Intelligence Squared
News & Politics
About
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 foste...
Episodes
- London Falling: Patrick Radden Keefe on How Money, Power and Corruption Shape Our City, with Emily Maitlis (Part One)
Patrick Radden Keefe and Emily Maitlis discuss his new book, "London Falling," which centers on a teenager's mysterious death and his family's search for truth. They also explore money laundering, crime, and corruption in London.
- What Do We Ask Google, and What Does It Tell Us About Human Nature? With Simon Rogers
In this episode of Intelligence Squared, Simon Rogers discusses his book "What We Ask Google" with Carl Miller, revealing what billions of Google searches tell us about human nature. He explores how search data reflects candid interests, c…
- How Is Predictive AI Shaping Our World? With AI Philosopher Carissa Véliz
Carissa Véliz, Associate Professor at the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University of Oxford, explores how predictive AI influences various aspects of life, from loans to organ transplants. She discusses with Tom Chatfield how these sy…
- Weimar and Hitler: How did fascism take hold in Germany’s historic town? With Katja Hoyer
Katja Hoyer explores the history of Weimar, Germany, focusing on how fascism took hold between 1919 and 1939. She discusses the choices made by individuals during this period and the lessons that can be learned from them.
- An Evening with Kae Tempest (Part Two)
Kae Tempest, a British wordsmith, discusses their new novel, "Having Spent Life Seeking," which explores themes of family, forgiveness, and community. The discussion took place live on stage at St George's, Bristol, covering the author's r…
- An Evening with Kae Tempest (Part One)
Kae Tempest, a British wordsmith, discusses their new novel, "Having Spent Life Seeking," which explores themes of family, forgiveness, redemption, desire, and community. This episode is the first part of a two-part series.
- What Will Trigger the Next World War? With Peter Apps
Peter Apps discusses the potential for a new global conflict, drawing on his new book "The Next World War." He explores the foundations of global conflict, including great power rivalry, hybrid warfare, and the role of technology.
- Lena Dunham: Famesick, with Dolly Alderton (Part Two)
Lena Dunham, creator of "Girls," discusses her book "Famesick," which explores her experiences after the show, including fame, illness, and relationships. She joins Dolly Alderton at Intelligence Squared for a live event.
- Lena Dunham: Famesick, with Dolly Alderton (Part One)
Lena Dunham discusses her book Famesick, fame, illness, and relationships with Dolly Alderton. The conversation covered topics from her book to her legacy as a voice of a generation.
- The Age of Growth: Live in Partnership with IBM
Kamal Ahmed and guests Laura Gilbert, Lee Ellis, and Prashant Jojodia discuss innovation as a driver of growth and sustainable development for the UK. They examine rethinking the status quo with transformative technologies and empowering b…
- Demis Hassabis and Sebastian Mallaby on The Quest for Artificial General Intelligence (Part Two)
Demis Hassabis, CEO and co-founder of Google DeepMind, and author Sebastian Mallaby discuss artificial general intelligence. They explore the pursuit of AGI, its potential costs and benefits, and the story of Hassabis and DeepMind.
- Demis Hassabis and Sebastian Mallaby on The Quest for Artificial General Intelligence (Part One)
Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, and author Sebastian Mallaby discuss Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and DeepMind's role in AI innovation. They explore the potential of AGI and the story behind DeepMind's development.
- How Does Chemistry Shape our World? With Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu
In this episode, Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu and Professor Helen Czerski discuss the pervasive influence of chemistry on our daily lives. They explore topics such as plastics, the safety of synthetic versus natural products, and the pote…
- Why Did Elite Cambridge Graduates Become Soviet Spies? Revisiting the Cambridge Five, with Antonia Senior
Antonia Senior joins Sophie Scott Brown to discuss the history of the Cambridge Five spy ring. Using recently declassified files and her book, Stalin’s Apostles, Senior examines how the group was radicalized and how they leaked intelligenc…
- How Will the Climate Crisis Reshape Global Politics? With Former Diplomat and Author, Arthur Snell
Former diplomat Arthur Snell discusses how the climate crisis is influencing global geopolitics, conflict, and migration. In conversation with journalist Adam McCauley, he examines the rise of populism, resource scarcity, and necessary ada…
- Is There a Crisis of Overdiagnosis in Modern Medicine? With Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan
Neurologist Dr. Suzanne O’Sullivan discusses her research on the potential crisis of overdiagnosis in modern medicine with Dr. Güneş Taylor. They explore whether typical life experiences are being increasingly medicalized as disorders.
