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
Sep 25, 2025 • 26min
Hotels with History | Raffles Hotel, Singapore, with Richard E. Grant and Jules Perowne
Discover the fascinating transformation of Raffles Hotel from a 10-room beach bungalow to a luxurious landmark in Singapore. Learn how the Sarkis brothers, with their Armenian roots, pioneered this iconic destination amidst changing global travel dynamics. Explore Raffles' rich literary history, hosting legends like Kipling and Maugham, and uncover quirky hotel folklore like the tiger incident. Plus, enjoy insights into the legendary Singapore Sling's creation and the hotel's unique check-in experience. Raffles continues to be a symbol of hospitality and culture.
Sep 23, 2025 • 37min
What Did Twenty Years of Western Intervention in Afghanistan Achieve? With Jon Lee Anderson
Jon Lee Anderson, a veteran foreign correspondent with extensive experience in conflict zones and author of 'To Lose a War', shares his insights on Afghanistan's tumultuous history. He discusses the unraveling of the US mission, revealing personal connections and key failures during two decades of intervention. Anderson highlights stories of resilience from the Afghan people and reflects on the complexities of modern-day Taliban control, youth culture, and the bittersweet legacies of education and betrayal left behind by Western presence.
Sep 21, 2025 • 54min
Who are the Trailblazing Women Hidden From Our History? With Women's Prize Founder Kate Mosse
Kate Mosse, an award-winning novelist and founder of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, dives into the hidden stories of trailblazing women often overshadowed by history. She shares fascinating anecdotes, like Mary Shelley writing Frankenstein as a teenager and Lily Parr's astonishing 997 goals. Discussing her #WomenInHistory campaign, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse historical figures, including those with complicated legacies, and how rights are always fought for and never given. Get inspired by these remarkable narratives!
15 snips
Sep 20, 2025 • 42min
Is the Data on Climate Change More Optimistic than We Thought? With Hannah Ritchie
Hannah Ritchie, a senior researcher at the University of Oxford and deputy editor of Our World in Data, dives into the often-misunderstood narrative of climate change. She challenges the pervasive doom mentality with compelling data that reveals a more hopeful horizon. Discussing her book, Clearing the Air, she debunks myths about electric vehicles and renewable energy costs. Ritchie emphasizes the power of context and encourages actionable solutions, blending personal responsibility with policy innovation for a sustainable future.
Sep 18, 2025 • 42min
Ian McEwan on Speculative Fiction, Lost Poems and What We Can Know
In this engaging discussion, critically acclaimed novelist Ian McEwan dives into his latest work, 'What We Can Know,' a speculative fiction set in a drowned future UK of 2119. He explores the challenges of writing climate fiction, reflecting on the balance between optimism and caution regarding biodiversity and AI risks. McEwan also examines the enduring power of novels and the nuances of climate denial through the lens of a missing poem. His insights into the role of archives and personal responsibility add depth to this thought-provoking conversation.
Sep 16, 2025 • 53min
Sotheby’s Talks | Custodians of Taste: Pauline Karpidas and the Women who Shape the Art World
Guests Tiquio Acentio, a celebrated Venezuelan art collector and author, and Helena Newman, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe, discuss the transformative influence of women like Pauline Karpidas in the art world. They dive into the motivations behind collecting, exploring personal connections with artists and the deep emotional ties that shape collections. The conversation celebrates key female figures, their mentorship roles, and the significance of viewing art beyond its monetary value, reflecting on how these dynamics have evolved over time.
Sep 14, 2025 • 34min
Arundhati Roy on Storytelling, Memory and The Human Condition (Part Two)
Arundhati Roy, an esteemed author and political essayist, joins novelist Elif Shafak for a profound discussion. They explore the vital relationship between literature and activism in sparking societal change. Roy shares insights on the healing power of humor as a coping mechanism in times of despair. The dialogue also dives into how architecture influences writing and identity, alongside the intricacies of language in India, highlighting its political relevance. Together, they reflect on the beauty and complexity of storytelling amidst social challenges.
Sep 13, 2025 • 33min
Arundhati Roy on Storytelling, Memory and The Human Condition (Part One)
Arundhati Roy, an acclaimed novelist and political essayist known for her Booker Prize-winning work, joins forces with Elif Shafak, a celebrated British-Turkish author. They discuss the intertwining of personal grief and political landscapes as Roy shares insights from her new memoir. The conversation highlights storytelling as a powerful tool for activism, the complex legacies of love and loss, and how writing serves as a conduit for emotional resilience. Their dialogue illuminates how personal narratives can shape public consciousness and inspire resistance.
17 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 36min
Nick Clegg on Meta, AI and the Battle for Big Tech (Part Two)
Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta and former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, discusses the delicate balance between Big Tech and democracy. He argues that the backlash against tech companies is often exaggerated, advocating for reasoned regulation. Clegg explores AI's complex landscape, emphasizing the need for adaptive frameworks that foster innovation without compromising accountability. He also highlights the shifting dynamics of social media in response to competition, noting the irony in its evolving nature amid growing algorithm-driven content.
Sep 10, 2025 • 37min
Nick Clegg on Meta, AI and the Battle for Big Tech (Part One)
Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta and former UK Deputy Prime Minister, dives into the complexities of Big Tech's relationship with government. He argues that backlash against tech companies is exaggerated, advocating for a nuanced approach to regulation. Clegg also explores how AI is reshaping journalism and the challenges posed by the tension between globalization and deglobalization. He discusses the responsibilities of tech firms amid societal shifts, using examples like Trump's social media suspension to highlight issues of free speech and accountability.
