The Curator
A weekly compilation of the best stories and interviews from Monocle Radio, covering global affairs, culture, business, and design.
Episodes
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Leo Varadkar, former taoiseach of Ireland, reveals how the leaders of Europe felt when the Brexit referendum results were announced 10 years ago. And: we pay tribute to former Federal Reserve chair Alan Greenspan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Keir Starmer exit, Washington’s Reflecting Pool and the loudest person on Earth
This week, UK prime minister Keir Starmer resigned; the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool became increasingly opaque; and we found out who was crowned the loudest person on Earth. Andrew Mueller discusses what we learned. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer on how to make electric vehicles more affordable. Then: journalist and author Lyse Doucet discusses her debut book, ‘The Finest Hotel in Kabul’, and we meet Thai musician Notep. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What we learned: There ain’t no party like a White House party
Andrew Mueller reflects on president Trump’s birthday bash and how it compares to the celebrations of previous White House tenants. Plus: Trump gives a lesson in the art of the backhanded compliment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We learn how a perfumery is turning memories and smells of Icelandic nature into scents, we toast the launch of a new champagne vintage from Maison Perrier-Jouët and Tim Wu discusses his new book.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What we learned: Old man falls asleep, the art of the ‘almost’ deal and a very special apple
This week US president Donald Trump attended a Knicks game, pledged peace in the Middle East for the 37th time and the people of New Zealand went bananas at the supermarket.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
US special presidential envoy for tourism, exceptionalism and values Nick Adams discusses how to sell America in 2026. Plus: Sue Tilley, one of Lucien Freud’s main muses, recalls her time with the artist in the 1990s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Donald Trump’s one-man show and the Polish express to hell
Andrew Mueller discusses what we learned from this week’s news, including the empty line-up for Freedom 250 and Poland’s new bus route from Krakow to Hel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Highlights including: Estonian prime minister Kristen Michal on the threat from Russia; musical legend Jack White discusses his new exhibition; and writer Judy Blume raises concerns over book bans in the US.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Donald Trump the buffalo, UFC at the White House and cheese-rolling carnage
An albino buffalo named Donald Trump, the UFC fight-night venue at the White House and a shock win at Gloucestershire’s cheese-rolling competition. Andrew Mueller discusses the week that was. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
The editor in chief of The Wall Street Journal, Emma Tucker, tells us of print’s renewed importance in the age of AI. Then, Dutch couture designer Iris van Herpen discusses a new retrospective on her career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Guacamole record, Trump’s IRS lawsuit and a payout for January 6 insurrectionists
Andrew Mueller unpacks what we gleaned from US president Donald Trump’s “weaponisation” fund. Plus: avocado farmers break the guacamole record and the legacy of Massachusetts congressman Barney Frank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Megan Mulry previews the Santa Fe International Literary Festival. Then we head to Vietnam to explore the country’s booming tourism industry and discuss how the revival of gerrymandering is hurting democracy in the US. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Intercepting drug smugglers, UFO files and Trump Mobile
The US Coast Guard intercepts a drug boat, UFO files released and Trump Mobile’s updated pre-order terms signal more delays. Andrew Mueller tells us what we learned from the news this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Highlights including: The editor in chief of the new Esquire France, Bruno Danto; the legacy of CNN’s founder, Ted Turner; and we take a tour inside 40 Duke, Selfridge’s latest and most ambitious project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Iran war latest and the Gold Medal of Philology hoax
Andrew Mueller unpacks what we learned from this week’s news, including the latest on the Iran war and the French professor behind the “prestigious” fake Gold Medal of Philology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We report from Salone del Mobile, speak with the founder of ‘Sloft’ magazine and we preview the Venice Biennale.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: James Comey indictment, seagull squarks and the tiramisu world record
Andrew Mueller on what we’ve learned from the Trump administration’s latest indictment of former FBI director James Comey. Plus: the world’s longest tiramisu and the European seagull screeching championship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We look into what is really going on in the US-Iran situation. We see why Ethiopia’s superstar singer-songwriter is taking aim at the country’s government. And we find out how building bridges can bring communities together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Mount Trumpmore, Scotland’s parliamentary elections and fake bear attacks in California
Andrew Mueller on the eight new Republican bills honouring Trump, the gannet standing in the Scottish elections and the insurance fraud scheme involving fake bear attacks on luxury cars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
HE Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, explains the impact of the past six weeks. We examine the global reaction to Péter Magyar’s election win. Plus author Catherine Carr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Iran peace talks, Viktor Orbán’s defeat and Trump’s Jesus meme
