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
Nov 11, 2022 • 42min
Advertising Will Save Us from Soulless Design, with former Nike Chief Marketing Officer Greg Hoffman
Greg Hoffman, former Chief Marketing Officer of Nike, shares insights on the transformative power of advertising. He discusses how brands can foster inclusivity and build lasting emotional connections with consumers. Hoffman emphasizes the importance of creativity and diverse teams in driving meaningful marketing strategies. He also dives into his book, Emotion by Design, explaining the methods behind Nike’s iconic campaigns and how advertising can serve as a catalyst for social change, challenging misinformation and promoting positive societal impact.
Nov 9, 2022 • 33min
Debate: Is America a force for good in the world? Part 2
Shadi Hamid, a foreign policy expert, defends America’s positive role in the world, despite its complexities. Samuel Moyn counters with a critique, emphasizing that America’s actions often overshadow its good intentions. They discuss the implications of Trump's return on American exceptionalism and project a future world dominated by China. The dialogue highlights the delicate balance of U.S.-China relations, critiques the U.S. military legacy, and engages the audience on their perceptions of America's global influence.
Nov 7, 2022 • 36min
The Many Voices of Booker Prize Winner George Saunders
Join Booker Prize winner George Saunders, acclaimed for his masterful short stories, as he chats with critic John Self. They delve into the art of storytelling in his latest work, 'Liberation Day,' exploring the absurdities of human experience. Saunders shares his creative journey back to short stories after a decade, discussing the role of language and humor in narrative depth. They also reflect on the transformative nature of winning the Booker Prize and how it shapes both artistry and audience understanding, all while balancing authenticity with broader appeal.
6 snips
Nov 6, 2022 • 30min
The Sunday Debate: Is America a force for good in the world? Part 1
Shadi Hamid, a foreign policy expert and author of "The Problem of Democracy," contends that America's influence often acts as a force for good, pressuring authoritarian regimes and supporting democracies. In contrast, Samuel Moyn, an academic and author of "Humane," argues that while there are worse global alternatives, America's interventions have caused significant harm. The debate dives into America's complex roles in democracy, climate challenges, and its resilience against authoritarianism, offering a nuanced view of U.S. actions on the world stage.
Nov 4, 2022 • 50min
Persuasion in an Age of Polarisation, with Anand Giridharadas
Anand Giridharadas, a journalist and best-selling author of The Persuaders, dives into the crisis of healthy debate in today’s polarized society. He emphasizes the need for genuine dialogue over manipulation, advocating for compassion in discussions. The conversation touches on the dual role of advertising in social issues, the importance of framing arguments for positive change, and the fluidity of political identity. Giridharadas also explores how local perspectives can bridge divides on contentious topics like immigration.
Nov 2, 2022 • 1h 2min
India at 75 – Secularism and the Rise of Hindu Nationalism, with Rana Ayyub
In this engaging discussion, Rana Ayyub, an acclaimed journalist known for her bold critiques of Prime Minister Modi, talks with broadcaster Kavita Puri about India's complex journey since independence. They examine the interplay between secularism and rising Hindu nationalism, exploring how societal narratives impact security for minorities, particularly Muslims. Ayyub shares personal experiences highlighting the risks of dissent and the challenges facing journalists in a tense political climate, stressing the need to uphold secular values in the face of growing authoritarianism.
Oct 31, 2022 • 40min
Jamaica's Culinary Journey, with Melissa Thompson and Riaz Phillips
Join Melissa Thompson, a renowned BBC Good Food columnist and author of "Motherland: A Jamaican Cookbook," along with Riaz Phillips, author of "West Winds: Recipes, History and Tales from Jamaica," as they dive into the rich tapestry of Jamaican cuisine. They explore iconic dishes like jerk chicken and ackee and saltfish, tracing their roots through cultural influences ranging from Africa to colonialism. The conversation highlights the importance of culinary identity, authenticity, and celebrates the evolving narrative of Caribbean food in the global landscape.
Oct 30, 2022 • 42min
The Sunday Debate: What does Giorgia Meloni mean for Europe?
In this discussion, David Broder, Europe editor of Jacobin Magazine, and Luigi Scazzieri from the Centre for European Reform, along with Balázs Orbán, political director for Hungary’s Prime Minister, delve deep into Giorgia Meloni's impact as Italy's first female prime minister. They explore the shifting dynamics of the European right, dissect the blurring lines between center-right and far-right politics, and debate the challenges of nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments. The conversation also navigates Italy’s economic troubles and how they affect the political landscape across Europe.
Oct 28, 2022 • 54min
The Fulcrum of History: Margaret MacMillan, Sir Max Hastings and Peter Frankopan on the War in Ukraine
Join esteemed historians Margaret MacMillan, Sir Max Hastings, and Peter Frankopan as they delve into the implications of the war in Ukraine. They discuss how historical narratives shape modern geopolitics, questioning Putin's invocation of the past. The trio analyzes the logistical blunders behind the Russian invasion and the critical role of U.S. support for Ukraine. They also explore the emotional dimensions of leadership in conflict and the need for cautious, informed responses to today's global tensions.
Oct 26, 2022 • 35min
Ready for Rishi? The Treacherous Road Ahead for the UK’s New Prime Minister, with Matthew Goodwin and Camilla Cavendish
Matthew Goodwin, an academic and author known for his insights into global politics, joins Camilla Cavendish, a Financial Times columnist and former policy chief under David Cameron. Together, they dissect Rishi Sunak’s rise as the youngest UK Prime Minister during a politically tumultuous time. They discuss his challenges in uniting a divided Conservative Party, addressing economic instability, and engaging younger voters. The conversation navigates the complexities of post-Brexit governance and the escalating crises within the NHS, emphasizing the need for decisive leadership.
