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, 2022 • 56min
Poles Apart: Why We Turn Against Each Other
Ali Goldsworthy, a political advisor and former deputy chair of the Liberal Democrats, joins Laura Osborne, public affairs specialist at London First, and Alex Chesterfield, behavioral scientist, to explore the roots of polarization. They discuss how emotional biases and social media amplify divisions. The trio emphasizes the power of storytelling in fostering empathy and the challenge of changing deeply held beliefs. Strategies for bridging generational divides and promoting constructive dialogues are also key topics, highlighting pathways toward a more united society.
Jan 3, 2022 • 38min
Business Weekly: Damian Bradfield, Co-founder of WeTransfer
Damian Bradfield, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of WeTransfer, guides creatives in seamless file sharing while overseeing their culture brand, WePresent. In this engaging discussion, he shares insights from the Ideas Report, highlighting shifts in the creative landscape, particularly post-pandemic. Bradfield emphasizes Generation Z's need for workplace flexibility and the growing importance of corporate responsibility in climate and diversity issues. He also explores emerging markets in creativity, WeTransfer's mission as a certified B Corporation, and the balance between financial success and social impact.
Jan 2, 2022 • 1h 35min
The Sunday Debate: Austen vs Brontë
Join literary heavyweights like John Mullan, a professor and Austen expert, and celebrated author Kate Mosse, alongside acclaimed actors Samuel West and Dominic West, as they passionately debate the merits of Jane Austen versus Emily Brontë. Delve into Austen's intricate character studies and emotional depth in 'Persuasion,' while exploring Brontë's raw passion and complexity in 'Wuthering Heights.' Engage with discussions on societal norms, unfulfilled love, and the profound impact these authors have had on the literary world.
Dec 31, 2021 • 48min
Gloria Estefan on the Latin American Dream
Gloria Estefan, a legendary singer with over 120 million records sold and three Grammys, shares her inspiring life story. She discusses her childhood in Cuba and the challenges of political upheaval, emphasizing music as a source of strength. Estefan reflects on her early days with the Miami Sound Machine and her emotional songwriting process. She recounts her harrowing bus accident, her remarkable recovery, and her dedication to cultural heritage through music, blending personal narratives with broader reflections on identity and resilience.
Dec 28, 2021 • 1h 2min
Satire in an age of absurdity with Armando Iannucci, Jess Phillips and Jan Ravens
Join celebrated comedy writer Armando Iannucci, Labour MP Jess Phillips, and satirist Jan Ravens as they unpack the intricate dance of satire in today's absurd political landscape. They explore the thin line between comedy and reality, debating whether current events outdo satire. From the historical impact of Chaplin’s work to the challenges of broadcasting satire in the UK, they highlight the role of humor as both critique and coping mechanism. Discussions on gender dynamics in satire and the evolution of political characterization add depth to this compelling conversation.
16 snips
Dec 27, 2021 • 59min
Business Weekly: Michael Lewis On How Behavioural Economics Changed The World
Michael Lewis, the bestselling author known for his insightful work on major financial phenomena, joins economics journalist Stephanie Flanders to explore the world of behavioral economics. They discuss how 'Moneyball' reveals the psychological biases in valuing athletes and the surprising role of attractiveness in decision-making. Lewis also shares an amusing story about algorithmic officer selection in the Israeli army. The conversation probes cognitive biases that influence our choices and the tension between behavioral economics and psychology, enriching our understanding of human behavior.
Dec 26, 2021 • 1h 58min
The Sunday Debate: Shakespeare vs Milton
Join Shakespeare scholar James Shapiro and Milton expert Nigel Smith as they passionately debate the merits of their literary icons. Harriet Walter, Pippa Nixon, and Samuel West bring the dialogue to life with engaging performances from both authors. They explore themes of ambition, power, and the emotional complexity of characters, particularly in relation to Shakespeare’s nuanced narratives versus Milton’s profound philosophical inquiries. The debate ignites conversations on love, betrayal, and the rich legacies of these monumental figures in literature.
Dec 24, 2021 • 40min
How I Found My Voice: Yotam Ottolenghi
Chef Yotam Ottolenghi, a culinary innovator known for his best-selling cookbooks, shares his journey from Jerusalem to the world stage. He reminisces about his family’s vibrant culinary traditions and the transformative power of food. Yotam discusses his collaboration with Palestinian chef Sami Tamimi, highlighting how shared backgrounds inspire creativity. Reflecting on identity, he candidly navigates his experiences as a gay man in Israel, revealing how cooking became a vital family bonding activity during the pandemic. Authenticity and personal expression are at the heart of his delicious creations.
Dec 21, 2021 • 44min
History vs Herstory
Hallie Rubenhold, an author and historian known for uncovering the hidden stories of marginalized women, joins medieval historian Dan Jones for an engaging discussion. They explore the often-overlooked contributions of women in military history and the impacts of narrative biases. The conversation emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in historical storytelling, advocating for a broader representation of women's voices. They also address how educators can revise curricula to better reflect these diverse perspectives, ultimately reshaping how we understand the past.
Dec 20, 2021 • 57min
Business Weekly: Steering a tech giant with Satya Nadella
Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, shares his inspiring journey from India to leading a tech giant. He discusses the evolution of Microsoft and the importance of empathy in leadership. Nadella addresses the balance between trust and technology, highlighting AI's positive impacts, like aiding those with visual impairments. He emphasizes the need for inclusive tech standards, bridging the digital divide, and fostering equity within capitalism. Additionally, he explores advancements in mixed reality and the cooperative future of tech innovation.
