A weekly compilation of the best stories and interviews from Monocle Radio, covering global affairs, culture, business, and design.
Episodes
Highlights from Monocle Radio
What will Democrats do with their newfound power? Then: Gulf Air’s CEO shares how the airline is rebuilding passenger confidence. And: Montenegro’s tourism minister reveals how the country is betting on quality over quantity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Armenia’s ‘Ministry of Sex’ and the US midterms
Andrew Mueller explains why Armenia’s parliament erupted into a brawl and examines Donald Trump’s response to the US midterm elections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
An election special: We look ahead to the US midterms and explore some of the most interesting races. Then: we discuss election results in Brazil, Serbia and Israel, before stopping in Toronto for a hotly contested mayoral race. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Flávio Bolsonaro, the US midterms and JD Vance
Bolsonaro flees Brazil, Donald Trump gears up for the midterm elections and JD Vance can’t pronounce Middle Eastern countries. Andrew Mueller discusses this week’s news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Voting is on the agenda this week with reports on the upcoming US midterms, the recent Albertan independence referendum and the Serbian parliamentary elections. Plus: how public art can heal a city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: A UK headphone dodger crackdown, Donald Trump’s handsome men and Finland’s olive pluckers
Andrew Mueller unpacks the week’s news, including a new fine for antisocial behaviour on UK public transport, Trump’s rant about men in uniform and the World Olive Picking Championship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We meet actor and film producer Ryan Reynolds to discuss why identity and curiosity matter more than perfection. Then: we hear how Europe can reclaim sovereignty over AI and we visit Frieze London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Nobel Prizes revealed, Trump’s new press secretary and Peru’s new mayor
Andrew Mueller on Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize snub, a new White House spokesperson, a viral memory test and a Peruvian mayoral race with a very unusual name.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Gabe Klinger, director of ‘Isabel’, talks to us about his career. Then: we meet the former mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, and singer-songwriter Leon Bridges discusses his new album, ‘Happiness Anytime’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: The Nobel Prize-winners, and British banknotes get a makeover
Andrew Mueller finds out what we learned from the 2026 Nobel Prizes, and which animals are set to appear on British banknotes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Highlights from the past week on Monocle Radio, including the co-founder of Youtube, Steve Chen; US commentator and journalist, Tucker Carlson; and president of Chanel Watches, Frédéric Grangié. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Pete Hegseth’s new department and AI is renamed
Andrew Mueller looks at what we learned from President Trump’s recent tech summit and Pete Hegseth’s new Pentagon Office of Religious Affairs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We meet Italian fashion designer Margherita Missoni, learn about the art of foley (making sound effects for film) and take a wild ride through one of the world’s largest urban parks as a Munich rite of passage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Asian Games 2026, Donald Trump’s triumphal arch and furry culture
A faux pas at the Asian Games 2026, President Trump’s new plan for his triumphal arch and a Republican senator’s anti-furry posting spree. Andrew Mueller unpacks this week’s news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights From Monocle
Chef Ruthie Rogers discusses her new book, Table 4 at The River Café; Then: the British Fashion Council’s CEO, Laura Weir, previews London Fashion Week. And: we meet designer Tina Charad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Trump visits Ireland and Piddington takes a stand
Andrew Mueller finds out what we learned from Trump’s trip to Ireland, including his thoughts on reunification and the Falklands. Plus: why a town in Oxfordshire voted to leave the UK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle
Sir Vince Cable on the changing global economic landscape. Then: we head to Paris as Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche opens its doors to more than 100 Japanese brands and recall when and how Easter Island became Chilean.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: September 11’s 25th anniversary, Donald Trump’s big payout and Reform UK
Donald Trump’s speech honouring September 11 first responders, the US president’s financial incentive to voters and the strengthening relationship between the far right in France and the UK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We head to Lisbon for Monocle’s Quality of Life Conference. Then: director of Frieze Seoul Patrick Lee discusses this year’s event and we look back at the life and legacy of Gloria Steinem, who died this week aged 92.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: a tale of two divorces
