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 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.
Jul 19, 2024 • 45min
How Inequality in Healthcare Makes Society Sick, with Layal Liverpool and Chris van Tulleken, Part One
In this insightful discussion, science journalist Layal Liverpool and medical doctor Chris van Tulleken tackle the pressing issue of healthcare inequality. Liverpool, author of 'Systemic: How Racism is Making Us Ill,' highlights how systemic racism impacts health outcomes. Meanwhile, van Tulleken, known for 'Ultra-Processed People,' discusses the role of unhealthy food processing in our society. Together, they reveal how historical biases and economic disparities constitute critical public health issues, emphasizing the need for urgent reform.
Jul 17, 2024 • 50min
Surprise Gift: How Inherited Generational Traits Underpin Our Societies, with Harvey Whitehouse
Harvey Whitehouse, a renowned social anthropologist and Director at Oxford's Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, delves into the impact of inherited generational traits on modern societies. He shares transformative experiences from Papua New Guinea that reshaped his understanding of conformity, tribalism, and ritual. Together with Brian Klaas, they explore how these traits could help or hinder our response to current global challenges like environmental degradation and political instability, emphasizing the importance of collective inheritance for cooperation.
4 snips
Jul 15, 2024 • 44min
Why Parenthood is a Numbers Game, with Emily Oster
Emily Oster, a Brown University economist and bestselling author, discusses the data-driven approach to parenting and how it can reshape family dynamics. She converses with Tim Harford, highlighting the emotional and economic complexities of parenthood. Topics include real pregnancy complications that challenge idealized perceptions, the need for structured healthcare conversations, and the impact of economics on family decision-making. They delve into gender disparities in the workforce and explore teamwork's role in balancing productivity and expertise.
Jul 14, 2024 • 1h 3min
Archive – Can We Fix Capitalism? Yanis Varoufakis vs Gillian Tett
Former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis and Financial Times' Gillian Tett dive into the contentious question of capitalism's future. They examine whether capitalism can be redeemed or needs replacement, considering the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of techno-feudalism. Their debate spans historical influences from socialism to modern tech monopolies, raising critical points about corporate governance and environmental sustainability. The discussion is lively, compelling, and thought-provoking, pushing listeners to rethink the economic landscape.
