Episodes

3d ago

Ukrainian drones hit a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker off the Libyan coast as Vladimir Putin delivers his end-of-year address. Then: the community sleuthing that led to finding the Brown University shooter. Plus: Fernando Augusto Pacheco discusses the significance of the UK Christmas number-one single. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4d ago

The latest as the US imposes a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers on Venezuela. Then: following the attack on Bondi Beach, Australia introduces new laws on hate speech. Plus: Santa no longer gets paid more than his elves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5d ago

We discuss the consequences of Donald Trump’s chief of staff's tell-all interview with ‘Vanity Fair’. Then: the UK is set to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus exchange. Plus: artist Sarkis’s first London solo exhibition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6d ago

Europe’s leaders sign a treaty to establish a commission for Ukraine war damages. Then: we unpack why Trump is suing the BBC. Plus: How AI summaries ruin recipes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 15

We unpack how Israel is reacting to the shooting at Bondi beach. Then: A flurry of talks in Berlin suggest that progress is being made in ending Russia's war with Ukraine. Plus: Are we all kinder at Christmas? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 12

We discuss the week in Washington as Donald Trump’s approval rating continues to sink over the economy and immigration. Then: we get the latest news from the Gulf and we meet Juliana Ghiotto, CEO and co-founder of the Barracuda hotel group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 11

Caracas condemns the US's seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. We discuss how this might escalate. Then: Washington suggests tourists could be asked to prove social media history upon entry. Plus: ‘Time Magazine’ names its Person of the Year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 10

Europe’s far-right parties split over whether backing from Trump gives them legitimacy. Then: The Gulf states look to invest in Hollywood as they back Paramount Skydance’s hostile bid for Warner Brothers Discovery. Plus: Sarkozy’s prison memoir is published. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 9

Ukraine prepares to show a revised peace plan to the US – what will Donald Trump make of it? Then: France's Lecornu faces a crucial social-security vote. Plus: We speak with A House of Dynamite screenwriter Noah Oppenheim. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 8

The response from the coalition of the willing summit to the ongoing US push for Kyiv to accept concessions and we look at Syria circa the first anniversary of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad fleeing Damascus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 5

As the world reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s first trip to Turkey and Lebanon, Andrew Mueller and Juliet Linley give us their two cents. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 4

A bipartisan resolution to block US military action against Venezuela without congressional approval and calls for an investigation into self-proclaimed “secretary of war” Pete Hegseth roil US Congress. Then: the latest from presidents Xi Jinping and Emmanuel Macron’s meeting. And: will an afternoon tipple boost Thai tourism? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 3

Nato foreign ministers meet in Brussels following a US-Russia summit in Moscow. Then: we look ahead to Australia’s teen social-media ban. Plus: the campaign to bring back doors in hotel-room bathrooms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 2

As Washington's delegation arrives in Moscow, we discuss how close we are to peace in Ukraine. Then: India begins testing long-range missiles – why is China so interested? Plus: Denmark prepares to cancel Christmas cards. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 1

The latest as Trump ramps up pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s Venezuela. Then: as Pope Leo continues his tour of the Middle East, we discuss how much sway he has in the region. Plus: Switzerland rejects a wealth tax on the super-rich. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 28

We discuss the UN’s new report on megacities, Louvre’s price rise for non-EU nationals and Brazil’s telenovelas expansion. Plus: Mina al-Oraibi, editor in chief of The National. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 27

Our guests Elisabeth Braw and Nina dos Santos unpack Emmanuel Macron’s decision to relaunch a limited military service in France. Plus: Pope Leo’s first overseas trip and how the housing crisis relates to a rise in populism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 26

Washington continues to take the lead on a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, where is Europe in all of this? Then: Trump asks his loyal supporter and Paramount Skydance’s largest shareholder, Larry Ellison, to revive ‘Rush Hour’. Plus: Sweden encourages its visitors to be bored. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 25

We unpack the latest on the Ukraine peace deal, as Washington scrambles to meet Moscow’s delegates in Abu Dhabi. Then: We unpack whether it's possible for Iran to have a soft-power makeover. Plus: Should airlines enforce dress codes? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 24

US and Ukrainian delegations meet in Geneva to talk peace; Israel targets Hezbollah’s chief of staff; the G20 wraps up; and Saudi Arabia quietly allows alcohol sales for expats. Plus: Julia Ioffe on her new book, ‘Motherland’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 21

We discuss what’s next for the Middle East after a Unifil report tallies up Israel’s continued violations of a ceasefire agreement and as the US pressures Beirut to disarm Hezbollah. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 20

Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to meet with a US army delegation in Kyiv after American and Russian officials draft a plan to end the war. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 19

