The Monocle Weekly
The Monocle Weekly is a long-running radio programme that features interviews with authors, artists, creative thinkers, and business leaders who are shaping the world. Each episode offers insights into global affairs, culture, and business, providing listeners with a curated perspective on current trends and ideas.
Episodes
Feel-good Italo disco with Mind Enterprises
We speak with Italian duo Mind Enterprises. The former post-punk musicians, Andrea Tirone and Roberto Conigliaro, create feel-good Italo disco – a genre full of Mediterranean escapism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Karim Aïnouz on his biting new satire ‘Rosebush Pruning’
We speak with Brazilian director Karim Aïnouz about his latest satire, ‘Rosebush Pruning’, which follows a wealthy if perverse American family as they take up residence in a villa under the Catalonian sun. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The sunny Brazilian funk of Pedro Sampaio
We speak with Brazilian musical sensation Pedro Sampaio about his summer smash hit, ‘Jetski’, his international career and why the world needs some fun and chaos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Belgian pop favourite Angèle on how the Paris Olympics changed her career
Monocle speaks with Belgian singer-songwriter Angèle about her unconventional upbringing, what inspires her songwriting and her summer playlist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Roland Hamberger, managing director, Rosewood Vienna
We speak with Roland Hamberger, managing director of Rosewood Vienna, about the wonders of Vienna and hospitality. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mexican chef Santiago Lastra on his first cookbook and a new menu inspired by Frida Kahlo
We speak with Mexican chef Santiago Lastra from Michelin-starred Kol. We discuss his cookbook, Mexican Soul: A New Style of Cooking and the menu inspired by Tate Modern’s exhibition ‘Frida: The Making of an Icon’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keith Jopling goes on the record about the music industry
We speak with Keith Jopling about his two books on the music industry, ‘Body of Work’ (about the importance of the album) and ‘Riding the Rollercoaster’ (about surviving the music business). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A conversation with Kelsey Lu about new album 'So Help Me God'
We speak with singer and classically trained cellist Kelsey Lu about new album 'So Help Me God'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chef Meedu Saad from Impala
We speak with chef Meedu Saad, known for his work at Kiln, about his debut restaurant, Impala, also in London’s Soho.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Laetitia and Arthur Cohen: the couple behind Paris’s coolest Franco-Japanese restaurants
We speak with Parisian restaurateurs Laetitia and Arthur Cohen, owners of Bar Omi and Ojii, among others. We hear about their expansion plans and great Japanese food.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A conversation with Reiko Sakata, general manager of the Imperial Hotel Kyoto
We speak with Reiko Sakata, general manager of the Imperial Hotel Kyoto, which opened its doors this spring. We hear about the hotel’s opening, its new spa and what the location means to the hospitality group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The sound of summer: Franco-Brazilian duo PPJ
We speak with Franco-Brazilian duo PPJ (Páula and Povoa), who just released EP ‘Joker’, an eclectic mix of baile funk, techno and electro.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A celebration of Corsican food with chef Jean Costantini
We are in Paris to speak with chef Jean Costantini from A Casaluna, a restaurant serving authentic Corsican food. He also discusses his latest book, ‘Corsica’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Frédéric Antelme: the man behind France’s Radio Nova
We head to Paris to speak with Frédéric Antelme, managing director of one of France’s most distinguished radio stations, Radio Nova. We discuss its increasing success and music curation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Angélique Kidjo: The queen of African music is back with ‘Hope!!’
We speak with Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo about her new album ‘Hope!!’. The influential artist discusses her music and collaborations with Pharrell Williams, Iza and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro on his role in award-winning ‘The Blue Trail’
We speak with Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro on his role in ‘The Blue Trail’, a dystopian production about ageing by Gabriel Mascaro. Plus: his upcoming role in Netflix series ‘Brazil ’70: The Third Star’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thundercat on his new album, ‘Distracted’
We speak with musician Thundercat about his first album in six years, ‘Distracted’. Plus: his love for Brazilian music and Japan, and why boxing has been a revelation for him. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The definitive biography of Brazil’s president, ‘Lula!’
