Join Georgina Godwin every week on Monocle on Saturday to delve into the latest global news and culture, with reports from regular guests in Monocle’s London studio and our international correspondents. The show covers the week's most interesting stories from around the world.
Episodes
Looking back on an extraordinary week in US politics
Charles Hecker and Emma Nelson reflect on the US midterm results and more of the week’s news. Plus: the global reach of Indian cinema.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The global impact of the US midterm elections
Georgina Godwin and Erin O’Halloran discuss Donald Trump’s attempts at voter suppression and what elections elsewhere indicate about the US midterms. Plus: the decline of chocolate and India’s publishing scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US midterms and Israel’s elections: Who is voting and can we trust the polls?
Simon Brooke and Emma Nelson discuss polling accuracy in the US midterms, the demographics of Israel’s election and more. Plus: we head to Lisbon for the Best Sommelier of the World 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Estonia: The free world’s first line of defence
Emma Nelson and Tira Shubart discuss Donald Trump waiving Russian sanctions, the funding package for Estonia’s surveillance and more. Plus: Amyi, the Brazilian perfume brand thriving in one of the world’s biggest markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donald Trump’s diesel deal: Why now?
Isabel Hilton and Emma Nelson discuss Donald Trump’s new diesel deal with Russia and US sanctions against the ICC. Plus: the 2026 Caine Prize for African Writing winner on the power of African literature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The future of libraries and Abu Dhabi’s modernist architecture
Zara Khan and Georgina Godwin discuss Turkey’s economy, Kashmir’s culinary traditions and more. Plus: The Bodleian’s Richard Ovenden on libraries in the digital age and The National’s Enas Refaei on preserving Abu Dhabi’s architecture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Panda diplomacy, Mark Zuckerberg’s glow up and the world’s oldest peace treaty
Emma Nelson and Hannah Lucinda Smith discuss diplomatic gifts, Mark Zuckerberg’s style transformation and the world’s oldest peace treaty. Plus: the best of South Tyrol at Monocle’s Zürich Autumn Market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can journalism survive political pressure?
Daniella Peled and Emma Nelson discuss reporting on war crimes in Ukraine, the hidden cost of war in Sudan and more. Plus: why Dubai Museum matters to Emiratis and visitors alike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From nations to neighbours: How to change our view of conflict
Erin O’Halloran and Georgina Godwin discuss the Brics summit, Pakistan’s role in the Middle East and more. Plus: neuroscientist Dr Lotto on our view of conflict and designer Tina Charad on creating Hollywood’s visuals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The rise of the AfD and the fall of Farage. Plus: the evolution of art fairs
Georgina Godwin and Tessa Szyszkowitz on pivotal elections in Germany, the latest Reform UK controversy and more. Plus: how the business model of London’s new art fair, Fair Play, puts artists first.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rachel Cusk’s new novel, Germany’s latest culture war and the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
The New Statesman’s culture editor, Tanjil Rashid, and Georgina Godwin discuss the AfD’s campaign against anti-German art, Rachel Cusk’s new novel and more. Plus: Janet DeNeefe on the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Zürich: drought, the nuclear power debate and the Zürcher Theater Spektakel
Emma Nelson and Jessica Bridger discuss Switzerland’s nuclear power debate and how drought affects global trade. Plus: Georgina Godwin’s Scottish reading retreat. Then: What makes Zürich’s Theater Spektakel 2026 so distinctive?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Institutional accountability, climate alerts and London vs Helsinki festival culture
Charles Hecker and Georgina Godwin on Jason Arday, the UK climate alert and when to give up on a book. Plus: Petri Burtsoff on how Helsinki’s Flow Festival stands out in design and urbanism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zelensky in Serbia, astrotourists in Spain and a guide to the Paris flea markets
Guy De Launey and Georgina Godwin discuss Ukrainian president Zelensky’s visit to Belgrade, eclipse enthusiasts in Somosierra and more. Plus: insider knowledge of Les Puces de Saint-Ouen with expert guide, Kate van den Boogert. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shifting summer into high gear: France hits the road and magazines for the beach
Zara Khan joins Georgina Godwin to discuss Turkey’s new opposition party, the $1tn generational art transfer and more. Plus: France’s “black Saturday” travel and the best magazines to take to the beach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The new era of global wildfires
