Monocle on Sunday

Join Simon Bouvier, Monocle’s Paris bureau chief, who shares intriguing insights on French politics and business. Adrien Garcia, a voice in the creative community, discusses Paris's fashion scene and the rise of independent brands. CNN correspondent Melissa Bell provides a global perspective on France's media landscape, while fashion director Natalie Theodosi reveals the shifting dynamics within the industry towards quality and craftsmanship. They also humorously tackle the chicken craze in France and the importance of curating cultural experiences in film and music.

Tyler Brûlé is joined by Gorana Grgić and Chandra Kurt. We hear the latest from Monocle’s Helsinki correspondent, Petri Burtsoff, speak with ‘Zeit Magazin editorial director Christoph Amend and get an update on the art world from Aurelia Rauch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Nelson is joined by Charles Hecker and David Bodanis. Then: Tyler Brûlé, Monocle’s editorial director, shares his observations from St Moritz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Latika Bourke, a journalist and geopolitics expert, shares critical insights on the fragile Gaza ceasefire and the political implications for both Israeli and Palestinian societies. Yossi Mekelberg, a senior fellow at Chatham House, discusses the resignation of Israel's security minister amidst rising tensions. Gorana Grgić provides a preview of the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighting concerns over global economic growth amid fragmentation. The conversation also touches on the intersection of art and technology, showcasing the 'Glacier Dreams' exhibition in Zurich.

Isabel Hilton joins Emma Nelson for a look through the week’s news. Plus: we head to St Moritz to get the latest from our editorial director, Tyler Brûlé. Then: Monocle’s Balkans correspondent, Guy De Launey, gives us the latest news from the region.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Brûlé, Editorial director of Monocle from St Moritz, joins Simon Brook, Stephen DL, and Mary Fitzgerald, Monocle's North Africa correspondent from Marseille. They delve into Britain's defense issues, contrasting intimate New Year celebrations with grand Parisian festivities. A lively debate emerges around the significance of Alexei Navalny's memoir and NATO's strategic shifts amidst rising tensions with Russia and China. Mary shares her winter swimming experiences, illuminating cultural perceptions and the invigorating joys of cold immersion.

In this engaging discussion, David Badanis, a political theorist known for his work on leadership, teams up with geopolitics expert Charles Hacker, author of "Zero Sum." They tackle the complexities of leadership in today's turbulent political landscape, contrasting authoritarian and balanced approaches. The conversation also delves into the importance of meaningful media in a screen-saturated world, the charm of local communities in declining urban settings, and the humorous absurdities of our current events, making for a lively and thought-provoking dialogue.

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.

Nina dos Santos, a seasoned broadcaster specializing in global affairs, and Andrew Tuck from the Monocle editorial team discuss festive themes from London's Christmas market. They explore Finland's branding of Santa as a diplomatic icon while dissecting Syria's complex geopolitical landscape. Camouflage in fashion takes center stage, revealing its cultural resurgence amid recession. Allegations of foreign interference spotlight Prince Andrew’s connections, while quirky Japanese cafes lead to insights on tourism and cultural exchanges.

Juliet Linley, a former Vatican correspondent, joins Andrew Tuck, Monocle's editor-in-chief, and Hannah Lucinda-Smith, Istanbul correspondent focusing on the Syrian conflict. They discuss the shifting power dynamics in Syria, the impact of recent diplomatic meetings, and the cultural significance behind them. The conversation also highlights Zurich's charm during the Christmas market, tales of urban innovation, and the latest in sustainable fashion trends. This festive dialogue weaves together politics, culture, and holiday cheer.