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 15, 2023 • 1h
The Sunday Debate: Revere or Remove? The Battle Over Statues, Heritage and History
David Olusoga, an award-winning historian, discusses the legacy of controversial figures and the heated debate around their statues. Peter Frankopan emphasizes the need for educational contexts rather than public admiration for such monuments. Afua Hirsch meditates on cultural memory and the impact of these symbols on marginalized communities. Tiffany Jenkins adds insights on balancing historical context with social justice, exploring the complexities of preserving versus removing statues, and advocating for meaningful dialogue about our shared past.
Jan 13, 2023 • 43min
The Futureverse – Redefining Legacy: How to Be a Great Ancestor, with Rory Stewart
Rory Stewart, President of GiveDirectly, has a rich background spanning military service, politics, and international development. In this engaging discussion, he delves into how direct cash transfers can revolutionize poverty alleviation, arguing that empowering the poor to make their own economic choices is more effective than traditional aid. Stewart also explores the profound implications of our legacy and the responsibility we hold to uplift future generations, emphasizing that meaningful actions today can have transformative effects on communities.
Jan 11, 2023 • 43min
The Heir and the Spare: Prince Harry Takes Aim at the Royal Family
Joining the discussion are Robert Hardman, a royal expert and author of 'Queen of Our Times,' and David Aaronovitch, a columnist for The Times. They dive into the explosive revelations from Prince Harry's memoir, 'Spare,' uncovering his fraught relationship with the royal family and the intense media scrutiny he faced. The conversation delves into the cultural differences in how his honesty is received, the potential shift in the monarchy's public perception, and the long-standing tensions between duty and personal identity within royal life.
Jan 9, 2023 • 56min
The Economy in 2023: Where Do We Go From Here?
Jonathan Portes, an economist and professor at King's College London, and Victoria Scholar, Head of Investment at Interactive Investor, delve into the UK economy's outlook for 2023. They discuss the lasting effects of Russia's war on Ukraine and the implications of inflation and Brexit. Their conversation covers public sector pay dynamics, the impact of interest rate hikes, and how geopolitical tensions could hinder economic growth. They also explore potential opportunities in sectors like AI and green technology amidst these challenges.
7 snips
Jan 8, 2023 • 47min
The Sunday Debate: How much wealth should parents pass down?
Peter Singer, a prominent utilitarian philosopher, advocates for minimal inheritance, encouraging the wealthy to donate to the global poor. Julia Davies, an angel investor and environmental lawyer, argues for a wealth tax, emphasizing that the decision of the rich to distribute wealth shouldn't solely rely on personal preference. Adrian Wooldridge, a global economist, counters that wealthy individuals can positively impact society. They explore the ethics of wealth transfer, the societal implications of inheritance, and the urgency for equitable solutions.
Jan 6, 2023 • 52min
The Powerful Women Who Made History
Simon Sebag Montefiore, a prize-winning historian, and Kate Mosse, an award-winning novelist, dive into the overlooked tales of powerful women throughout history. They discuss how figures like Cleopatra and Boudica have shaped narratives while often being overshadowed by men. The conversation highlights the importance of re-evaluating history to include women's contributions and challenges traditional power dynamics. With humor and insight, they inspire a deeper appreciation for the impact of female warriors and leaders in shaping our world.
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.
