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After coming last by quite such a distance on Taskmaster Series 15, and seeing his emotional frailties laid bare in a series of memes of him with his head in his hands, Ivo Graham is adapting to an increasingly irreversible reputation as a man better known for his chaos than his comedy.
His new book Yardsticks For Failure is a map of the brain behind the breakdowns; a deep dive into the various facepalms of Ivo’s recent past, and a live diary of his unravelling present, where his solution to the general bedlam of his life has been to pile his plate higher than ever before. Longer-term resolutions of rest and relaxation can wait; in the meantime he’s trying to host the greatest club night of all time, run a Sub-3 marathon while pushing a wheelchair, and put his heart on the line in a show unlike anything he’s ever done before. Can these dreams become a reality, or will they just become more yardsticks for failure?
We were joined by Ivo at the Kiln Theatre in May 2025 for a unique self-examination from one of the funniest writers of his generation.
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This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
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‘A beautiful novel full of life-affirming wonder and imagination’ Benedict Cumberbatch
Matt Haig is one of Britain’s most celebrated authors, best known for his internationally bestselling novel The Midnight Library and the critically acclaimed memoir Reasons to Stay Alive.
Matt’s newest novel, The Life Impossible, which became an instant Sunday Times bestseller, follows retired maths teacher Grace Winters who leaves her mundane bungalow in England for Ibiza, where she embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries of her friend’s life and death. Full of surprises and adventure, The Life Impossible is a story about hope and the promise of a new beginning.
To celebrate the publication of the paperback edition of the novel, Matt will come to the Intelligence Squared stage to talk about the themes of his book and his writing career so far.
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This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
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‘A beautiful novel full of life-affirming wonder and imagination’ Benedict Cumberbatch
Matt Haig is one of Britain’s most celebrated authors, best known for his internationally bestselling novel The Midnight Library and the critically acclaimed memoir Reasons to Stay Alive.
Matt’s newest novel, The Life Impossible, which became an instant Sunday Times bestseller, follows retired maths teacher Grace Winters who leaves her mundane bungalow in England for Ibiza, where she embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries of her friend’s life and death. Full of surprises and adventure, The Life Impossible is a story about hope and the promise of a new beginning.
To celebrate the publication of the paperback edition of the novel, Matt will come to the Intelligence Squared stage to talk about the themes of his book and his writing career so far.
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This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
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Deborah Frances-White is the writer and comedian best known for hosting The Guilty Feminist podcast. David Tennant is the multi-award-winning actor who has played iconic roles including Doctor Who, Hamlet, Barty Crouch Jr., Rivals’ Lord Tony Baddingham and more.
In April 2025 they came to Intelligence Squared to discuss how we can have better and more open conversations on difficult topics. Drawing from her new book Six Conversations We’re Scared to Have, Deborah shared how she grew up in a cult which shut down any dissenting voices. And she made the case that she sees similar tactics being used today in our rapidly changing digital society. Deborah and David discussed the state of freedom of speech, politics in the arts, and the value of critical thinking.
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Deborah Frances-White is the writer and comedian best known for hosting The Guilty Feminist podcast. David Tennant is the multi-award-winning actor who has played iconic roles including Doctor Who, Hamlet, Barty Crouch Jr., Rivals’ Lord Tony Baddingham and more.
In April 2025 they came to Intelligence Squared to discuss how we can have better and more open conversations on difficult topics. Drawing from her new book Six Conversations We’re Scared to Have, Deborah shared how she grew up in a cult which shut down any dissenting voices. And she made the case that she sees similar tactics being used today in our rapidly changing digital society. Deborah and David discussed the state of freedom of speech, politics in the arts, and the value of critical thinking.
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This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
For £4.99 per month you'll also receive:
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What is happening behind closed doors in Britain’s far right movement?
On today’s episode, we’re joined by journalist Harry Shukman, the journalist who spent over a year undercover investigating the British far right.
Drawing on his new book, Year of the Rat, Shukman sheds light on the secret meetings, pub gatherings, political canvassing, and neo-Nazi conferences at the heart of the extreme right-wing activity in Britain. Through his investigations, Shukman has effectively exposed the mechanics of how far-right ideologies – from eugenics to Holocaust denial – are being normalised across the country, often with surprising allies in big tech, government, and the mainstream media.
Harry Shukman is a researcher at HOPE not hate, an anti-fascist organisation. Formerly a journalist, he worked as a news reporter for The Times and then a writer and editor for the Manchester Mill.
Joining him to discuss the book is Carl Miller, the journalist, co-founder of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media at Demos, and host of crime podcast Kill List.
