

The Monocle Daily
Monocle
Hear our take on the news and enjoy sharp reporting on the big stories every weekday. Tune in as our guest panel reviews the day’s events in Europe, follows developing stories in the Americas and welcomes early risers in Asia and Australasia. Plus: reports and analysis from Monocle’s correspondents and bureaux around the world. Nominated for ‘Best Daily Podcast’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards.
Episodes
Mentioned books

15 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 41min
Europe considers trade ‘bazooka’ against the US and Israel pushes back on Gaza ‘Board of Peace’
Isabel Hilton, a journalist specializing in international affairs and China, joins political commentator Somnath Batabial and Monocle founder Tyler Brûlé to discuss Europe's potential trade tactics against US tariffs over Greenland. They explore the geopolitical implications, including Denmark’s sovereignty and local reactions in Nuuk. The panel also tackles Trump’s controversial Gaza governance proposal, questioning its legitimacy due to Palestinian exclusion. Additionally, they highlight the surge in gold stockpiling as a response to dollar instability.

Jan 16, 2026 • 31min
Nervousness in the Nordics and why is the customer always wrong?
Petri Bertsoff, Monocle's Helsinki correspondent, delves into the Nordics' strong unified response to Trump's threats over Greenland, emphasizing issues of sovereignty and self-determination. Meanwhile, director Kaouther Ben Hania shares insights into her impactful film inspired by a child's voice amid injustice. Michael Booth reflects on the disturbing decline of customer service, sharing anecdotes about frustrating interactions and exploring why accountability seems to be vanishing. Join a lively in-house panel discussion as they navigate these pressing topics.

Jan 15, 2026 • 38min
Canada’s Mark Carney lands in Beijing, economic growth in Europe and crackdown on US media
Join political commentator Carol Walker and geopolitical expert Alexander Gerlach as they delve into Mark Carney's pivotal visit to Beijing, highlighting economic motivations and the balancing act Western leaders face with China. The duo addresses the implications of an FBI raid on a US journalist, raising concerns about press freedom. They also dissect the modest economic growth in the UK and Europe, while critiquing the effectiveness of populist messaging. Plus, a lighthearted discussion on the retirement of themed aircraft liveries wraps up an engaging conversation!

8 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 40min
The world braces for a potential US attack on Iran
Patti Cohen, a seasoned global economics correspondent at the New York Times, and Phil Tinline, an insightful journalist and author, discuss the escalating tension between the US and Iran as Trump reiterates military threats. They analyze the implications of targeted strikes versus nation-building, exploring the risks of toppling leadership in Iran. The duo debates whether US intervention would genuinely support Iranian protesters or inadvertently strengthen the regime. They also touch on geopolitical nuances concerning Greenland and the delicate balance within NATO.

9 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 37min
Should the European Union begin peace talks with Moscow?
Georgia Scaturo, a London-based reporter on European politics, and Stephen Diel, a knowledgeable Russia analyst, dive into the complexities of engaging with Russia amidst its intensified bombardment of Ukraine. They discuss the delicate balance Europe must strike between sanctions and energy needs, highlighting leaders like Macron and Meloni. The duo also explores the implications of the recent EU-Mercosur trade deal and the shifting dynamics of US influence in Latin America, all while raising concerns about the broader geopolitical landscape.

4 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 30min
Iran tells the world that it is ‘prepared’ for war
In this discussion, political expert Julie Norman explores the risks of U.S. military action in Iran, emphasizing the potential costs for protesters. Yossi Mecklberg adds insight into Iran’s possible retaliation tactics, including Gulf disruptions and strikes on Israel. They analyze non-military options for Washington, such as cyberattacks and strategic partnerships. The conversation also touches on the resurgence of protectionism, trade realignments, and the implications of a potential EU-India free trade agreement, all while considering the historical dynamics of the region.

Jan 9, 2026 • 42min
Colombia’s fears of potential US intervention. Plus: a preview of this year’s Golden Globes
Oscar Guardiola Rivera, a professor of international law and affairs, analyzes the potential threats of US military intervention in Colombia, discussing the implications for regional geopolitics. Julia Jen, a military expert, provides insights into the Oreshnik hypersonic missile used by Russia in Ukraine and the civilian impacts of ongoing conflicts. Deborah Honig from Samsung explores decision fatigue and AI’s role in enhancing user experience. Plus, Andrew Muller delivers a humorous news roundup, touching on global tensions and diplomatic dialogues.

12 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 39min
How Washington’s intervention in Venezuela increases risk for the wider Latam region
Tira Schubart, a journalist and Royal Astronomical Society fellow, teams up with Antonio Sampaio, an expert on Latin American politics, to discuss the implications of Washington's intervention in Venezuela. They delve into how this move has polarized the region and sparked concerns over border security, especially for Brazil amid rising migration. The conversation touches on the shifting dynamics with China and Russia and reflects on the potential risks to democratic norms in Latin America. They even explore whether art characters need to be 'good' to be likable.

18 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 39min
Europe scrambles to respond after Trump’s Greenland threats
Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue and expert on international affairs, joins Philippe Marlier, a professor of European politics, to discuss Trump's provocative threats against Greenland. They analyze Europe's alarm over these moves and the implications for NATO. The conversation also dives into China's concerns regarding U.S. actions in Venezuela and its broader diplomatic stakes in the region. They further explore the complexities of electoral politics in Europe, from Italy's reforms to the shortcomings of the UK's first-past-the-post system, all while touching on South Korea's new public health initiatives against baldness.

Jan 6, 2026 • 39min
Will Iran be Donald Trump’s next target?
In this discussion, Daniela Pellett, Managing Editor at the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, analyzes Iran's recent protests and the implications of U.S. intervention. Robin Lustig, veteran journalist, debates the unpredictability of Trump's motives and the potential impact of U.S. foreign actions. Technology author Dan Wong contrasts the engineering approaches of the U.S. and China, shedding light on infrastructure advancements. The panel also critiques Germany's migration policy and questions if disaster recovery is becoming a privilege for the wealthy.


