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Artwork for Intelligence Squared

Intelligence Squared

Intelligence Squared
Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukraine
Democracy
Supercommunicators
Russia
Climate Change
The Showman
Artificial Intelligence
Communication
Time Magazine
Donbas
Crimea
Transatlantic Slave Trade
Clotilda
Political Science
Political Theory
Historical Perspectives
Prague
Homo Sapiens
Imperial War Museum

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 sho... more

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Artwork for Intelligence Squared

Latest Episodes

How deeply was the British Crown involved in the transatlantic slave trade? New research by historian Brooke Newman argues that, from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, until well into the 19th century, the Crown and its navy helped expand, finance and ... more

This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best.

On today’s episode, the extraordinary saga of the 1933 Do... more

Populism has been winning big in recent years. It is the wave that has buoyed Donald Trump’s second term in office, Marine Le Pen’s popularity in France, and Reform UK’s recent leaps and bounds in British polling. Across the West, authoritarian popul... more

Dr Gwen Adshead is one of Britain’s leading forensic psychiatrists. She is the author of The Sunday Times bestseller, The Devil You Know, which inspired her series of BBC Reith Lectures in 2024.

In February 2026, she came to the Kiln Theatre for a c... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Dr. Gwen Adshead
Forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist
Experts by experience / NHS trauma clinics (Maudsley Hospital, Middlesex Hospital)
Episode: How To Overcome Trauma, With Psychotherapist Dr Gwen Adshead (Part One)
Michael Bond
Award‑winning science writer on human behaviour; author of Animate
Author, Animate
Episode: How Has Living With Animals Shaped Our Brains? With Michael Bond
Courtney Kremers
Vice Chairman, Sotheby's New York
Sotheby's
Episode: The Specialist | From Canvas to Canon: Joan Mitchell’s King of Spades, with Courtney Kremers
Zakia Sewell
Broadcaster and DJ from London with links to Laan in Wales; author of Finding Albion
Author, Broadcaster
Episode: Why Are Ancient Myths Resurfacing in Modern Britain? With Zakia Sewell
Diarmaid MacCulloch
Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford University
University of Oxford
Episode: Sex, Gender and Christianity: A 3,000 Year History, with Diarmaid MacCulloch and Mary Beard (Part Two)
Mary Beard
Classicist, broadcaster and author
Cambridge University
Episode: Sex, Gender and Christianity: A 3,000 Year History, with Diarmaid MacCulloch and Mary Beard (Part Two)
Sir Lawrence Freedman
Academic and author, strategist and historian
King's College London
Episode: Is the Russia–Ukraine War a Failure of Strategy? With Lawrence Freedman
Neil Shea
Journalist and author
National Geographic
Episode: What Is Really at Stake at the North Pole? With Neil Shea
Fiona Hill
Author and authoritative analyst on global security and U.S.-Russia relations
Former Deputy Assistant to the U.S. President for National Security Affairs; Union Chapel live event participant
Episode: Fiona Hill: The World in 2026 (Part One)

Host

Mia Sorenti
Producer, Intelligence Squared

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars from 2.3k ratings
  • Afraid

    Intelligence squared always seemed a great place for debate until the

    Israeli genocide started. Then silence.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Lonnach123
    Ireland2 months ago
  • Prostate cancer - Intelligence Halved

    I listened to this 30 minute episode and know absolutely nothing more about prostate cancer than I did going in (which was very little). 30 minutes of vague generalities that could have applied to just about any disease or condition. You have three experts on, plus a moderator that presumably did some research - provide some actual details about the unique experiences of prostate cancer, symptoms, treatment, prognosis, typical course of the disease, etc.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    DigDug2222222
    United States4 months ago
  • Mostly painfully dumb

    So far came across ONE discussion that represented promise in the pod description.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    ETL.sybaritic
    United States5 months ago
  • Disappointing

    Some episodes are getting weaker. None more so than having Michael Gove on the show.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    FjH57
    United Kingdom6 months ago
  • Mediocre show

    It used to be wonderful, now just invites mediocre people who try to sell their books.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Cy19103
    United Kingdom6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the rigorous debate and access to influential guests.
Quality of conversations varies; some episodes are praised for depth while others are criticized for pacing or focus.
Consensus that the show consistently attracts high-caliber guests and provides thoughtful analysis.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How Has Living With Animals Shaped Our Brains? With Michael Bond
Q: Why did you write Animate now, and how does it fit into current scientific advances?
Bond explains that recent biology research on animal cognition, consciousness, and emotion, combined with his background in psychology, provides a timely opportunity to reassess the long-standing human-centered view of animals as the 'other.' He frames the book as a synthesis of historical observation and contemporary science.
Sex, Gender and Christianity: A 3,000 Year History, with Diarmaid MacCulloch and Mary Beard (Part One)
Q: Why is there no single Christian view of sex?
Because Christian communities across centuries and regions have interpreted biblical texts through different cultural lenses, resulting in a plurality of views on sex, marriage, and family.
Sex, Gender and Christianity: A 3,000 Year History, with Diarmaid MacCulloch and Mary Beard (Part One)
Q: What did Jesus say about sex and marriage according to the Gospels?
Jesus emphasized monogamy and permanence in marriage with no divorce, but later interpretations and Gospel texts show disagreements and developments among early Christians.
Sex, Gender and Christianity: A 3,000 Year History, with Diarmaid MacCulloch and Mary Beard (Part Two)
Q: Where does the idea of Mary as perpetually virgin originate, and how did it become a universal doctrine?
It emerged over time, becoming a widespread church belief by the fourth century, with later refinements such as perpetual virginity and the Immaculate Conception solidifying as doctrinal points through ongoing theological debate.
Fiona Hill: The World in 2026 (Part Two)
Q: If Kirstamer were on the phone to you now, what would you tell him he needs to do as Prime Minister?
Be bold and act quickly, pushing through strategic defense plans and engaging the public to understand the security stakes, while avoiding a public clash with Trump and preparing contingency options.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Intelligence Squared

What is Intelligence Squared about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A fast-paced, idea-forward program that hosts high-profile journalists, economists, politicians, and authors to dissect global politics, economics, technology, and culture. Episodes frequently center on crisis leadership, geopolitics, financial markets, and the social implications of tech and science, often featuring intimate conversations with figures like former financiers, renowned correspondents, and noted authors. The show tends to mix rigorous analysis with personal narratives, aiming to reveal the human side of big-system issues. Listeners are likely drawn to well-argued debates, clarity on complex topics, and conversations with people who influence public discourse. A standout is its habit of pairing journalists or scholars with ind... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Intelligence Squared?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Intelligence Squared:

1. Open to Debate
2. Past Present Future
3. The Rachman Review
4. In Our Time
5. Conversations with Tyler

How many episodes of Intelligence Squared are there?

Intelligence Squared launched 13 years ago and published 1644 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Intelligence Squared?

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What guests have appeared on Intelligence Squared?

Recent guests on Intelligence Squared include:

1. Dr. Gwen Adshead
2. Michael Bond
3. Courtney Kremers
4. Zakia Sewell
5. Diarmaid MacCulloch
6. Mary Beard
7. Sir Lawrence Freedman
8. Neil Shea

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