Isabel Hilton and Georgina Godwin discuss Ukraine’s attacks on Russia’s ‘Amazon’ warehouses, Europe’s wildfires, China’s economy and more of this week’s news. Plus: life in the resort city of Sochi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fashion in politics and activism
Tira Shubart and Georgina Godwin discuss the UK’s next prime minister, Andy Burnham, style in politics, the latest space news and South Korea’s pet fair. Plus: British designer Katharine Hamnett talks fashion as activism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nato Summit recap, Eurostar’s response to ‘Saudi summers’ and Ukraine’s best bartender
Latika Bourke joins Georgina Godwin to discuss her experience at the Nato Summit and Eurostar’s response to soaring temperatures. Plus: Ukraine’s World Class 2026 cocktail champion on the country’s bar culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘Exit: The Image of the Present’ – Episode 2
In the second of a pair of special programmes produced in association with Fondation Cartier, a range of speakers engage with the contemporary issues mapped in the Fondation’s immersive installation “Exit”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
America’s 250th birthday
As the US celebrates 250 years of independence today, Georgina Godwin and Vincent McAviney discuss the state of the nation. Plus: the mood in Washington and two New York Times journalists on press freedom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘Exit: The Image of the Present’ – Episode 1
In the first of a pair of special programmes produced in association with Fondation Cartier, we explore the immersive installation “Exit”, which documents global population movements as part of the Fondation’s Exposition Générale.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran, Europe’s borders and the evolving role of museums
Charles Hecker and Georgina Godwin on Iran latest, the EU’s border system chaos and 80 years of Vespa. Plus: Fondation Cartier’s latest symposium exploring the role of the museum in understanding our world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BBC job cuts, China’s economy and the World Cup. Plus: Virginia Woolf on screen
Robin Brant joins Georgina Godwin to discuss BBC job cuts, China’s economy and more. Plus: the screenwriter behind the new adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s ‘Night & Day’ on bringing the novel to screen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Independent Bookshop Week, the new Booker Prize Quick Read and other stories
Tira Shubart joins Georgina Godwin for a culture and news roundup. We also speak about Independent Bookshop Week in the UK and Gaby Wood on the new Booker Prize Quick Read.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wiener Festwochen controversy and forgotten textiles
Tessa Szyszkowitz joins Georgina Godwin to discuss the Wiener Festwochen controversy, Ukraine’s growing drone industry and the week’s news. Plus: designer Walid Damirji on giving forgotten textiles a second life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from the Hay Festival 2026
Live from the 2026 Hay Festival, Georgina Godwin is joined by international director Cristina Fuentes La Roche and the winner of the 2026 Climate Fiction Prize. Plus: a preview of the Badi Market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stephen Colbert’s final show and Moomins on the road
Emma Nelson and Charles Hecker unpack Stephen Colbert’s final show, Hungary’s proposed constitutional amendment and New York bagel drama. Plus: the Moomin exhibitions at Seattle’s National Nordic Museum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump-Xi summit, UK political turmoil and Eurovision Asia
Isabel Hilton joins Fionnuala Sweeney to discuss the fallout from the Trump-Xi summit, ongoing turmoil in British politics and more. Plus: the debut of Eurovision Asia and a look ahead to Hay Festival 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
State of a nation: Reform UK’s success and disaster prepping
Vincent McAviney and Georgina Godwin on Russia’s Victory Day parade and Britain’s growing anxiety. Plus: Amanda Craig on the state of the nation and Christopher Lamb on Pope Leo XIV’s first year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
King Charles III’s speech, the Affordable Art Fair and the International Sea Urchin Festival
Latika Bourke and Georgina Godwin unpack King Charles III’s Washington speech, Trump’s troop withdrawal from Germany and more. Plus: ceramics at Affordable Art Fair Hampstead and Portugal’s International Sea Urchin Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump’s Falklands threat, World Cup updates and Stockholm Music Week debuts
