The Monocle Daily
The Monocle Daily is a weekday news podcast that offers a global perspective on the day's events. Each episode features a panel of guests who review stories from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australasia. The show includes reports and analysis from Monocle's correspondents and bureaux around the world. It was nominated for 'Best Daily Podcast' in the 2022 British Podcast Awards.
Episodes
Language problems: The global scramble to get back online after PHP flaw discovered
A flaw in computer language led to the shutdown of websites worldwide this week. We examine the long tail of a mass cyber-security event. Plus: Can governments get out of the debt ‘doom loop’ ?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
UK fighter jets head to Saudi while Italian and French forces head to the streets
Inzamam Rashid explains why UK fighter jets are being sent to protect Saudi cities. Then: Phil Clark and Erin O’Halloran explore whether troops on the ground in France and Italy will quell protests or fan the flames. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are we done with independence referendums? The cases of Alberta, Scotland and Catalonia
Albertans reject a referendum on independence by a clear margin. Has the tide turned against separatists in the West? And: we hear from Lars Bevanger in Oslo on the latest US-Ukraine talks. Plus: comedian Shawn Chidiac.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Summits and protests: France riots while Russia leaves Ukraine out of its peace proposal
Antoine Goullin reports from Paris and our panellists Charles Hecker and Zoë Grunewald discuss whether voters ever take their lead from protesters. Plus: Russia wants a US-China summit to end the war in Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zelensky stands firm in Brussels as his row with Trump escalates
Zelensky’s €70bn ask exposes Europe’s fight over money and priorities. Then: what Frieze got right this year and the hospitality that keeps it running. Plus: Andrew Mueller’s What We Learned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brazil scraps the six-day workweek: A win for workers or an election giveaway?
Brazil scraps the six-day workweek, BMW pulls a car offer from a far-right politician and Cyprus’s stalled Schengen bid. Plus: would you live rent-free in the Arctic? And: São Paulo’s Pulso Hotels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lufthansa wins the battle to buy a stake in Tap Air Portugal
Lufthansa wins the fight for Tap, Ukraine’s access to Starlink is curbed and the Houthis strike Aramco’s HQ in Saudi Arabia. Plus: Frieze Masters and a 1930 kidnapping.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
France is split on the budget and what to do about freezers
Live from Paris: Alexandre Kouchner and Florence Biedermann discuss the freezer fiasco and protests. Will French politicians be able to agree on a 2027 budget? Plus: Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficilli on branching out into sailing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Paris Auto Show: China introduces itself to the world – how will Europe respond?
Live from the Paris Auto Show: We speak with the CEO of Dacia and the chief designer of Zeekr. We also get the perspective of the US and from auto analyst and expert Felipe Munoz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can design and fashion events project soft power at a time of political uncertainty?
A special design and fashion edition of ‘The Monocle Daily’. Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton discuss Paris Fashion Week during protests, Salone del Mobile 2027, improving our architectural diets and next week’s episode of ‘Monocle on Design’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where next for Saudi Arabia after Houthi strikes on its infrastructure
With the Houthis warning Saudi Arabia to stay away from oil facilities, we consider how the Kingdom will respond. Plus: the Arctic Circle Assembly begins. Who gets to share in the new theatre of global competition?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Has Macron’s attempt to contain student protests made things worse?
Aliona Hlivco and Charles Hecker join to discuss why the Paris school protests have expanded beyond France. Then: Russia strikes a Ukraine apartment block on Vladimir Putin’s birthday. Plus: AI turns on tech creators. And: do important people have worse manners? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Britain is fighting to keep its diplomatic foothold in Jerusalem
With Israel expected to close the British consulate in Jerusalem, we explore why Britain is determined to keep its diplomatic foothold in the region. Plus: Would you date in saunas? What Finns understand about communal spaces that the world has forgotten.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lula vs Bolsonaro, round two: Brazil’s presidential election heads to a runoff
Brazil heads to a runoff between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro. Then: protests in Spain, France and Pakistan – do they work? Plus: should pets be allowed to fly in the cabin?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The stakes of the Brazilian election and our favourite moments from Paris Fashion Week
Robert Bound joins ‘The Monocle Daily’ Weekly Quiz. We head to São Paulo as Brazilians prepare to head to the polls. Plus: Argentina launches a new citizenship scheme and we’re off to Paris for the very best of fashion week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran and the US trade peace proposals and the government sets you up on a date
As Iran and the US trade peace proposals, we examine realistic diplomatic paths forward. Then: the looming Bosnian and Brazilian elections. Plus: don’t tread on my love life – governments get involved in matchmaking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Flydubai flight emergency: what happens now? Plus: Iran tells the US to vote out Trump
After a pilot was stabbed and a plane emergency landed, we get the view from Tel Aviv. Then: has the Iran war’s unpopularity given Tehran sway in US politics? Plus: amid a global museum boom, we visit some of our favourites.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The politics of ‘Hope Again’: is optimism back or are voters exhausted by crises?