- How Has Translation Transformed Shakespeare? With Daniel Hahn
Host Mythili Rao speaks with translator Daniel Hahn about his book 'If This Be Magic: The Unlikely Art of Shakespeare in Translation'. They discuss the challenges and creative processes involved in translating Shakespeare's works into diff…
- Should You Be Talking To AI? with Jamie Bartlett
Journalist and author Jamie Bartlett discusses the societal, political, and business impacts of AI chatbots with Intelligence Squared's Conor Boyle. They explore the implications of widespread AI usage as detailed in Bartlett's book, How T…
- Who Are Renoir’s Mystery Girls? With Catherine Ostler
Author Catherine Ostler joins journalist James McAuley to discuss her book, The Renoir Girls, which explores the history of the sisters depicted in Renoir's painting Pink and Blue and the broader context of Jewish life in Belle Époque Pari…
- Stalin vs Trotsky: The Assassination That Changed History, with Josh Ireland
Historian Tim Bouverie speaks with author Josh Ireland about the assassination of Leon Trotsky. They discuss the historical context, the role of Ramón Mercader, and the political implications of Stalin's pursuit of his rival.
- Can Discomfort Be the Key to a Better Life? With Ken Rideout
Dr. Radha Modgil discusses the role of discomfort in personal growth with endurance athlete and author Ken Rideout. They examine how embracing challenges can replace convenience, drawing on themes from Rideout's book, 'Everything You Want…
- How and Why did Sexual Reproduction Evolve on our Planet? With Dr Lixing Sun
Dr. Lixing Sun discusses the evolution of sexual reproduction, the biological advantages of sex, and variations in reproductive strategies across the natural world. In conversation with Dr. Güneş Taylor, he also covers the distinctions bet…
- Hungry for Life! An Evening with Prue Leith (Part Two)
In this episode of Intelligence Squared, Prue Leith discusses her career and memoir, reflecting on themes of joy, ageing, grief, and her advocacy for assisted dying. She shares personal experiences from her life as a chef, author, and tele…
- Hungry for Life! An Evening with Prue Leith (Part One)
In this episode of Intelligence Squared, Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith discusses her life, career, and memoir, 'Being Old … and Learning to Love It!' She reflects on themes of joy, ageing, grief, and her advocacy for assisted dyi…
- How deeply was the British Crown involved in the transatlantic slave trade? With author of The Crown’s Silence, Brooke Newman
Historian Brooke Newman joins Helen Carr to discuss her book, The Crown’s Silence, exploring the British monarchy's historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. The conversation examines the impacts of this history on modern pe…
- The Specialist | The Coin Worth More Than Its Weight in Gold, with Selby Kiffer and David Tripp
Selby Kiffer and David Tripp discuss the history and journey of the 1933 Double Eagle, a rare American gold coin known for its legal and smuggling history. This episode of The Specialist explores the significance of this extraordinary obje…
- Why Are Populists Winning? With Liam Byrne and Will Hutton
Economist Will Hutton and Labour MP Liam Byrne discuss the global rise of populism, the strategies used by populist leaders, and Byrne’s proposal for rebuilding the 'radical centre' of politics as presented in his book, Why Populists Are W…
- How To Overcome Trauma, With Psychotherapist Dr Gwen Adshead (Part Two)
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Gwen Adshead discusses trauma, resilience, and the recovery process in part two of this Intelligence Squared conversation. Utilizing her professional experience and book Unspeakable, she explores the impact of tra…
- How To Overcome Trauma, With Psychotherapist Dr Gwen Adshead (Part One)
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Gwen Adshead discusses themes from her book, Unspeakable, including trauma, resilience, and the role of psychiatry in recovery. This is the first part of a two-part conversation recorded at the Kiln Theatre.
- How Has Living With Animals Shaped Our Brains? With Michael Bond
Science writer Michael Bond and Dr. Güneş Taylor discuss how interactions with animals have shaped the human mind and culture. They explore the historical shift in human perception regarding our relationship with and perceived superiority…
- The Specialist | From Canvas to Canon: Joan Mitchell’s King of Spades, with Courtney Kremers
Courtney Kremers of Sotheby's New York discusses Joan Mitchell’s abstract expressionist painting King of Spades. This episode explores the painting's history and its impact on the artist's critical acclaim and market recognition.
- Why Are Ancient Myths Resurfacing in Modern Britain? With Zakia Sewell
Shahidha Bari discusses ancient myths, folklore, and pagan traditions in modern Britain with author Zakia Sewell, whose book 'Finding Albion' explores how these traditional stories are informing contemporary identities and addressing curre…
- Sex, Gender and Christianity: A 3,000 Year History, with Diarmaid MacCulloch and Mary Beard (Part Two)
Diarmaid MacCulloch and Mary Beard explore the 3,000-year history of Christianity and Judaism, focusing on how these traditions have shaped societal attitudes toward sex, gender, and family. They discuss the impact of this history on conte…
- Sex, Gender and Christianity: A 3,000 Year History, with Diarmaid MacCulloch and Mary Beard (Part One)
Diarmaid MacCulloch and Mary Beard explore the 3,000-year history of Christianity, sex, and gender. They discuss how these historical influences shape modern debates on the role of women, same-sex relationships, and gender identity.
