PBS North Carolina Presents Season 5 of 'Side by Side with Nido Qubein'
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PBS NORTH CAROLINA PRESENTS SEASON 5 OF ‘SIDE BY SIDE WITH NIDO QUBEIN’
The season opens on October 7 with a conversation with former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 9/17/2025 — PBS North Carolina announces a new season of Side by Side with Nido Qubein. Every week, host Nido Qubein speaks with an influential thinker in an intimate conversation about their life’s journey. The new season premieres Tuesday, October 7, at 7 PM, on PBS NC as well as online and on the free PBS app.
“From international dignitaries to North Carolina leaders, Side by Side celebrates the lives of people who have made a tremendous impact through their work,” said Dr. Nido Qubein, host of the series and president of High Point University. “PBS NC viewers will enjoy insights from our guests, who all have fascinating stories to tell.”
This season, Side by Side with Nido Qubein will feature interviews with former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson (October 7), renowned actress Jane Seymour (October 14) and best-selling author John C. Maxwell (October 21). Additional guests this season (subject to change) include UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee Roberts, motivational speaker Kelly Swanson, NCInnovation CEO Bennet Waters, parenting coach Danielle Lindner and UNC-Chapel Hill Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham.
“Side by Side with Nido Qubein features an amazing roster of accomplished and engaging leaders from various walks of life,” said Laura Kieler, PBS North Carolina’s Deputy General Manager. “We hope our viewers find inspiration in their personal journeys and consider what’s possible in their own lives.”
Side by Side with Nido Qubein is made possible by financial support from The Budd Group, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc., and Truist.
Broadcast Schedule
Side by Side with Nido Qubein airs Tuesdays at 7 PM on PBS NC. Visit pbsnc.org/schedule for the latest scheduling information.
Episode 1: Boris Johnson, Former Prime Minister, United Kingdom
Premieres Tuesday, October 7, 7 PM
Boris Johnson shares his path from “newspaperman” to the highest office in the United Kingdom.
Episode 2: Jane Seymour, Actress, Author, Designer
Premieres Tuesday, October 14, 7 PM
Actress Jane Seymour leads us through her experience in the arts alongside important milestones in her life.
Episode 3: Dr. John Maxwell, Author, Speaker, Pastor
Premieres Tuesday, October 21, 7 PM
Best-selling author and speaker Dr. John Maxwell explains how curiosity unlocks a better life.
Additional episodes will air through March 2026. Visit pbsnc.org/SideBySide to catch up on previous episodes.
About the Host
Nido Qubein immigrated to the United States as a teen in search of a college education. He supported himself through college, attending Mount Olive College, then High Point University to receive his bachelor’s degree and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for graduate studies. His entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic led him to a variety of business ventures and leadership positions with Truist Financial Corporation, La-Z Boy Corporation and Great Harvest Bread Company. Since 2005, he has served as the president of High Point University. Dr. Qubein is the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Daughters of the American Revolution Americanism Award and was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association for Distinguished Americans. To learn more, visit High Point University’s website.
About PBS North Carolina
As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
-PBS NC-
Media Contact
Allyson Meade, Marketing & Communications
PBS North Carolina
press@pbsnc.org