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
Feb 5, 2024 • 57min
A History of Magic and Astrology
In this engaging discussion, Anthony Grafton, a Princeton historian and author of 'Magus', teams up with Dmitri Levitin, a cultural historian from Oxford. They explore the captivating intersection of magic, astrology, and intellect in Renaissance Europe. Key topics include the pivotal role of figures like Albertus Magnus and Marsilio Ficino in merging scholarly pursuits with magical practices. They delve into cultural syncretism, the impact of the print revolution on perceptions of magic, and how these beliefs shaped modern ideas about human potential.
4 snips
Feb 4, 2024 • 37min
The Lost Stories of the Last Captives of the Atlantic Slave Trade
In this enlightening discussion, historian Hannah Durkin explores the stories of the last captives of the Atlantic slave trade aboard the Clotilda, the final slave ship to reach America in 1860. Joined by Christienna Fryar, they delve into the survivors' struggles for identity and justice, linking their experiences to the civil rights movement. The conversation touches on the tragic legacy of slavery and the importance of cultural heritage, illustrating how the past continues to echo in contemporary society.
Feb 2, 2024 • 37min
The Showman: How Volodymyr Zelensky Shines on the World Stage
Simon Shuster, a senior correspondent for Time with extensive experience in Ukraine, delves into the transformative journey of Volodymyr Zelensky from entertainer to resilient wartime leader. He shares gripping anecdotes of Zelensky's defiant decision to remain in Ukraine during the invasion and how his leadership style evolved amidst crisis. Carl Miller, co-founder of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media, adds insights on the human side of leadership in wartime, exploring the pressures on Zelensky to secure global support and the dynamics within Ukraine's military command.
Jan 31, 2024 • 40min
How to Prevent Dementia, with Richard Restak
Richard Restak, a clinical professor of neurology at George Washington University and author of over 20 books on the brain, shares vital insights on preventing dementia. He highlights the significance of good sleep, diet, and exercise in reducing risk factors. Restak emphasizes the importance of maintaining social connections and cognitive engagement, akin to keeping a financial reserve. He also discusses how writing and mental exercises can bolster memory and promote brain health, providing listeners with practical tools for long-term cognitive wellness.
52 snips
Jan 29, 2024 • 46min
How to be a Supercommunicator, with Charles Duhigg
Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and author of The Power of Habit, joins physicist and science communicator Helen Czerski to explore the art of effective communication. They discuss the common obstacles that hinder clear dialogue, emphasizing the importance of active listening and authenticity. Duhigg shares insights on emotional dynamics in conversations and the ethical implications of communication in professional environments, especially in a tech-driven world. The two also tackle the necessity of engaging respectfully in difficult discussions, fostering understanding and bridging divides.
6 snips
Jan 28, 2024 • 33min
Adam Grant and Tim Harford on Achieving Greatness, Part Two
In this engaging conversation, Adam Grant, renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, teams up with Tim Harford, esteemed economic journalist and author. They dive into key issues for business leaders, such as economic trends and talent retention. Grant and Harford discuss the importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth and how collaboration can enhance creativity in writing. They also tackle the pitfalls of perfectionism, advocating for incremental improvements as a path to greatness.
10 snips
Jan 26, 2024 • 34min
Adam Grant and Tim Harford on Achieving Greatness, Part One
In a captivating discussion, organizational psychologist Adam Grant, who guides leaders like Bill Gates, joins economist Tim Harford, a Financial Times columnist. They explore how to inspire creativity and tap into hidden potential within organizations. The conversation highlights the power of character skills in personal growth, illustrated by an inspiring chess team's victory. Grant shares insights on receiving constructive feedback and the benefits of alternating skill practices, linking these concepts to enhanced learning and performance.
Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 6min
Fame, Women and the Toxic Noughties
Join Sarah Ditum, a columnist and author of "Toxic," alongside Helen Lewis, a writer for The Atlantic and author of "Difficult Women," as they delve into the harsh realities of female celebrity culture in the 2000s. They discuss the duality of fame through controversial figures like Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse, examining the toll of media scrutiny and societal expectations. The conversation touches on the evolution of public perception, the psychological impacts of fame, and how digital technology reshaped gender dynamics and celebrity narratives.
25 snips
Jan 22, 2024 • 59min
Adventures in Philosophy with Daniel Dennett and Richard Dawkins
Daniel Dennett, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Tufts University, joins Richard Dawkins, a renowned biologist and author, for a thrilling conversation. They dive into the evolution of memes and its relevance in today's digital landscape. The pair humorously unpack misunderstandings in biology while tackling the complexities of language evolution. They also address the perilous implications of AI technologies and deepfakes, encouraging a critical examination of our intuition and the intersection of science and philosophy.
Jan 21, 2024 • 50min
Life Lessons from the Early Greeks with Adam Nicolson
In this engaging discussion, Adam Nicolson, a writer known for his explorations of the Bible and poetry, shares insights from his latest book on early Greek philosophy. He delves into the profound connection between geography and the philosophical ideas of ancient thinkers. Nicolson recounts a sailing journey through the Aegean, linking significant locations to the origins of Western thought. The conversation also reflects on the paradoxes of ancient wisdom, identity, and the dynamic nature of existence as explored by pre-Socratic philosophers and figures like Pythagoras.
