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 26, 2025 • 25min
Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins on how antiquity shapes the modern world (Part Two)
Mary Beard, a distinguished classicist from Cambridge, and Charlotte Higgins, chief culture writer at the Guardian, dive into how ancient cultures shape today's society. They discuss how the Romans have historically been used as political symbols and the biases in interpreting figures like Nero. Exploring ancient literature, they highlight its timeless relevance and predict how contemporary society will be seen by future generations. They also reflect on women's equality through the lens of history, urging listeners to advocate for continued progress.
Aug 25, 2025 • 13min
The Specialist | Fabergé’s Rediscovered Imperial Flower, with Helen Culver-Smith
Helen Culver-Smith, the Head of Decorative Arts Worldwide at Sotheby's, shares her expertise on a stunning Fabergé apple blossom study. She dives into the digital discovery that rekindled interest in this exquisite piece and its remarkable journey through the tastes of high society. The conversation reveals the intricate artistry behind Fabergé’s creations and the captivating lineage of this flower, tracing connections to notable figures like Martha Baird Rockefeller. It's a fascinating look at how a masterpiece of decorative arts comes to life through history.
21 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 32min
Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins on how antiquity shapes the modern world (Part One)
In this engaging conversation, classicist Mary Beard, renowned for her accessible take on antiquity, teams up with Charlotte Higgins, chief culture writer at The Guardian, to discuss the modern implications of ancient history. They delve into how the Romans have been manipulated as a political tool, the essential role of female perspectives in understanding ancient narratives, and the relevant lessons Athenian democracy offers today. Their new venture, 'Instant Classics,' aims to bridge the gap between historical wisdom and contemporary issues.
9 snips
Aug 23, 2025 • 27min
Can Trump Deliver Peace in Ukraine? With Mark Galeotti
Mark Galeotti, a renowned security expert and author, joins to discuss Trump's unconventional approach to negotiating peace in Ukraine. He highlights the unique strategies Trump employs compared to past administrations. Galeotti delves into the complexities of NATO's involvement and the contrasting motivations of leaders like Zelensky and Putin. The conversation also addresses the crucial need for security guarantees from Western allies and the implications for Ukraine's sovereignty amidst ongoing challenges. His insights shed light on the intricate geopolitics at play.
Aug 21, 2025 • 44min
Who are the Hidden Women who Shaped our Economic History? With Victoria Bateman
Victoria Bateman, a feminist economist and author of "Economica," dives into the hidden roles women have played in shaping economic history. She discusses remarkable figures like Priscilla Wakefield and Julia Felix, highlighting their contributions to finance and commerce. The conversation explores the correlation between women's participation in the workforce and economic prosperity, from the market queens of West Africa to the Industrial Revolution. Bateman urges a re-examination of historical narratives to understand how women's involvement can guide our economic future.
34 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 35min
What Does China's Seismic Economic Progress Mean for the USA? With Dan Wang
In this engaging discussion, Dan Wang, a technology analyst and author of "Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future," delves into the stark contrasts between China's engineering state and America’s lawyer-centric model. He reflects on how China's approach accelerates problem-solving but also presents challenges, such as environmental concerns. Personal anecdotes illustrate how these two systems can learn from one another. The conversation also touches on urban development lessons drawn from figures like Robert Moses, highlighting the implications for U.S.-China relations.
Aug 17, 2025 • 42min
How can we win the battle against antibiotic resistance? With Liam Shaw
Liam Shaw, a biologist and author of Dangerous Miracle, dives into the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance. He discusses the historical marvel of antibiotics and how they've become a medical crisis likened to fossil fuels. Shaw highlights the roles of Big Pharma and farming in this crisis, while proposing innovative solutions, including AI-designed antibiotics. He calls for bold reforms in antibiotic development and payment models, emphasizing the urgent need for a paradigm shift to ensure their future effectiveness.
14 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 1h 2min
Classic Debate: The Allied bombing of German cities in World War II was unjustifiable
A. C. Grayling, a philosopher and author, raises ethical questions about targeting civilians in war, while Richard Overy evaluates the consequences of strategic bombing during WWII. Antony Beevor and Patrick Bishop counter, arguing that these attacks were vital for achieving Allied victory, despite the devastating toll on civilians. The conversation navigates moral quandaries, the effectiveness of bombing campaigns, and the implications for historical interpretations, prompting listeners to consider the balance between military strategy and humanitarian concerns.
12 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 37min
How have rivers shaped human existence? With Vanessa Taylor
Vanessa Taylor, an environmental historian and author of 'Seven Rivers,' dives into the transformative power of rivers throughout human history. She explores how rivers like the Nile and Mississippi shaped civilizations, influenced spirituality, and served as battlegrounds for power and colonization. The discussion also touches on contemporary challenges like pollution and climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for environmental activism in protecting these vital waterways and the communities that depend on them.
31 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 51min
How Well do we Understand the Female Body? With Polly Vernon
Join Polly Vernon, a Guardian feature writer and author of 'How The Female Body Works', as she delves into the complexities of women's health. She highlights how female bodies undergo significant changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Polly discusses medical misogyny and the knowledge gap in women's healthcare. Insights into unique injuries female athletes face are shared, alongside tips for healthy aging, exercise, and nutrition. Ultimately, the conversation encourages an open dialogue about women's health and the importance of self-compassion.
