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
7 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 39min
The Dictators Who Want to Run the World, with Anne Applebaum, Part One
Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author known for her insights on autocracy, dives into the sophisticated nature of 21st-century authoritarian regimes. She reveals how modern autocrats have formed global networks to undermine democracies, showcasing the transactional nature of their alliances. Applebaum discusses the historical context of gas diplomacy and how countries like Russia and Venezuela leverage energy politics to gain influence. Her conversation emphasizes the urgent need to understand and counteract this evolving threat to democracy.
Sep 2, 2024 • 49min
A Deep Dive into the Sounds of the Seas, with Amorina Kingdon
Amorina Kingdon, an award-winning science writer and author of *Sing Like Fish*, dives into the fascinating world of underwater sounds. She reveals how marine creatures communicate and navigate through sound, sharing stories like the plainfin midshipman fish’s unique mating calls. Kingdon also discusses the significant impact of human noise pollution on these delicate ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts. The conversation opens a sonic window into the hidden life of the ocean, showcasing its beauty and vulnerability.
Aug 31, 2024 • 50min
Jordan Stephens on Love, Chaos and Becoming a Man, Part Two
Join Jordan Stephens, Rizzle Kicks musician and author, and Munya Chawawa, comedian and satirist, as they dive into the complexities of love and masculinity. Jordan reveals his struggles with self-harm, the chaos of fame, and how ADHD shapes his creative journey. They passionately discuss the societal pressures on men, advocating for vulnerability and emotional growth. Their candid conversation emphasizes the importance of redefining masculinity and fostering deeper connections in relationships, all while navigating the tricky waters of heartbreak and healing.
Aug 29, 2024 • 43min
Jordan Stephens on Love, Chaos and Becoming a Man, Part One
Jordan Stephens, one half of the hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks and author of the memoir 'Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak & Dogs', dives into his tumultuous journey of fame, addiction, and self-discovery. He reflects on the challenges of masculinity and societal pressures while sharing humorous insights on healing. The conversation touches on creativity's impact on identity, the complexity of relationships, and the evolving discussions around masculinity that foster healthier emotional expressions in young men.
Aug 28, 2024 • 46min
A Fresh Perspective on Life on the Blue Planet, with Ferris Jabr
Ferris Jabr, a Contributing Writer for The New York Times Magazine and author of 'Becoming Earth: How Our Planet Came to Life,' presents a compelling perspective on Earth's ecosystems. He discusses the Gaia hypothesis, viewing the planet as a self-regulating entity. The conversation dives into the vital roles of microbes and plankton in our atmosphere, the urgency of addressing climate change, and innovative restoration efforts like Pleistocene Park. Jabr emphasizes the interconnectedness of life and the need for diverse viewpoints on environmental challenges.
Aug 25, 2024 • 43min
Why the Horror Genre is Such a Scream, with Anna Bogutskaya
Join Anna Bogutskaya, an award-nominated author and horror aficionado, alongside BBC Radio 1's film critic Ali Plumb, as they dive into the captivating world of horror. They discuss the unique emotional resonance of horror films and how the genre has evolved into a legitimate storytelling medium. The duo also explores the significant influence of women in horror, the intersection of political themes with societal reflection, and the fresh innovations that keep the genre alive and thrilling.
Aug 24, 2024 • 41min
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 • 40min
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 • 35min
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 • 42min
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.