We speak with writer and consultant Richard Lapper about his new book, ‘Lula! The Man, The Myth and a Dream of Latin America’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor on his new album, ‘Paris In The Spring’
We speak with Alexis Taylor about his new solo album and most revealing work yet, ‘Paris In The Spring’. We discuss the record’s musical influences and 25 years of Hot Chip.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jessie Ware and her glittering new album, ‘Superbloom’
We speak with British singer Jessie Ware about her upcoming album, ‘Superbloom’, and how it connects with her very first release, ‘Devotion’, and her successful food podcast, ‘Table Manners’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Filipe Assis from the pioneering exhibition platform Aberto
We speak with Brazilian cultural entrepreneur Filipe Assis, founder of Aberto, an exhibition platform that brings architecture to life with plenty of art and design. The fifth edition features Eduardo Longo’s Casa Bola.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso return with ‘Free Spirits’, featuring Sting
We speak with Argentinean duo CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso about their new album, ‘Free Spirits’, which features a collaboration with British musician Sting as their ‘spiritual mentor’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A conversation about hospitality with Xavier Padovani, partner and director of Experimental
We speak with Xavier Padovani, partner and director of Experimental, on the reopening of the company’s ECC cocktail bar in London’s Chinatown and its upcoming property in Rome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lucas Santtana on his 10th album, ‘Brasiliano’, a celebration of the languages of Brazil
We speak with Brazilian musician Lucas Santtana about his new album, ‘Brasiliano’, an ode to the unique language spoken in Brazil, featuring collaborations with the likes of Gilberto Gil and Rachel Reis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Restaurateur Jeremy King breathes new life into Simpson’s in the Strand
After five decades shaping London’s most iconic dining rooms, Jeremy King and his longtime collaborator, Shayne Brady, tell Monocle how they’re rethinking restaurant interiors and embracing evolving tastes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam Quealy – our favourite techno-pop princess
We speak with Australian singer Sam Quealy about her latest album, ‘Jawbreaker’. It’s a delicious mix of synthy electro and nostalgic disco, and a fun dose of Quealy’s high-kicking stage presence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A conversation with pop provocateur Cobrah
We speak with Swedish singer Cobrah about her new album, ‘Torn’. The pop provocateur stopped by our studio to talk about her unapologetically bold record.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Perfecting tailored travel with Tom Marchant from Black Tomato
We speak with Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel company Black Tomato. We discuss how the industry is changing and the destinations to keep an eye on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A conversation with director Oliver Laxe from the sensorial ‘Sirāt’
We speak with director Oliver Laxe about his sensorial and ecstatic Sirāt, nominated for two Oscars, including Best International Feature and Best Sound. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adolpho Veloso: the award-winning Brazilian cinematographer of ‘Train Dreams’
We speak with Brazilian cinematographer Adolpho Veloso, nominated for an Oscar and a Bafta for his work on Clint Bentley’s contemplative Train Dreams. Veloso shot mainly using natural light, giving the film a naturalistic tone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prince Louis Albert de Broglie of Parisian taxidermy shop Deyrolle
We meet Prince Louis Albert de Broglie, the owner of Parisian taxidermy shop and educational institution Deyrolle. He tells us about the iconic boutique and how it has served as an inspiration for artists. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jared Bush and Yvett Merino from ‘Zootropolis 2’, Hollywood’s most successful animation of all time
We speak with the team behind Oscar- and Bafta-nominated film ‘Zootropolis 2’, Hollywood’s biggest-ever animation. We hear from producer Yvett Merino and Jared Bush, director and chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kleber Mendonça Filho and Wagner Moura from ‘The Secret Agent’
We speak with the team behind Brazilian political-crime thriller ‘The Secret Agent’ – director Kleber Mendonça Filho and leading star Wagner Moura. The film is nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Moura.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kaouther Ben Hania, the director of ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’
