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 24, 2023 • 1h 3min
Russia and Ukraine: One Year On
On this episode of the podcast we look back on one year of Russia’s war in Ukraine by revisiting 10 Intelligence Squared conversations over the past 12 months with historians, politicians, journalists, military, security, and defence experts. From questioning the effectiveness of economic sanctions and the likelihood of nuclear weapon use, to analysing the rise of Vladimir Putin in modern Russia, join us on this retrospective Intelligence Squared episode with producers Hannah Kaye, Conor Boyle, and Catharine Hughes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 22, 2023 • 48min
How Nigeria Is Making Peace With The Legacy Of Its Civil War
Emmanuel Iduma, a Nigerian author and critic, dives into the complex legacy of the Nigerian Civil War through his book, 'I Am Still With You.' He discusses how the conflict shaped familial histories and national identity, particularly for the diaspora. The conversation highlights the intertwining of personal stories with broader historical narratives and emphasizes the importance of memory in shaping identity. Iduma reflects on the challenges of addressing unresolved trauma and the political awakening of Nigeria's youth in seeking unity.
Feb 20, 2023 • 39min
How Improvisation Created Language and Changed the World
Join Nick Chater, Professor of Behavioural Science, and Morten H. Christiansen, Professor of Psychology, as they unravel the intricate world of language in their thought-provoking discussion. They challenge the conventional notion of fixed linguistic rules, highlighting language as a collaborative, evolving process. Delving into the improvisational nature of communication, they explore how social contexts shape language use. The conversation also touches on the complexities of Danish, the adaptability of English, and the stark differences between human creativity in language and computer processing.
Feb 19, 2023 • 1h 5min
The Sunday Debate: Atheism is the New Fundamentalism
In a lively debate featuring Richard Harries, former Bishop of Oxford, and Charles Moore, former editor of the Daily Telegraph, the panel tackles whether atheism has become the new fundamentalism. Richard Dawkins, renowned evolutionary biologist, and philosopher A.C. Grayling offer compelling counterarguments. They discuss the complexities of belief, the dynamic post-9/11 landscape, and the need for secularism in governance. Humor and deep insights emerge as they explore the emotional depth of atheism and challenge misconceptions about faith.
Feb 17, 2023 • 46min
American Nightmare: Chinatown's People Smuggling Empire
Patrick Radden Keefe, an acclaimed investigative journalist and staff writer for The New Yorker, discusses the enigmatic Sister Ping, a middle-aged woman from Fujian province who ran a thriving human smuggling operation in New York's Chinatown. Keefe delves into the complexities of her dual identity as a community hero and criminal, the harsh realities immigrants face, and the implications of American immigration policies. He also shares insights from his work in a documentary on artistic activism, blending personal stories with broader societal issues.
Feb 15, 2023 • 54min
Titanic: 25th anniversary special with Kate Winslet
In this engaging conversation, Academy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet reflects on her iconic role in Titanic as the film celebrates its 25th anniversary. She humorously addresses the long-debated 'great raft' controversy, revealing James Cameron's new take on Jack's fate. Winslet also shares personal stories about her acting journey, influences from childhood, and the emotional challenges of portraying complex characters. Additionally, she dives into her experiences filming Contagion amidst the pandemic, highlighting her proactive stance during that critical time.
Feb 13, 2023 • 1h 3min
Faces of Britain – Missing Portraits and the Gaps in British History
Moya Lothian-McLean, a Journalist from Novara Media, joins Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, artist Thomas J Price, and David Lascelles, Eighth Earl of Harewood, to explore the gaps in British historical representation. They discuss the Missing Portraits initiative, focusing on the importance of including diverse voices in art. The conversation also highlights the impact of the transatlantic slave trade on cultural narratives and the need for grassroots efforts to honor overlooked histories within the African Caribbean community.
Feb 12, 2023 • 1h 4min
The Sunday Debate: Pornography is Good For Us
Joining the discussion are Robert Lefever, a leading expert on addiction treatment and founder of the UK's first addiction treatment centre, and Clarissa Smith, an academic expert on sexualities and culture with a focus on pornography consumption. They tackle the contentious debate on pornography, exploring its potential benefits for sexual empowerment and education. They also delve into the darker aspects of addiction, especially among women, and critique unrealistic portrayals in the industry, advocating for responsible sexual representation and education.
7 snips
Feb 10, 2023 • 37min
Bret Easton Ellis on Teenage Nihilism and Nostalgia
Bret Easton Ellis, the provocative author known for "Less Than Zero" and "American Psycho," dives into the haunting world of adolescence in his latest novel, "The Shards." He discusses the emptiness and lawlessness of 1980s Los Angeles, reflecting on teenage disaffection and the struggle for authenticity. With humor and insight, Ellis contrasts his high school experiences with today’s youth culture, revealing the nostalgia and complexities of growing up. He also touches on the challenges of writing, particularly for his upcoming true crime podcast, "The Reckonings."
Feb 8, 2023 • 35min
Food for Thought: A Hungry Economist Explains the World
Join Ha-Joon Chang, a prominent development economist and author, as he critiques the dullness of British cuisine and neoclassical economic thinking. He shares insights from his book 'Edible Economics,' emphasizing the need for a diverse economic discourse much like a rich diet. Chang discusses the limitations of GDP in measuring well-being and advocates for alternative metrics like happiness indices. He humorously unpacks myths about productivity in tropical economies while stressing the urgent need for public intervention in tackling climate change.