Georgina Godwin and Isabel Hilton on the UK’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, Trump’s World Cup proposal and more of the week’s news. Plus: Stockholm Music Week’s debut and why creative industry gatherings matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The party spat dominating British politics, French writers revolt and the importance of small museums
Tira Shubart and Georgina Godwin examine why the Mandelson scandal is dominating UK politics despite global crises. Plus: updates on Iran, a French publishing exodus and the best small museums around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran talks and Hungary’s election. Plus: the ultimate guide to hosting
Vincent McAviney and Georgina Godwin discuss the week’s news. JD Vance heads to Pakistan for peace talks and Hungary holds pivotal elections. Plus: chef Jago Rackham on how to host a dinner party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Trump uses verbs to evade responsibility. Plus: Pope Leo XIV’s first Easter
Simon Brooke and Emma Nelson unpack how US president Donald Trump uses language to his advantage. Plus: the founder of chocolatier Plaq, Kitkat’s creative response to a PR disaster and Pope Leo XIV’s first Easter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kash Patel’s leaked photos, London Craft Week and Monocle’s Hanami Market
Isabel Hilton and Emma Nelson discuss FBI director Kash Patel’s hacked emails and more of the week’s news. Plus: London Craft Week 2026 and Tyler Brûlé kicks off Monocle’s Hanami Market in Zürich.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran latest and Alexander Stubb’s gloomy outlook on Ukraine
Latika Bourke joins Georgina Godwin with the latest from Iran and her interaction with the Finnish president at Chatham House. Then: The Folio Society celebrates the 40th anniversary of ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The latest on Iran and Uganda’s housing crisis at Mipim
As the Iran war enters its third week, Vincent McAviney and Georgina Godwin unpack the latest. Then: at Mipim we hear how Uganda is tackling rapid urbanisation. Plus: Jill Dawson on her novel ‘Pixie’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran latest: intelligence sharing, travel disruption and the influencer economy
Ash Bhardwaj joins Georgina Godwin to discuss the latest out of the Middle East, including military intelligence sharing, continued travel disruption and influencers in Dubai. Plus: Turkish luxury retailer Beymen’s new shop in Istanbul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Literary revelations in Ukraine and why culture still matters under fire
Nina dos Santos joins Georgina Godwin to look through the week’s news and culture. Plus: writer and translator Kate Tsurkan on how Ukrainian literature is thriving despite the ongoing war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump’s tariffs, royal scandal and technology vs human nature
Niklaus Nuspliger and Georgina Godwin on Trump’s 10 per cent global tariffs, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s fate and the Chinese New Year show with robots. Plus: DJ Haai on how technology and human nature interact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The day of love and the end of the world?
Charles Hecker joins Georgina Godwin to discuss “a new era in geopolitics” at the Munich Security Conference. Plus: Andrew Mueller answers our romantic dilemmas and a review of Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 kicks off with a rousing opening ceremony
Georgina Godwin and Vincent McAviney discuss the latest Epstein files releases and mass layoffs at ‘The Washington Post’. Then: the Trieste Film Festival and the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Space security, Italian disco and the Bayeux Tapestry
Tira Shubart and Emma Nelson on the latest deep-space mission, Iran’s regime and the potential derailing of the Bayeux Tapestry move. Plus: Disco Bambino on the enduring appeal of Italian disco.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump’s Board of Peace, football diplomacy and a must-see exhibition
Yossi Mekelberg and Georgina Godwin with the latest on Ukraine, Trump’s Board of Peace and how football intersects with geopolitics. Plus: the Lee Miller exhibition at London’s Tate Britain and the power of photography.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How is 2026 only 17 days old? Plus: London Art Fair and Jaipur Literature Festival
Isabel Hilton and Emma Nelson look back on 2026 so far, including Trump’s Greenland aspirations and the Gaza peace plan. Plus: The London Art Fair and Georgina Godwin at Jaipur Literature Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Protests in Iran, Adelaide Writers’ Week and the luxury market in 2026
Charles Hecker and Georgina Godwin discuss the week’s news and culture, including Adelaide Writers’ Week controversy, escalating protests in Iran and a new radio station in Berlin. Plus: the luxury market in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Saturday 3 January
