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
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.
41 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 45min
How Tech Platforms Threaten Our Future, With Former White House Advisor Tim Wu (Part Two)
Tim Wu, a Columbia Law professor and former White House advisor, dives into the perils of our AI-driven future. He discusses how tech companies could gain overwhelming power in this new landscape and why dismantling monopolies is crucial for innovation. Wu examines the implications of platformization in essential sectors like housing and how monopoly pricing acts as a private tax. He urges society to restore discipline through antitrust measures and envisions an alternative AI future where technology serves the public good.
48 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 36min
How Tech Platforms Threaten Our Future, With Former White House Advisor Tim Wu (Part One)
In this conversation, Tim Wu, a Columbia Law School professor and former White House advisor, unpacks the dangers posed by powerhouse tech companies in the AI economy. He explains how these platforms, likened to historical monopolies, threaten innovation and democracy. Wu argues for breaking up tech monopolies to unleash creativity and ensure they serve public interests. He also reflects on the shift from internet idealism to profit-driven pressures, illustrating the importance of alternative models like Wikipedia's non-advertising structure.
59 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 36min
How Philosophy Explains Our World, with Julian Baggini (Part Two)
In this enlightening conversation, philosopher Julian Baggini explores the essence of political philosophy, advocating for values over rigid labels. He examines the allure of populism and offers strategies for addressing its rise. Baggini shares insights on the importance of pragmatic politics while celebrating character and virtue. He also dives into the ethics of AI, questioning its potential as a philosopher. His advice on tempered pessimism and enhancing communication is a must-hear for anyone interested in clearer thinking during turbulent times.
113 snips
Dec 28, 2025 • 39min
How Philosophy Explains Our World, with Julian Baggini (Part One)
Julian Baggini, a philosopher and author known for his work with The Philosopher's Magazine, explores how philosophy can illuminate modern politics. He discusses the importance of attention in decision-making and critiques groupthink across all ideological spectrums. Baggini emphasizes the need for humility and self-questioning in our thought processes. He challenges the notion of polarization, suggesting it can be nuanced rather than purely negative, and argues that people still value truth despite a crisis of authority.
17 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 42min
Michael Rosen on Hope, Happiness and Finding Joy in the Small Things (Part Two)
In a heartfelt discussion, Michael Rosen, an acclaimed author and former Children's Laureate, shares his journey through grief and recovery. He explores the balance between perfection and 'good enough', using humor and everyday absurdities to highlight small joys. Delving into his experiences during a hospital stay, he reflects on how creativity flourished amidst adversity. Michael believes in honoring memories through connection and uses optimism to navigate life’s challenges, inspiring listeners to find happiness in simple moments.
17 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 34min
Michael Rosen on Hope, Happiness and Finding Joy in the Small Things (Part One)
Michael Rosen, a beloved author and former Children's Laureate known for classics like 'We’re Going on a Bear Hunt', discusses joy amidst sorrow. He shares insights from his new book, 'Good Days', focusing on finding happiness in small things and offers sparks of inspiration rather than rigid guidelines. Rosen reflects on curiosity's role in education, recounts childhood camping adventures, and explores his parents' activism that shaped his views on solidarity. Through family anecdotes, he highlights cultural memory's influence on his humor and outlook.
Dec 22, 2025 • 39min
Women’s Prize-winner Rachel Clarke in conversation with Rob Delaney (Part Two)
Rachel Clarke, a palliative care doctor and author of the award-winning book, The Story of a Heart, joins comedian and writer Rob Delaney for a heartfelt discussion. They explore the impact of kindness in healthcare, focusing on the role of play specialists in children's recovery. Rachel shares Max's journey through his heart transplant and highlights the importance of teamwork in modern surgery. They also delve into the emotional weight of writing true stories, the need for open conversations about organ donation, and the interconnectedness of humanity in times of crisis.
Dec 21, 2025 • 37min
Women’s Prize-winner Rachel Clarke in conversation with Rob Delaney (Part One)
In this engaging conversation, Rachel Clarke, a palliative care doctor and bestselling author, shares her poignant insights on her award-winning book, The Story of a Heart. She reveals how the touching campaign of two families led her to document a heart transplant that saved a child's life. Rachel discusses ethical storytelling, the emotional journey of families involved, and the medical innovations that made the transplant possible. Comedian Rob Delaney adds a layer of humor and compassion, enriching the discussion on the NHS and human resilience.
Dec 20, 2025 • 14min
The Specialist | The Anonymous Altarpiece: Decoding a Renaissance Enigma, with Alex Bell
Join Alex Bell, Chairman Emeritus of Sotheby’s UK and an expert in Old Masters, as he unravels the captivating story behind an enigmatic Renaissance altarpiece. He shares his early encounters with the painting and discusses its mysterious origins, detailing its intricate imagery influenced by Netherlandish and French art. Using dendrochronology, he reveals its date range, while infrared imaging unveils dramatic under-drawings. Bell also explains the acquisition journey that brought this masterpiece to the National Gallery and reflects on the value of anonymous artistry.