We speak to acclaimed director Kaouther Ben Hania about her powerful 2025 docudrama The Voice of Hind Rajab – a film that tells the story of the Israeli killing of a six-year-old Palestinian girl who was trapped in a car under fire in Gaza. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Disco Bambino and the enduring appeal of Italian disco
We speak with producer and scholar Beppe Savoni, the founder of Disco Bambino, a project celebrating Italian disco. The genre is back in full force thanks to the likes of Savoni – we look at why 2026 will continue that trend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joachim Trier on his new award-winning film, ‘Sentimental Value’
We speak with film director Joachim Trier about his new film, ‘Sentimental Value’, a poignant story about reconciliation featuring Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve. The film won the Grand Prix at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and it’s set to be the star of this awards season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brazilian telenovelas are travelling north
Brazilian telenovelas will keep a new cohort of viewers gripped in 2026 thanks to an unexpected twist: international expansion to the US. We speak with Miura Kite, president of global content at MFF & Co, and Maria Farinha Films co-founder Estela Renner about adapting the telenovela to a North American audience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Barracuda – a hotel group that mixes Bahia’s breeziness with Swedish elegance
We speak with Brazilian hotelier Juliana Ghiotto, CEO and co-founder of the Barracuda hotel group. The hotels in the beautiful, northeastern seaside town of Itacaré mix Bahian hospitality and Scandinavian elegance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Designer Fabrizio Casiraghi on the new Sant Ambroeus in Paris and his upcoming work at a Vatican hotel
We speak with Italian designer Fabrizio Casiraghi in Paris for the opening of Sant Ambroeus. We discuss the design of the iconic Milanese-inspired restaurant and also Casiraghi’s work in a Vatican hotel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli on his new restaurant at London's National Gallery
We speak with Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli about his new restaurant Locatelli at London's National Gallery. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro on his dystopian drama ‘The Blue Trail’
We speak with Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro about 'The Blue Trail', his life-affirming film telling the story of 77-year-old Teresa. It was a hit in his home country and a prizewinner at this year’s Berlin Film Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shih-Ching Tsou, director of celebrated Taiwanese drama 'Left-Handed Girl'
We speak with director Shih-Ching Tsou about her latest film, ‘Left-Handed Girl’, with Netflix – Taiwan's official entry for the Oscars. The film was produced, edited and co-written by 'Anora' director Sean Baker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet João Paulo Siqueira Lopes, one of Brazil's top art advisors
We speak with Brazilian art advisor João Paulo Siqueira Lopes, who founded Panorama Art Advisory earlier this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The sound of electroclash – ‘When The 2000s Clashed: Machine Music For A New Millennium’
We celebrate the sounds of electroclash with Jonny Slut and Mark Wood, compilers of a new compilation, ‘When The 2000s Clashed: Machine Music For A New Millennium’, celebrating the genre and its influence on music today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, the chief curator of the 36th Bienal de São Paulo
We speak with Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, the chief curator of the 36th Bienal de São Paulo, which is currently taking place. The Bienal’s main theme is “Not All Travellers Walk Roads – Of Humanity as Practice”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carolina Deslandes: the Portuguese pop sensation
We speak with Portuguese singer Carolina Deslandes about the music scene in Lisbon and her latest album, ‘Chorar No Club’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Simon Kuper on his new book, ‘World Cup Fever: A Footballing Journey in Nine Tournaments’
We speak with author and ‘Financial Times’ journalist Simon Kuper about his new book, ‘World Cup Fever: A Footballing Journey in Nine Tournaments’, on how football has transformed the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Allie X: the alt-pop provocateur returns with ‘Happiness Is Going to Get You’
We speak with Allie X who returns with “Is Anybody Out There”, her first single of 2025, which features on her self-produced and written fourth record, ‘Happiness Is Going to Get You’ – a meditation on existential isolation and societal malaise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paul Cabannes: The French comedian that took Brazil by storm
