
The Monocle Daily
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.
Latest episodes

May 9, 2025 • 40min
What did Russia get out of Victory Day?
Juliet Linley, a journalist and former Vatican correspondent, joins to discuss the intricacies of Moscow's Victory Day parade and its evolving significance in the context of modern geopolitics. She explores how Ukraine's historical perspective on the event has shifted dramatically. The conversation also touches on the upcoming challenges for the new Pope, emphasizing his unique cultural connections and potential impacts on the Catholic Church. Humor is intertwined as they dissect governance absurdities and the art sector's competitive landscape.

May 8, 2025 • 38min
White smoke at the Vatican
Juliet Linley, a seasoned journalist and former Vatican correspondent, shares her insights on the recent election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope. Elisabeth Braw and David Brennan engage in a lively discussion about the emotional weight of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, reflecting on historical narratives and modern political tensions in Europe. They explore how the new Pope's election might influence global politics while also touching humorously on the unique aspects of reporting from the Vatican during such monumental moments.

May 7, 2025 • 39min
The Vatican conclave begins and the papal role in conflict
Yossi Mekelberg, a senior fellow at Chatham House specializing in conflict, and political reporter Nadine Batchelor-Hunt dive into the Vatican conclave's role in global affairs. They discuss how the church might act as a peacemaker in conflicts that seem endless and explore the challenges it faces with modern social issues. They also critique media attention disparities in global crises, contrasting the spotlight on Ukraine with the overlooked plight in Sudan, highlighting the complexities of public perception in today's world.

May 6, 2025 • 38min
Friedrich Merz becomes Germany’s new chancellor and Mark Carney in the White House
This discussion features Bertrand Uschlick, a Senior Research Fellow focused on Middle East security, Gregory Scruggs, Monocle's Seattle correspondent, and Aaron Burnett from the Democratic Strategy Initiative Berlin. They delve into Friedrich Merz's political rise, exploring his narrow victory and the tensions within Germany's CDU. The conversation also touches on Mark Carney's intriguing interactions with Donald Trump, highlighting shifts in U.S.-Canada relations and the broader geopolitical landscape influenced by these meetings.

May 5, 2025 • 39min
Live from London
In this lively discussion, Aliona Hlivco, founder of St James Foreign Policy Group, and Quentin Peel, a regular contributor, tackle the weighty news of the day. They delve into the complexities of Israel's military strategies in Gaza and examine the political landscape in Germany amid rising far-right sentiments. The conversation also touches on the implications of cultural leaders' responsibilities discussed at the Abu Dhabi Culture Summit and the evolving role of museums to engage modern audiences.

May 2, 2025 • 42min
World Press Freedom Index and Chanel unveils its Cruise 2025/26 collection
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN's chief international security correspondent, joins Fiona O’Brien, UK Director at Reporters Without Borders, and Jessica Bridger, Monocle's contributing editor and urbanism consultant. They delve into the alarming decline in global press freedom, the dire challenges journalists face, particularly in Gaza, and how modern media is shaping indigenous communities in Brazil. The conversation shifts to the glamorous Chanel Cruise 2025/26 collection reveal in Lake Como, blending serious dialogue with a touch of luxury.

May 1, 2025 • 38min
US-Ukraine minerals deal and France’s screen-ban proposal
Nina Dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent and former CNN editor, joins Renard Mansour, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, to discuss a pivotal minerals deal between the US and Ukraine aimed at bolstering Kyiv's defense against Russia. They also delve into the implications of shifting US foreign policy and the challenges Ukraine faces in this new landscape. Additionally, they tackle France's proposal to limit screen time for children under six, raising concerns about technology's impact on play and social development.

Apr 30, 2025 • 37min
Can Europe deliver on a Ukraine force?
Join political journalist Theo Usherwood and Cardiff University lecturer Marta Lorimer as they tackle pressing geopolitical issues. They discuss Europe’s dilemma in supporting Ukraine and the growing pressure on Russia, emphasizing President Zelensky's strong stance on Crimea. The conversation also uncovers the challenges of uniting European leaders for military backing. Additionally, they explore Germany's shifting political landscape under the Christian Democrats and the impact of populism on engaging younger voters.

Apr 30, 2025 • 11min
Special edition: Answering Life’s Big Questions – Economics
In partnership with the University of Warwick, Monocle teamed up with the institution’s acclaimed academics to answer big questions submitted by readers. In this episode, Professor of Economics Caroline Elliott answers, ‘Why are luxury consumers attracted to exclusivity?’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 29, 2025 • 38min
Trump’s first 100 days and Mark Carney’s election victory
Tina Fordham, a geopolitical strategist and founder of Fordham Global Foresight, teams up with John Everard, a former British ambassador to Belarus, Uruguay, and North Korea. They dive into Donald Trump's tumultuous first 100 days of his return to the presidency, unpacking his political strategies and the implications for international relations, particularly with North Korea and Russia. The discussion also turns to Mark Carney's election victory in Canada and its potential impact on Canadian-U.S. relations amidst a shifting global landscape.
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