Andrew Mueller finds out what we learned from the news in the past seven days, including failed Iran-US talks, Viktor Orbán losing Hungary’s election and Donald Trump’s Jesus meme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We meet a brand championing wines from underrepresented regions. Then: author Maria Semple breaks down the philosophy of stoicism. And: we stop off in Sajos in Finland’s northern Lapland for a tall story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: The fragile Middle East ceasefire, teleporting to Waffle House and Estonia’s pig impersonators
After a ceasefire was announced this week between the US, Israel and Iran, Andrew Mueller explains what we learned. Plus: a teleporting US official and Estonia’s first-ever pig impersonation contest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Highlights from the past week on Monocle Radio, including: Singer Jessie Ware, publisher Margaret Busby and we follow our nose to Australia’s first luxury fragrance house.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: CPAC and Operation It’ll All Somehow Be Fine Don’t Worry
Andrew Mueller assesses the fallout from the Conservative Political Action Conference. Plus: what we have learned from Operation Epic Fury this week as the Iran war enters its second month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Highlights from the past week on Monocle Radio, including: Argentine duo Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, the founder and CEO of Knatchbull, Daisy Knatchbull, and the Germany-born British composer Max Richter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Kash Patel loves Trump, Trump loves Elvis and the European Tree of the Year
This week, Kash Patel and Stephen Miller competed to praise Trump, Trump praised Elvis and the European Tree of the Year was announced. Andrew Mueller finds out what we learned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: Helsinki mayor Daniel Sazonov, and the editor in chief of ‘Brutus’ magazine
China resumes travel to North Korea. Then: why Cuba might be next on Donald Trump’s list. Plus: we meet the new mayor of Helsinki, Daniel Sazonov. And: the Passenger Terminal Expo, a trip to Mallorca and Japan’s ‘Brutus’ magazine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Trump’s evolving foreign policy and a unique method of protecting crops
Trump urges allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz and reacts to counterterrorism official Joe Kent’s exit. Meanwhile, Indian farmers’ unusual tactic to protect their crops. Andrew Mueller gives his take on the news this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: Canada’s Mark Carney, Lewes FC’s Karen Dobres and the mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas
Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney on his now-famous Davos speech, Lewes FC’s Karen Dobres on the soft power of football and we head to Mipim to meet Carlos Moedas, the mayor of Lisbon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: US war memes, Trump’s dress shoes and an aptly named attaché
As the Iran war enters its second week, Andrew Mueller tells us what we’ve learned. Plus: Trump gifts his cabinet new shoes and the UK defence attaché to the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, we speak with the UAE’s diplomatic advisor. Plus: literature in Ukraine, we visit Oslo’s New Government Quarter and speak with Oliver Laxe, director of Oscar-nominated film ‘Sirât’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: One week of war in Iran
One week on from the first US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Andrew Mueller tells us what we learned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Trump’s State of the Union, Mumbai’s musical road and Bangkok’s undercover police
Andrew Mueller unpacks what we learned from Trump’s State of the Union address, Mumbai’s first musical road and an unusual plan from Thai police to arrest a thief during Lunar New Year celebrations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We meet the CEO of Arup, Jerome Frost, unveil the new issue of Monocle and celebrate 10 years of Parisian fragrance house BDK Parfums. Plus: Finnair launches its new bespoke soundscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
A new survey asks what makes people proud of their country, we report from the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics and meet Brazilian cinematographer Adolpho Veloso. Plus: premium retail with the managing director of Harrods, Michael Ward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Kid Rock’s workouts, Mike Lindell’s campaign money and a drunk Winter Olympics reporter
Kid Rock works out with RFK Jr, a Trump ally blows campaign money on his own book and a reporter goes viral at the Winter Olympics. Andrew Mueller unpacks what we learned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We analyse Zohran Mamdani’s first month in office as mayor of New York. Plus: we meet former Italian figure skater Valentina Marchei, unpack “slow” advertising and explore the Sydney Fish Market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Ice hockey in Canada, Olympic Winter Games 2026 and Super Bowl LX
Andrew Mueller recaps what we learned from this week’s news, including Trump’s threat to Canadian ice hockey, geopolitics at Milano Cortina 2026 and Maga’s reaction to ‘Benito Bowl’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Monocle reports from the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Plus: overtourism shadows cherry blossom season in Japan, a look at Oscar-nominated film ‘The Secret Agent’ and Taiwan advises parents on teen K-pop obsession.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Epstein files latest, ‘Melania’ release and ‘The Washington Post’
