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
4 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 42min
Ian McEwan on Speculative Fiction, Lost Poems and What We Can Know
In this engaging discussion, critically acclaimed novelist Ian McEwan dives into his latest work, 'What We Can Know,' a speculative fiction set in a drowned future UK of 2119. He explores the challenges of writing climate fiction, reflecting on the balance between optimism and caution regarding biodiversity and AI risks. McEwan also examines the enduring power of novels and the nuances of climate denial through the lens of a missing poem. His insights into the role of archives and personal responsibility add depth to this thought-provoking conversation.
Sep 16, 2025 • 53min
Sotheby’s Talks | Custodians of Taste: Pauline Karpidas and the Women who Shape the Art World
Guests Tiquio Acentio, a celebrated Venezuelan art collector and author, and Helena Newman, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe, discuss the transformative influence of women like Pauline Karpidas in the art world. They dive into the motivations behind collecting, exploring personal connections with artists and the deep emotional ties that shape collections. The conversation celebrates key female figures, their mentorship roles, and the significance of viewing art beyond its monetary value, reflecting on how these dynamics have evolved over time.
7 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 34min
Arundhati Roy on Storytelling, Memory and The Human Condition (Part Two)
Arundhati Roy, an esteemed author and political essayist, joins novelist Elif Shafak for a profound discussion. They explore the vital relationship between literature and activism in sparking societal change. Roy shares insights on the healing power of humor as a coping mechanism in times of despair. The dialogue also dives into how architecture influences writing and identity, alongside the intricacies of language in India, highlighting its political relevance. Together, they reflect on the beauty and complexity of storytelling amidst social challenges.
10 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 33min
Arundhati Roy on Storytelling, Memory and The Human Condition (Part One)
Arundhati Roy, an acclaimed novelist and political essayist known for her Booker Prize-winning work, joins forces with Elif Shafak, a celebrated British-Turkish author. They discuss the intertwining of personal grief and political landscapes as Roy shares insights from her new memoir. The conversation highlights storytelling as a powerful tool for activism, the complex legacies of love and loss, and how writing serves as a conduit for emotional resilience. Their dialogue illuminates how personal narratives can shape public consciousness and inspire resistance.
17 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 36min
Nick Clegg on Meta, AI and the Battle for Big Tech (Part Two)
Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta and former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, discusses the delicate balance between Big Tech and democracy. He argues that the backlash against tech companies is often exaggerated, advocating for reasoned regulation. Clegg explores AI's complex landscape, emphasizing the need for adaptive frameworks that foster innovation without compromising accountability. He also highlights the shifting dynamics of social media in response to competition, noting the irony in its evolving nature amid growing algorithm-driven content.
Sep 10, 2025 • 37min
Nick Clegg on Meta, AI and the Battle for Big Tech (Part One)
Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta and former UK Deputy Prime Minister, dives into the complexities of Big Tech's relationship with government. He argues that backlash against tech companies is exaggerated, advocating for a nuanced approach to regulation. Clegg also explores how AI is reshaping journalism and the challenges posed by the tension between globalization and deglobalization. He discusses the responsibilities of tech firms amid societal shifts, using examples like Trump's social media suspension to highlight issues of free speech and accountability.
Sep 7, 2025 • 43min
The Age of the Strongman: Understanding Netanyahu, with Anshel Pfeffer (Part Two)
Anshel Pfeffer, a leading authority on Benjamin Netanyahu, dives deep into the prime minister's complex strategies following his return to power. He discusses Netanyahu's bold plans to reshape the Middle East and his controversial ties with far-right parties. The conversation reveals the turbulent political landscape in Israel, marked by Netanyahu's clashes with the judiciary and the implications of his leadership style. Pfeffer also examines recent shifts in Israeli politics and their historical contexts, focusing on the evolving dynamics of governance and conflict.
15 snips
Sep 6, 2025 • 36min
The Age of the Strongman: Understanding Netanyahu, with Anshel Pfeffer (Part One)
Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist and author of 'Bibi', dives into the controversial and complex political landscape surrounding Benjamin Netanyahu. He discusses Netanyahu’s return to power, his alliances with far-right parties, and the implications for Israeli democracy post-October 7. Pfeffer unpacks Netanyahu’s strategies amid crises, his international diplomacy, and the personal legacy that shapes his leadership, igniting a riveting exploration of the strongman’s influence in the region.
Sep 5, 2025 • 13min
The Specialist | The Multi-Million Dollar Banana, with David Galperin
Join David Galperin, Sotheby’s Vice Chairman and Head of Contemporary Art for The Americas, as he delves into the audacious world of Maurizio Cattelan's Comedian. This provocative artwork—a banana taped to a wall—challenges our understanding of art's value. Galperin explores the complexities of auctioning such a conceptual piece, revealing the absurdity and unpredictability of the art market. Discover what makes this million-dollar banana a cultural phenomenon that continues to spark debate and captivate imaginations.
6 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 39min
Could AI Help Save Lives? With Dr Charlotte Blease
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Charlotte Blease, a health informaticist and author with a background in philosophy, shares her expertise on AI's potential to revolutionize healthcare. She highlights how AI can alleviate burnout among overworked medical professionals, reduce diagnostic errors, and promote equitable access to care. Blease emphasizes the importance of thoughtfully implementing AI to enhance both patient outcomes and doctor well-being, while addressing ethical concerns and potential biases in healthcare algorithms. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of medicine!
