
Monocle on Sunday
Our weekend programme comes live from Monocle’s radio studio in Zürich, where Tyler Brûlé and a panel of special-guest thought leaders discuss key topics in front of a studio audience.
Latest episodes

Jun 29, 2025 • 59min
The week in review and Balkan briefing
Emma Nelson is joined by Nina dos Santos and Charles Hecker to unpack the week’s headlines, with Guy De Launey reporting from Ljubljana. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 22, 2025 • 59min
The latest on Iran and views from San Sebastian and Bangkok
Simon Brooke, a journalist and communications consultant, and Rainbow Murray, a politics professor, dive into the week’s breaking news, including the latest from Iran and U.S. military strategies. Andrew Mueller discusses geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Tyler Brûlé shares insights from the vibrant atmosphere of San Sebastian, while James Chambers reports on political unrest in Thailand. In a lighter vein, they critique contemporary hotel designs, revealing frustrations with transparent bathrooms and tech challenges in accommodations.

Jun 15, 2025 • 55min
Nordic affairs and what to expect at this year’s Art Basel
In this engaging conversation, Andrew Mueller, a contributing editor at Monocle and host of The Foreign Desk, and Noah Horowitz, CEO of Art Basel, dive into the vibrant cultural currents of the Nordics and art world. They discuss Copenhagen's rise in design and the significance of midsummer traditions. Horowitz offers an enticing preview of this year's Art Basel, highlighting new horizons in the MENA art scene and the importance of innovation in galleries. With geopolitical tensions shaping the landscape, the buzz surrounding art and culture remains stronger than ever.

12 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 59min
Italy’s referendum, Norway’s headlines and the global stories of the week
Isabel Hilton, an expert on geopolitics and climate change, teams up with David Bodanis, a historian and leadership commentator, to discuss Italy's upcoming citizenship referendum and its implications for immigration and economic support. Ed Stocker, reporting from Milan, highlights Italy's low voter turnout and governmental indifference, while Lars Bevanger shares insights on Norway’s football revival after a thrilling match against Italy and the quirky sport of 'death diving.' Politics, culture, and international relations are engagingly unpacked throughout the conversation.

Jun 1, 2025 • 59min
World news with check-ins from Lisbon and Istanbul
Join Alex von Tunzelmann and Charles Hecker as they dissect global headlines, from Nigeria's economic shifts to Elon Musk's political maneuvers. Tyler Brûlé reports from the vibrant streets of Lisbon while Hannah Lucinda Smith sheds light on Istanbul's urban unrest, including the mayor's arrest. Meanwhile, Mateusz Mazzini analyzes Poland's tumultuous presidential race, examining its implications for Eastern Europe. The conversation beautifully weaves together cultural observations and political insights that highlight today's interconnected world.

13 snips
May 25, 2025 • 55min
A round-up of the week and insights from Ljubljana
In this insightful discussion, Myriam Zumbühl, a cultural storyteller, and Juliet Linley, a global affairs analyst, explore the nuances of culinary practices and ethical storytelling through Sebastiao Salgado's lens. Guy De Launey brings a deep dive into political unrest in the Balkans, highlighting Belgrade's redevelopment controversies. They share personal tales of travel through Portugal and Italy's food culture, offering a delicious blend of humor, creativity, and cultural comparisons that reveal the rich tapestry of European experiences.

12 snips
May 18, 2025 • 55min
The Eurovision Song Contest and Portugal at the polls
Fernando Augusto Pacheco joins a lively discussion that dives into the flamboyance of the Eurovision Song Contest, highlighting Italy's cultural influence and unexpected voting results. The conversation humorously critiques fashion choices and technical challenges faced during live events. Shifting gears, they tackle Portugal's political landscape, addressing concerns over voter fatigue amid rising far-right sentiments. Pairing political discourse with wine recommendations adds a delightful twist, bringing a taste of culture alongside the weekly news.

May 11, 2025 • 59min
Global headlines and Scandinavian dispatches
Tyler Brûlé, Monocle's editorial director based in Stockholm, teams up with Simon Brooke and Marta Lorimer to dive into this week's global headlines. They discuss Putin's peace talks about Ukraine and shifting tensions between India and Pakistan. Lyndee Prickett shares insights from New Delhi, while Lars Bevanger reports from Oslo, emphasizing Norway's complex relationship with stress despite its happy image. The conversation also covers cultural nuances like seasonal celebrations and the impact of weather on mood.

May 4, 2025 • 55min
Fresh dispatches from Istanbul and Australia
Tyler Brûlé is joined by Juliet Linley and Gorana Grgic to discuss the week’s news. Plus: updates from Istanbul with Hannah Lucinda Smith and an election recap from Latika Bourke in Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 27, 2025 • 59min
The view from Lisbon and Vienna’s election
Monocle’s Alexei Korolyov reports on Vienna’s election, Juliet Linley reflects on the Pope’s funeral and Tyler Brûlé joins us from Lisbon. Plus: Emma Nelson, Isabel Hilton and Charles Hecker discuss the week’s global news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.