If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
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‘Embracing the knowledge in The Next Conversation will vastly improve your life.’ – Andrew Huberman, creator of the Huberman Lab Podcast
‘ The Next Conversation gives you the tools to change your life, one conversation at a time.’ – Mel Robbins, bestselling author and host of the Mel Robbins Podcast
In a time when conversations often feel more divisive and polarised than ever, knowing how to communicate effectively has never been more essential.
Jefferson Fisher has built a global following by addressing these very challenges. As a trial lawyer turned communication expert, his short, practical videos have helped millions master the art of effective conversation. To mark the publication of his debut book The Next Conversation, he came to Intelligence Squared in June 2025 to share his game-changing framework for transforming how we talk – and, more importantly, how we listen.
The Next Conversation is set to be one of the most impactful books on communication in years.
Live at Union Chapel, he unpacked his insights and answered your questions.
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‘Embracing the knowledge in The Next Conversation will vastly improve your life.’ – Andrew Huberman, creator of the Huberman Lab Podcast
‘ The Next Conversation gives you the tools to change your life, one conversation at a time.’ – Mel Robbins, bestselling author and host of the Mel Robbins Podcast
In a time when conversations often feel more divisive and polarised than ever, knowing how to communicate effectively has never been more essential.
Jefferson Fisher has built a global following by addressing these very challenges. As a trial lawyer turned communication expert, his short, practical videos have helped millions master the art of effective conversation. To mark the publication of his debut book The Next Conversation, he came to Intelligence Squared in June 2025 to share his game-changing framework for transforming how we talk – and, more importantly, how we listen.
The Next Conversation is set to be one of the most impactful books on communication in years.
Live at Union Chapel, he unpacked his insights and answered your questions.
---
This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
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On today’s episode, an episode from our friends at Sotheby's, exploring the world of Shakespeare. Sam Leith, author, journalist and literary editor of The Spectator, will be joined by Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Oxford, Tracy-Ann Oberman, who most recently starred as Shylock in her adaptation of The Merchant of Venice, and acclaimed actor Joseph Kloska. They will be revealing how different editions shaped our understanding of Shakespeare’s plays. Why do some of his most famous lines vary from version to version? What do these texts reveal about the many ways Shakespeare’s plays can be interpreted - on the page, on the stage and in the minds of each new generation?
This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in May 2025.
And, to step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com.
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In June 2024, Nvidia became the most valuable corporation on Earth. In Stephen Witt’s new book ‘The Thinking Machine’ he chronicles the astonishing story of how a designer of videogame equipment conquered the market for AI hardware, and in the process reinvented the computer.
He spoke about it with author and Research Director at Demos Carl Miller.
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*** Click here to see the photograph referred to in the podcast introduction: https://www.intelligencesquared.com/events/an-evening-with-adam-buxton ***
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Adam Buxton is a comedian, writer, podcaster — and one of the UK’s most beloved cultural figures. Best known for The Adam Buxton Podcast, The Adam and Joe Show on Channel 4, and the distinctive blend of surreal and self-deprecating humour he brings to all his work, Buxton has spent decades making people laugh while also offering insightful reflections on the quirks, highs, lows and occasional heartbreak of modern life.
In May 2025 Buxton came to the Intelligence Squared stage to celebrate the publication of his new memoir, I Love You, Byeee: Rambles on DIY TV, Rockstars, Kids and Mums, the highly anticipated sequel to his previous memoir Ramble Book: Musings on Childhood, Friendship, Family and 80s Pop Culture. In conversation with bestselling author and columnist Caitlin Moran, Buxton dove into stories from the book and beyond, reflecting on his creative partnership with Joe Cornish, encounters with icons like David Bowie, and the joys and absurdities of family life.
The conversation that spans laughter, loss, ageing, and parenthood – all delivered in Adam’s signature blend of humour and heart.
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*** Click here to see the photograph referred to in the podcast introduction: https://www.intelligencesquared.com/events/an-evening-with-adam-buxton ***
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Adam Buxton is a comedian, writer, podcaster — and one of the UK’s most beloved cultural figures. Best known for The Adam Buxton Podcast, The Adam and Joe Show on Channel 4, and the distinctive blend of surreal and self-deprecating humour he brings to all his work, Buxton has spent decades making people laugh while also offering insightful reflections on the quirks, highs, lows and occasional heartbreak of modern life.