Andrew Mueller tells us what we learned this week, including more public figures implicated in the latest Epstein files release, the US media reacts to ‘Melania’ and ‘The Washington Post’ announces sweeping layoffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We hear about the efforts to broadcast into Iran using shortwave radio, meet Mexican architect Tatiana Bilbao and take the temperature of Paris Fashion Week Men’s. Plus: ‘Vogue Italia’, maximalist textiles and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: The Republicans’ pivot on guns, Doomsday approaches and ‘Melania’
Andrew Mueller tells us what we learned from the Republicans’ response after Alex Pretti’s death, the trailer for Melania Trump’s new documentary and the Doomsday Clock’s new time.TSKTSKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Highlights from our team in Davos for the World Economic Forum, and insightful reportage from our colleagues on the ground in Nuuk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Greenland and Trump’s ‘Nobel Consolation Prize’
Andrew Mueller reports from Nuuk as Trump’s Greenland threats develop. Plus: why did 2025’s actual Nobel Peace laureate, María Corina Machado, give the US president her award?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Fifteen years of quarterly magazine Delayed Gratification, US writer EA Hanks discusses her debut memoir, The 10, and we meet the curator of a new exhibition dedicated to celebrated photographer Richard Avedon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Trump’s plans for Greenland, the new US dietary guidelines and drumming diplomacy
Andrew Mueller unpacks the news this week, including Trump’s attempts to claim Greenland, the new “depression meal” recommended by the US government and the K-pop jam between the leaders of South Korea and Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We ask why Donald Trump is ‘running’ Venezuela, hear from a hotel-industry heavyweight who’s continuing to rewrite the rules of luxury hospitality and look forward to the return of an iconic film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What we learned from the first week of 2026
Andrew Mueller reflects on what we learned from an eventful first week of 2026, including Trump’s ‘Donroe’ Doctrine and the global response.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The best of 2025: Monocle on the road
The best interviews and reports from across the globe in 2025, including a pop star in Paris, tech leaders at Dubai's World Governments Summit and a Barcelona stop for the 10th edition of Monocle’s Quality of Life Conference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The best of 2025: Big-name interviews
A special edition looking back at some of the biggest interviews on Monocle Radio in the past year, including former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton, philosopher AC Grayling and chef Ruthie Rogers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Festive highlights from Monocle Radio
We look back at some of the biggest Christmas songs over the years, meet the costume designer responsible for dressing the stars of Emily in Paris and recap What We Learned in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned in 2025
Andrew Mueller’s takeaways from the news in 2025, including Albania’s AI minister and Trump’s various follies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: A year on from the toppling of Bashar al-Assad, the new editor in chief of ‘Esquire UK’ and a recap of Design Miami
Journalist Martin Smith discusses his interview with the president of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, we meet the new editor in chief of ‘Esquire UK’ and Design Miami’s CEO, Jen Roberts, recaps this year’s fair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: The Fifa Peace Prize and Nicolas Sarkozy’s new book
This week, Andrew Mueller recounts what we learned from Trump’s Fifa Peace Prize win and Nicolas Sarkozy’s prison diaries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: War photographer Lynsey Addario, wrapping up Design Miami and the National Gallery’s new restaurant
Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario on the personal toll of conflict. Plus: Kate Hawley, costume designer of the much-celebrated film Frankenstein, discusses her first Fashion Award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Sabrina Carpenter vs the US government, Franklin the Turtle and a live-action pancake
Andrew Mueller discusses the week’s weirdest news, including singer Sabrina Carpenter and Franklin the Turtle’s spats with the Trump administration, and French far-right leader Jordan Bardella is pelted with eggs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: Finnish ex-PM Sanna Marin, Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza and director Shih-ching Tsou
We hear from recently released Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza, head to Finland to meet former prime minister Sanna Marin and Taiwanese director Shih-ching Tsou discusses her new film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: President Macron’s assassination plot, US senator Mark Kelly under fire and ‘Adolf Hitler’ wins yet another election
Andrew Mueller unpacks the week’s strangest stories, including a spat between US politicians, Candace Owens’ accusation against French president Macron and Adolf Hitler (not that one) wins another election in Namibia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: Financial journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin, Dubai Design Week and the new boss at the helm of Mr & Mrs Smith
We hear from financial journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin on the next financial bubble, get the latest from Dubai Design Week and meet the new boss at the helm of Mr & Mrs Smith. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: JD Vance in prison, Maduro karaoke and a wild world record
Andrew Mueller recaps the week’s oddest stories. This week, Michigan man JD Vance (not that one) goes to prison, Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro sings and a bizarre world record is broken.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: World Travel Market in London and Tourise in Saudi Arabia
