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 15, 2025 • 53min
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 • 53min
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 • 27min
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 • 31min
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 • 28min
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 • 32min
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.
Jan 6, 2025 • 52min
My Childhood in the Care System, with Baroness Lola Young
Baroness Lola Young, a Member of the House of Lords and author of the memoir 'Eight Weeks,' shares her journey from foster care to the halls of power. Alongside journalist Habiba Katsha, they dive into the emotional complexities of revisiting her fragmented past and navigating identity in a strict Nigerian household. Lola highlights the challenges faced by young people aging out of the care system and advocates for their empowerment. Their discussion also touches on resilience found in community, particularly through shared passions like Arsenal Football Club.
18 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 30min
How to Win Every Game, with Marcus du Sautoy, Part Two
Marcus du Sautoy, a Professor of Mathematics at Oxford, dives into the strategic depths of classic games like Connect 4 and Monopoly. He reveals mathematical tactics to elevate your game, explaining how pi can influence Rock Paper Scissors outcomes. The discussion also covers the evolution of gameplay from board games to digital realms, emphasizing the resurgence of physical games in a tech-driven world. With anecdotes on holiday gaming and the unexpected joys of Dungeons and Dragons, du Sautoy showcases how games shape society while honing our competitive instincts.
27 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 35min
How to Win Every Game, with Marcus du Sautoy, Part One
Marcus du Sautoy, an award-winning mathematician and Professor of Mathematics at Oxford, delves into the fascinating world of games and their mathematical underpinnings. He explains the best strategies for games like Connect 4 and Monopoly, linking them to mathematical concepts. Du Sautoy shares insights into the cultural history of games and their role in society, along with a philosophical exploration of play’s purpose. From ancient origins to the evolution of games, he reveals how mathematics enriches our gaming experiences.
Dec 30, 2024 • 43min
The 12 Books of Christmas | Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall & ZOE’s Dr Federica Amati on Eating 30 Plants A Week
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, a renowned chef and food campaigner, teams up with Dr. Federica Amati, a scientist from ZOE, to discuss the transformative power of a plant-rich diet. They dive into the health benefits of consuming 30 different plants weekly, revealing how this can boost gut health and overall well-being. Practical tips for incorporating diverse plants into meals are shared, along with the joys of seasonal produce and fermentation. The conversation highlights how simple dietary changes can lead to significant health improvements.
