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 7, 2024 • 58min
Power and Greed on the High Seas, with Olive Heffernan
Olive Heffernan, an award-winning science journalist and author of "The High Seas," discusses the challenges of ocean conservation and the greed driving exploitation of marine resources. Joined by Adam McCauley, they explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding twilight zone fisheries and the critical role oceans play in climate change mitigation. The conversation highlights the urgent need for regulations to combat pirate fishing and protect biodiversity, emphasizing the balance between commercial interests and ecological preservation in these unclaimed waters.
Aug 5, 2024 • 42min
Imagining London's Future through Fiction, with Joelle Taylor
Join Joelle Taylor, an award-winning poet and novelist, as she delves into her latest work, The Night Alphabet. She reflects on her journey from punk influences to prose, exploring themes of women's narratives and gender-based violence. The conversation takes a haunting turn when discussing the character of an incel, examining toxic masculinity. Taylor also touches on the transformative power of storytelling amidst the pressures of modern life and the interconnectedness of class dynamics and art, celebrating the fierce resilience of marginalized voices.
Aug 3, 2024 • 43min
The Women Who Shaped the Ancient World, with Daisy Dunn
Daisy Dunn, an award-winning classicist and cultural critic, joins Peter Stothard, an ancient history expert and former editor of The Times, for a fascinating discussion. They delve into the profound yet largely ignored contributions of women in ancient history, highlighting figures like Fulvia and the complexities of gender roles in societies like Athens and Sparta. The conversation also touches on the historical concept of the 'wandering womb' and critiques the male-centric narratives that often overshadow women's achievements in areas like warfare and politics.
Aug 1, 2024 • 35min
Is Telling a Life Story as Easy as ABC? with Sheila Heti
In this engaging discussion, writer Sheila Heti shares insights from her unique literary journey, including her latest work, *Alphabetical Diaries*. Joining her is Susie Mesure, a seasoned writer and reviewer, who delves into Heti's narrative techniques. They explore the complexities of personal storytelling, the impact of AI on writing, and the conscious decisions surrounding motherhood. The conversation also touches on the joy of sampling literature, and Heti's innovative approach to organizing life experiences alphabetically, revealing the thoughtful layers of her creative process.
Jul 28, 2024 • 30min
A Story of Fine Art, Friendship and Fraud, with Orlando Whitfield
Orlando Whitfield, a writer and former art dealer, shares his riveting experiences with art fraudster Inigo Philbrick, revealing the complexities of friendship intertwined with deceit in the art world. He discusses the profound psychological toll of fraud and paranoia, detailing how it led him to rehab. Kathryn Hughes, a literary critic, joins him to explore the intricacies of value in art and their journey of adapting Orlando's memoir into a thrilling script, hinting at potential cinematic glory. An insightful deep dive into art's darker side!
Jul 28, 2024 • 1h 17min
Former FBI Director James Comey on Trump, his new Crime Thriller and The Politics of Justice
James Comey, the former FBI Director turned crime novelist, discusses his latest thriller, 'Westport,' which merges high finance with murder mystery. He shares insights on the politically charged decision to reopen the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails and the psychological impact of Trump's leadership on democracy. Comey also draws parallels between political figures and mafia leadership traits, emphasizing the need for integrity within justice. Additionally, he reflects on Kamala Harris's positive influence in the upcoming election and the implications of ongoing legal challenges for democracy.
Jul 25, 2024 • 32min
Generation One: The Climate Podcast | Brought to you by UCL
Delve into the urgent realities of climate change and the innovative solutions emerging to tackle it. Hear how AI is reshaping strategies in carbon emission reduction and enhancing sustainability in various industries. Explore inspiring youth activism, personal stories, and the role of cities in the climate movement. The conversation also highlights key upcoming climate conferences, setting ambitious goals for global commitments. Join a collective effort focused on creating a positive future for the planet!
Jul 23, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Story of Wartime Kyiv, with Illia Ponomarenko
Illia Ponomarenko, co-founder of The Kyiv Independent and a crucial voice in war reporting, shares his gripping accounts from the frontline in his new book about the siege of Kyiv. Joined by Carl Miller, a researcher and co-founder of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media, they explore the resilience of Kyiv's residents amidst devastation. They discuss the haunting aftermath of battles in Bucha, the emotional struggles of returning home, and the importance of combating misinformation around the war to garner continued Western support for Ukraine.
Jul 22, 2024 • 44min
Gut Feelings: A History of Our Most Mysterious Organ, with Elsa Richardson
In this engaging conversation, cultural historian Elsa Richardson, a Lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, and medieval historian Helen Carr dive into the mysteries of gut health. They explore the historical connection between the gut and the brain, revealing its significance across time. Gendered societal perceptions of health are scrutinized, particularly regarding women and conditions like constipation. The duo also discusses the intertwining of gender, eating, and witchcraft, highlighting how cultural anxieties shape our understanding of these topics.
Jul 20, 2024 • 44min
How Inequality in Healthcare Makes Society Sick, with Layal Liverpool and Chris van Tulleken, Part Two
Layal Liverpool, a science journalist and author of "Systemic", teams up with Chris van Tulleken, a medical doctor and author of "Ultra Processed People". They dive into how systemic racism and unhealthy food processing contribute to health inequalities. The duo highlights startling racial disparities in healthcare, especially for black women, and discusses the critical need for cultural awareness in healthcare practices. They advocate for systemic reform, emphasizing that understanding patient experiences is crucial for improving health outcomes across marginalized communities.