We go behind the scenes as world-renowned auction house Christie’s gears up for its latest jewellery sale. Plus: we discuss the state of global tourism and head to World Travel Market to find out what regions are outperforming this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: A cheating scandal, Melania Trump and Jeffrey Epstein’s emails
Andrew Mueller unpacks what we learned from this week’s news, including a pub quiz team caught cheating, Melania Trump’s ‘Patriot of the Year’ win and a fresh batch of emails from the Jeffrey Epstein files. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: New York’s new mayor, space junk and ‘M Le Magazine du Monde’
Zohran Mamdani is New York’s new mayor-elect, but how realistic are his housing policies? Plus: the race to clean up space, modernising the wristwatch and the international edition of ‘M Le Magazine du Monde’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: The moon landing hoax, Trump threatens Nigeria and the Louvre’s embarrassing password
Which celebrity thinks the moon landing is a hoax? Why is Trump threatening to invade Nigeria? And could you guess the Louvre’s security password? (Spoiler: yes, definitely). Andrew Mueller unpacks this week’s news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: John Bolton on the United Nations, Carolina Deslandes on her new album and Japan’s haunted homes
Former US ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton, reflects on the relevance of the institution. Plus: Portuguese singer Carolina Deslandes on her new album and the Japanese company investigating haunted houses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Jeremy Corbyn’s pantomime cameo, Anthony Albanese’s T-shirt controversy and Trump’s Asia tour
Andrew Mueller on what we learned from the news this week, including Jeremy Corbyn’s pantomime cameo, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese’s T-shirt causes a stir and Trump tours Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: A new leader in Japan, artist Olafur Eliasson and Art Basel Paris
We profile Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, meet Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, report from Vienna and mark 150 years of Liberty in London. Plus: Sanrio’s CEO and Art Basel Paris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: The US Marine Corps’ 250th birthday, ‘No Kings’ protest and the White House demolition
Andrew Mueller on what we learned from the news this week, including a dangerous US Marine Corps celebration, AI Trump responding to the ‘No Kings’ protests and the demolition of the White House’s East Wing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A look at Frieze London and Johannesburg City Library
What to look out for at Frieze London and Frieze Masters and we look back on the overthrow and execution of Thomas Sankara in Burkina Faso.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: The Nobel Peace Prize, Gaze peace summit, Eric Trump’s book
Andrew Muller unpacks the week’s news, including who won the Nobel Peace Prize (spoiler: it wasn’t President Trump), the Gaza peace summit in Egypt and Eric Trump’s new memoir.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: We wrap Paris Fashion Week and explore a sleek new hotel in Tbilisi
We meet the authors behind a new book about one of the most extraordinary prisoner swaps in history and hear how a Soviet-era post office has been reborn as a sleek new hotel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: the UK’s Conservative Party Conference, Javier Milei and Donald Trump
The UK Conservative Party’s embarrassing mistake, rocking out with Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, and Trump claims that he warned about 9/11. Andrew Mueller unpacks what we learned from the news this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: A tribute to Jane Goodall, Karen Pittman on ‘The Morning Show’ and Chanel’s ‘la Galerie du 19M Tokyo’
We pay tribute to primatologist Jane Goodall, The Morning Show's Karen Pittman explains how things are heating up in the fourth series and we meet the man responsible for Emirates’ wine collection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump’s inflammatory speeches to the military
President Trump and US secretary of war, Pete Hegseth, addressed the military this week. Andrew Mueller tells us what we learned. Plus: why the Q-Anon shaman is suing Trump for $40tn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
The US Marine Corps gets an update. Plus: we visit the European Tramdriver Championship and stop off in Italy for a raw-milk cheese festival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Albania’s AI minister and Trump claims escalator ‘sabotage’
Andrew Mueller wraps up the weirdest and wildest news stories from the week, including: Albania’s appointment of the first AI anti-corruption minister and Trump’s claims of ‘triple sabotage’ at the UN General Assembly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: British architect Norman Foster, Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas and journalist and author Michael Wolff
Architect Norman Foster on climate and sustainability; Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas on what federal forces mean for America’s city halls; and a look back on the remarkable career of Robert Redford. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Jimmy Kimmel and the aftermath of Charlie Kirk
A look back at the week’s news with Andrew Mueller. This week, we discuss the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s shooting, including what led to ABC axing Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recommended
Moral Maze
Desert Island Discs
The Good Ship Illustration
Women Being Well Podcast
Being Well Family Podcast
Wealth of Nations, Book 1
This Is... Old School Rave/ D&B/ hardcore live DJ Mixes by DJ Monty UK
Villa Podcast: The Official Aston Villa Podcast
Bhangra, But For Everybody
Simple Reflections Podcast
BMJ Future Health Podcast
ADC Podcast