As Andy Burnham gives his first Labour conference speech as UK leader, will his politics of hope strike a chord or ring hollow? Then: Tucker Carlson sits down with Andrew Tuck in Abu Dhabi. Plus: The beauty of complaining.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s the true cost of co-operation?
As the UK investigates an incident near an RAF base that’s used by the US military and the EU discusses incorporating a Nato-style defence pact, Andrew Mueller asks his guests about the hidden risks of alliances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is neutrality all that it’s cracked up to be?
As Switzerland prepares to vote on enforcing its neutral status, Benno Zogg from the Swiss Federal Department of Defence explains what this would mean for security. Plus: will Rob Bound actually win the weekly quiz this time?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Diesel shortages: How seriously should we take a potential US exports ban?
Carole Walker and Anand Menon discuss Donald Trump’s threat to ban diesel exports. Plus: Australia’s OpenAI hack and the best places to retire. And: a preview of our new podcast, Konfekt Conversations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What can the US achieve by grounding Iranian flights?
Will paralysing Iran’s airports help Washington? Then: Donald Trump calls Cuba a “failed state” and Bordeaux residents get a say in how their city’s money is spent. And: a novel way for bookworms to fall in love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donald Trump speaks at the UN General Assembly – but is anyone still listening?
The US president addresses the UN General Assembly amid a row over press freedom. Then: France responds to fuel protests and Seoul’s mayor pushes for more green city spaces. And: Do you feel younger than your actual age?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A diplomacy special: the 81st UNGA, the Urban 20 Summit and lobbying in lobbies
Leaders of the world flock to New York for the 81st edition of the United Nations General Assembly. Then: are US sanctions any more effective, or ethical, than military might? Plus: mayors of the world gather to swap urbanism tips. And: which hotel lobbies are best for lobbying? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why the first Duma elections since the outbreak of the Ukraine war matter to Russia
Russians go to the polls across three days to elect a new State Duma. Then: The Michelin Keys list 2026, Burberry’s trench coat at the V&A and What We Learned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from the Arab Media Summit 2026: Is there a future for the old-school news anchor?
The Monocle Daily team broadcast live from the World Trade Centre for the Arab Media Summit. Tonight we ask: can foreign news organisations flourish in the UAE’s media landscape? Is there a future for the old-school news anchor and if so, what does it look like?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from the Arab Media Summit 2026
The Monocle Daily team broadcasts live from the World Trade Centre for the Arab Media Summit, taking the temperature of the region’s largest media gathering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s preventing progress when it comes to Israel negotiations?
Ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon head to Washington for talks unlikely to produce a result. Then: Can Hungary’s fresh start be a blueprint for Europe? Plus: Monocle at the Arab Media Summit and would you buy a dupe design?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do North Korean rockets and threats have new implications for South Korea and the US?
Pyongyang boasts of new powers after Saturday's missile launches. Then: Is Rubio playing the right game; is Trump the “smart president” who can save us from AI; and could department-store sales hold hope for humanity?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reflections on the September 11 anniversary, from London to New York
Monocle’s Tyler Brûlé, Anita Riotta and Chris Cermak reflect on the 25th anniversary of September 11. Plus: the Japanese-American artist, Miya Ando, who designed London’s September 11 memorial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukraine strikes deep into the Russian Arctic’s gas heartland
Ukraine hits the Russian Arctic in the deepest strike of the war to date. Then: Bayeux Tapestry mania in London and the escalator dilemma in South Korea. And: a preview of Konfekt’s Autumn issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warned by Iran and pressured by the US: South Korea’s Strait of Hormuz dilemma
What would happen if South Korea joined the war against Iran? Then: why are so many Republicans a no-show at Trump’s new convention? And: how closely should we listen to AI whistleblowers?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backlash from Israel as the UK, France and Canada ban imports from West Bank settlements
Israel angry as the UK, France and Canada ban imports from West Bank settlements. Then: Odesa considers prohibiting the Russian language in the arts. And: How could a ban on lying in politics be enforced?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Germany’s far-right firewall about to crumble?
