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
Jul 1, 2024 • 48min
Sotheby's Talks – Imaginary Conversations: An ERDEM Collection, with Lady Burlington
Erdem Moralıoğlu, Creative Director of ERDEM, is known for his historically inspired collections, while Lady Burlington is a prominent fashion consultant linked to the Chatsworth House exhibition. They delve into how Duchess Deborah influenced Erdem's latest collection, sharing anecdotes from their initial meeting at London Fashion Week, including a humorous story about a stolen dress. The discussion explores the emotional significance of wedding dresses and the intricate relationship between historical narratives and contemporary fashion.
Jun 29, 2024 • 55min
Jon Ronson on Conspiracies, Culture Wars and How Things Fell Apart, Part Two
Jon Ronson, a journalist and filmmaker known for dissecting conspiracies and culture wars, joins Jenny Kleeman, a documentary filmmaker and author of The Price of Life. They discuss the urgent need for empathy in journalism, especially against the backdrop of today's polarized society. Their conversation touches on the consequences of confrontational interviewing styles, the importance of personal narratives in healing divides, and the casual cruelty fostered by social media. The dialogue reveals surprising connections and the challenge of navigating truths in the digital age.
4 snips
Jun 28, 2024 • 45min
Jon Ronson on Conspiracies, Culture Wars and How Things Fell Apart, Part One
Jon Ronson, a journalist and filmmaker famous for his exploration of conspiracies and cultural conflicts, joins Jenny Kleeman, a documentary filmmaker known for tackling social issues. They dive into the alarming landscape of culture wars, touching on topics like anti-vaccine movements and gender politics. The duo discusses the chilling misdiagnosis of 'excited delirium' in police contexts and the impact of audience capture on media narratives. They also reflect on the clash between contemporary sensitivities and timeless philosophical ideas, unveiling the complexity of public discourse.
Jun 26, 2024 • 43min
Why Politics Matters, with Alastair Campbell
Alastair Campbell, a political strategist, journalist, and children's book author, dives into the importance of politics in our lives. He shares insights from his newly released books for kids, aiming to foster political awareness early on. Campbell discusses the challenges of engaging youth in politics, especially amid rising far-right movements in Europe. He reflects on the role of social media in shaping political discourse and emphasizes the need for storytelling to inspire the younger generation. Tune in for a lively discussion on youth engagement and upcoming elections!
Jun 24, 2024 • 1h 2min
Sotheby's Talks – Creative London: An Artistic Crossroads, with Grayson Perry
In this engaging discussion, multi-talented artist Grayson Perry joins curator Gus Casely-Hayford, journalist Dylan Jones, and Sotheby’s Europe chairman Helena Newman. They delve into London’s rise as a creative powerhouse influenced by cultural exchange. The conversation touches on the transformational impact of the Tate Modern, the challenges of inequality in the arts, and the balance between commercialization and artistic authenticity. They also reflect on the necessity of inclusivity in art spaces and the resilience of London’s vibrant creative culture.
Jun 23, 2024 • 55min
The Magic Number for Creating a Successful Team, with Robin Dunbar
Robin Dunbar, Emeritus Professor of evolutionary psychology at Oxford, delves into his famous theory, Dunbar's Number, explaining that humans thrive in around 150 meaningful relationships. He emphasizes the crucial role of face-to-face interactions for creativity and team cohesion, especially in today’s hybrid work environment. Joined by Sophie McBain, they explore how cultivating social connections can enhance workplace belonging and boost employee well-being, while discussing the challenges organizations face in fostering these essential relationships.
Jun 20, 2024 • 41min
Mishal Husain on Family, Empire and Why Partition Still Matters, Part Two
Mishal Husain, an acclaimed journalist and host of BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, delves into her family's experiences during the tumultuous partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. She shares poignant stories about her grandmother, a nurse in training, and her grandfather, a Sandhurst cadet in the British Army. Husain examines the enduring scars of violence and displacement, the complexities of identity, and the importance of preserving family histories that reflect a broader cultural heritage. Joined by journalist Razia Iqbal, they discuss the ongoing relevance of these narratives.
Jun 19, 2024 • 57min
Mishal Husain on Family, Empire and Why Partition Still Matters, Part One
Mishal Husain, an acclaimed journalist and author, shares her family's gripping tales from the chaotic partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. Joined by Razia Iqbal, a distinguished journalist, they explore personal stories of loss, displacement, and identity rooted in historical trauma. Husain discusses her grandparents’ journeys, emphasizing the emotional scars and enduring legacy of colonialism. They delve into the complexities of heritage, nostalgia, and how these events continue to shape identities for descendants in modern Britain.
Jun 16, 2024 • 1h 25min
Sotheby's Talks – London: An Artistic Crossroads | Gallery Open House
Explore London's artistic crossroads with 12 masterpieces by international artists, museum directors share unique narratives, Aberdeen Art Gallery's collection and Francis Bacon's influences, Lucian Freud's portrait of Artist Minton, themes of vulnerability and truth in painting, and artists' unique struggles and approaches in London's art scene.
Jun 15, 2024 • 39min
Rachel Cusk on Art, Womanhood and Redefining Fiction, Part Two
Rachel Cusk, a critically acclaimed novelist known for her innovative storytelling, joins Adam Biles, literary director of Shakespeare & Co in Paris. They discuss the profound themes of her new novel, 'Parade', examining how it challenges traditional narrative forms. Cusk explores motherhood and identity, revealing how trauma shapes our understanding of self. The conversation delves into the ethics of inaction in the face of societal issues and the complex relationship between violence and artistic expression. It's a thought-provoking dialogue on the nature of contemporary literature.
