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
Oct 20, 2024 • 50min
The Story of the Solar System, with Maggie Aderin-Pocock
Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, an award-winning space scientist and broadcaster, joins Güneş Taylor, a scientist at Edinburgh University, to discuss her new book, which beautifully blends art and science. They delve into the fascinating evolution of Pluto's classification and what that means for our understanding of celestial bodies. The conversation also explores humanity's cultural ties to the cosmos, the complexities of dark energy, and the intriguing effects of microgravity on living organisms, all while inspiring a new generation of space enthusiasts.
Oct 17, 2024 • 39min
Dan Jones on England’s Greatest Warrior King, with Kate Williams, Part Two
Dan Jones, a historian renowned for his insights into medieval English monarchy, teams up with Kate Williams, a historian and novelist specializing in British history. They discuss the complex legacy of Henry V, exploring his military triumphs, including the pivotal Battle of Agincourt, and the societal challenges he faced. The conversation highlights how Henry's leadership both stabilized England and sowed seeds of future conflict. They delve into the strategic decisions that shaped his reign and the intertwining of his personal and political ambitions.
Oct 16, 2024 • 40min
Dan Jones on England’s Greatest Warrior King, with Kate Williams, Part One
Dan Jones, a best-selling author known for his captivating historical narratives, joins Kate Williams to discuss the complex legacy of Henry V. They examine the duality of Henry as both a brutal warrior and an insightful diplomat. The duo delves into Shakespeare’s influence on public perception and the implications of Henry's tactical decisions during his short reign. They also reflect on the turbulent backdrop of his rise to power, including the dramatic events leading to the Battle of Shrewsbury, showcasing the harsh realities of medieval warfare.
18 snips
Oct 14, 2024 • 37min
The History of Information, with Chris Haughton
Chris Haughton, a renowned designer and children's book author, joins technology researcher Carl Miller to delve into the evolution of information. They explore how visual communication has transformed throughout history, highlighting its role in a digital age. Haughton shares insights from his book, discussing the societal impacts of information technology from the printing press to modern communication. The conversation also touches on the historical roots of propaganda and its influence on consumer culture, revealing the complexities of documenting information's evolution.
Oct 13, 2024 • 43min
Archive: Jamaica's Culinary Journey, with Melissa Thompson and Riaz Phillips
Melissa Thompson, a BBC Good Food columnist and author of "Motherland: A Jamaican Cookbook," and Riaz Phillips, author of "West Winds: Recipes, History and Tales from Jamaica," explore the rich tapestry of Jamaican cuisine. They discuss iconic dishes like jerk chicken and ackee and saltfish, highlighting their diverse cultural influences. Personal stories reveal how culinary traditions shape identity within the Jamaican diaspora. The conversation also tackles authenticity, cultural appropriation, and the evolution of Jamaican food, particularly in London.
4 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 31min
Think Again: Is Free Speech Under Threat? with Suzanne Nossel and Charlotte Lydia Riley
Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America and author of "Dare to Speak," joins historian Charlotte Lydia Riley to explore the complexities of free speech today. They debate the perceived crisis surrounding cancel culture and its impact on public discourse. The conversation highlights the tension between holding elites accountable and the fear of silencing marginalized voices. With insights into book bans, societal repercussions of criticism, and the influence of social media, they delve into the challenges of maintaining open dialogue in a polarized world.
Oct 9, 2024 • 47min
Original Sins: A History of Sex and Christianity, with Diarmaid MacCulloch
Diarmaid MacCulloch, Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford, shares insights from his book on the surprising evolution of Christian views on sex and gender. He delves into the historical shifts towards celibacy, the complexities of marital teachings, and the exclusion of women from religious spaces. MacCulloch also examines how ancient texts differ from modern interpretations of same-sex relationships, reflecting changing societal norms and the ongoing tensions between tradition and contemporary beliefs in Christianity.
Oct 6, 2024 • 50min
Archive: Secrets of the Sprakkar, with Eliza Reid
Eliza Reid, author of "Secrets of the Sprakkar" and former First Lady of Iceland, joins Rosamund Urwin to discuss the extraordinary women of Iceland. They delve into Iceland's pioneering gender pay equality policies and the cultural factors contributing to women's empowerment. The conversation addresses the impact of the pandemic on gender roles and the persistent issue of gender-based violence, challenging the nation's image as a feminist utopia. Reid emphasizes the importance of engaging men in the fight for equality and improving women's representation in leadership.
Oct 5, 2024 • 47min
The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook, with Paul Johnson, Part Two
Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, shares his insights on Britain's economic landscape after the 2024 general election. He delves into the pressing issues of intergenerational inequality and the wealth gap that influence public policy. The conversation addresses Brexit's lasting economic effects, including trade negotiations and challenges for small businesses. Johnson critiques populist economic strategies lacking solid funding plans and highlights the advantages of devolved governance for better public financial management.
Oct 3, 2024 • 45min
The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook, with Paul Johnson, Part One
Paul Johnson, an influential economist and Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, joins BBC News presenter Jonny Dymond for a deep dive into Britain’s economic outlook post-election. They discuss the challenges of high taxes paired with underfunded public services, the impact of external shocks like Brexit, and the need for effective tax reform. Johnson assesses the potential of the new Labour administration to stimulate growth, while tackling pressing issues like child poverty and the housing crisis amidst rising public debt.