As the AfD wins in Saxony-Anhalt, how strong is Germany’s firewall against the far right? Then: Is the US concerned about Europe’s space agenda? And: How can a country bounce back after record tourist complaints?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does Giorgia Meloni’s milestone mean for Europe’s far-right?
The Italian prime minister has beaten Silvio Berlusconi’s record to lead the country’s longest-serving postwar government. We look at what the recipe of her success has been and how this achievement might inspire other far-right parties in Europe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will Russian interference derail Europe’s future elections?
What can be done to stop Russia meddling in European elections? Then: France and the UK boost their historic ties. And: South Korea unveils plans for a second presidential office and a new national assembly in Sejong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Has the US found a way to beat Iran at its own game?
As strikes resume, we discuss whether the Iran war could stretch on forever. Then: are democratic socialists going to ruin US capitalism? Could a new secretary-general rebrand the UN? And what the hell is an “aura battle”?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Putin the puppeteer and, the art of being helpful
As Vladimir Putin tells Iran it has Moscow’s support, what is he saying to Washington? Then: is the UAE trying to make itself indispensable around the world? Plus: has the price of gold made museum heists less sophisticated?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Has Germany lost its aversion to war?
As Chancellor Merz prepares to point the finger at Moscow for hybrid attacks in Leipzig, how has Germany’s foreign policy changed over the last few years? Plus: When does Japanese etiquette go too far?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How brands can overcome prestige dilution and Monocle’s weekly quiz
We examine the steep decline of the loyalty scheme and spotlight two luxury brands that are bucking the trend. Plus: Andrew Mueller defends his title in the weekly quiz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Ratcliffe’s in-person Moscow meeting: could it have been an email?
As Moscow confirms the director of the CIA’s not-so-clandestine visit, we discuss what was on the agenda. Then: The Butcher of Bosnia dies and Syria starts shopping. Plus: Should you consider hotel-first trips?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oman and Pakistan are rewriting the rules of mediation – will this help or hinder a US-Iran deal?
Amid Oman’s negotiations with Iran, how is mediation changing? Then: Can a national crisis have a silver lining for soft power? Plus: Is Trump hoping to give 1968 a run for its money when it comes to the US convention?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will the West normalise relations with Syria?
The US has removed Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism after 47 years. What will this actually mean in practice? Then: does the way political parties are funded affect democratic integrity? Plus: why is the Middle East investing in Europe’s leisure economy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The war of propaganda: how to read between the lines
Guy de Launey and the panellists discuss how to understand the reality of a situation when two sparring countries are bloviating. Plus: is fishing the EU’s downfall? And: a book revealing the hidden characters of Cuba.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Zürich: How will the upgraded China trade deal affect Swiss business?
Emma Nelson is joined by Erich Hoesli and Eveline Rosa to discuss the elimination of tariffs on almost all Swiss exports to China and whether learning a new language can AI-proof your career. Plus: Swiss trends in the travel and hospitality industry and Andrew Mueller’s ‘What We Learned’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How would the US pulling troops from the Gulf shift regional power dynamics?
The US is mulling a major troop pull-back from the Gulf – is this a victory for Iran? Then: What will Latin Americans give up for security? Plus: Monocle’s September issue has some useful life lessons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the Gordie Howe International Bridge a symbol of all that’s going wrong between the US and Canada?
