Petri Burtsoff

Petri Burtsoff, Monocle's correspondent in Helsinki and a Finnish culture expert, shares vibrant insights into Finland's unique Christmas traditions. He humorously contrasts Finnish and Swedish customs surrounding Santa Claus, revealing cultural quirks and the melancholic charm of Finnish holiday music. The conversation dives into the enchanting atmosphere of Rovaniemi, the heart of Santa tourism, while embracing the festive spirit. Listeners will be captivated by the rich tapestry of Christmas customs and the character of holiday celebrations in Finland.

Alex von Tunzelmann, a historian and cultural analyst, joins Charles Hecker, a Russia expert, to dissect the week's news. The discussion dives into alarming incursions into Estonian airspace and NATO's response, viewed through a Finnish lens. Petri Burtsoff shares insights on Nordic teens and their relationship with technology, including a mobile phone ban in schools. Tyler Brûlé explores Swiss lifestyle trends and the allure of foreign pharmacies, while also touching on the evolving landscape of media censorship under political pressures.

James Chambers, Monocle's Asia editor in Bangkok, provides on-the-ground insights into Thailand's political chaos following a secret recording of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Julia Lassica discusses the implications of a key party’s exit from the coalition, while Andrew Muller, Petri Burtsoff, and Melissa Hamilton analyze potential investor fallout and rising nationalism. Tara O'Connor highlights the broader regional concerns, as instability raises questions about the likelihood of a coup amid tensions with neighboring Cambodia.