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 29, 2024 • 1h 13min
The 12 Books of Christmas | David Baddiel on Family, Jewishness, and the Healing Power of Comedy
David Baddiel, a celebrated comedian and author known for his work on 'Jews Don't Count,' shares profound insights into his Jewish heritage and the healing power of humor. He delves into his new memoir, 'My Family,' reflecting on familial trauma, including his mother's affair and his father's dementia. Baddiel humorously recalls quirky family dynamics, exploring how laughter transforms pain and honors the past. His anecdotes reveal the absurdities of family life while highlighting the emotional connections that shape his identity.
Dec 27, 2024 • 1h 1min
The 12 Books of Christmas | Rachel Cusk on Art, Womanhood and Redefining Fiction
In this engaging discussion, critically acclaimed novelist Rachel Cusk, known for her innovative narrative styles, joins Adam Biles, Literary Director at Shakespeare and Company in Paris. They dive into the themes of Cusk's latest novel, Parade, exploring its unique feminist perspectives and her evolving identity as a writer. The conversation also highlights the intricate relationship between an artist's biography and their work, and the challenges women authors face in authentically expressing their experiences amidst societal expectations.
24 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 59min
The 12 Books of Christmas | Adam Grant on The Science of Achieving Greatness
In this lively discussion, organizational psychologist Adam Grant and economic journalist Tim Harford explore groundbreaking concepts from Grant's latest book, 'Hidden Potential.' They dive into the journey of overcoming self-doubt, sharing a captivating story about a competitive school's chess team. The pair emphasizes the power of character skills in education and the role of feedback in fostering personal growth. With engaging anecdotes, they highlight innovative teaching methods and the importance of embracing discomfort for success.
6 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 1h 2min
The 12 Books of Christmas | Mishal Husain on Family, Empire and Why Partition Still Matters
Mishal Husain, an acclaimed journalist and host of BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, shares her family's journey from the British Empire to independence in her book 'Broken Threads'. She poignantly reflects on the traumatic effects of the Partition, recounting personal stories like that of her Catholic grandmother, a nurse in Britain, and her grandfather, a Sandhurst cadet. Husain emphasizes the enduring scars of this history on diasporic identities and relationships, making a compelling case for remembering and understanding the past.
Dec 22, 2024 • 1h 3min
The 12 Books of Christmas | Zeinab Badawi on an African History of Africa
Zeinab Badawi, an award-winning broadcaster and author, teams up with historian Kate Williams to discuss an African-centric narrative of history. They explore the origins of humanity through discoveries like Lucy, the powerful Kingdom of Kush, and the diverse paths to African independence. Badawi emphasizes rewriting Africa's story to include local voices and experiences, while highlighting the contributions of female historians. Their conversation illuminates the importance of understanding Africa's past without the lens of colonialism, revealing its rich culture and history.
9 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 1h 9min
The 12 Books of Christmas | Comfort Eating with Grace Dent
Grace Dent, a renowned journalist and restaurant critic, joins Deborah Frances-White, a witty comedian and the voice of the Guilty Feminist podcast, for an engaging chat. They dive into the magical intersection of food and memory, sharing personal tales of comfort foods that evoke nostalgia. From butter and bagels to Cadbury chocolate, the duo highlights how food shapes our emotional well-being. With humor and candid anecdotes, they explore the significance of simple pleasures, all while reflecting on culinary joy during both happy and challenging times.
Dec 18, 2024 • 55min
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 8min
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 • 59min
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 27min
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.