Are Trump’s tariff threats against Canada burning bridges with the US’s favourite neighbour? Then: Meta on trial, hardship bonuses for diplomats and does bigger mean better when it comes to airports?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Press freedoms in Afghanistan on the fifth anniversary of the Taliban takeover
In August 2021, Taliban fighters took control of the presidential palace in Kabul and re-established control over the whole country. Five years on, we look at how media access and the freedom of expression continue to be eroded. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s in a university ranking? How the US and UK still dominate
China is a budding superpower but the US and UK still dominate global university charts, even those by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy. We hear from economist Guy Standing, plus our panel of Alex von Tunzelmann and Mark Earls weigh in on why autocrats still send their kids to Harvard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Beating the heat and our recommendations for books that transport you
Robert Bound returns to defend his ‘The Daily Weekly Quiz’ title. We head to the Gulf, North Korea and Australia for tips on how to beat the heat. Plus: stuck at home in August? Book recommendations that will whisk you away. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is Crink and should it worry the West?
China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are increasingly co-operating militarily. How steadfast is this alliance and should it worry the West? Plus: Germany’s ‘spy revolution’, Karoline Leavitt leaves and the pros and cons of Unesco’s World Heritage List. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why has the US asked Ukraine to curb strikes on Russia?
Ukraine halts strikes on Russia’s tankers as per JD Vance’s request. Then: Donald Trump’s catering van controversy, French journalists go to war with AI and we get down to “Swissness”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ‘Ice Silk Road’: China’s new shipping route
Sea Legend shipping company is launching the first regular container service along Russia’s northern Arctic coast. Then: the World Bank helps Lebanon with its digital transformation. And: France says ‘non’ to unsolicited telemarketing calls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the Iran war exposing the limits of US dominance in the Middle East?
Rejected by Israel and left out by Oman: is Donald Trump losing influence in the Middle East? Then: plans to change the French parliament spark outrage. And: would you wear air-conditioned clothing? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How big of a deal is the Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan defence deal?
We examine the significance for the region and the world at the announcement of a new Middle East security deal. Then: our weekly quiz, chairs to make the neighbours jealous and ‘What We Learned’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are the FBI, the FSB and China’s Ministry of Public Security now all on the same side?
Russia, China and the US are teaming up for global law enforcement. Then: the left’s media machine, London’s pigeon war and we settle the debate over packing light versus packing heavy once and for all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What lessons is the European centre-left taking from the Michigan Senate primary?
As the Democratic Party redefines itself, Tira Shubart and Phil Tinline explore what lessons European centre-left parties are taking from the US. Plus: who is responsible for protecting the lunar environment?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How will Taiwan respond to limited internet connectivity as it begins its annual defence drills?
As Taiwan tests how the public responds to limited internet connectivity, Mark Leonard and Aliona Hlivco look into how to prepare a society to function when it’s suddenly offline. Plus: Brazilian designer Duda Lopes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Oman has turned mediation into part of its foreign-policy identity
Iran’s foreign ministry is discussing a new Strait of Hormuz shipping route with Oman. Julie Norman and Mark Earls explore Oman’s soft-power influence. Plus: what makes residents spend a weekend in their own city?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Packing up the car for your summer holidays? Here’s the Monocle guide to sunny road trips
Our weekly quiz dives into Anthony Fauci’s diary and public nuisances in Singapore. Then: as Europeans drive off on their holidays, our Monocle contributors give you their recommendations for the best food, tunes and etiquette while on the road. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iceland’s EU referendum and our shortcuts to a happier summer
Inga Thordar and Alexander Görlach on Iceland’s looming EU referendum and why the organisation is popular again. Plus: an aerial-firefighting CEO and shortcuts to a happier summer from our ‘Med, Mountains & More’ newspaper. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Refuelling in southern France: Firefighters make progress but bigger challenges remain
Thomas Waterhouse joins us from Lacanau, where French water bombers are refilling from a nearby lake to fight the fires. Our panel of Ash Bhardwaj and Zoë Grünewald assess the fallout for tourism and politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Broken norms: Are leaders less shy about backing other countries’ candidates?
Antônio Sampaio and Marion Messmer discuss Argentine president Javier Milei’s direct intervention in Brazil’s elections, endorsing Flávio Bolsonaro and calling President Lula a “convict” and “delinquent”. Has it become the norm for politicians to intervene across borders?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The conflicts in Ukraine and Iran converge. Plus: What to make of political leaders’ attire?
