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
13 snips
Nov 3, 2024 • 42min
Jeremy Bowen: Making Sense of the Modern Middle East, Part One
In a captivating discussion, Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's International Editor and author, shares his insights on the escalating tensions in the Middle East following the October 7 attacks. He explores the historical complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the impact of key events like the Balfour Declaration. Bowen touches on the rise of Hamas and its implications for Palestinian politics, while emphasizing the enduring human desire for connection amidst conflict. His deep understanding sheds light on the region's troubled past and present.
Nov 1, 2024 • 36min
Lionel Barber and Zanny Minton Beddoes on the Story of the World’s Wildest Investor, Part Two
Lionel Barber, former Financial Times editor and author of "Gambling Man," joins Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, to explore the wild journey of Masayoshi Son, the tech titan behind SoftBank. They discuss Son's audacious investments, including Alibaba, and his pivotal role in Silicon Valley's boom. The conversation navigates Son's unique strategies, his ambition to build an empire, and his compelling relationship with Steve Jobs, illuminating the intersection of technology and investment in a rapidly changing world.
Oct 30, 2024 • 36min
Lionel Barber and Zanny Minton Beddoes on the Story of the World’s Wildest Investor, Part One
Lionel Barber, former Financial Times editor and author, discusses his book about Masayoshi Son, the vision-driven giant behind SoftBank. Barber reveals how Son's bold investments, like Alibaba, transformed the tech landscape. They explore Son’s risk-taking philosophy and his journey from Japan to Silicon Valley success, highlighting the challenges he faced. Barber shares insights into the highs and lows of Son’s investment strategies, painting a vivid portrait of this enigmatic figure in modern finance.
Oct 28, 2024 • 40min
Grace Dent on the Joys of Comfort Eating, Part Two
Grace Dent, a beloved food writer and host of the Comfort Eating podcast, is joined by comedian Deborah Frances-White. They dive into the rich emotional ties we have with comfort foods, sharing hilarious anecdotes about celebrity snacks. The duo reflects on nostalgic recipes and the liberating joy of comfort eating, particularly pasta. They explore the sentimental value of simple dishes like tinned spaghetti, revealing how these meals anchor us in cherished childhood memories. Expect laughter and heartfelt stories about food, memory, and life.
Oct 26, 2024 • 37min
Grace Dent on the Joys of Comfort Eating, Part One
Grace Dent, one of the UK's beloved food writers and author of 'Comfort Eating', joins comedian Deborah Frances-White for a heartfelt chat. They dive into the nostalgia behind comfort foods and how they reflect cherished memories and personal identity. Grace shares touching stories about how food offers solace during times of grief, alongside reflections on the cultural significance of butter. They humorously tackle dieting dilemmas and societal pressures, ultimately celebrating the joyful embrace of indulgent eating as a vital part of life.
Oct 24, 2024 • 47min
An Evening with Gary Younge, Part Two
Gary Younge, a celebrated writer and broadcaster known for his insights into modern Black history, shares his unique perspectives alongside journalist Aniefiok Ekpoudom. They delve into pivotal moments from both the UK and US, examining the shifts in racial dynamics amidst political change. Younge reflects on grassroots movements' power, particularly the impact of Black Lives Matter. The conversation also touches on the complexities of race and gender in politics, alongside notable Caribbean leadership challenging global norms.
Oct 23, 2024 • 39min
An Evening with Gary Younge, Part One
Gary Younge, an award-winning journalist and professor of sociology, shares insights from his experiences covering significant events in Black history, like Mandela's election campaign and the rise of Black Lives Matter. In conversation with Aniefiok Ekpoudom, they explore the intricate relationship between journalism and activism, discussing how narratives shape social justice. Younge also reflects on the non-linear journey of racial progress in Britain, addressing both advancements and ongoing systemic challenges.
4 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 5min
Archive: Napoleon the Great? With Andrew Roberts, Adam Zamoyski and Jeremy Paxman
In a spirited debate, historians Andrew Roberts and Adam Zamoyski discuss how to remember Napoleon Bonaparte. Andrew Roberts, a distinguished historian known for his insights on Napoleonic history, and Adam Zamoyski, a best-selling author on French history, challenge each other's perspectives. They explore Napoleon's military genius versus his failures, his legislative achievements like the Code Napoleon, and his ambitions for European unity. The conversation also delves into his complex human legacy, provoking thoughts on how history shapes our understanding of great leaders.
Oct 20, 2024 • 47min
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 • 36min
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.
