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
Aug 24, 2024 • 44min
The Untold Stories of Women in World War One, with Rick Stroud
Rick Stroud, a bestselling military historian, joins forces with Helen Carr, an expert in public history, to shed light on the untold stories of women in World War I. They reveal how women contributed significantly as spies and nurses, forming underground networks and gathering crucial intelligence. The discussion highlights Gabrielle Petty’s courageous legacy, illustrating the bravery of women who faced dire risks for their efforts. This conversation challenges traditional narratives and urges the recognition of women's vital roles during this tumultuous time.
8 snips
Aug 23, 2024 • 43min
An Open Conversation About Marriage, with Molly Roden Winter
Molly Roden Winter, author of the bestselling "More: A Memoir of Open Marriage," shares her personal journey navigating the complexities of polyamory while embracing traditional marriage values. Joining her is Sarah Ditum, who previously explored female fame in the Noughties. They delve into the intricacies of open marriages, discussing personal identity and societal perceptions. The conversation highlights the evolving challenges and dynamics in modern relationships, touching on micro-cheating and the ongoing quest for balance between love and independence.
Aug 21, 2024 • 38min
The Power of Influence, with Justin Hempson-Jones
In this engaging discussion, Justin Hempson-Jones, a behavioral scientist and author of "Influence: Understand it, Use it, Resist it," shares insights on the power and dangers of influence in today's world. He explores the psychological impacts of digital technology on human behavior and the risks of disinformation. Alongside Carl Miller, they delve into how authoritarian regimes manipulate technology for control, and the need for new regulations to protect democratic values. It's a thought-provoking conversation on understanding and navigating influence.
4 snips
Aug 19, 2024 • 45min
Is the Planet Running Out of People? with Paul Morland
In this enlightening discussion, Paul Morland, a leading UK thinker on demographics and author of No One Left, dives into the pressing crisis of global population decline. Joined by Eir Nolsøe from The Telegraph, they explore the urgent need for increased birth rates to combat labor shortages and rising debt. They tackle the cultural perceptions of parenthood, the historical context of birth rate policies, and the implications of aging populations on sustainability. This thought-provoking conversation reveals the complex challenges and potential solutions for our future.
Aug 18, 2024 • 40min
On the Map: Why Mathematics Can Be Seen Everywhere We Go, with Paulina Rowinska
In this engaging discussion, Paulina Rowinska, a mathematician and author of "Mapmatics," teams up with Roma Agrawal, a structural engineer and science communicator. They delve into how math intertwines with everyday life, from cartography’s impact on our understanding of geography to the peculiarities of measuring natural borders. Rowinska also reveals the complexities of navigating city maps and highlights the underappreciated contributions of women like Marie Tharp in science, showcasing the hidden narratives within numbers.
Aug 16, 2024 • 44min
Why Trust in Politicians is So Low, with Simon Kuper
Simon Kuper, a renowned Financial Times columnist and author of "Chums" and "Good Chaps," joins Josh Glancy to explore the crisis of trust in British politicians. They delve into the impact of elite education on political integrity and examine how cronyism and corruption have eroded public confidence. Kuper also discusses the shift from sports to politics, reflecting on Brexit's role in shaping modern leadership. The conversation balances a critical view of today's political landscape with a glimmer of hope for reform and increased accountability.
Aug 13, 2024 • 37min
Cults, Communes and Female Rage on the Page, with Amy Twigg
In a fascinating conversation, debut novelist Amy Twigg, praised for her book Spoilt Creatures set in a women's commune, is joined by Anna Bogutskaya, a writer and horror film programmer. They dive into the themes of female rage and the complexities of sisterhood within cult dynamics. The duo reflects on mental health, self-care amidst busy lives, and the significance of authentic voices in literature about communal living. They also explore tensions women face in society, shedding light on the relevance of these themes in contemporary culture.
6 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 41min
The Poetry of Modern Storytelling, with Olivia Gatwood
In this discussion, Olivia Gatwood, a celebrated poet and novelist, delves into her captivating novel, 'Whoever You Are, Honey,' unpacking the lives of its characters amid a tech-driven society. She explores the evolution of female identities and the importance of community in storytelling. The conversation also highlights the struggles of navigating gender expectations and the impact of societal norms on authentic self-expression. Gatwood shares her insights on adapting her work for the screen, emphasizing the complexity of women's autonomy and narrative integrity.
14 snips
Aug 10, 2024 • 1h 27min
Jess Phillips on the Challenges of a New Era for British Politics
Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley and author of "Let's Be Honest," dives into the urgent issues plaguing British politics. She discusses the causes of recent unrest, focusing on economic disparity and the complexities of community dynamics. Phillips critiques the disconnect between political rhetoric and constituents' real lives, particularly in healthcare and local governance. She also addresses immigration's role in public services and the urgent need for policy reform, while advocating for shared childcare responsibilities and understanding opposing views.
Aug 9, 2024 • 35min
What Keeps Tyrants in Power? with Marcel Dirsus
Marcel Dirsus, a political scientist and author of How Tyrants Fall, and Hannah Lucinda Smith, Turkey correspondent for The Times, dive deep into the mechanics of tyrannical regimes. They examine historical examples like Gaddafi and Mugabe to uncover what sustains these dictators. The discussion also highlights the transformation of democratic leaders into tyrants and the significance of nonviolent resistance. Surprising insights on social media’s dual role in empowering dissent yet reinforcing control are also explored, painting a complex picture of modern authoritarianism.