Reports emerge that the Trump administration has been secretly co-ordinating with Moscow on a new plan to end the war in Ukraine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 18

How watertight is Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza and why are international students turning away from the US? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 17

Trump has urged his fellow Republicans to vote for the release of the files on the basis that “we have nothing to hide”. How will this U-Turn pan out? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 14

We take a look at a week in politics in Washington from a government shutdown to threats against the BBC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 13

Kenya says more than 200 of its nationals have joined Russian forces. We ask why Russia has its eyes on Africa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 12

What next for Volodymyr Zelensky as Ukraine is shaken by one of the biggest wartime corruption scandals since Russia’s invasion three years ago. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 11

A Gaza ceasefire might be in place but what are the actual long-term solutions to conflict in the Middle East? Panellists Yossi Mekelberg and Julie Norman consider the viable options and whether Gaza will have to be split in two. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 10

As Syria’s leader heads to the White House for a landmark meeting and Iraqis prepare to go to the polls, we discuss how dramatically regional dynamics have changed in the Middle East. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 7

Monocle Radio’s Tom Webb brings us stories and interviews with tourism ministers at the World Travel Market in London this week. Plus: A review of US politics and Syria with Tara Kangarlou; and Dubai Design Week with Nic Monisse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 6

Our panel assess reports that US action against the Bolivarian republic might be imminent after all, possibly against targets believed or alleged to be associated with Venezuela’s drugs cartels. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 5

The US president demands a vote change after Democrats claim sweeping victories. Plus: Babiš and the Czech coalition deal, AI bubble trouble and can a cheese-fire deal be reached between Switzerland and its neighbours? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 4

We discuss the life and legacy of former US vice-president Dick Cheney. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 3

Our panel discusses whether Syrians should be returned home or if Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, has a point. Plus: Dr Nicholas Wright on the psychology of warfare. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 31

We discuss Brazil’s deadly operation against drug gangs. Will this be a key issue in next year’s elections? Then: Burberry and Monocle collaborate, why rap music is losing its chart share and why seasonal drinks are failing to pierce the European market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 30

As Trump and Xi seemingly settle their trade dispute, we discuss how solid their agreement is. Then: the Netherlands is set to elect a centre-left prime minister – is the pendulum finally swinging back? Plus: why Maga can’t find love in Washington. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 29

Despite overnight strikes, Israel and Trump insist that the ceasefire still holds – what’s next for the shaky truce? Then: the relevance of celebrity endorsements in politics and we ask how important style is for a leader as Albanese sports a Joy Division T-shirt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 28

The US president indulges in Japanese pageantry ahead of a key meeting with China’s Xi Jinping. Our panel of Patti Cohen and Simon Brooke asks whether Trump is finally ready to make a deal. Plus: Hong Kong-based filmmaker Elizabeth Lo on her controversial new documentary, ‘Mistress Dispeller’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 27

Colonel Mark Cancian on why the US has moved a carrier strike group into the Caribbean. Then: Justin Quirk and Zoë Grünewald discuss the ‘Donroe Doctrine’ and whether ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ could become reality. Plus: Simon Hart on his book, ‘Ungovernable: The Political Diaries of a Chief Whip’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 24

Trump ends trade talks with Canada. Then: Leila Molana-Allen on her recent trip to Israel and Palestine and what’s next for journalists in the region. Plus: a flick through Monocle’s November issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 23

Trump sanctions two of Russia’s big oil companies. How big will the impact be? Then: China’s religious charm offensive on Taiwan. Plus: Vienna’s surprising history with voice messages. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 22

Russia continues to bombard Ukraine while looking to boost its propaganda budget. Then: JD Vance meets with Benjamin Netanyahu to assert the US’s commitment to the Gaza ceasefire. Plus: the fate of heritage crafts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 21

As Trump and Putin delay their summit, what’s next for the war in Ukraine? Then: Sarkozy begins his five-year prison term. Plus: Lime marks a billion rides – but are they a help or hindrance? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 20

As reports emerge of a “shouting match” between Zelensky and Trump during their latest meeting, we discuss what lies ahead for Ukraine. Plus: Will Japan get its first female PM, will France’s wealthy flee the country’s turmoil, and are “scream clubs” the future for all of us? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 17

Monocle’s Sophie Monaghan-Coombs on one of the biggest events on the art calendar. Plus: Leila Molana-Allen reports from the Middle East, Zelensky goes to Washington and Andrew Mueller gets a lesson in autumnal wines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 16

Sébastien Lecornu keeps his job but at the expense of Emmanuel Macron’s pension reforms. Plus: Why was Tony Blair given a role upholding Gaza’s ceasefire but no other European heavyweights were? And is China a friend or foe? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 15

