The Monocle Weekly

Norwegian writer and explorer Erling Kagge joins us to discuss his book ‘Walking: One Step at a Time’. We also hear from Tamara Rojo, artistic director of the English National Ballet, and speak to the talents behind ‘Rouleur’ magazine about the upcoming Paris–Roubaix bike race.

Magician-turned-psychologist Matthew L Tompkins joins us to discuss his new book, ‘The Spectacle of Illusion,’ which explores the many ways tricksters have exploited the brain’s vulnerabilities over the ages. Plus: we learn about Doggerland, the sunken landmass that once connected the UK to mainland Europe, from author and poet Julia Blackburn, and hear from musician Daniel O’Sullivan.

Saxophonist YolanDa Brown discusses her career and a new award to help young musicians. We also hear from author and journalist Keith Gessen about living in and writing about Russia and speak with photographer Todd McLellan about his book, ‘Things Come Apart 2.0’.

Toby Walsh, professor of AI at the University of New South Wales, is a leader in his field; he joins us to unpack his new book, ‘2062 – The World that AI Made’, an exploration of the increasingly intelligent technologies that stand to shape the world around us. Plus, author Olivia Sudjic talks social media, anxiety and the essay, and we learn about some of London’s cultural highlights from artist and writer Siân Pattenden.

We meet photojournalist Lynsey Addario to discuss her new book ‘Of Love and War’, hear from writer and author Helen Russell about what contributes to global happiness and talk music with Finnish musicians Tuomo and Markus.

We welcome back polymath Simon Garfield whose new book, ‘In Miniature: How Small Things Illuminate the World’, zooms in on the world’s mini marvels. Plus: photography curator Maya Benton talks us through two exhibitions that are running simultaneously and showcase the work of photographer Roman Vishniac, and writer and journalist Giles Whittell discusses his new book ‘Snow: The Biography’.

As Halloween approaches, we speak to historian and curator from University College London Subhadra Das about the enduring appeal of Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ – and why both the science and science fiction contained within it still asks challenging questions today. Plus: Oscar-winning documentary-maker Morgan Neville talks us through his new film about Orson Welles, ‘They’ll Love Me When I’m Dead’, and author Paul Anthony Jones discusses his book ‘Around the World in 80 Words’.

German-American author and illustrator Nora Krug talks through the challenging themes found in her new graphic novel ‘Heimat’. We also meet film-maker and novelist Sandi Tan to hear the story behind her new Netflix documentary ‘Shirkers’ and learn the tale of Pike Ward – a British fish merchant who helped shape the history of Iceland – with heritage specialist Katherine Findlay.

We hear from choreographer, dancer and director Annie-B Parson about her new show ‘17c’ – part of London’s Dance Umbrella festival. Plus, we welcome back artist Martin Creed and curator Fatos Ustek to discuss their latest project for the David Roberts Art Foundation, and Monocle’s Sheena Rossiter discusses her new documentary ‘3 Siblings’.

Stephanie Macdonald of 6A Architects discusses her work on the new wing of South London Gallery, we hear from musician Richard Reed Parry of Arcade Fire to learn about his new solo album ‘Quiet River of Dust Vol. 1’, and meet photographer Harley Weir whose show ‘Homes’ is part of the Brighton Photo Biennial.