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
Dec 18, 2024 • 58min
The 12 Books of Christmas | Jordan Stephens on Love, Chaos and Becoming a Man
Join Jordan Stephens, a musician and writer known for his hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks, and Munya Chawawa, a comedian and Instagram star, as they dive into the chaos of modern masculinity. They explore Jordan's journey through addiction, heartbreak, and recovery, reflecting on society's expectations of manhood. Discover how creativity and personal struggles intertwine with themes of love, first experiences, and the impact of relationships. Their engaging anecdotes and candid insights make for a heartfelt discussion on finding one's true self in a tumultuous world.
Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 10min
The 12 Books of Christmas | The Dictators Who Want to Run the World, with Anne Applebaum
Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian known for her works on autocracy and democracy, dives deep into the sophisticated nature of 21st-century autocracies. She discusses the collaboration among regimes like Russia and China, highlighting their strategic alliances against democratic values. Applebaum warns of the fragile state of democracy and critiques the misconception that economic ties alone can foster democratization. The conversation explores how autocrats disrupt democratic principles, urging vigilance and civic engagement to counter rising authoritarianism.
14 snips
Dec 15, 2024 • 1h 2min
The 12 Books of Christmas | The Anxious Generation: Jonathan Haidt on How Smartphones Rewired Childhood
Jonathan Haidt, bestselling author and social psychologist, dives into the alarming mental health crisis among teenagers in his new book, 'The Anxious Generation.' He discusses the dual impact of reduced free play and increased smartphone usage on youth well-being. A staggering increase in anxiety, depression, and self-harm rates reveals the dire consequences of social media. Haidt emphasizes the need for responsible technology use and advocates for a complete ban on phones in schools, urging families to foster real-world interactions for healthier childhoods.
5 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 1h 30min
The 12 Books of Christmas | An Evening with Marina Diamandis
Platinum-certified singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis, known for her unique electro-pop sound, joined writer Sean Fay to discuss her debut poetry collection, "Eat the World." They explore Marina's transition from songwriting to poetry, reflecting on personal expression and emotional depth. The pair delve into themes of solitude, relationships in the music industry, and societal pressures on women, while also touching on the intersection of vulnerability and creativity as a pop artist.
8 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 1h
The 12 Books of Christmas | Think Again: Is Free Speech Under Threat? with Suzanne Nossel and Charlotte Lydia Riley
In this lively discussion, Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America, and Charlotte Lydia Riley, historian and author, delve into the complexities of free speech today. They debate whether the perceived threat to free expression is real or merely a reshuffling of power dynamics. Nossel argues for the importance of unfettered dialogue, while Riley examines the historical context of cancellation and criticism. Together, they challenge listeners to reconsider the balance between protecting diverse viewpoints and addressing harmful speech in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
5 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 31min
The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook, with Tim Harford, Part Two
Tim Harford, Senior Economist for the Financial Times and author of "How to Make the World Add Up," dives into the pressing economic challenges and opportunities we face. He examines the dual impact of AI on job markets, showcasing how technology reshapes roles instead of merely replacing them. Harford also discusses the paradox of forecasting, emphasizing the tension between predictions and their practical utility, while addressing the complexities of opinion polling during elections. His insights promise a compelling roadmap for navigating the future economy.
30 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 34min
The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook, with Tim Harford, Part One
Tim Harford, the Undercover Economist, shares his insights as a senior columnist at the Financial Times. He dives into the complexities of the UK's sluggish economy, discussing pressing issues like Brexit and global energy prices. Harford humorously tackles quirky tax regulations, including the infamous Jaffa Cake case. He advocates for more effective data interpretation and stresses the government's role in economic outcomes. Join him in navigating the intricate relationship between statistics and sound economic policies!
6 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 45min
David Baddiel on Family, Jewishness, and the Healing Power of Comedy, Part Two
David Baddiel, a renowned comedian and writer known for his sharp wit and insights on Jewishness, shares personal stories from his memoir 'My Family.' He humorously navigates family secrets, like his mother's long-term affair, and reflects on the challenges of growing up in a complex household. Baddiel discusses how comedy helps process trauma, exploring his family's history with the Holocaust and his father's dementia. His heartfelt anecdotes shine a light on the healing power of laughter and the intricacies of familial love.
11 snips
Dec 1, 2024 • 40min
David Baddiel on Family, Jewishness, and the Healing Power of Comedy, Part One
David Baddiel shares his journey through comedy and Jewish identity, detailing his family's Holocaust history and the healing power of laughter. He reflects on his mother's unconventional personality and her surprising passion for golf, blending humor with heartfelt memories. The conversation reveals the complexities of family dynamics and navigating loss while honoring loved ones. Baddiel's anecdotes provide a relatable exploration of how humor can transform our darkest experiences into something meaningful.
30 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 29min
The World in 2025 with Peter Frankopan and Emily Maitlis: Making Sense of our Past, Present and Future (Part Two)
Peter Frankopan, an acclaimed historian and author of best-sellers like 'The Silk Roads,' joins award-winning journalist Emily Maitlis for a compelling discussion. They explore how historical context sheds light on today's global upheavals. Frankopan emphasizes the significance of understanding the past amidst rising autocracies and geopolitical shifts. The duo also delves into the transformative impact of AI and the complexities of Britain's historical narrative, linking lessons from history to contemporary political strategies and future challenges.
