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
Apr 1, 2023 • 40min
Emily Ratajkowski on Feminism, Capitalism, and Exploitation
Emily Ratajkowski, acclaimed model and outspoken feminist, sits down with Samira Ahmed to unpack her rise to fame post-'Blurred Lines'. They dive deep into the complicated interplay between feminism and capitalism, discussing the exploitation of women's bodies in media. Ratajkowski reflects on her battles with self-worth amid societal pressures, sharing insights on the vulnerabilities faced in the modeling industry. The conversation also highlights the healing power of storytelling, urging women to reclaim their narratives and foster solidarity against exploitation.
Mar 31, 2023 • 58min
Anaximander: the Ancient World’s Most Radical Scientific Thinker
Carlo Rovelli, a theoretical physicist and best-selling author, teams up with award-winning historian Tom Holland to discuss Anaximander, the groundbreaking ancient Greek philosopher. They delve into how Anaximander's ideas challenged divine explanations of the cosmos, paving the way for naturalistic science. The conversation touches on his revolutionary concepts that influenced future scientific inquiry and the evolution of philosophical thought. Rovelli and Holland also explore the vibrant intellectual climate of ancient Ionia as a cradle of enlightenment and innovation.
Mar 30, 2023 • 33min
Is Gene Editing The Next Great Health Revolution? Part II
In this engaging discussion, Tom Whipple, Science Editor at The Times, dives into the transformative world of gene editing. He highlights CRISPR's revolutionary potential in treating diseases like cancer and sickle cell, sparking thrilling excitement in medical research. The conversation also navigates tough ethical waters, debating the reality of 'designer babies' and the need for societal regulation. Personal stories from individuals impacted by gene therapy bring the science to life, exploring both the promise and the profound responsibilities that accompany such advancements.
Mar 29, 2023 • 54min
Is Gene Editing The Next Great Health Revolution? Part I
Shani Dhanda, an award-winning disability activist, Dr. Güneş Taylor, a postdoctoral research scientist at the Francis Crick Institute, Jimi Olaghere, a gene therapy pioneer for sickle cell disease, and Tom Whipple, Science Editor at The Times, delve into gene editing's potential. They discuss CRISPR technology’s revolutionary impact, the ethical dilemmas of 'designer babies,' and the societal perceptions of disability. Personal narratives highlight disparities in healthcare access, raising important questions about who benefits from these scientific advancements.
Mar 27, 2023 • 42min
Jude Law: On Typecasts, Character Acting, and London Theatre
Jude Law, an Academy Award-nominated actor, shares insights from his eclectic career, from Shakespearean roles to playing the Pope. He reminisces about skipping school to indulge his cinematic passions in London, and how formative experiences shaped his acting journey. Law discusses the challenges of navigating fame, the importance of authenticity, and how parenthood informs his craft. He also reflects on addressing humanitarian issues, drawing connections between his experiences in refugee camps and broader societal challenges.
36 snips
Mar 26, 2023 • 1h 24min
The World Needs Religion Even if it Doesn't Need God
Join Alain de Botton, Grayson Perry, Anne Atkins, and Dom Antony Sutch in a spirited discussion about the relevance of religion in a secular world. They explore if community rituals can exist without belief in God and debate the significance of art and philosophy in shaping values. The conversation dives into the complexities of spirituality, morality, and goodness, challenging the notion that secularism holds all the answers. Ultimately, they question how to fill the 'God-shaped hole' in society while celebrating the bonds that unite us, regardless of faith.
Mar 25, 2023 • 54min
Margaret MacMillan on How War Has Shaped Humanity
In this engaging discussion, distinguished historian Margaret MacMillan, known for her insightful works on conflict, dives deep into the intricate relationship between war and societal progress. Alongside bestselling author Peter Frankopan, she explores why wars often lack clear objectives and the unexpected advancements they spur, such as women's suffrage and medical breakthroughs. The conversation highlights the complexities of national identity shaped by warfare and the evolving landscape of modern conflicts, making a compelling case for why understanding war is vital for humanity's future.
Mar 24, 2023 • 1h 4min
Iraq: 20 Years On | Tony Blair on Trial
David Aaronovitch, a notable journalist and author of "Party Animals," joins a compelling discussion centered on Tony Blair's legacy two decades post-Iraq war. The live event scrutinizes Blair's paradoxical leadership—balancing significant reforms in health and education against controversial decisions surrounding the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Witnesses weigh in on healthcare advancements and the ethical implications of Blair's policies, particularly regarding intelligence failures. The dialogue challenges listeners to reconsider their views on accountability and government effectiveness in today's context.
Mar 23, 2023 • 49min
Iraq: 20 Years On | ISIS, Terror and Extremism
Secunder Kermani leads a compelling discussion with Lina Khatib, who analyzes the Iraq War's impact on extremism, Joby Warrick, revealing the rise of ISIS in his Pulitzer-winning insights, and Tam Hussein, who delves into the narratives of jihadist foreign fighters. They explore how the Iraq War fueled terror and sectarian violence, the connections between Al-Qaeda and ISIS, and the radicalization processes affecting communities in the West and the Middle East. This engaging dialogue highlights the complex legacy of conflict that continues to shape global security.
Mar 22, 2023 • 37min
Iraq: 20 Years On | Loss of a Nation
In this engaging discussion, Ghaith Abdul-Ahad, an award-winning Iraqi journalist and author of "A Stranger in Your Own City," reveals the profound impacts of two decades of conflict on Iraqi civilians. He shares personal stories reflecting the loss of national identity and the concept of 'Watan.' The conversation also explores the aspirations of a new generation striving for unity and reforms, amidst ongoing struggles with sectarianism and corruption. Abdul-Ahad’s insights provide a poignant look at the complex realities of post-war Iraq.