In May 2025 Buxton came to the Intelligence Squared stage to celebrate the publication of his new memoir, I Love You, Byeee: Rambles on DIY TV, Rockstars, Kids and Mums, the highly anticipated sequel to his previous memoir Ramble Book: Musings on Childhood, Friendship, Family and 80s Pop Culture. In conversation with bestselling author and columnist Caitlin Moran, Buxton dove into stories from the book and beyond, reflecting on his creative partnership with Joe Cornish, encounters with icons like David Bowie, and the joys and absurdities of family life.
The conversation that spans laughter, loss, ageing, and parenthood – all delivered in Adam’s signature blend of humour and heart.
---
If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
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...
Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:
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Steve McQueen is one of Britain’s most acclaimed filmmakers and artists. He is the recipient of the Academy Award for Best Picture, two BAFTA Awards, the Caméra d’Or, a Golden Globe, and the Turner Prize. McQueen’s work includes his first feature-length film Hunger about Bobby Sands and the 1981 Irish hunger strike, the Oscar-winning 12 Years a Slave, the BBC anthology Small Axe, and his most recent film Blitz.
In April 2025 McQueen joined us live on the Intelligence Squared stage to discuss the themes of his new book Resistance. Accompanied by a major exhibition of the same name at Turner Contemporary, Resistance is a landmark collection of photographs and essays charting a century of British activism. Speaking alongside author Gary Younge, McQueen explored the power of collective action and uncover the often-overlooked stories of individuals who have been instrumental in forming modern Britain.
McQueen discussed how acts of resistance have shaped Britain and the powerful role of photography as a catalyst for change. From the radical suffrage movement in 1903 through key moments including the Battle of Cable Street, the Black People’s Day of Action, Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp and the Miners’ Strike; onto protests against environmental destruction, struggles for LGBTQ+ and disability rights; and the largest protest in Britain’s history: the march against the War in Iraq in 2003.
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...
Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:
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Steve McQueen is one of Britain’s most acclaimed filmmakers and artists. He is the recipient of the Academy Award for Best Picture, two BAFTA Awards, the Caméra d’Or, a Golden Globe, and the Turner Prize. McQueen’s work includes his first feature-length film Hunger about Bobby Sands and the 1981 Irish hunger strike, the Oscar-winning 12 Years a Slave, the BBC anthology Small Axe, and his most recent film Blitz.
In April 2025 McQueen joined us live on the Intelligence Squared stage to discuss the themes of his new book Resistance. Accompanied by a major exhibition of the same name at Turner Contemporary, Resistance is a landmark collection of photographs and essays charting a century of British activism. Speaking alongside author Gary Younge, McQueen explored the power of collective action and uncover the often-overlooked stories of individuals who have been instrumental in forming modern Britain.
McQueen discussed how acts of resistance have shaped Britain and the powerful role of photography as a catalyst for change. From the radical suffrage movement in 1903 through key moments including the Battle of Cable Street, the Black People’s Day of Action, Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp and the Miners’ Strike; onto protests against environmental destruction, struggles for LGBTQ+ and disability rights; and the largest protest in Britain’s history: the march against the War in Iraq in 2003.
-----
This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
For £4.99 per month you'll also receive:
- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts
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...
Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:
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This event is part of our Age of the Strongman series. Click here to see the other events in the series.
President Xi Jinping has ruled China for more than a decade. He has overseen an era of unprecedented economic prosperity, cracked down on dissidents, reinvented national identity in his own image and adopted a confrontational ‘wolf warrior’ style of diplomacy on the world stage. Xi has also abolished term limits as President of the Communist Party and it’s possible that he will remain China’s all-powerful leader for the rest of his life. So what motivates the leader of the world’s most populous nation? What is his vision for China and the world? How much should the West push back and how much should it cooperate with Xi?
In May 2025, Rana Mitter, renowned historian at Harvard Kennedy School and previously the Director of The University of Oxford’s China Centre, came to Intelligence Squared for the next event in our new series, The Age of the Strongman. Drawing on his work and recent book China’s Good War: How World War II is Shaping a New Nationalism, Mitter examined the key tenets of Xi’s political ideology, and how his cult of personality and military posturing in the Indo-Pacific will play out in 2025 and beyond.
The event was hosted by Gideon Rachman.
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If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
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This event is part of our Age of the Strongman series. Click here to see the other events in the series.
President Xi Jinping has ruled China for more than a decade. He has overseen an era of unprecedented economic prosperity, cracked down on dissidents, reinvented national identity in his own image and adopted a confrontational ‘wolf warrior’ style of diplomacy on the world stage. Xi has also abolished term limits as President of the Communist Party and it’s possible that he will remain China’s all-powerful leader for the rest of his life. So what motivates the leader of the world’s most populous nation? What is his vision for China and the world? How much should the West push back and how much should it cooperate with Xi?
