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 1, 2024 • 41min
Philippa Gregory and Tracy Chevalier on Weaving the Story into Historical Fiction, Part Two
Philippa Gregory, a powerhouse in historical fiction celebrated for her works like "The Other Boleyn Girl," teams up with Tracy Chevalier, known for "Girl with a Pearl Earring." They dive into the importance of historical accuracy, especially in women's narratives, urging for authentic storytelling. The conversation touches on the evolution of women's roles in glassmaking in Murano and the struggles depicted in Mary Edwards’ story. Their insights into research and crafting narratives reflect the blend of truth and creativity in their writing.
Sep 30, 2024 • 40min
Philippa Gregory and Tracy Chevalier on Weaving the Story into Historical Fiction, Part One
Philippa Gregory, best-selling author renowned for her historical novels, and Tracy Chevalier, celebrated for her works like 'Girl with a Pearl Earring,' explore the intricate crafting of historical fiction. They delve into the balance of fact and imagination, emphasizing the importance of giving voice to overlooked women's stories. Tracy shares insights on her upcoming novel, 'The Glassmaker', while Philippa discusses her groundbreaking work, 'Normal Women', which reexamines women's histories in England. Their engaging dialogue illuminates the challenges and artistry of bringing the past to life.
Sep 29, 2024 • 55min
How the Bank of Mum and Dad Took Over the Economy, with Eliza Filby
Eliza Filby, an academic and author of "Inheritocracy," dives into the impact of inherited wealth on modern society. She discusses how parental money influences education, housing, and even dating life, highlighting generational wealth inequality. Filby also tackles the complex topic of inheritance tax and its implications for economic equality. Additionally, she sheds light on Gen Z's approach to social mobility and caregiving roles, urging for open conversations about money and emotional dynamics within families.
Sep 26, 2024 • 42min
Katy Hessel on The Story of Art Without Men, with Pandora Sykes, Part Two
Katy Hessel, a historian dedicated to bringing women artists to the forefront, joins journalist Pandora Sykes for an enlightening discussion. They explore the historical exclusion of women from art narratives and celebrate influential figures like Artemisia Gentileschi and Frida Kahlo, alongside lesser-known talents like Lavinia Fontana. Hessel emphasizes the urgency of establishing spaces like a Tate Women's Gallery to uplift female artists and advocates for a global, inclusive reimagining of art history that recognizes diverse perspectives and contributions.
Sep 25, 2024 • 41min
Katy Hessel on The Story of Art Without Men, with Pandora Sykes, Part One
In this enlightening conversation, Katy Hessel, a historian and broadcaster passionate about women in the arts, teams up with journalist Pandora Sykes. They delve into the troubling absence of women artists from art history and celebrate iconic figures like Artemisia Gentileschi and Frida Kahlo. Hessel shares personal anecdotes about her childhood art experiences, while also spotlighting lesser-known artists like Lavinia Fontana. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of visibility and inclusion in reshaping the narrative of art history.
5 snips
Sep 23, 2024 • 57min
A History of Good and Evil, with Hanno Sauer
Hanno Sauer, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Utrecht University and author of "The Invention of Good and Evil: A World History of Morality," teams up with Sophie Scott-Brown to unravel the complexities of morality. They discuss how moral frameworks evolve with society and challenge traditional notions of right and wrong. The conversation dives into social progress, the impact of colonial attitudes on morality, and the importance of diverse ethical systems. Sauer advocates for more inclusive participation in defining our moral landscape.
Sep 22, 2024 • 1h
Archive: The Allure of Abandoned Places, with Cal Flyn
Cal Flyn, an award-winning author celebrated for her book 'Islands of Abandonment,' joins broadcaster Helen Czerski to explore the beauty of deserted landscapes. They discuss how nature beautifully reclaims abandoned places like Chernobyl and Detroit, revealing unexpected biodiversity. Flyn shares insights on balancing land conservation with indigenous rights, while also reflecting on her research in Tanzania's ecosystems amidst climate change. This conversation highlights the intricate relationship between human impact, ecological recovery, and the moral value of all species.
9 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 44min
Mustafa Suleyman on Intelligence and Power in the Twenty-First Century, Part Two
Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI and co-founder of DeepMind and Inflection AI, shares his insights on the transformative power of AI. He discusses the urgent need for regulations, drawing parallels to historical norms around nuclear weapons. Suleyman emphasizes the importance of creating a cultural shift towards optimism regarding technology while navigating economic uncertainties. He also explores AI's impact on mental well-being and the future of work, advocating for a balanced relationship between accountability and AI autonomy.
16 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 41min
Mustafa Suleyman on Intelligence and Power in the Twenty-First Century, Part One
In this conversation, Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI and co-founder of DeepMind, dives into the transformative power and potential risks of artificial intelligence. He discusses the rapid advancements reshaping industries, the shift from rule-based systems to generative models, and the philosophical distinctions between intelligence and consciousness. Suleyman shares insights from his book, highlighting the urgency of addressing innovation's societal implications while outlining what we can expect from AI's evolving role in our lives.
Sep 16, 2024 • 51min
Ex-Wife: Ursula Parrott's Forgotten Literary Classic, with Marsha Gordon and Hannah Dawson
Marsha Gordon, a Professor of Film Studies and expert on Ursula Parrott, joins Hannah Dawson, editor of The Penguin Book of Feminist Writing, to delve into Parrott's overlooked masterpiece, Ex-Wife. They discuss the vibrant yet tumultuous landscape of 1920s New York, exploring themes of divorce and female independence. The conversation highlights Parrott's critique of masculinity, the nuances of love amidst oppression, and the importance of female friendships, drawing parallels to contemporary issues faced by women today.
