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 18, 2024 • 37min
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 • 41min
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 • 35min
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 • 39min
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 25min
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 • 33min
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.
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.