Georgina Godwin brings fascinating stories, global news, and culture, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Saturday 27 December
Georgina Godwin brings fascinating stories, global news, and culture, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UK Christmas charts and pirate radio returns to the sea
Vincent McAviney and Georgina Godwin discuss the week’s news, including Ukraine, the Epstein files and the UK’s Christmas number one. Plus: Radio Caroline’s programme controller on returning to the sea on Christmas Day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
French spies, British olive oil and Monocle’s London Christmas Market
Charles Hecker joins Emma Nelson to discuss the week’s news, including French spies and British olive oil. Plus: Finn Gordon from garden and fragrance brand Sowvital joins ahead of our London Christmas Market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live in Paris: Frank Gehry, Nicolas Sarkozy’s book and our Christmas Market
Emma Nelson is live in Paris with Daphńee Denis and Florence Biedermann to flick through the French papers. Plus: Nic Monisse on Frank Gehry and April Crichton of La Fetiche joins us ahead of Monocle’s Christmas Market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monocle’s Zürich Christmas Market and Charleston Literary Festival
Yassmin Abdel-Magied joins Georgina Godwin in the studio to look through the week’s news. Plus: Georgina’s interview with the director of Charleston Literary Festival. Finally: Juliet Linley joins from Monocle’s Christmas Market in Zürich.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukraine peace plan latest and China’s mega embassy. Plus: Scotland comes to London
Isabel Hilton and Emma Nelson discuss the latest updates on the Ukraine peace plan and China’s proposed mega embassy in London. Plus: St Andrew’s Book Festival and Georgina Godwin on her travelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stories from the worlds of geopolitics and acting
Charles Hecker joins Emma Nelson to discuss the week’s biggest stories. Plus: Georgina Godwin speaks to actor Jamie-Rose Monk about building different characters and being an actor in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How much work is love? Plus: The Goldsmiths Prize 2025
Tessa Szyszkowitz and Georgina Godwin discuss psychoanalyst Stephen Grosz’s new book. Plus: the AI bubble, the next generation of Democrats and the winner of The Goldsmiths Prize 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can the rise of populism be stopped? Plus: Autumn art market trends
What do the Dutch elections tell us about the rise of populism in Europe? Gavin Plumley joins Georgina Godwin to unpack the week’s news. Plus: art trends at the Affordable Art Fair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump’s White House demolition, the Louvre heist and Helsinki Book Fair
Charles Hecker and Georgina Godwin on the White House demolition and more of the week’s news. Plus: Monocle’s Helsinki correspondent, Petri Burtsoff, joins from the city’s annual book fair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zelensky’s meeting in Washington, the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair and Cheltenham Literature Festival
Vincent McAviney joins Emma Nelson to discuss Zelensky’s meeting in Washington and more of the week’s news. Plus: the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House and Georgina Godwin joins from Cheltenham Literature Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gaza latest, Macron’s PM reshuffle, Bollywood in Britain and autumn with Olivia Potts
Nina dos Santos and Georgina Godwin on the Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal, France’s “new” prime minister, Bollywood in Britain and more of the week’s news. Plus: food writer Olivia Potts on autumn cooking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Politics in the US, UK, Japan and the animals behind the scenes
Terry Stiastny and Georgina Godwin discuss Japan’s LDP electing a female leader, Trump’s latest Gaza peace plan and a new e-book platform to rival Amazon. Plus: Peter Cardwell on the pets shaping politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Art as resistance
Georgina Godwin and Isabel Hilton unpack former FBI director James Comey’s indictment and more of the week’s news. Plus: how the Open Society Fellowship is supporting artists tackling urgent global issues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jimmy Kimmel and the US crackdown on free speech
Vincent McAviney and Georgina Godwin on ABC axing Jimmy Kimmel as other late-night hosts react. Plus: a Finnish delicacy and Monocle’s Zürich Autumn Market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Mandelson’s exit affects Trump’s state visit to the UK
Yassmin Abdel-Magied and Georgina Godwin on Charlie Kirk, Trump’s state visit and the new AI “minister” in Albania. Plus: Amsterdam design with Glue co-founder Janine de Jong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The London Literature Festival and the importance of print
