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
25 snips
Apr 6, 2025 • 39min
The World in 2025 with Robert Kaplan: Finding A Way Through Permanent Crisis (Part One)
Join Robert Kaplan, a geopolitical expert and bestselling author, as he dives into the turbulent global landscape of 2025. He draws parallels between today's crises and the Weimar Republic, emphasizing the need for order amidst chaos. Kaplan explores technology's dual role in exacerbating conflicts and the fragility of democracy. He also discusses America’s influence on global stability, scrutinizing NATO’s role and the fragility of modern autocracies like Russia and China. With keen insights, he suggests that historic liberalism may be key to navigating the future.
5 snips
Apr 5, 2025 • 1h 11min
Classic Debate: Ian Fleming vs John le Carré
In this thrilling conversation, David Farr, a talented screenwriter known for adapting John le Carré's works, champions the gritty realism of le Carré against Ian Fleming's glamorous James Bond. They dive into the contrasting styles of these literary giants, discussing how Fleming's high-octane adventures shape popular culture while le Carré exposes the moral ambiguities of espionage. Actors bring both authors' narratives to life, highlighting unforgettable moments and the deeper emotional landscapes that define the world of spies. This lively debate illuminates what makes each author unique.
Apr 3, 2025 • 39min
John and Paul: A Beatles Love Story in Songs (Part Two)
Ian Leslie, author of "John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs," dives deep into the remarkable, complex relationship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. He reveals how their contrasting personalities fueled their creativity and shaped The Beatles' iconic sound. The discussion highlights the emotional weight behind songs like 'Yesterday' and how their bond evolved post-Beatles, influenced by partners such as Yoko Ono and Linda McCartney. Leslie captures the essence of their musical dialogue, filled with tension, regret, and enduring affection.
Apr 1, 2025 • 38min
John and Paul: A Beatles Love Story in Songs (Part One)
Ian Leslie, a writer and author of "John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs," delves into the intricate relationship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. He explores their early years in Liverpool, marked by shared dreams and emotional struggles. The duo's unique bond blended friendship, rivalry, and collaboration, shaping their groundbreaking music. Leslie illustrates how their songwriting evolved from youthful encounters to iconic tracks, reflecting their complicated emotions even post-breakup, revealing a dialogue that captivated generations.
Mar 30, 2025 • 43min
Revisiting Wages for Housework, with Emily Callaci
Join historian Emily Callaci, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as she revisits the bold Wages for Housework movement from the 1970s. Callaci discusses the fight for recognizing unpaid domestic labor as real work, intertwining feminist thought with historical movements. She highlights the struggles that marginalized women face in the Global South and addresses the impacts of capitalism on environmental racism. The conversation digs deep into redefining labor, challenging gender norms, and empowering women's voices in activism.
13 snips
Mar 30, 2025 • 55min
Six Kings and the Making of the English State, with Caroline Burt and Richard Partington
Join medieval historians Caroline Burt and Richard Partington as they delve into the turbulent tapestry of English politics from 1199 to 1399. They discuss the six Plantagenet kings and their dramatic influence on governance, exploring themes of civil war, rebellion, and the birth of common law. Listeners will learn about the evolution of Parliament, the rise of the middle class, and how events shaped national identity. With insights drawn from original accounts, this conversation illuminates the dynamics of power and legacy in a tumultuous era.
60 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 39min
LinkedIn Founder Reid Hoffman on What Could Go Right with Our AI Future (Part Two)
Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and AI entrepreneur, dives into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. He highlights AI's ability to personalize education through tutors, discover cures for diseases, and address climate change. Hoffman emphasizes the urgent need for optimism amid challenges like disinformation and job displacement. He advocates for a strong media ecosystem to combat misinformation and believes in machine-driven innovations to enhance personal agency and societal outcomes.
37 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 38min
LinkedIn Founder Reid Hoffman on What Could Go Right with Our AI Future (Part One)
Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn and an AI trailblazer, shares insights from his latest book, Super Agency. He argues for the immense potential of AI to revolutionize education with personalized tutors and discover life-saving cures. Hoffman emphasizes a proactive 'bloomer' mindset, focusing on AI's positive contributions despite prevalent fears. He advocates for responsible AI use and the necessity of regulating technology to enhance innovation while maintaining accountability. His optimistic outlook highlights how AI can empower individuals and improve societal outcomes.
Mar 24, 2025 • 46min
The Rise of Spotify, with Liz Pelly
Join music journalist Liz Pelly, known for her incisive work in outlets like The Guardian and NPR, as she explores the rise of Spotify and its profound effects on the music industry. Discover how Spotify's freemium model and personalized playlists influence listener habits and artist experiences. Pelly reveals the hidden costs of streaming, including the challenges faced by independent musicians and the ethics of algorithm-driven recommendations. This engaging conversation delves into a new music landscape shaped by technology and offers a reevaluation of distribution models.
Mar 23, 2025 • 45min
Kavita Puri and Sathnam Sanghera on War, Empire and the Untold Story of the Bengal Famine (Part Two)
Kavita Puri, an award-winning journalist noted for her work on Indian history, joins author Sathnam Sanghera to delve into the tragic narrative of the Bengal Famine. They discuss its obscurity in British and Indian history despite the millions who suffered. Puri highlights collective amnesia around this event and its ties to colonial legacies, prompting reflections on ancestral connections. The conversation emphasizes the crucial need to preserve survivors' stories and the famine's impact on nationalism and memory, linking past traumas to contemporary issues.
