

Monocle on Sunday
Monocle
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 27, 2025 • 59min
World news from Lisbon, Ljubljana and beyond
Lynne O’Donnell and Hannah Cogan join Emma Nelson to discuss the week’s biggest stories. Plus: Tyler Brûlé in Lisbon and Guy De Launey with the latest news from the Balkans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 20, 2025 • 59min
Japan’s elections, plus dispatches from San Sebastián and Oslo
Isabel Hilton and Simon Brooke join Georgina Godwin to discuss the week’s biggest stories. Plus: Fiona Wilson on Japan’s elections, Tyler Brûlé in San Sebastián and Lars Bevanger with the news from Oslo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 13, 2025 • 59min
The Monocle Shop in Merano turns 10, plus dispatches from Zürich and Helsinki
David Bodanis and Terry Stiastny join Emma Nelson to discuss the week’s news. We celebrate 10 years of The Monocle Shop in Merano and hear updates from Zürich and Helsinki. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 59min
Turkish protests, global affairs, and a dispatch from Lisbon
Yossi Mekelberg, an expert in international relations, and Stephen Dalziel, a commentator on European politics, join reporter Hannah Lucinda Smith, who offers insights from the heart of Istanbul. They discuss the explosive protests in Turkey sparked by a provocative cartoon, highlighting the tension between free speech and religious sentiments. The conversation also touches on global issues, from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to the implications for Turkish politics, including government crackdowns on dissent.

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.