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
Aug 15, 2022 • 58min
Salman Rushdie: Touchstones with Razia Iqbal
Salman Rushdie, the acclaimed author of works like 'Midnight's Children', shares his insights with BBC journalist Razia Iqbal. He reflects on cherished items like a silver ingot from his childhood and discusses the powerful influences of James Joyce and Bob Dylan on his writing. The conversation dives into the complexities of identity shaped by Indian history, the importance of open debate in today's political climate, and the evolution of contemporary fiction in response to societal changes. Rushdie's passion for literature and music shines throughout.
Aug 14, 2022 • 1h 5min
The Sunday Debate: The Bittersweet Truth About What We Eat
In this engaging discussion, guests include Sarah Jarvis, NHS GP and health author, Eran Segal, computational biologist focusing on personalized diets, Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology, and Gary Taubes, acclaimed health writer. They delve into the complexities of nutrition, debunking myths about sugar and fat while promoting personalized approaches to dieting. The conversation highlights the variability in how different bodies react to food and emphasizes the crucial role of gut health in overall well-being, challenging conventional dietary guidelines.
4 snips
Aug 12, 2022 • 55min
Western Intervention and the Rise of Guerrilla Warfare, with David Kilcullen
David Kilcullen, a former soldier and counterinsurgency advisor, joins Carl Miller, Research Director at Demos, to explore the complexities of Western interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. They delve into how guerrilla warfare has evolved, driven by technological advancements and the emergence of non-state actors. Key discussions include the risks of misunderstanding modern warfare, economic strategies as new battlegrounds, and the significance of information supremacy in conflicts. They emphasize the interconnectedness of civilians and military strategies in today's geopolitical landscape.
Aug 10, 2022 • 41min
An Honest Life, with Micheal Leviton
Micheal Leviton, a Brooklyn writer and musician known for his memoir "To Be Honest," shares his unique upbringing in a brutally honest family. He reflects on the challenges of maintaining such honesty in relationships and dating, revealing the tension between transparency and social expectations. The conversation also explores the struggles of vulnerability in group settings and the complexities of communication across cultures. With humor and insight, Leviton emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity in forging deep connections.
Aug 8, 2022 • 1h 3min
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, with Reni Eddo-Lodge
Reni Eddo-Lodge, a journalist and author known for her groundbreaking book on race, joins Gary Younge, a prominent columnist and academic. They dive into the renewed relevance of Eddo-Lodge's work in the wake of George Floyd's murder and the Black Lives Matter movement. The conversation touches on the emotional reaction to her book's title, the slow progress of political entities in addressing racial justice, and the role of individual activism amid global upheaval. They emphasize the importance of authentic engagement in the ongoing fight for equality.
Aug 7, 2022 • 1h 6min
The Sunday Debate: If You Believe You are a Citizen of the World, You are a Citizen of Nowhere
The discussion features David Goodhart, a demographer and author; Elif Shafak, a celebrated Turkish novelist; Simon Schama, a renowned historian; and former diplomat David Landsman. They dive into the tension between national and global identities, sparked by Theresa May's remarks on citizenship. Key topics include the complexities of belonging in a connected world, evolving views on immigration and national identity, and the impact of rising nationalism. The panel advocates for a nuanced understanding of citizenship amid today's societal challenges.
Aug 5, 2022 • 38min
Shinzo Abe's Legacy and Japan's Future, with Satona Suzuki and Jeff Kingston
In this discussion, Satona Suzuki, a modern Japanese history lecturer, and Jeff Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple University, unpack Shinzo Abe's complex legacy. They explore Abe’s role in enhancing Japan-U.S. relations while facing challenges with South Korea. The conversation highlights the public's mixed feelings about Abe's economic policies and his historical navigation of contentious issues. They also delve into the political ramifications of Abe's assassination, shedding light on Japan's evolving political landscape and its constitutional challenges.
Aug 3, 2022 • 1h 2min
The Future of the War in Ukraine, with Fiona Hill
Fiona Hill, a foreign affairs expert who has advised three U.S. presidents, joins writer Edward Lucas to dissect the ongoing war in Ukraine. They delve into Putin's potential next moves and the implications for international relations as elections approach for both Putin and Zelensky. The conversation reveals the complexities of Russia's internal sentiments and the varied geopolitical responses. They also explore the historical context of NATO's expansion and the role of oligarchs in current negotiations, highlighting the critical need for dialogue and collaboration.
Aug 1, 2022 • 1h 6min
Reclaiming the Earth: Exploring Race, Heritage and the Natural World
Join independent curator Ligaya Salazar, Creative Director Spandana Gopal, and organic food grower Claire Ratinon as they delve into the intersection of race, heritage, and environmental activism. They explore how traditional crafting practices are evolving amid the pressures of colonial history. The trio discusses the radical ties between food production and activism, emphasizing community stewardship in land justice. They also highlight the importance of slow consumption and craftsmanship, advocating for a deeper connection with nature.
Jul 31, 2022 • 1h 34min
The Sunday Debate: Britain Should Not Have Fought in the First World War
Dominic Sandbrook, a historian and BBC broadcaster, joins renowned author Max Hastings, Professor John Charmley, and Margaret MacMillan, an expert in international history, for a riveting debate on Britain's involvement in the First World War. They delve into the moral and geopolitical motivations behind the war, questioning long-held narratives. The discussion tackles Britain's obligations towards Belgium, critiques the human cost of conflict, and examines the enduring impact on national identity. Audiences engage with shifting perspectives that challenge the justification for war.
