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
21 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 46min
How does a nation’s language shape its identity? Hannah Kent on her year in Iceland
Hannah Kent, an acclaimed Australian novelist known for her works like Burial Rites, explores her deep connection to Iceland in this discussion. She shares how her first trip at 17 shaped her identity as a writer. Kent reveals how learning Icelandic transformed her sense of belonging and opened her to the culture's rich history. She reflects on the creativity sparked by her homesickness and how storytelling bridges personal and communal experiences, further underlining Iceland's unique influence on her literary journey.
16 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 33min
How To Lose Your Country, with Ece Temelkuran (Part Two)
Ece Temelkuran, an award-winning Turkish writer and political commentator exiled for her critiques of President Erdoğan, dives deep into the threats of authoritarianism and populism. She discusses the importance of labeling movements like fascism correctly and explores why many young people are attracted to authoritarian leaders. Temelkuran also emphasizes the need for creative resistance and moral purpose in dark times, highlighting lessons from global experiences to rebuild political faith and inspire action against creeping tyranny.
Nov 14, 2025 • 37min
How To Lose Your Country, with Ece Temelkuran (Part One)
Ece Temelkuran, an award-winning Turkish writer and political thinker exiled for her critiques of President Erdoğan, delves into the subtle onset of authoritarianism. She reveals how movements manufacture victimhood to gain loyalty and discusses the uncomfortable truth of journalists as early targets in oppressive regimes. Temelkuran reflects on the value of exile and crystallizes the need for a moral transformation in politics. With a call for renewed solidarity, she examines how crises expose the stark realities of good and evil, urging a return to democracy rooted in dignity.
27 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 47min
Why Are We So Addicted to Everything? With Nicklas Brendborg
Nicklas Brendborg, a Danish scientist and author of the bestseller Jellyfish Age Backwards, explores our addiction to supernormal stimuli. He dissects how modern food and screen designs manipulate our biology to keep us hooked. Discussing the effects of ultra-processed foods and addictive algorithms, Brendborg highlights the challenges of desensitization and overconsumption. He advocates for awareness, practical tools to manage screen time, and the potential of medical interventions to restore balance in our reward systems.
Nov 10, 2025 • 44min
Sotheby’s Talks | The Leonard A. Lauder Collection: Klimt and the Art of Connoisseurship
Helena Newman, Sotheby’s Chairman of Impressionist and Modern Art, shares insights on Klimt’s unique portrait techniques. Flavia Frigeri discusses the vibrant Viennese culture that influenced Klimt's work, while James Stourton highlights the broader cultural significance of Leonard Lauder's collection. They explore Klimt's evolution from his golden period to softer landscapes, the impact of World War I, and Lauder's philanthropic legacy in the art world. Together, they delve into the fascinating stories behind iconic pieces, including the extraordinary Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer.
37 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 34min
Is This the Twilight of American Supremacy? Simon Jenkins on Why the World Needs the USA
Simon Jenkins, a renowned historian and journalist, explores the complex dynamics of American history and politics. He delves into the delicate balance between state and federal power that has enabled the U.S. to thrive despite its internal divisions. Jenkins highlights the enduring influence of populism and the importance of historical figures like Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. He expresses concerns about today's political climate while advocating for America's unique role as a beacon of freedom and prosperity, underscoring the global ramifications of its decline.
Nov 7, 2025 • 30min
Olivia Laing on Passion and Heartbreak in the Golden Age of New Italian Cinema
Olivia Laing, an acclaimed writer known for her insightful reflections on art and society, discusses her latest novel, The Silver Book. She explores the intertwining of love and power within the context of Italian cinema, focusing on the provocative works of Federico Fellini and Pier Paolo Pasolini. Laing dissects the political significance of Pasolini's Salò and the impact of 1970s Italy on filmmaking. She reflects on how AI threatens traditional craft, the moral complexities of her characters, and how her writing process has enhanced her film appreciation.
14 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 43min
Salman Rushdie on Mortality, Memory and The Eleventh Hour
Salman Rushdie, the award-winning novelist celebrated for his works like Midnight's Children, discusses his new short story collection, The Eleventh Hour, with journalist Kavita Puri. He shares insights on mortality and memory, emphasizing the impact of his diverse homes—India, England, and America. Rushdie reflects on the dangers of rising nationalism and censorship, highlighting the essential role of free speech and literature in society. He also reveals his writing journey, shifting from meticulous planning to spontaneous storytelling.
7 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 34min
What was the Iranian Revolution really about? With Scott Anderson
Scott Anderson, a veteran foreign reporter and contributing writer for The New York Times, delves into the dramatic events surrounding the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the Shah’s downfall in his new book, King of Kings. He shares fascinating insights on the small inner circle that shaped the Shah’s fate and the warnings ignored by important figures like Farah Pahlavi. Discussing U.S. misinterpretations and the revolution’s far-reaching global consequences, Anderson reflects on the enduring complexity of Iran and its evolving identity in the current geopolitical landscape.
11 snips
Nov 2, 2025 • 37min
The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook with Jeremy Hunt (Part Two)
Jeremy Hunt, former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer and author, shares his vision for Britain's economic revival. He argues for welfare reforms that prioritize rapid treatment and return-to-work support. Hunt explores the potential for the UK to thrive inside or outside the EU and emphasizes the need for faster government processes. He discusses balancing relations with China and the US, sustainable growth amid the shift to clean energy, and the importance of adaptability in housing and migration policies. His insights challenge prevailing pessimism with a call for action.
