
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

5 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.

Apr 20, 2025 • 59min
A round-up of the week and insights from Tokyo
Emma Nelson is joined by Simon Brooke and Philippe Marlière to discuss the week’s key stories. Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, checks in from Lisbon and our Tokyo bureau chief, Fiona Wilson, rounds things off with her take on the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 13, 2025 • 59min
The week’s headlines and dispatches from Portugal and the Balkans
Emma Nelson is joined by Alex von Tunzelmann and Vincent McAviney to discuss the week’s key stories. Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, checks in from Lisbon, and our Balkans correspondent, Guy de Launey, reports on the latest from the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 snips
Apr 6, 2025 • 55min
Remembering Gwen Robinson
Gorana Grgić, a security correspondent at ETH Zurich, and Florian Egli, a regular voice on the program, join Tyler Brûlé for a heartfelt tribute to journalist Gwen Robinson. They discuss her significant contributions and vibrant personality, reflecting on her lasting impact in journalism. The conversation also covers key global developments, including China's evolving role in technological innovation and the challenges posed by semiconductor resilience. Listeners are treated to insights on trade dynamics and the upcoming leadership conference in Jakarta.