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.

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101 episodes
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Episodes101

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July 6 · 37 min
The effects of Canada's multibillion-dollar submarine decision
Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, is poised to announce who will supply the Royal Canadian Navy’s new submarine fleet – what it could mean if they buy within Nato and draw closer to Europe? Plus: Casio watches rebound. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 3 · 38 min
The week in Venezuela and previewing Fourth of July celebrations
We speak with Catherine Ellis in Venezuela and Charlotte McDonald-Gibson in Washington about the politicised celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US independence. Plus: Madonna’s new album and Canada joins Eurovision. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 2 · 34 min
Extremism on the rise in Germany and France: can courts or governments stall its march?
Germany’s AfD prepares for its annual political conference, as France’s Marine Le Pen waits for a court ruling on her presidential candidacy. Then: Why visit the Bayeux Tapestry in London when you could have gone in France? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 1 · 40 min
What’s in an anti-corruption drive? And Canada joins Eurovision
Our panel looks at the successes and failures of anti-corruption drives in Iraq and Hungary. Plus: Fernando Augusto Pacheco on the announcement that Canada is joining Eurovision. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 1 · 39 min
Better late than never? Keir Starmer finally unveils plans to modernise the UK’s armed forces
The UK government published its long-delayed defence spending plans, investing £270bn (€313bn) over the next four years. Plus: yet more conflicting narratives from Iran and the US. And: from scoring goals to corking bottles, Brazilian footballer Neymar turns his hand to winemaking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 29 · 37 min
Would a ‘No 10 North’ be a good idea for the UK?
Andy Burnham makes the case for greater devolution if he becomes Britain’s next prime minister. Then: Tensions flare between Afghanistan and Pakistan. And: South Korea invests big in chipmaking and AI. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 26 · 37 min
The Monocle Quality of Life Survey ranks Tokyo first and Copenhagen second
We look at the best the Danish capital has to offer with Monocle’s Michael Booth as our most liveable cities list is released. Plus: we meet leading Australian choreographer Stephanie Lake. And: Fernando Augusto Pacheco talks Angèle, Italo Disco and bikinis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 25 · 37 min
Live from Almedalen 2026: Defence, intelligence and space technologies
Live from Almedalen 2026 on the island of Gotland in Sweden, Andrew Mueller is joined by Tom Edwards, Andreas Carlson, Pia Sandvik and Seppo Aaltonen to discuss the day’s big stories. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 24 · 37 min
If Putin is ready for peace talks, who should mediate them?
Ukraine strikes put Putin under pressure – but who could mediate peace talks? Then: President vs PM in Czechia, heated debates in France and our Quality of Life Survey 2026. Plus: Andrew Mueller live from Sweden’s Almedalen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 23 · 34 min
Live from Almedalen 2026: How important is the gathering to Swedish politics?
Live from Almedalen 2026 on the island of Gotland in Sweden, Andrew Mueller is joined by Tom Edwards, Karin Karlsbro, Henrik Jönsson and Elly Reinolds to discuss the day’s big stories. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 22 · 40 min
Starmer steps aside but will Burnham be better?
Andy Burnham looks likely to be the next prime minister of the UK but what will happen if nothing changes under his leadership? Then: JD Vance walks a tightrope. Plus: Remembering Alan Greenspan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 19 · 43 min
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Midori House weighs in on its World Cup teams
Georgina Godwin speaks to former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar about how Europe views Brexit 10 years on. Plus: Monocle staff share their World Cup hopes and fears. Is it coming home to England? Will Brazil add a record sixth star to its jersey? Can New Zealand find some glory? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 18 · 37 min
Ukraine targets Moscow with its biggest drone strike of the war
Ukraine’s president calls the overnight strikes on Moscow a totally just response to Russia’s recent attacks as senior EU officials hold calls with the Kremlin. Then: the US defense secretary scorns Nato allies. And: as the US blockade holds fast, we look at Cuba’s new economic reforms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 17 · 44 min
Donald Trump threatens to resume ‘dropping bombs’ if Iran agreement fails
On the final day of the G7 summit in France, the US president says that the peace memorandum agreed with Iran is “not final”. Then: Germany and Poland sign a new defence deal. And why are Japanese ice-cream makers in hot water? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 16 · 37 min
Positive signals from President Trump as G7 works to build peace in Ukraine
Ukraine’s president attends the G7 summit, with the US promising to get Russia to discuss peace. Then: why some global banks are raising interest rates. And: we examine India’s bolts and braces approach to exam security. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 15 · 39 min
Will Israel and Hezbollah observe a US-Iran ceasefire?
Our panel assesses the US-Iran deal and whether Lebanon is a part of it. Plus: the G7 debates tariffs; London launches an anti-‘lies’ campaign; and the T-Rex leather bag that failed to sell. Then: Peter S Canellos’s new book. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 12 · 49 min
SpaceX’s record IPO, ‘The Guide to Generous Hosting’ and an homage to David Hockney
We head to the New York Stock Exchange, where SpaceX has just completed the world’s largest-ever IPO. Then: Grace Charlton and Nic Monisse bring us coverage from Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design. Plus: the ‘Konfekt’ team teaches us the art of generous hosting and we pay homage to David Hockney. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 12 · 36 min
Belfast is burning: Where does far-right rhetoric on immigration lead?
Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine officially outlasts the First World War. Then: as riots burn through Belfast, the British far-right fans the flames. Plus: the World Cup kicks off in Mexico City. Who’s bringing home the trophy? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 10 · 36 min
Donald Trump vows to hit Iran hard for delaying peace deal
The US president warns Iran that it will be ‘hit hard again’ after the two sides exchanged fresh strikes. Then: how effective will Europe’s new Russia sanctions be? And: are tourists being ripped off this holiday season? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 9 · 36 min
World Cup embarrassment before kick-off
World Cup embarrassment before kick-off with visas blocked, a referee barred and tickets unsold with prices unaffordable for many. Then: are French workers really away from their desks as much as we think? And: we look at Prada’s new undergarments for Nasa astronauts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.