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
Dec 22, 2023 • 33min
What was the Biggest Story of 2023? With James Harding, Robert Peston and The News Meeting
Join Robert Peston, ITV’s political editor and co-author of 'Bust?', alongside Tortoise’s Kat Nealon and Jess Winch as they dissect 2023's most pivotal stories. Delve into the aftermath and implications of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the challenges faced by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party. They also explore the transformative yet risky landscape of AI, emphasizing its impact on employment and misinformation. The team wraps up with a discussion on defining moments of the year, ultimately singling out October 7 as the most significant event.
Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 4min
Nick Cave on Faith, Hope and Carnage
In a poignant discussion, musician and author Nick Cave shares insights from his recent book, featuring conversations with Irish journalist Seán O’Hagan. They delve into the impact of grief on creativity, stemming from Cave's personal loss. The duo explores the power of dialogue as a means to process profound emotions and artistic expression. Topics include the intertwining of faith, doubt, and art, as well as the struggle for meaning in a chaotic world. Their reflections illuminate the complex relationship between loss, legacy, and the transformative nature of music.
Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 3min
Holiday Reads: Mary Beard, Rory Stewart, Tomiwa Owolade and Tania Branigan
Mary Beard, Professor of Classics at Cambridge, dives deep into Roman leadership while contrasting it with today’s political landscapes alongside Rory Stewart, a former politician and podcaster. They highlight the weight of power through historical and modern examples. Tomiwa Owolade challenges American-centric views on race in the UK, emphasizing the unique experiences of Black communities. Tania Branigan shares insights on China's Cultural Revolution, exploring its lasting societal impacts and the importance of collective memory.
Dec 17, 2023 • 36min
Stuffed: Pen Vogler on Britain's Food History
Pen Vogler, an acclaimed food historian known for her insightful works on British culinary history, joins Alice Thomson, a columnist from The Times. They explore how Britain's food culture evolved alongside societal changes, from communal meals in the Anglo-Saxon period to today’s market-driven practices. Vogler highlights staples like bread and beer as reflections of class and food scarcity. They discuss the historical disconnect in food production, the influence of industrialization on health, and the British love affair with tea.
5 snips
Dec 15, 2023 • 1h 4min
Holiday Reads: Naomi Klein, Mehdi Hasan and Mustafa Suleyman
Naomi Klein, an influential author and activist, dives into her book Doppelganger, unraveling the complexities of conspiracy theories and today’s polarized political landscape. Mehdi Hasan, a celebrated journalist, shares insights from How to Win Every Argument, discussing the nuances of effective persuasion and the art of debate. Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, provides a glimpse into the future with his book The Coming Wave, exploring AI's transformative potential, ethical challenges, and the realities of a tech-driven world.
7 snips
Dec 13, 2023 • 50min
Unlock Your Potential, with Adam Grant And Andrew McAfee
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and author, teams up with Andrew McAfee, a principal research scientist at MIT, to discuss unlocking hidden potential. They explore how social influence shapes behavior more than individual traits and emphasize the importance of character skills in entrepreneurial success. The conversation delves into embracing a maverick mindset for innovation, fostering openness in organizations, and the role of ethics training in moral development. Their insights challenge conventional thinking, encouraging listeners to redefine their approach to personal and professional growth.
10 snips
Dec 11, 2023 • 47min
Is Capitalism Racist?
Arun Kundnani, a writer and NYU professor, dives deep into the relationship between capitalism and racism. He critiques current anti-racism strategies, urging a shift towards addressing systemic economic inequalities. Kundnani explores the historical roots of anti-racism, highlighting the limitations of liberal approaches. He discusses the impact of neoliberalism on immigration policies and public perception of race. Alongside journalist Ruchira Sharma, they advocate for a grassroots movement that tackles the structural roots of racism beyond mere policy changes.
8 snips
Dec 10, 2023 • 1h 17min
The Power of Poetry: Words to Heal and Inspire
William Sieghart, a poetry publisher and founder of the Forward Prizes for Poetry, shares insights on the therapeutic power of poetry and its role in healing, especially in the post-pandemic world. Natasha McElhone and Sheila Atim, renowned actresses, discuss their personal connections with poetry and its impact on mental health during tough times. They explore themes of resilience, everyday kindness, and the importance of human connections through poetry, illustrating how words can provide solace and inspiration in our lives.
Dec 9, 2023 • 14min
A Very Open Conversation with Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux, a much-loved broadcaster and documentary maker, shares insights with Harriet Johnston on his unique approach to filmmaking. He delves into the significance of authenticity in conversations and contrasts British and American communication styles. The discussion also touches on the complexities of talking about money across cultures, revealing Americans' greater openness around finances. Lastly, Theroux emphasizes the art of listening, highlighting how curiosity about others can deepen our connections and enrich our understanding of the world.
Dec 8, 2023 • 47min
Remembering Benjamin Zephaniah
In this heartfelt discussion, the late Benjamin Zephaniah, a celebrated poet and activist, reflects on his transformative journey from a challenging upbringing in Birmingham to becoming a powerful voice for social justice. He shares vivid anecdotes about his large family and the chaos of his childhood, while exploring themes of racial identity and resilience. Zephaniah passionately discusses his defiance against societal violence, his embrace of veganism as a personal expression, and the role of poetry in fostering independent thought among the youth.
