ He’s sliding food under the door and I’ve got all my papers laid out,” she joked, emphasizing the level of preparation she puts into her work.

The Challenges of Political Interviews

Guthrie has built a reputation for asking tough questions, especially when interviewing political figures. She noted that politicians can often be the most difficult to get direct answers from, which adds another layer of stress to the job.

“There are topics people want to talk about and some that they don’t. Any interview where I feel like they want to dodge [a question], that’s anxiety-producing,” she explained. “I find myself in these confrontational moments a fair bit, especially with politicians. I myself am quite nonconfrontational. I don’t like it at all. But, in that moment, the job is more important. I’m here. I’m supposed to get the answer.”

Guthrie’s journey in broadcast journalism has given her ample experience in navigating such difficult moments. Since becoming co-host of Today in 2012, she has interviewed some of the most powerful individuals in the world. Before that, she built her career as a legal analyst and White House correspondent, joining the network in 2007.

A Starstruck Moment with Duran Duran

While political figures may present their own challenges, some interviews have left Guthrie feeling starstruck rather than stressed. She recalled a particularly memorable encounter with the legendary band Duran Duran in 2015.

The group, known for hits like Hungry Like the Wolf, appeared on Today for an interview and live performance. As a longtime fan, Guthrie found herself completely flustered when speaking with lead singer Simon Le Bon and the rest of the band.

“OK, I’m flustered!” she admitted at the time, struggling to contain her excitement as the band celebrated 35 years in the industry.

Reflecting on the moment years later, Guthrie acknowledged that meeting childhood idols can be overwhelming, no matter how experienced a journalist might be.

“It’s crazy because once you’re there, you can’t even honestly summon the feelings that you would’ve had if you had told your 12-year-old self,” she said during the 2022 Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame Awards.

Her then-cohost, Hoda Kotb, chimed in to confirm just how much Guthrie had geeked out during the moment.

“You geeked out,” Kotb playfully remarked.

Guthrie laughed, admitting, “I would be like a puddle on the floor. I was kind of a puddle.”

A Career Built on Tough Interviews and Genuine Moments

Over the years, Guthrie has balanced tough political interviews with lighter, more personal moments, showcasing her ability to handle any situation that comes her way. Whether pressing politicians for answers, challenging business leaders on global issues, or fangirling over musicians she admired as a child, she remains one of the most respected and relatable journalists on television.

Despite her decades of experience, Guthrie continues to take every interview seriously, preparing extensively and striving to bring out the best in each conversation. While some moments make her anxious, and others leave her speechless, her ability to connect with her subjects remains a defining trait of her successful career.

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