Charles Hecker and Georgina Godwin discuss Venezuela, the UK cabinet reshuffle and Anthropic AI. Plus: the Southbank Centre’s Ted Hodgkinson on the London Literature Festival and the Baillie Gifford Prize long-list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The week in news and culture. Plus: the heritage of craft in Hastings
Simon Brooke joins Georgina Godwin to review the week’s news and culture. We also hear from Issabella Orlando on the rich heritage of craft and clothing in Hastings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The week in news and culture. Plus: Washington’s bipartisan bistro Butterworth’s
Marta Lorimer joins Georgina Godwin to review the week’s news. Plus: Charlotte McDonald-Gibson reports from Butterworth’s bistro in Washington, the unlikely spot drawing both Maga conservatives and curious Democrats to its eclectic menu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump meets Putin and UK festival season
Nina dos Santos and Emma Nelson unpack Trump’s summit with Putin in Alaska. Plus: the Free Books Campaign hosts a festival in London and Georgina Godwin joins from the Edinburgh International Book Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How to curate the perfect library
Charles Hecker and Georgina Godwin on Trump’s upcoming meeting with Putin in Alaska. Plus: specialist bookseller Max Moorhouse explains how he curates bespoke library collections for clients around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump’s tariffs, the dishes that define Paris and a controversial new Taiwanese TV show
Isabel Hilton and Georgina Godwin on the week’s news. Plus: Paris-based food writer Chris Newens seeks out – and attempts to recreate – a dish that represents each of the French capital’s 20 arrondissements.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump’s media woes and Expo 2025 Osaka
Alex von Tunzelmann and Georgina Godwin discuss the week’s news, including Trump’s media trouble and new tooth-growing technology. Plus: Monocle’s Ryuma Takahashi speaks to two designers at Expo 2025 Osaka.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The state of media and a new independent publisher
Georgina Godwin and Vincent McAviney on ‘The Late Show’ cancellation, Trump’s latest lawsuit and ‘The New York Times’ culture-critic revamp. Plus: Kate Parkin on launching a new independent publisher, Firefinch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How radio changed the home
Russia analyst Charles Hecker joins Georgina Godwin to discuss the week’s biggest stories. Plus: an exhibition exploring the history of radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Persephone Books, Edinburgh Book Festival highlights and this week’s global headlines
Isabel Hilton joins to discuss the week’s major news and cultural shifts. Plus, we speak to Jenny Niven from the Edinburgh Book Festival and Francesca Beauman of Persephone Books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Paris leads the rankings and what airports say about us
Live from Paris: Georgina Godwin is joined by Peter Godwin, Michael Keating and Anthony Grayling to discuss why Paris tops the Monocle liveability index and what makes a great airport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Global news, poetry bench and Swedish midsummer
Tessa Szyszkowitz joins Georgina Godwin to discuss the week’s news. Then: Daniel Kramb’s poetry goes from paper to bench at Estuary Festival 2025 and Wanja Kaufmann talks about London’s Swedish midsummer celebrations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
AI in media and Independent Bookshop Week
Yassmin Abdel-Magied joins Georgina Godwin to discuss the latest news. Plus: The Wall Street Journal’s CEO on how the media can work with AI companies and two bookshop owners on Independent Bookshop Week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump vs Musk, UK defence and the power of the essay
Vincent McAviney joins Georgina Godwin to discuss Donald Trump’s spat with Elon Musk and the UK’s defence review. Plus: Kim Kremer and Rosalind Porter of Notting Hill Editions on the power of the essay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live at Hay Festival 2025
Georgina Godwin is joined live by Philippe Sands, Fara Dabhoiwala and Abi Daré at the Hay Festival 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monocle’s Badi Market with Visit Portugal
Live from Monocle’s Badi Market in Zürich with Visit Portugal, Juliet Linley joins Carlota Rebelo to go over the week’s top stories. Plus: voices from stallholders and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eurovision countdown begins
Vincent McAviney and Carlota Rebelo on the week’s news and culture. Plus: Laura Kramer on Romania’s elections, Georgina Godwin at the Auckland Writers Festival and Fernando Augusto Pacheco on all things Eurovision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
