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
Aug 1, 2025 • 40min
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine dominates agenda at the Helsinki+50 Conference. Plus: ‘Salute’ to National Spritz Day
We speak to Ukrainian Nobel laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk at the Helsinki+50 Conference. Then: The White House’s ambitions to build a new ballroom and we raise a glass to National Spritz Day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 31, 2025 • 37min
How will recognising a Palestinian state affect tariff deals with Trump?
As Trump’s tariff deadline looms, we assess what recognition of a Palestinian state means for trade deals with Washington. Then: why Europe’s roads aren’t war-ready and the importance of influencers in politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 30, 2025 • 40min
The death of popularity: Why are no politicians liked anymore?
Approval ratings for leaders in the US and UK are slumping, we unpack why global politics seems so fragmented. Plus: The fallout from Tehran’s water crisis and the reason behind a Regency literature revival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 29, 2025 • 39min
The UK sets out a plan to conditionally recognise the state of Palestine
The UK’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, announces a plan to recognise the state of Palestine. Then: Washington and Beijing hold a second day of trade talks. Plus: how important is ice in a drink?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 28, 2025 • 38min
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and why European leaders are concerned over the EU-US trade deal
Yossi Mekelberg and Patricia Cohen look at the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Europe’s reaction to the trade deal with the US, Moscow’s launch of direct flights to Pyongyang and “Ghosts of Iron Mountain”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 25, 2025 • 43min
Fancy paying the US Treasury’s $37.1trn debt? There’s a website for that
As the “gifts to reduce the public debt” website causes a stir in the US with a new payment method, Monocle’s in-house team joins to discuss splitting the bill. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 24, 2025 • 39min
Pragmatism vs politics at the China-EU summit
As Brussels and Beijing mark 50 years of diplomacy, we discuss how simmering tensions might scupper progress. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 23, 2025 • 45min
Israel passes motion backing annexation of the West Bank
As the Knesset votes in favour of imposing “Israeli sovereignty” on the West Bank, we discuss how this symbolic gesture could eventually result in concrete action. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 22, 2025 • 40min
Is al-Sharaa’s Syria failing to live up to Western optimism?
As indirect talks between Syria and Israel resume, we discuss what lies ahead for the country’s interim leader as the fragile Druze-Bedouin ceasefire holds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 21, 2025 • 39min
Growing global frustrations with Netanyahu. Plus: How to incentivise a diaspora to return home
As Israel launches an offensive in Deir al-Balah, we discuss the US’s waning patience with Benjamin Netanyahu. Then: India and China repair ties and European nations look to incentivise a return of their diaspora.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
