

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

9 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 42min
Will organised crime be a key issue for Brazil’s upcoming elections? Plus: The Burberry and Monocle collaboration
Antonio Sampaio, an expert on Latin American politics and security, dives into the deadly police raid in Rio de Janeiro, highlighting its political ramifications ahead of Brazil's elections. He discusses the complex dynamics of policing and public response. Luke Courtier shares insights on the creative collaboration between Monocle and Burberry, showcasing innovative brand partnerships. Fernando Augusto Pacheco explores the decline of rap music on charts, attributing it to pop's current dominance and the changing landscape of London's nightlife.

Oct 30, 2025 • 35min
How long will the détente in Trump and Xi’s trade war last?
Carol Walker, a Times Radio presenter and astute political commentator, joins Bill Hayton, a Chatham House expert on Asia Pacific geopolitics, and Chris Chermak, a unique voice from the Faroe Islands. They explore the precarious US-China trade truce and its implications, alongside the shifting political landscape in the Netherlands. The trio also discusses the awkward intertwining of politics and dating in Washington, delving into the challenges faced by those with opposing views. Lastly, Chermak shares insights on how wind farms can beautify rather than mar the Faroe Islands' stunning vistas.

9 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 36min
The Gaza ceasefire faces further tests. Plus: how important is a leader’s sense of style?
Lynn O'Donnell, a foreign policy analyst specializing in South Asia and the Middle East, joins Michael Binion, an expert on Middle East geopolitics. They delve into the fragile Gaza ceasefire, exploring the reasons behind ongoing breaches and political motives of both Hamas and Netanyahu. The conversation shifts to the significance of a leader's style, highlighting Albanese's Joy Division T-shirt as a case study. They discuss celebrity influence in politics and how cultural figures can enhance or complicate diplomatic efforts.

Oct 28, 2025 • 44min
Is Donald Trump getting softer on trade? The cases of Japan and China
Patti Cohen, a global economics correspondent at The New York Times, shares insights on Trump’s approach to trade relations with Japan and China. Journalist Simon Brook discusses Japan's prioritization of US security ties and the country’s defense role amidst regional threats. Hong Kong filmmaker Elizabeth Lowe reveals the intriguing role of mistress dispellers in Chinese culture, exploring themes of ethics and family values. The conversation unveils the complexities of international diplomacy and cultural practices.

14 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 42min
Is the US readying for war in the Caribbean? The case of Venezuela
Zoë Grunewald, Westminster editor at The Lead, offers insights on UK and international affairs, while Justin Quirk, a cultural and geopolitical commentator, dives into the complexities of Latin America. They analyze the US naval movements near Venezuela, exploring the implications of the Donroe Doctrine and Trump's complicated military strategies. Simon Hart, former Chief Whip of the UK House of Commons, discusses the pressures of modern politics and the need for better support for future politicians amid today’s challenges.

8 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 40min
Trump terminates trade negotiations with Canada over ad criticising tariffs. Plus: Monocle’s November issue
Thomas Lewis, Monocle's Toronto correspondent, analyzes the fallout from Trump's termination of trade talks with Canada, sparked by a controversial Ontario ad. Leila Molana-Allen shares her insights on the precarious media access to Gaza and the challenging conditions in the West Bank. Julia Jen highlights compelling themes in Monocle's November issue, including military developments in Poland. An intriguing clip features Nicolas Gousron discussing Bridget Riley’s artistic connections to Seurat at the Musée d'Orsay.

Oct 23, 2025 • 36min
Are Trump’s sanctions on Russia’s oil companies enough to send a message?
Join journalist Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue, and Evdoxia Lempieri, UK correspondent for ERT, as they delve into the ramifications of Trump's sanctions on Russia's oil giants, Lukoil and Rosneft. They debate whether these measures will genuinely pressure Russia and explore secondary sanctions' ripple effects. The discussion shifts to China's charm offensive in Taiwan, probing cultural ties and its soft-power strategies. Lastly, they tackle Greece's proposed protest ban at monumental sites, weighing constitutional concerns against symbolism.

9 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 42min
Russia’s plans to increase its propaganda budget, Vance meets Netanyahu and the EU’s first anti-far-right European Council
Elizabeth Braw, a senior fellow on defense and international affairs, and Stephen Diel, a Russia analyst, dive into the complexities of current geopolitical issues. They discuss Russia's plans to increase its propaganda budget amid ongoing attacks in Ukraine. The conversation shifts to JD Vance's meeting with Netanyahu and the dynamics of the Gaza ceasefire. Braw and Diel also analyze the rise of far-right movements in Europe and the impact of international pressure on regional conflicts, revealing the intricate balance of power.

Oct 21, 2025 • 39min
Is a summit between Trump and Putin ever likely to happen? Plus: Sarkozy begins his five-year term
This discussion features Alex von Tunzelman, a historian and author, alongside Phil Tinline, a journalist and documentary maker. They dive into the prospects of a Trump-Putin summit and its implications for Ukraine, exploring Hungary's role in NATO. The conversation also touches on Nicolas Sarkozy's prison sentence, assessing its impact on political accountability in France. Additionally, the duo examines the safety concerns surrounding Lime's billion rides and the challenges of regulating new technology amidst urban issues.

Oct 20, 2025 • 37min
Will the proposed Trump-Putin summit in Budapest do any good?
Featuring Rainbow Murray, a politics professor at Queen Mary University, Nick Gowing, broadcast journalist and security analyst, and Julie Norman, an expert on Gaza. They delve into the tension at Trump's meeting with Zelensky, questioning the implications for Ukraine. The potential Trump-Putin summit's effects on European security are explored. Julie discusses Gaza's complex history and its resilience amidst contemporary conflict, highlighting the motivations behind Hamas’ actions and the uncertain future for the territory.