- Is the Russia–Ukraine War a Failure of Strategy? With Lawrence Freedman
Lawrence Freedman joins host Adam McCauley to discuss the definition and evolution of strategy, specifically examining the Russia–Ukraine war. The conversation explores decision-making under pressure, nuclear escalation risks, and the natu…
- What Is Really at Stake at the North Pole? With Neil Shea
Professor Helen Czerski speaks with journalist Neil Shea about the environmental and geopolitical transformation of the Arctic. They discuss wildlife challenges, the experiences of Indigenous peoples, and the escalating international compe…
- Sotheby's Talks | How Do Objects Achieve Iconic Status, with Grayson Perry and Xa Sturgis
This episode features a discussion on how objects achieve iconic status, inspired by the book Icons: 100 Extraordinary Objects from Sotheby’s History. Guests Sir Grayson Perry, Xa Sturgis, and Helena Newman explore what transforms artworks…
- Fiona Hill: The World in 2026 (Part Two)
Fiona Hill discusses the current era of asymmetric global threats and the ways the West can bolster its security. In conversation with Jon Sopel, she addresses the impact of authoritarian regimes and outlines strategies for maintaining res…
- Fiona Hill: The World in 2026 (Part One)
Fiona Hill discusses global security, the UK’s strategic defense, and the impact of geopolitical shifts on the West. This first part of a two-part conversation at Intelligence Squared addresses themes of authoritarianism and regional insta…
- How has American hubris shaped Iran? With Scott Anderson
Journalist Scott Anderson joins host Hannah Lucinda Smith to discuss his book, 'King of Kings,' which covers the fall of the Shah of Iran and the 1979 Iranian Revolution. They discuss Western misunderstandings of the era and how these even…
- What Does It Take to Run Goldman Sachs During a Meltdown? With Former CEO Lloyd Blankfein
Former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein discusses his career, leadership experiences during the 2008 financial crisis, and his memoir, Streetwise, in conversation with former Financial Times Editor Lionel Barber.
- CNN's Christiane Amanpour on Trump, Iran and the World in 2026 (Part Two)
Journalist Christiane Amanpour joins Ritula Shah on the Intelligence Squared stage to discuss international politics, global conflicts, and the future of journalism. They explore topics including U.S. leadership, the escalation of global w…
- CNN's Christiane Amanpour on Trump, Iran and the World in 2026 (Part One)
CNN chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour joins Ritula Shah on the Intelligence Squared stage to discuss global issues in 2026, including U.S. politics, international conflicts, and the future of journalism in the age of AI. This…
- Fatima Bhutto on Grief, Survival, and the Life-Affirming Love of Canine Companions
Author Fatima Bhutto discusses her memoir, The Hour of the Wolf, covering her experiences with grief, anxiety, and a coercive relationship. She also talks to Mythili Rao about the role her dog, Coco, played in her healing process.
- Are Lithium and Cobalt the New Oil? The Elements of Power, with Nicolas Niarchos
Nicolas Niarchos joins host Atossa Araxia Abrahamian to discuss his book, The Elements of Power, which investigates the global competition for lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel. They explore the geopolitical race for battery metals and t…
- The New Yorker’s Jon Lee Anderson on Afghanistan: An American Catastrophe (Part Two)
Foreign correspondent Jon Lee Anderson reflects on his decades of reporting on the conflict in Afghanistan and the history of U.S. foreign policy involvement in the region. This episode, part two of a conversation, features Anderson discus…
- The New Yorker’s Jon Lee Anderson on Afghanistan: An American Catastrophe (Part One)
Foreign correspondent Jon Lee Anderson discusses his decades of reporting on the conflict in Afghanistan and reflects on the US-led war. This conversation is the first part of a two-part episode recorded at the Kiln Theatre.
- The Specialist | Jackie O's Faux Pearls, with Frank Everett
Frank Everett, Vice Chairman of Sotheby's Jewelry Americas, discusses the history and auction of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's faux pearl necklace. The episode explores how provenance contributed to the piece selling for over $200,000.
- Could Silicon Valley Billionaires Cure Aging? With Aleks Krotoski
Aleks Krotoski joins Carl Miller to discuss the rise of life extension technology and the billionaires and scientists working to reverse or eradicate aging. They examine the biological, social, and philosophical implications of immortality…
- Will AI Design New Organisms From Scratch? With Adrian Woolfson
Adrian Woolfson joins host Güneş Taylor to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and synthetic biology. They explore the implications of editing the genome and the potential future of designing organisms.