Savannah Guthrie has been a fixture on Today for over a decade, conducting countless interviews with some of the most influential figures in politics, entertainment, and business.

However, despite her extensive experience, she recently revealed that there are still moments when she gets nervous before a big interview.

The 53-year-old journalist, who first joined Today in 2012, has built a reputation for her professionalism and sharp questioning.

While she’s grown comfortable with her daily hosting duties, high-profile interviews still bring a level of pressure,

especially when speaking with individuals known for their influence and intelligence.

Guthrie Admits She Still Gets Anxious Before Major Interviews

During a recent interview, Guthrie shared that while she no longer feels anxious before her regular hosting duties, certain interviews still make her nervous. She explained that when preparing for an important sit-down, she tends to immerse herself completely in research and preparation.

“I do get anxious about big interviews,” she admitted. “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.”

Her meticulous approach to preparing for interviews demonstrates her dedication to getting things right. Even with years of experience, Guthrie recognizes the weight of interviewing powerful and influential figures, knowing that every question counts in a limited timeframe.

The One Interview That Made Guthrie Nervous

Among the many interviews she has conducted, Guthrie revealed that one in particular had her feeling more anxious than usual—her sit-down with Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Bill Gates.

With Gates being a major figure in technology, philanthropy, and global business, Guthrie felt an added layer of pressure to make the most of their limited time together. “There’s just a lot you could talk to him about, and we only have seven minutes. You don’t know what you’re going to get,” she explained. “You can have your plan, and then [it] runs right into a real human being.”

Her interview with Gates took place three weeks ago, covering a range of topics, including his new book Source Code, his relationship with former President Donald Trump, and his thoughts on fellow billionaire Elon Musk.

Guthrie Pushes Gates on Tough Topics

Guthrie is known for asking challenging questions, and her conversation with Gates was no exception. She specifically questioned him about Musk’s growing influence in government affairs, referencing recent comments Musk made regarding his involvement with far-right politicians overseas.

In response, Gates acknowledged Musk’s contributions to the private sector, stating, “Well, I admire the great private sector stuff he’s done — you know, SpaceX, Tesla, both amazing companies.” However, he also offered a critique, adding, “I think in the case of USAID, he doesn’t appreciate the phenomenal work that goes on. It’s not partisan work.”

Gates’ response suggested that while he respects Musk’s innovations, he believes there’s a misunderstanding regarding international aid efforts and government initiatives.

A Career Defined by High-Profile Interviews

Throughout her career, Guthrie has interviewed a wide range of public figures, from world leaders to Hollywood stars. Yet, her nervousness before her conversation with Gates highlights how even seasoned journalists can feel the weight of an interview when speaking with someone of his stature.

Her approach to interviews—thorough preparation combined with a natural ability to engage with her guests—has helped her remain one of the most respected journalists in the industry. Whether discussing global politics, groundbreaking technology, or controversial business dealings, Guthrie continues to bring insightful and thought-provoking questions to her audience.

Looking Ahead

With years of experience and a proven ability to handle high-pressure interviews, Guthrie remains a vital part of Today. As she continues her career, viewers can expect more thought-provoking conversations with some of the most important figures in the world. And while she may still feel some pre-interview jitters, it’s clear that her dedication to journalism and storytelling always shines through.