Regional conflicts in Ukraine and Iran intersect as Kyiv hits a ship from Tehran in the Caspian Sea. Could the wars become global? Then: Can we learn from political leaders’ sartorial decisions – or are we too buttoned up?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is controlling the sun the brightest idea?
Tira Shubart and Andrew Mueller discuss the plans to reflect the sun’s rays in a way to capitalise on solar energy. What could possibly go wrong for life on Earth? Plus: a light round-up of the week’s events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The costs of war for the US and who will foot Pakistan’s mediation bill?
Charles Hecker and Patti Cohen on the effects of Yemen’s Houthis on global shipping, how much the Iran war will cost the US, whether Pakistan will get compensated for mediation and how fresh EU sanctions impact Russia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The message that a US deal allowing Saudi nuclear enrichment sends to the world
Hannah Lucinda Smith and Erin O’Halloran assess the global impact of a US agreement to build out Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy programme. Plus: why Japan’s prime minister was pleased to get five hours of sleep over the weekend. And Guy De Launey reports on a Balkan conspiracy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What UK prime minister Andy Burnham’s new cabinet tells us and the French far right shuns Elon Musk
Andy Burnham’s cabinet sit down for their first meeting: what can we learn from their early policy positions? Then: why is the French far right bucking the tech-bro trend and shunning Elon Musk? Plus: Chengdu’s West Village.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andy Burnham takes charge in the UK – but does changing leaders midterm ever work?
Alex von Tunzelmann and Justin Quirk on the chances of Andy Burnham succeeding where Sir Keir Starmer could not. Plus: Farnborough International Airshow opens and an interview with Jack Watling, author of new book Statecraft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vladimir Putin’s approval rating plummets and protests continue in Ukraine
Monocle writer Julia Jenne looks at the consequences of the cabinet reshuffle in Kyiv and why Vladimir Putin’s popularity is dropping in Russia. Then: Andrew Mueller and Robert Bound test each other’s news knowledge in our weekly quiz. And: we hear from Italo disco revivalists Mind Enterprises. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Change at the top in Ukraine and the 10-year anniversary of Turkey’s failed coup
The Ukrainian president’s decision to dismiss popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has sparked anger. Then: Ten years after a failed coup, what’s next for Turkey? And: China bans chatbots built for companionship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who or what can stop the US-Iran conflict from becoming a forever war?
Iran and the US are back in conflict. Daniella Peled and Ash Bhardwaj discuss who (else) can bring an end to the war with Iran if the IRGC and the Trump administration fail to cease hostilities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The art of the military parade: Bastille Day and other case studies
France offered a show of military force and European unity during Emmanuel Macron’s last Bastille Day parade. Is there such a thing as a good display of military might? Our panel, including Michael Binyon and Elisabeth Braw, discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Was diplomacy given a chance? Iran and US point to failures, as fighting resumes
Negah Angha and John Everard on the US and Iran’s failure to give diplomacy a chance. Then: Japan aims to centralise intelligence and French parents bring kids to work. Plus: Sally Hayden’s book This Is Also a Love Story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The World Cup as a global policing operation
We look inside the Fifa International Police Co-operation Center, which brings together the law enforcement agencies of every competing country to share intelligence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US and Iran trade strikes on day of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s burial
The burial of Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei is now set to go ahead after delays due to US strikes. Then: India and Australia reach a uranium deal, Nigel Farage meets a bin-worthy opponent and should shorts in the office be banned? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump uses trade to punish Spain over defence spend
US president Donald Trump has ordered a halt to trade with Spain, the only Nato member that hasn’t committed to the alliance’s new target of defence spending at 5 per cent of GDP. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Top defence spenders Estonia takes its seat at the Nato conference in Ankara
All eyes are on Estonia at the Nato conference in Ankara as the Baltic nation looks to spend more than €10bn euros on defense over the next three years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The effects of Canada's multibillion-dollar submarine decision
Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, is poised to announce who will supply the Royal Canadian Navy’s new submarine fleet – what it could mean if they buy within Nato and draw closer to Europe? Plus: Casio watches rebound.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The week in Venezuela and previewing Fourth of July celebrations
We speak with Catherine Ellis in Venezuela and Charlotte McDonald-Gibson in Washington about the politicised celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US independence. Plus: Madonna’s new album and Canada joins Eurovision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
