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
39 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 43min
Is Greece Becoming the New Borderland Between East and West? With Sean Matthews
Sean Matthews, a Greek-American journalist and author of The New Byzantines, dives into Greece's evolving geopolitical landscape. He explores how Greece's historical ties to Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire are shaping its future. With rising tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, Matthews argues that Greece is pivoting back toward the Near East while maintaining its Western alliances. He also discusses the impact of tourism on Greek identity and highlights the importance of Greece as a cultural and economic connector between regions.
23 snips
Jan 18, 2026 • 36min
An Evening with Alan Davies (Part Two)
Alan Davies, a beloved UK comedian known for his role in Jonathan Creek and appearances on QI, shares insights from his life in comedy and TV. He discusses the impact of childhood trauma, including his family's reaction to his memoir, White Male Stand-Up. Davies emphasizes the importance of using personal experiences, even cancer scares, in comedy. He advocates for tackling difficult subjects with humor and notes how audiences have changed post-COVID. Finally, he reflects on the joy of live performances and the evolving landscape of stand-up comedy.
35 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 39min
An Evening with Alan Davies (Part One)
Alan Davies, a beloved British comedian known for his roles in Jonathan Creek and QI, shares insights from his memoir, White Male Stand-Up. He reflects on his long pauses from stand-up due to personal struggles and the changing landscape of comedy for white male comics. Davies recounts a disastrous 1999 set that impacted his mental health and discusses the fears of cancellation in today’s climate. He also explores the upsides and downsides of fame, his experiences with trauma, and how his writing resonates with readers, helping them voice their own stories.
38 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 48min
How is Artificial Intelligence Transforming our Relationships? With James Muldoon
James Muldoon, a sociologist and author of Love Machines, dives into the complexities of AI relationships, exploring how AI companions are reshaping human connections. He discusses the allure of AI friends and the dangers of dependence, linking the loneliness epidemic to the rise of these digital companions. Muldoon shares compelling case studies that illustrate the therapeutic potential of AI, as well as the ethical concerns surrounding unregulated interactions. Ultimately, he warns of the commodification of intimacy in an increasingly tech-driven world.
18 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 37min
Julia Ioffe and Clarissa Ward on Putin, Russia and the Women Fighting For A Better Future (Part Two)
Join Julia Ioffe, a renowned journalist specializing in Russia-US relations and author of 'Motherland,' as she shares her insights with CNN's Clarissa Ward. They delve into the evolution of women's roles in Russia, revealing how historical events shaped modern aspirations. Ioffe discusses the remarkable stories of women who resist Putin's regime, including Yulia Navalnaya's transformation from political spouse to a formidable public figure. The conversation also highlights the ongoing struggles against traditional gender roles and the impact of past policies on today's feminist movements.
14 snips
Jan 11, 2026 • 39min
Julia Ioffe and Clarissa Ward on Putin, Russia and the Women Fighting For A Better Future (Part One)
In this engaging discussion, Julia Ioffe, a renowned journalist and author of Motherland, dives into the complex history of modern Russia through the lens of its women. She sheds light on the courageous individuals challenging Putin’s regime, from feminist revolutionaries to Pussy Riot. Ioffe also highlights the early Soviet feminist movements, the erasure of key figures like Alexandra Kolontai, and how post-war narratives suppressed women’s contributions. Together with CNN’s Clarissa Ward, they explore the evolution of Russian femininity and its impacts today.
8 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 34min
Jonathan Freedland on The Secret Rebels who Defied Hitler (Part Two)
Jonathan Freedland, a Guardian columnist and author of notable historical works, delves into the hidden stories of German resistance against the Nazis. He discusses the complexities of privilege and motivation in resisting tyranny, highlighted by the heroic actions of figures like Hannah Solf. Freedland also explores the moral dilemmas faced by those who betrayed others and connects historical resistance to contemporary issues of loyalty under authoritarianism. His insights challenge us to reflect on our own capacity for courage in the face of oppression.
7 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 36min
Jonathan Freedland on The Secret Rebels who Defied Hitler (Part One)
In this enlightening discussion, Jonathan Freedland, a renowned columnist and author of The Escape Artist, delves into an almost forgotten tale of WWII resistance within Germany. He reveals how a casual tea party led to a profound betrayal of rebels who quietly defied the Nazi regime. Freedland shares his journey of uncovering hidden archives and the lives of figures like Otto Kiep and Countess Maria von Mautzena, illustrating their daring acts of defiance. His narrative blends historical rigor with thrilling storytelling, emphasizing the moral choices faced in times of tyranny.
7 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 36min
The Remarkable True Story of The Extremists Who Hijacked the 1970’s, with Jason Burke (Part Two)
In this engaging conversation, Jason Burke, an esteemed international security correspondent and author, dives into the turbulent world of 1970s extremism. He discusses the notorious figures like Leila Khaled and Carlos the Jackal and their audacious attacks that captivated a global audience. Burke highlights the shift from secular leftist movements to Islamist ideologies and how these changes shaped terrorist narratives. He also examines the dynamics of martyrdom versus sacrifice in radical circles and reflects on the lasting legacy of that explosive decade.
22 snips
Jan 4, 2026 • 41min
The Remarkable True Story of The Extremists Who Hijacked the 1970’s, with Jason Burke (Part One)
Join Jason Burke, an international security correspondent for The Guardian and an author specializing in terrorism, as he dives into the tumultuous 1970s. He shares captivating stories of radical figures like Leila Khaled, whose hijackings became media spectacles, and Carlos the Jackal, whose personality overshadows the reality of his actions. Burke also discusses the evolution of the Baader-Meinhof Gang and the theatrical nature of terrorism, revealing how these extremist movements held the world captive through their audacious tactics.