We speak with Paul Cabannes, a French comedian that charmed Brazil with his funny and witty sketches about Brazilian daily life. He visits Midori House before a sold-out gig at Leicester Square Theatre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Karen Pittman from ‘The Morning Show’ on her character Mia Jordan’s evolution
We speak with Karen Pittman, who plays top television producer Mia Jordan on Apple TV+ series ‘The Morning Show’. Her character plays a big role in season 4.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zimmer90: The German duo charming us with their synthy melancholia
We speak with German music duo Zimmer90 about their debut album, ‘Interior’, which is full of gentle songs made beautiful by synthy melancholic touches.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oliver Dixon, the man looking after Emirates’ wine collection
We speak with Oliver Dixon, the man who looks after Emirates’ incredible wine collection. Since 2006, the airline has invested more than a billion dollars into its wine programme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La Ferme de Georges and the magic of Lençóis Maranhenses
We speak with hotelier Pierre Bident-Moldeva, owner of Chez Georges in Rio and La Ferme de Georges in Atins, close to the beautiful Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Laura Horta from Osteria Angelina
We speak with Laura Horta, co-founder of London’s Osteria Angelina. The new space in Spitalfields is a celebration of Itameshi, a cuisine that combines the flavours and ingredients of Italian and Japanese food. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alessandra Montagne: Brazil’s star chef in Paris
We speak with Rio-born Alessandra Montagne, the star Brazilian chef behind Paris restaurants Nosso and Tempero. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An apéro with French funk artist Odetto
We speak with French singer Odetto abut the summer sounds of his latest album, ‘Sunset Radio’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The return of Kitsuné Musique with Antoine Kenobi Ressaussière
We speak to Antoine Kenobi Ressaussière about Kitsuné Musique, the music arm of Maison Kitsuné, which is back with plenty of new releases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Qing Wang’s Chinese podcast on relations with Europe and the West
Her podcast, ‘The Weirdo’, has attracted millions of particularly younger Chinese listeners. She speaks with Monocle’s Chris Cermak about differing perceptions of politics in China, Europe and the West.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Petra Costa’s documentary, ‘Apocalypse in the Tropics’, on the rise of evangelical influence in Brazil
We speak with Petra Costa about her new Netflix documentary, ‘Apocalypse in the Tropics’, a look at the rising evangelical influence in Brazilian politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Charlotte Cardin talks music, Canadian soft power and the success of her song ‘Feel Good’
We speak with Canadian singer Charlotte Cardin from our studio in Paris. She discusses her future music plans and how the song ‘Feel Good’ came to capture the airwaves this summer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The summer of Speedo: Doug Conklyn, Speedo’s senior vice-president of global design, tells us more
We speak with Doug Conklyn, Speedo’s senior vice-president of global design, on the return of the brief and the power of the Speedo brand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singer Giorgio Poi breaks down the meaning behind the music on his new album, ‘Schegge’
We speak with Italian singer-songwriter Giorgio Poi, who’s back with his fourth album, ‘Schegge’, a fitting soundtrack to hot summer days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brazil’s singing ambassador: Antonio Patriota discusses diplomacy and his new album ‘Meio do Céu’
We speak with Brazil’s ambassador to the UK, Antonio Patriota. Besides discussing diplomacy, Patriota talks about music and his new album, ‘Meio do Céu’, a great mix of samba, blues and even fado.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Billy Skelli-Cohen, CEO of French hotel group Beaumier, on travel trends and Grand Hotel Belvedere
We speak with Billy Skelli-Cohen, CEO of Beaumier. The rapidly growing group has just added another property to its portfolio, Grand Hotel Belvedere, which is set in the Bernese Alps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brazilian superstar Liniker on her album, ‘Caju’, and how her name was inspired by Gary Lineker
We speak with Brazilian superstar Liniker about her latest album, ‘Caju’, her European tour and how her name was indeed inspired by British former footballer Gary Lineker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A conversation with Yoasobi, Japan’s biggest international act
