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
Jan 22, 2025 • 44min
Max Richter on Finding Inspiration, with Shahidha Bari
Max Richter, an acclaimed composer known for his evocative soundscapes, chats with Shahidha Bari about his latest album, 'In A Landscape.' They dive into the intricate relationship between creativity and personal inspiration, and how his rural Oxfordshire studio influences his work. Max explores blending electronic and natural sounds while addressing the political motivations behind his music. They also discuss an upcoming ballet collaboration with Wayne McGregor and the essential role of rest in the creative process.
14 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 45min
Inside Andrew Tate's Manosphere, with Matt Shea and Jamie Tahsin
In this engaging discussion, guests Matt Shea and Jamie Tahsin, award-winning documentary filmmakers, unveil their exploration into the world of Andrew Tate, a controversial figure promoting toxic masculinity. They delve into Tate's radicalizing influence on young men and the troubling allegations against him, including abuse and manipulation. Discover how Tate's hyper-capitalist views and dubious teachings exploit insecurities, while highlighting the urgent need for healthier male role models amidst a landscape rife with misogyny and disinformation.
17 snips
Jan 19, 2025 • 38min
A History of British Architecture with Simon Jenkins and Rory Stewart
Join Simon Jenkins, a Guardian columnist and bestselling author, alongside Rory Stewart, co-host of the Rest is Politics, as they unravel the fascinating evolution of British architecture. They discuss the legacy of structures from Stonehenge to the Shard, debating modernist planning versus historical preservation. The dialogue highlights the architectural charm of British cities, critiques post-war design failures, and reflects on the ongoing housing crisis while celebrating the blend of historic and contemporary styles shaping national identity.
Jan 17, 2025 • 48min
Scandal, Sleaze and the Collapse of Credit Suisse, with Duncan Mavin
Duncan Mavin, an experienced financial journalist and author of "Meltdown," explores the dramatic collapse of Credit Suisse. He delves into the risky deals, rogue executives, and systemic failures that led to the banking giant's downfall. The conversation highlights the clash of Swiss and American banking cultures, the damaging influence of financial incentives on ethics, and how scandals like Greensill and Archegos ultimately eroded trust. Mavin offers insights into the broader implications for the banking sector and the lessons learned from this crisis.
Jan 15, 2025 • 56min
How AI is Changing Warfare ? Live at Web Summit Lisbon 2024
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International and a notable human rights defender, joins Kenneth Cukier, Deputy Executive Editor at The Economist and technology expert, to explore the burgeoning role of AI in warfare. They delve into the ethical dilemmas posed by autonomous weapons and drone technology. The conversation highlights the challenges of accountability in military actions and the urgent need for regulatory frameworks. They also discuss the potential for AI to either enhance or complicate military decision-making, emphasizing the importance of human oversight.
4 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 55min
Re-examining the Life of Paul Gauguin, with Sue Prideaux
Sue Prideaux, an award-winning biographer known for her works on luminaries like Nietzsche and Munch, dives deep into the life of Paul Gauguin. The discussion reveals the complex legacy of this 19th-century artist, exploring his controversial relationships in Tahiti and the impact of colonialism on his work. Prideaux shares insights from Gauguin's recently uncovered memoir and his connections with Polynesian cultural practices. She sheds light on his dual role as both an advocate for indigenous identity and a figure of contention in art history.
4 snips
Jan 12, 2025 • 29min
Susie Dent On the Wonders of the English Language (Part 2)
Susie Dent, a renowned lexicographer and etymologist from Channel 4’s Countdown, dives into the charm of the English language. She shares captivating insights into its evolution, the emergence of slang, and how emojis shape modern communication. The discussion touches on the complexities of language in mystery writing and hilariously misinterpreted emojis. Dent also highlights the beauty of profanity, its historical significance, and the creative richness it brings to the language, all while connecting these themes to her debut novel.
17 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 33min
Susie Dent On the Wonders of the English Language (Part 1)
Susie Dent, a beloved lexicographer and etymologist known from Channel 4's Countdown, shares her passion for the English language and its quirks. She discusses her debut crime novel, 'Guilt by Definition,' which cleverly intertwines her love for words and a mysterious disappearance. Dent humorously delves into unique vocabulary and the historical journey of dictionary-making, revealing how everyday people shaped the Oxford English Dictionary. The conversation beautifully highlights language’s evolution and its profound connections to storytelling and crime.
Jan 8, 2025 • 30min
The Teen Mental Health Crisis and How Adolescence Shapes Us, with Lucy Foulkes and Pandora Sykes (Part 2)
Lucy Foulkes, an academic psychologist from Oxford and author of 'Coming of Age', teams up with journalist Pandora Sykes to dive into the teenage mental health crisis. They explore how adolescence is a pivotal time shaped by peer pressure, social media, and risk-taking. Foulkes argues against blanket smartphone bans, suggesting that experiencing challenges is vital for development. They also discuss the impact of pornography on teens' perceptions of sex and the need for open dialogue around sexual education, highlighting the confusion surrounding extreme content.
13 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 34min
The Teen Mental Health Crisis and How Adolescence Shapes Us, with Lucy Foulkes and Pandora Sykes (Part 1)
Lucy Foulkes, an Oxford academic psychologist and author of 'Coming of Age', joins journalist Pandora Sykes to discuss the complexities of adolescent mental health. They challenge stereotypes about teenage behavior, emphasizing the role of social dynamics and the importance of personal experiences. Foulkes highlights the value of teenage love in shaping identity and addresses the challenges of sleep deprivation and social media. The conversation reveals how navigating popularity and peer pressure is crucial during these formative years.