As Vladimir Putin cancels a summit with Arab leaders in Moscow and Pete Hegseth takes Russia to task in Brussels, is the mood shifting post-Gaza ceasefire? Plus: Germany’s “lottery conscription” and two new surveys on AI. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 14

The Pentagon orders journalists to sign restrictive new rules. Plus: How long-range missiles could place Moscow in striking distance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 13

After more than two years in captivity, all 20 living hostages are returned by Hamas. Plus: Why Cuba is denying its military’s participation in Russia’s war against Ukraine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 10

As France’s president meets with party leaders to discuss the next French prime minister, Monocle’s Paris bureau chief explains why Macron might take an unexpected approach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 9

As the Israeli cabinet votes on a deal that would bring a ceasefire to Gaza and see the hostages returned, we discuss how successful this agreement might be in the long term. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 8

As the French PM remains optimistic about a budget, despite his resignation, we discuss the likelihood of a snap election. Plus: National Guard troops in Chicago, Everest hikers are saved and have you ever called in sick after work drinks? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 7

We discuss the course of the war in Gaza two years on from the Hamas attacks and the best-case scenario from here. Plus: The centre-right’s struggle against populists. And: Have we lost the ability to read long works? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 6

Panellists John Everard and Erin O’Halloran on the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, France’s prime minister resigns and a judge blocks Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Portland. Plus: ‘Human History on Drugs’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 3

Monocle’s Chris Cermak and Laura Kramer look at the US government shutdown as it enters its third day. Plus: perks airlines use to keep customers happy and we visit Taybeh Brewing Co in the West Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 2

We consider whether Hamas has begun conducting international operations as Berlin claims to have arrested members. Then: Gen-Z led protests rise worldwide. Plus: are cities becoming too dog friendly? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 1

Our panel discusses the latest news from Afghanistan amid an internet blackout. Plus: Trump’s demands to reclaim Bagram airbase and the EU summit latest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 30

EU leaders’ plans to step out of Russia’s shadow. Then: Pete Hegseth speaks to the US’s top generals, the rise of digital IDs and a European sleeper train is hit by cuts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 29

The US president, Donald Trump, hosts Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Moldova staves off Russian interference at the ballot box, China’s new visa programme and Poland wants to limit alcohol sales. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 26

UNGA delegates walk out en masse during the address of Israel’s prime minister. Plus: France’s billionaires fight back, Monocle’s new issue and what we learned this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25

Palestine’s president addresses the UN General Assembly as more countries recognise his embattled state. Plus: Drones shut down Danish airports, Trump replaces Biden’s White House portrait and toilet codes in Seoul are leaked online. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24

Europe plans to rearm by 2030 – but is it soon enough? Then: the rise of medical disinformation as Washington links paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism. Plus: the legacy of urbanist Kongjian Yu. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23

Live from Zürich: Trump’s combative UN speech sparks debate on trade and multilateralism. Rajesh Mirchandani weighs in, while Aleksandra Tirziu and Remko Tanis discuss India-Europe relations, China in Africa and Trump-Xi prospects. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 22

Live from Zürich: As world leaders convene at the UN General Assembly, is the organisation facing a crisis? Plus: Austria pushes back against Eurovision boycotts; and can hard liquor make learning languages easy? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19

Donald Trump left the UK after a warm Windsor welcome from the King and Keir Starmer. As the dust settles, we discuss the power and price of giving one of the world’s most divisive figures the royal treatment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 18

As Disney voluntarily pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live!, much to the White House’s glee, what does the US’s latest crackdown on free speech mean for the country? Plus: Lisbon’s immigrants’ counterprotest and AI makes a breakthrough. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 17

The US president Donald Trump’s official welcome on his second UK state visit, the EU wants sanctions on Israel, Lithuania teaches children drone skills and is it still possible to have a discussion? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 16

As US president Donald Trump and first lady Melania start their UK tour at Windsor Castle, we discuss what the government hopes to gain from the royal and military pageantry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 15

Will the Doha summit deliver more than symbolic condemnations? Plus: Are Russia’s drone crossings in Romania and Poland an escalation of Putin’s war? And how a Swiss watchmaker is trolling Donald Trump’s 39 per cent tariffs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 12

What the sentencing of former president Jair Bolsonaro means for Brazil, the week in French politics and Rome’s plans for a swimmable river. Plus: tube strikes disrupt London and ‘What We Learned’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 11

As the world reacts to the assassination of the outspoken, conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, we discuss how pivotal this moment really is for the US. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 10

Should Nato take a tougher stance on Russia following its violation of Polish airspace? Then: the state of US-Israel ties after the latter’s attack on Qatar. Plus: is FM radio still important? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 9

