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Riz Ahmed takes on his inner critic

NPR / WHYY· Aug 27, 2026· 45m 24s

In his Prime Video series, Bait , Riz Ahmed plays an actor auditioning to be the next James Bond. Ahmed says Bond is a "symbol of aspiration, this unattainable kind of self" his character is pursuing. He’s nominated for an Emmy for his role in the series. Ahmed spoke with Tonya Mosley about being his own worst critic, why he connected to Hamlet, and his early days as an MC on pirate radio. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter Follow us on Instagram Subscribe to our YouTube channel Check out t

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Riz Ahmed takes on his inner critic

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  1. Welcome to the program. I'm your host.

    Welcome to the program. I'm your host.

    0:00

  2. Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.

    Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.

    0:04

  3. We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.

    We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.

    0:09

  4. The summit focused on energy policy and migration.

    The summit focused on energy policy and migration.

    0:14

  5. Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.

    Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.

    0:19

  6. Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.

    Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.

    0:24