A robot cleaner catches a cheating wife in Taiwan and President Trump threatens to rename even more bodies of water as his spat with Canada continues. Andrew Mueller on what we learned from this and more of the week’s news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We pay tribute to Dolly Parton and Yayoi Kusama, then discuss the best stationery for the return to school. Plus: a lesson on business failures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: The US-Canada trade war, the White House’s back-to-school event and Alaska’s electoral roll
What we learned this week as Canada and the US enter a trade war, President Trump hosts a back-to-school event at the White House and Dan Sullivan stands in Alaska.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We preview the upcoming Brazilian presidential elections, hop aboard the Freedom Plane as it tours the US and meet Silva – the artist behind Monocle’s album of the summer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Trump’s penchant for aircraft-carrier design, flagpoles and grass
What we learned this week from President Trump’s latest tour of the White House to his order for the Navy on the future of aircraft-carrier design. Plus: Mozart’s birthday celebrations gone wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We tour Bombardier's Global 8000, the world’s fastest civil aircraft. Then: we head to Basel for the Swimmable Cities Summit and hear how soldiers are using pack animals to carry supplies through tough terrain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Parmigiano Reggiano currency, Harry Potter fans and Trump’s cunning escape
Climate change threatens Italy’s cheese banks, the enduring magic of Harry Potter fans and President Trump abandons his press corps for a catering truck. Andrew Mueller unpacks the week’s news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Africa map gone wrong, more Trump AI slop and capybaras in Brazil
Andrew Muller unpacks the news this week, including a mislabeled map of Africa, Trump’s latest AI Truth Social post and one Brazilian state legislature’s unexpected furry visitors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle
Palestinian-Italian pop singer Tära discusses her new EP, “Zefiro”. Then: we look at how a trio of Australian cities fit different stages of life and examine the rise of the “supermarket tourists”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Does India’s Cockroach party have legs? Then: we speak to the head of The Guggenheim Museums and Foundation about expanding into Abu Dhabi and preview Monocle’s summer newspaper, ‘Med, Mountains & More’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Lindsey Graham remembered, shots fired in the English Channel and AI in politics
Andrew Mueller unpacks what we learned this week as world leaders attended Lindsey Graham’s funeral, a British MP accused the French of “attempted intimidation” and an awkward AI moment in Canadian parliament.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We sit down with English designer Thomas Heatherwick to discuss the redevelopment of Olympia. Then: We head to Japan to meet producer Todd Eckert; and take a look at the Spanish charts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Spain’s World Cup win, renewed strikes in Iran and more insider trading
This week we learned that (almost) everyone is Spanish, the US continues to strike Iran and another White House administrator used prediction markets illegally. Andrew Mueller unpacks the week’s news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We hit the final for the Global Countdown’s World Cup, learn about Japan's new intelligence agency, then head to the bar to meet an award winning Ukrainian bartender and sample some chilled red wine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Count Binface, Trump’s $1 coin and England’s football failure
Count Binface challenges Nigel Farage in a UK by-election, Trump reacts to his $1 coin and football is, unfortunately, not coming home after all. Andrew Mueller on what we learned this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
We meet Mexican architect and academic Fernanda Canales. Then: the museum known as the little Louvre and we hear from the Japanese pianist Yumiko Morioka.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: Trump’s Fifa intervention, Iran ceasefire ends and Neil the Seal
US president Donald Trump lobbies Fifa over a red card and says that the ceasefire with Iran is “over”. Plus: Neil the Seal wrecks havoc in Tasmania.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio
Actor Robert de Niro tells us why his luxury hotel chain Nobu is opening in Egypt. Then: Mexican chef Santiago Lastra discusses the rise of Mexican cuisine in London and we meet the founders of One Track Club.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle Radio: Fourth of July special edition
From Hollywood to the League of Nations, this special Fourth of July edition of ‘The Curator’ looks at how the US became a hegemon and those first halting steps towards superpower status. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What We Learned: America’s 250th birthday and a Swiss yodel festival
Andrew Mueller unpacks this week’s America 250 shenanigans, including Vanilla Ice, the reflecting pool and Donald Trump’s Great American State Fair. Plus: how a Swiss yodel festival tackled Europe’s heatwave.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