The latest following Israel’s attack on Hamas leadership in Qatar. Then: as France’s government collapses, we unpack what’s next for Emmanuel Macron. Plus: would our commutes be nicer if more people read books? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 8

Donald Trump threatens further sanctions on Russia following the latest strikes on Ukraine. Will Vladimir Putin listen? Plus: Keir Starmer is told to stop making mistakes, and we hear from Ahmed Shamali in Gaza. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 5

Donald Trump renames the US defence ministry to the Department of War. Plus: National Guard deployment continues in a busy week in Washington. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 4

Monocle’s editors and producers join Tom Edwards and Ed Stocker to preview their most anticipated panellists at this year’s Quality of Life Conference in Barcelona. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 3

China shows off new weapons at expensive military parade. Then: Britain’s new warship deal with Scandinavia. Plus: uproar as Abba is left off a Swedish cultural-heritage list. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 2

China’s vision for a new world order. Then: we discuss why so many people avoid news consumption. Plus: we meet Ciaran Gaffney of storytelling platform Seanchoíche. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 1

The EU continues to debate security guarantees for Ukraine if a peace deal is reached with Moscow. Then: we look at the state of press freedom in the US. Plus: baguette wars in France. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 29

As Paetongtarn Shinawatra is suspended by Thailand’s court, we discuss what this means for the country. Plus: the China-Brazil partnership, the new face of Maison Margiela and the latest from the world of beer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 28

The international community reacts to Russia’s latest assault on Kyiv as Putin rejects the idea of European troops in Ukraine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 27

French and Dutch voters might get their wish for fresh parliamentary elections. But why are they so dissatisfied with the governments that they voted into office? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 26

As calls for a deal to bring home the hostages erupt into nationwide protests in Israel, Yossi Mekelberg and Julie Norman join Andrew Mueller to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 25

Our panel of Charles Hecker in London and Emma Nelson in Zurich explore whether peacekeepers in Ukraine should be Nato members or neutral nations - and whether the Swiss might fill the void. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 22

As outcry erupts over Israel’s actions in Gaza, ‘The National’ editor in chief joins to discuss press freedoms. Plus: Thomas Chatterton Williams’ ‘Summer of Our Discontent’ and is Russia’s Intervision worse than sanctions? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 21

Live from Zürich: Eemeli Isoaho and Jessica Bridger on Europe’s bid to make peace and how leaders such as Alexander Stubb fit in. Plus: wildfires and the growing appeal of Silent Book Club. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 20

Live from Zürich: Juliet Linley and Marcus Schögel discuss Giorgia Meloni’s role in Ukraine talks, Victorinox’s possible US plans and reports that Pope Leo XIV might soon share his Vatican home with friars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 19

Hamas accepts a Gaza-ceasefire proposal, will Israel agree to the terms? Then: The UN Interim Force in Lebanon is under threat from Washington. Plus: is your relationship doomed if you meet online? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 18

Volodymyr Zelensky heads to Washington accompanied by Europe’s top leaders. Can any progress be made? Plus: Israel faces increasing domestic pressure about the Gaza war and we discuss why young people are reading books again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 15

As the world awaits the results of today’s meeting in Anchorage, we get the view from Kyiv. Plus: The new issue of Monocle, Flow festival in Helsinki and Taylor Swift’s podcast diplomacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 14

As we await the Putin-Trump talks in Alaska, can the UK and Europe ensure that redlines aren’t crossed. Plus: Netanyahu’s maniacal “vision” and why AI might not be coming for your job just yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 13

As the world busies itself with discussions about a Palestinian state, the death toll in Gaza rises. Plus: Lebanon’s Iran problem, how to stop a shoplifter and are you guilty of “cagongjok”? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 12

Europe and Ukraine left out in the cold ahead of the meeting between Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, in Alaska. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 11

We discuss the EU’s urgent strategy talks as ministers seek to brief Donald Trump before his Alaska meeting with Vladimir Putin, set red lines and push for a ceasefire in Ukraine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 8

We report from the US-Mexican border six months on from Donald Trump promising a closed border and the biggest deportation operation in US history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 7

Russian aide Yuri Ushakov says that Trump and Putin will meet in the ‘coming days’ and the exact location will be announced later. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 6

Talks between the US and Russia as Donald Trump warns that he will impose sanctions if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 5

Justin Quirk and Terry Stiastny join Andrew Mueller to explore the first funding of US military equipment for Ukraine. Plus: why music festivals are turning up their wellness offering. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 4

Benjamin Netanyahu suggests expanding Israel’s military operations in Gaza to free hostages; Russia’s deadline for a deal approaches; the chaos engulfing the right in the UK; and Italy’s plan to tackle unpaid fines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.