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
Jun 24, 2024 • 1h
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 • 53min
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 • 39min
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 • 55min
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 23min
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 • 37min
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.
5 snips
Jun 14, 2024 • 40min
Rachel Cusk on Art, Womanhood and Redefining Fiction, Part One
Award-winning author Rachel Cusk joins literary director Adam Biles for a captivating discussion about her groundbreaking approach to fiction. They dive into her latest novel, Parade, and how it challenges traditional narratives surrounding identity and womanhood. Cusk reflects on the transformative journey of motherhood and its complexities in storytelling. The conversation also addresses the evolving voices in literature, especially in light of gender dynamics, and critiques the male-centric norms in the art world, driving home the importance of personal narratives in shaping artistic expression.
Jun 11, 2024 • 1h
Sotheby's Talks – William Blake: Artist, Poet and Visionary, with Andrew Graham-Dixon and John Higgs
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Graham-Dixon, a renowned art historian, and John Higgs, a cultural historian and Blake expert, dive into the enigmatic world of William Blake. They explore his profound legacy, highlighting his influence on various artistic movements and contemporary culture. The panel also reflects on themes of innocence versus experience in Blake's work, his innovative printing techniques, and the contrasting imagery that defines his artistry. The conversation features insights into a rare first edition auction at Sotheby’s, bringing Blake's enduring significance to life.
Jun 10, 2024 • 49min
The New Colonialism of Big Tech, with Nick Couldry and Ulises A. Mejias
Nick Couldry, a leading sociologist of media from LSE, and Ulises A. Mejias, co-founder of the Non-Aligned Technologies Movement, delve into the concept of data colonialism in their latest work, 'Data Grab'. They argue that big tech is exploiting personal data akin to historical colonial practices. Their discussion highlights the troubling power dynamics at play, the necessity for community control over data, and the importance of fostering solidarity among citizens to enact meaningful change against this digital empire.
Jun 9, 2024 • 42min
The Story of the Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster, with Adam Higginbotham
Journalist Adam Higginbotham, known for his compelling narratives like "Midnight in Chernobyl," dives into the harrowing details of the Challenger disaster. He discusses the critical role of O-rings and the systemic failures that led to the tragedy. Higginbotham explores the chilling interplay between individual intuition and bureaucratic processes, shedding light on how decision-making was compromised. He reflects on the lasting legacy of this disaster in shaping safety protocols and public perception of space travel. A riveting blend of history and insight!