We speak with Japanese duo Yoasobi about their recent gigs in Europe, how they became the biggest international music act from Japan and the literary origin of their music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
De Beauvoir Jazz Festival
This week we feature the inaugural edition of the De Beauvoir Jazz Festival, taking place in London on 11 and 12 July. We hear from its founder, Payal Wadhwa, and artistic director, Peter Horsfall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Louane
This week on The Monocle Weekly we speak with French singer Louane, who is representing France in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest with a powerful ballad about her late mother. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lorcan Finnegan, director of ‘The Surfer’
We speak with Irish filmmaker Lorcan Finnegan about his new film, ‘The Surfer’, a sweaty psychological thriller featuring Nicolas Cage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carlita
We speak with Turkish-Italian DJ and producer Carlita about fashion, music and her latest mix compilation for London club Fabric.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Izak Senbahar, owner, The Mark Hotel
We speak with the owner of a New York institution, The Mark Hotel. The hotel on the Upper East Side is preparing to host the stars of the Met Gala.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scott Kennedy on documentary filmmaking and public health
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Scott Kennedy’s 2023 film about vaccine hesitancy in the US, ‘Shot in the Arm’, is back in the news. Monocle’s Christopher Cermak spoke with the filmmaker about the documentary's renewed relevance amid Robert F Kennedy Jr’s tenure as health secretary, as well as the other conspiracy-fuelled documentaries that he is working on.See omnystudio.c
Shura
We speak with British singer-songwriter Shura about her upcoming album, ‘I Got Too Sad For My Friends’, which is full of ethereal vocals and synths, and packs an emotional punch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Luke Howard, Horse Meat Disco
This week we’re dancing to disco and boogie from Brazil as we feature the latest compilation by Horse Meat Disco, ‘Horse Meat Disco Presents Disco & Boogie From Brazil Vol. 1’. Fernando Augusto Pacheco caught up with Horse Meat Disco member Luke Howard to discuss deep-cuts and Luke’s passion for Brazil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marco Pigossi and Marco Calvani, ‘High Tide’
We talk about ‘High Tide’, a touching film that looks at the life of a heartbroken Brazilian immigrant in the queer mecca of Provincetown, Massachusetts. The film is a directorial debut for Italian writer and director Marco Calvani and features Marco Pigossi in the lead role. Monocle’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco speaks with both of them about the film, which is part of London&rsquo
‘Disco, I’m Coming Out’
Monocle Radio’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco speaks to Jean-Yves Leloup, the curator of ‘Disco, I’m Coming Out’. Visitors to the exhibition at Philharmonie de Paris will find out more about the music that in the 1970s dominated airwaves around the world, including, of course, in France.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
And the Oscar goes to...
To celebrate the 97th Academy Awards, Fernando Augusto Pacheco speaks with the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Bill Kramer. Plus, we invite film critic Karen Krizanovich to discuss this year’s nominees. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carlos Diehz
Laura Kramer meets Carlos Diehz, the Mexican actor and architect making his big-screen debut in ‘Conclave’. He talks about his breakout role, stepping onto a film set for the first time and how his background in architecture unexpectedly prepared him for acting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Catarina Portas, A Vida Portuguesa
To celebrate the 18th anniversary of Catarina Portas’ homeware brand, A Vida Portuguesa, New York’s Museum of Modern Art invited her to create a pop-up shop in its Design Store. We spoke with Catarina about her collaboration with the museum and the importance of keeping craft traditions in Portugal alive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fernanda Torres and Walter Salles, ‘I’m Still Here’
Monocle’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco speaks with Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres and Brazilian director Walter Salles about their film, ‘I’m Still Here’. The film is already one of Brazil’s most successful-ever features and has been nominated for three Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Torres. The film tells the story of Eunice Paiva, who became an a
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