Intelligence Squared
Intelligence Squared
Intelligence Squared is the home of lively debate and deep-dive discussion. Follow Intelligence Squared wherever you get your podcasts and enjoy four regular episodes per week taking you to the heart of the issues that matter in the company of the world’s great minds. We’d love to hear your feedback and what you think we should talk about next, who we should have on and what our future debates should be. Send us an email or voice note with your thoughts to podcasts@intelligencesquared.com or Tweet us @intelligence2. And if you’d like to support our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations, as well as ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content, early access and much more, become a supporter of Intelligence Squared today. Just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 14, 2025 • 37min
How have rivers shaped human existence? With Vanessa Taylor
Vanessa Taylor, an environmental historian and author of 'Seven Rivers,' dives into the transformative power of rivers throughout human history. She explores how rivers like the Nile and Mississippi shaped civilizations, influenced spirituality, and served as battlegrounds for power and colonization. The discussion also touches on contemporary challenges like pollution and climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for environmental activism in protecting these vital waterways and the communities that depend on them.
12 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 51min
How Well do we Understand the Female Body? With Polly Vernon
Join Polly Vernon, a Guardian feature writer and author of 'How The Female Body Works', as she delves into the complexities of women's health. She highlights how female bodies undergo significant changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Polly discusses medical misogyny and the knowledge gap in women's healthcare. Insights into unique injuries female athletes face are shared, alongside tips for healthy aging, exercise, and nutrition. Ultimately, the conversation encourages an open dialogue about women's health and the importance of self-compassion.
15 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 43min
Are the Rich Preparing for Civilisational Collapse? With Evan Osnos
Evan Osnos, a Staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'The Haves and the Have Yachts', dives into the opulent lives of the ultra-rich. He unveils the symbolism behind luxury superyachts and discusses how they reflect economic inequality. The conversation also touches on how tech billionaires are bracing for societal collapse, the evolution of American conservatism amid wealth dynamics, and the stark realities of fraud in the entertainment industry. Osnos emphasizes the urgent need for citizen activism to counter growing oligarchy.
20 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 54min
Does Plato Still Matter Today? with Angie Hobbs
In this engaging discussion, Angie Hobbs, a Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy, navigates the enduring relevance of Plato in our modern lives. She emphasizes how Plato's dialogues invite us to confront pressing questions about justice, love, and leadership. Hobbs argues that reconnecting with his teachings helps tackle contemporary issues like nihilism and interpersonal dynamics. She also explores the modern notions of heroism and the responsibility in relationships, asserting that philosophical inquiry remains essential in today’s complex world.
Aug 7, 2025 • 39min
Did the Road to Trump Start in the 90’s? with John Ganz
John Ganz, journalist and author of the Unpopular Front newsletter, dives into how the tumultuous 1990s set the stage for today's political climate and the rise of Trumpism. He argues that while many view the decade nostalgically, it was marked by economic strife and discontent that fueled anti-establishment sentiments. Ganz connects historical figures like Ross Perot to current populist movements, and he emphasizes the irony of today's political rhetoric, showcasing how chaos and chance shape our history and future.
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 2min
Was the Nuclear Bomb Inevitable? With Frank Close
In this engaging conversation, physicist Frank Close shares his expertise as a Fellow of the Royal Society and an award-winning science writer. He delves into the surprising origins of nuclear power, starting with Henri Becquerel's discovery in 1896. Close discusses the intricate journey of atomic science, highlighting the brilliance of pioneers like Rutherford and Fermi. The dialogue reveals how scientific curiosity turned into a race for nuclear weaponry during WWII, and Closely examines the moral complexities faced by scientists amid the looming threat of destruction.
9 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 35min
An African History of Africa, with Zeinab Badawi (Part Two)
Zeinab Badawi, an award-winning broadcaster and author of 'An African History of Africa,' shares her insights on the continent's rich history, emphasizing a narrative untethered from colonialism. She discusses the origins of humankind and ancient African civilizations, challenging misconceptions about heritage and identity. Badawi highlights the importance of personal stories in understanding African experiences and explores the values of community and Ubuntu. This conversation uncovers the complexity of African identities amid the legacies of migration and colonialism.
4 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 38min
An African History of Africa, with Zeinab Badawi (Part One)
Zeinab Badawi, an award-winning broadcaster and journalist, unveils a fresh perspective on Africa's history. She argues for narratives that prioritize African voices over colonial frameworks. Delving into ancient civilizations, she highlights the influential roles of women in Sudan's Meroitic period and the impacts of empires like Aksum and Great Zimbabwe. Badawi advocates for educational reforms to bridge historical gaps, aiming to empower future generations with a deeper understanding of their rich heritage.
Aug 1, 2025 • 14min
The Specialist | The Greatest Persian Manuscript: A Story Fit For Kings, with Benedict Carter
Dive into the mesmerizing tale of the Shahnameh, the Persian Book of Kings, and its journey through history. Hear about the extraordinary 258-illustration manuscript, its royal origins, and the impact of its turbulent past. Discover the fascinating 1994 exchange of art that connected cultures and the record-breaking auction that captivated the world. This story melds art, literature, and history, showcasing the enduring legacy of Persian culture.
6 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 9min
Classic Debate: To Stop Climate Collapse, We Must End Capitalism
Adair Turner, former Chair of the Financial Services Authority, joins environmental lawyer Farhana Yamin, Guardian journalist George Monbiot, and environmentalist Tony Juniper for a lively debate. They dissect capitalism's role in the climate crisis, debating whether its relentless growth threatens our planet. Turner contends capitalism has solved many problems, while Yamin and Monbiot advocate for radical change to prevent catastrophe. The engaging discussion explores the urgent need for systemic economic shifts to align sustainability with our economic model.
