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 7, 2025 • 43min
The Age of the Strongman: Understanding Netanyahu, with Anshel Pfeffer (Part Two)
Anshel Pfeffer, a leading authority on Benjamin Netanyahu, dives deep into the prime minister's complex strategies following his return to power. He discusses Netanyahu's bold plans to reshape the Middle East and his controversial ties with far-right parties. The conversation reveals the turbulent political landscape in Israel, marked by Netanyahu's clashes with the judiciary and the implications of his leadership style. Pfeffer also examines recent shifts in Israeli politics and their historical contexts, focusing on the evolving dynamics of governance and conflict.
15 snips
Sep 6, 2025 • 36min
The Age of the Strongman: Understanding Netanyahu, with Anshel Pfeffer (Part One)
Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist and author of 'Bibi', dives into the controversial and complex political landscape surrounding Benjamin Netanyahu. He discusses Netanyahu’s return to power, his alliances with far-right parties, and the implications for Israeli democracy post-October 7. Pfeffer unpacks Netanyahu’s strategies amid crises, his international diplomacy, and the personal legacy that shapes his leadership, igniting a riveting exploration of the strongman’s influence in the region.
Sep 5, 2025 • 13min
The Specialist | The Multi-Million Dollar Banana, with David Galperin
Join David Galperin, Sotheby’s Vice Chairman and Head of Contemporary Art for The Americas, as he delves into the audacious world of Maurizio Cattelan's Comedian. This provocative artwork—a banana taped to a wall—challenges our understanding of art's value. Galperin explores the complexities of auctioning such a conceptual piece, revealing the absurdity and unpredictability of the art market. Discover what makes this million-dollar banana a cultural phenomenon that continues to spark debate and captivate imaginations.
Sep 5, 2025 • 39min
Could AI Help Save Lives? With Dr Charlotte Blease
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Charlotte Blease, a health informaticist and author with a background in philosophy, shares her expertise on AI's potential to revolutionize healthcare. She highlights how AI can alleviate burnout among overworked medical professionals, reduce diagnostic errors, and promote equitable access to care. Blease emphasizes the importance of thoughtfully implementing AI to enhance both patient outcomes and doctor well-being, while addressing ethical concerns and potential biases in healthcare algorithms. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of medicine!
10 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 22min
Hotels with History | Claridge's, London
Join lifelong traveler and hotel enthusiast Jules Perrone alongside actor and hotel connoisseur Richard E. Grant as they dive into the luxurious world of Claridge's in London. They explore the hotel's royal connections and historical significance, emphasizing how it evolved into a high-society hotspot. The discussion highlights the hotel’s resilience during the pandemic, showcasing the innovative spirit of its staff. They also reflect on the cherished tradition of afternoon tea, weaving in fascinating tales from its storied past.
27 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 35min
The science of dreams: why do we dream, and can we learn to control them? With Dr Michelle Carr
Dr. Michelle Carr, Director of the Dream Engineering Laboratory at the University of Montreal, dives deep into the fascinating world of dreams. She discusses why we dream and the impact of nightmares on our mental health. Listeners learn about lucid dreaming techniques and the innovative practice of dream engineering, which manipulates dream content using sensory stimuli. Carr explores the ethical implications of dream manipulation and highlights how understanding dreams can enhance emotional well-being and recovery from psychological issues.
29 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 48min
What will become of the CIA under President Trump? With Tim Wiener
Tim Weiner, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist with over two decades of experience chronicling the CIA, dives into the agency's history and challenges in a thought-provoking discussion. He explores the controversial post-9/11 torture programs and the CIA's pivotal role in supporting Ukraine. Weiner highlights the escalating threats from China and Russia, alongside the complexities of espionage in a tech-savvy world. He also reflects on the disorienting impact of the Trump administration on the agency's operations and the delicate balance of leadership and intelligence.
13 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 32min
Can Trump Deliver Peace in Ukraine? With Catherine Belton
Catherine Belton, an international investigative reporter for The Washington Post and author of 'Putin's People', joins the discussion on Trump’s potential role in achieving peace in Ukraine. She delves into Putin’s long-term ambitions and the impact of sanctions on Russia. The conversation highlights the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations, examines Europe's geopolitical challenges, and the implications of autocratic alliances, particularly between Russia, China, and India, shedding light on the future of global stability.
Aug 26, 2025 • 25min
Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins on how antiquity shapes the modern world (Part Two)
Mary Beard, a distinguished classicist from Cambridge, and Charlotte Higgins, chief culture writer at the Guardian, dive into how ancient cultures shape today's society. They discuss how the Romans have historically been used as political symbols and the biases in interpreting figures like Nero. Exploring ancient literature, they highlight its timeless relevance and predict how contemporary society will be seen by future generations. They also reflect on women's equality through the lens of history, urging listeners to advocate for continued progress.
Aug 25, 2025 • 13min
The Specialist | Fabergé’s Rediscovered Imperial Flower, with Helen Culver-Smith
Helen Culver-Smith, the Head of Decorative Arts Worldwide at Sotheby's, shares her expertise on a stunning Fabergé apple blossom study. She dives into the digital discovery that rekindled interest in this exquisite piece and its remarkable journey through the tastes of high society. The conversation reveals the intricate artistry behind Fabergé’s creations and the captivating lineage of this flower, tracing connections to notable figures like Martha Baird Rockefeller. It's a fascinating look at how a masterpiece of decorative arts comes to life through history.
