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
Jan 4, 2023 • 57min
The Bewildering Magic of the Narwhal, the Greenland Shark, and the Golden Mole
Discover the magic of narwhals, often dubbed the unicorns of the sea, and their extraordinary tusks. Dive deep into the life of the Greenland shark, which can live for over 500 years. Learn about the iridescent golden mole, a remarkable creature with mysterious abilities. The conversation highlights the fragility of our natural world while intertwining cultural myths and contemporary conservation challenges. Explore the unique narratives that connect humans to wildlife, showcasing a blend of hope, curiosity, and ecological awareness.
Jan 2, 2023 • 1h 40min
Cultural Favourites from the Archives – Words that Changed The World, with Jeremy Irons and Carey Mulligan
Philip Collins, former chief speechwriter for Tony Blair, and Cody Keenan, who penned speeches for Barack Obama, join the talented Carey Mulligan for a captivating discussion on the art of impactful oratory. They explore the historical weight of speeches like Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and King’s 'I Have a Dream.' The conversation delves into the role of rhetoric in shaping public sentiment, the unique challenges faced by modern speechwriters, and the essential power of concise language in making a lasting impression.
Jan 1, 2023 • 1h 28min
Cultural Favourites from the Archives – Letters That Changed The World
Simon Sebag Montefiore, an award-winning historian, teams up with bestselling novelist Kate Mosse to explore powerful letters from history. They discuss emotional correspondences from iconic figures like Michelangelo and Rosa Parks, emphasizing the unique storytelling within letters. The conversation highlights the poignant letter of a soldier during the WWI Christmas truce and a heart-wrenching note from a Holocaust survivor. Themes of resilience, love, and the transformative power of written words offer deep insights into our shared humanity.
Dec 30, 2022 • 1h 30min
Cultural Favourites from the Archives – The Power of Poetry, with Helena Bonham Carter and Jason Isaacs
In this engaging discussion, Helena Bonham Carter, an acclaimed actor from the 'Harry Potter' series, and Jason Isaacs, known for his diverse roles, breathe life into classic poetry. They explore poetry's therapeutic effects, likening it to a 'poetry pharmacy' that heals emotional wounds. William Sieghart shares insights from his bestseller, while Jeanette Winterson and Sue Perkins delve into poetry's ability to articulate everyday love and introspection. Tantalizing readings highlight poetry's transformative power in navigating life's complexities.
9 snips
Dec 28, 2022 • 1h 5min
Cultural Favourites from the Archives – James Rhodes and Armando Iannucci on the Transformative Power of Music
Join Armando Iannucci, celebrated comedy writer known for 'Veep,' as he passionately discusses classical music's accessibility and its significant role in transforming lives. He shares personal stories that challenge elitist perceptions of the genre, promoting music as a universal language. Dive into the emotional journeys of pieces like Beethoven's sonatas, exploring the deep connection between music and our shared human experiences. Iannucci's insights celebrate how music not only elevates creativity but also positively influences mental health.
Dec 26, 2022 • 1h 5min
The Magic of A Christmas Carol, with Simon Callow and John Mullan
Join Simon Callow, a celebrated actor known for his enchanting performances of A Christmas Carol, and John Mullan, an English literature professor revealing Dickens' narrative tricks. They dive into the magic of Dickens' timeless tale, discussing Scrooge's transformation and the social critiques woven into the story. Mullan and Callow reflect on the nostalgic themes of childhood and the importance of community. The conversation also explores the nuances of Dickens’ characters and the enduring legacy of generosity that A Christmas Carol inspires each holiday season.
Dec 25, 2022 • 53min
The 12 Books of Christmas, Part 4 – Jonathan Freedland, Will MacAskill and Katherine Rundell
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Freedland, a journalist and author of "The Escape Artist," reflects on the harrowing journey of Holocaust escapees, emphasizing the critical need for historical remembrance. Katherine Rundell, known for her book "The Golden Mole," dives into the enchanting diversity of endangered species, exploring humanity's bond with nature. They also touch on the philosophy of long-termism, advocating for a more responsible view of our actions today and their impact on future generations, urging a shift towards ethical considerations in our choices.
Dec 23, 2022 • 54min
The 12 Books of Christmas, Part 3 – Dipo Faloyin, Lea Ypi and Melissa Thompson
Dipo Faloyin, Vice Senior Editor and author of "Africa Is Not A Country", shares insights on the rich complexity of African identities, challenging stereotypes. Lea Ypi, a political theory professor, recounts her upbringing in Albania during the fall of communism, weaving personal narratives with reflections on freedom. Food writer Melissa Thompson dives into Jamaican cuisine, discussing its cultural significance and the interplay of identity within the diaspora. Together, they explore how diverse stories shape our understanding of culture and heritage.
Dec 21, 2022 • 53min
The 12 Books of Christmas, Part 2 – Oded Galor, Andrea Elliott and Orhan Pamuk
Join Oded Galor, a Brown University economist, as he sheds light on humanity's resilience through history, examining events like the Black Death and their impact on societal evolution. Pulitzer Prize-winner Andrea Elliott shares the inspiring story of Dasani Coates, a young girl navigating life in a homeless shelter, highlighting the harsh realities of childhood poverty. Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk discusses how crises shape narratives, especially around motherhood, in his latest work, 'Nights of Plague,' blending history and fiction to explore human behavior.
Dec 19, 2022 • 54min
The 12 Books of Christmas, Part 1 – Reni Eddo-Lodge, Orlando Figes and Elizabeth Williamson
In this engaging discussion, Reni Eddo-Lodge emphasizes the lasting impact of her book on race relations, examining political activism's disconnect from government responses. Orlando Figes elucidates the historical narratives shaping modern Russian politics, especially in light of Ukraine's plight. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Williamson, with insights from Jon Ronson, tackles the disturbing rise of conspiracy theories stemming from the Sandy Hook tragedy and their societal consequences. Together, they navigate complex themes of race, history, and misinformation, providing thought-provoking insights.