In May 2025, Rana Mitter, renowned historian at Harvard Kennedy School and previously the Director of The University of Oxford’s China Centre, came to Intelligence Squared for the next event in our new series, The Age of the Strongman. Drawing on his work and recent book China’s Good War: How World War II is Shaping a New Nationalism, Mitter examined the key tenets of Xi’s political ideology, and how his cult of personality and military posturing in the Indo-Pacific will play out in 2025 and beyond.
The event was hosted by Gideon Rachman.
----
This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
For £4.99 per month you'll also receive:
- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts
- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series
- 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events
...
Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:
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…
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This event is part of Critical Conversations, a new series on the age of misinformation by Intelligence Squared and Sage & Jester, hosted by Sophia Smith Galer. To see other events in this series, click here.
Where do we draw the line between free speech and dangerous misinformation? Algorithms not only dictate our data feeds but also reinforce our echo chambers, and the stakes have never been higher – both for our individual perspectives and for society at large.
How To Cure Your Algorithm dives headfirst into the pressing issue of digital manipulation. We’ll expose how unchecked algorithms can distort reality and question the balance between free speech and censorship. More than a debate, it’s a call to action: reclaim your digital narrative. In a series of dynamic sessions, you will receive an unprecedented opportunity to transform the way you interact with digital media, as you get the chance to triage and diagnose the issues in your algorithm before we lead you through some cultural therapies and digital medicinal interventions. We invite you to be at the forefront of this vital conversation – help shape the future of online discourse and empower individuals to take control of their own digital truth.
In May 2025 we were live at the Pleasance Theatre with host Sophia Smith Galer and journalist and author Jamie Bartlett for a critical conversation on the age of misinformation and how to take back control.
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This event is part of Critical Conversations, a new series on the age of misinformation by Intelligence Squared and Sage & Jester, hosted by Sophia Smith Galer.Have you ever clashed with someone on social media or even a loved one? Conversations can easily escalate in a time where everyone is consuming different media with wildly different messaging. At Truth Hurts: From Conflict to Connection, we tackled the most divisive topics in our day-to-day lives and how we can all become better conversationalists. How can we productively engage with those who have opposing views? How can we de-escalate emotionally-charged conversations? And how can we engage others to create a more ethical, kind and sustainable world? We dove into clever strategies for critical thinking and taught you how to dodge sneaky traps; whether you’re scrolling through your newsfeed or navigating tricky conflicts. We also explored techniques for managing emotions and sparking meaningful, empathy-driven conversations that actually get somewhere. Social cohesion researcher Dr Julia Ebner was in conversation with host Sophia Smith Galer live at the Pleasance Theatre in London.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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This event was part of Critical Conversations, a new series on the age of misinformation by Intelligence Squared and Sage & Jester, hosted by Sophia Smith Galer.Sometimes the best way to expose a lie is to laugh at it. Satire is a force to be reckoned with in any democracy and artists are essential in shedding light on the truth. Comedy has long been a way to bring difficult conversations to the fore, and to challenge narratives. At Tricks, Trolls and LOLs, find out how humour and creative expression can serve as a counterbalance to misinformation; how satire can dismantle it, why authoritarian regimes fear comedians, and how art can be a powerful antidote to propaganda.In May 2025, we were joined by host Sophia Smith Galer and comedian Rachel Parris at the Pleasance Theatre in London for the first event in our our Critical Conversations series, in partnership with Sage & Jester.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Is prosperity possible without growth? And in an age of environmental crisis and rising inequality, is our obsession with economic expansion doing more harm than good?
On the podcast today, renowned economist Professor Tim Jackson challenges the very foundations of our economic thinking. In his groundbreaking book 'Prosperity Without Growth', Jackson argued that relentless pursuit of GDP not only fails to deliver human well-being — it actively damages both society and the planet.
Now, in his latest book 'The Care Economy', Jackson issues a powerful warning: our fixation on growth has come at the cost of the most vital parts of our lives — care, health, and human connection. In a world that undervalues care work and prioritises profit over people, what would it take to build an economy centred on well-being instead of wealth?
Jackson sat down with broadcaster Carl Miller to explore the future of prosperity, and why reimagining our values might just be the most important economic decision we face.
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If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
For £4.99 per month you'll also receive:
- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts
- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series
- 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events
...
Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:
- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts
- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series
…
Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access.
…
Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more.
https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices - Se mer
