Best Stephen Hessel Podcasts (2024)

1
Sotheby's Talks – Imaginary Conversations: An ERDEM Collection, with Lady Burlington 42:46

17d ago42:46

42:46

In celebration of Imaginary Conversations: An ERDEM Collection inspired by Duchess Deborah, join British fashion journalist Charlie Porter in conversation with Erdem Moralıoğlu, Creative Director of ERDEM, and Lady Burlington. Together they will discuss Moralıoğlu's creative process in designing a collection inspired by Duchess Deborah, drawing upo…

1
Sotheby's Talks – Creative London: An Artistic Crossroads, with Grayson Perry 56:57

20d ago56:57

56:57

Has London's cultural power essentially radiated outwards, influencing artists and creatives across the world? Or is London's creative preeminence dependent on the influx of global talent that has galvanised its artistic scene? In this panel discussion, curator and cultural historian Gus Casely-Hayford, journalist Dylan Jones, museum director Tim M…

1
London: An Artistic Crossroads | Gallery Open House 1:17:14

1M ago1:17:14

1:17:14

London has long been a cultural melting pot for artists from around the world who, in their own unique ways, have revealed with each touch of a brush, the impact of the dynamic environment in which they found themselves. So in celebration of its role in the artistic journeys of so many, Sotheby’s has partnered with Art UK to showcase 12 extraordina…

1
William Blake: Artist, Poet and Visionary, with Andrew Graham-Dixon and John Higgs 56:30

1M ago56:30

56:30

With a rare first edition of William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience about to go under the hammer, in this episode a panel of experts have come together for a conversation about the poet, artist and visionary. Chair and cultural critic Shahidha Bari is joined by art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon, cultural historian John Higgs and Sothe…

1
Living Heritage, with Olafur Eliasson and Hans Ulrich Obrist 34:10

7M ago34:10

34:10

In this episode, Artistic Director of the Serpentine Galleries Hans Ulrich Obrist moderated a conversation between philanthropist and Creative Director of Lopud 1483 Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza, artist Olafur Eliasson and President and CEO of World Monuments Fund Bénédicte de Montlaur. Together they discussed Francesca’s restoration of the 15th-Ce…

1
Women and Power, with Mary Beard and Shahidha Bari 35:00

6M ago35:00

35:00

For millennia, female power has been portrayed, mediated and exerted through visual art. But to what extent have women been packaged to fit a male template? And how much have they been able to control their own image? In today’s episode, which was originally recorded as a live event at Sotheby’s in London, Sotheby’s specialist Holly Braine was join…

1
Artemisia Gentileschi, with Katy Hessel and Letizia Treves 27:42

6M ago27:42

27:42

In this episode, art historian Katy Hessel is joined by former National Gallery London curator Letizia Treves and Sotheby’s Edoardo Roberti for a conversation about the pioneering 17th-century artist Artemisia Gentileschi, whose work – in which she painted subjects that were traditionally the preserve of male artists, and intended for the male gaze…

1
Image-Makers, with Mary McCartney and Sonia Boyce 33:01

6M ago33:01

33:01

The idea of the artist’s muse conjures up a glamorous but passive woman portrayed by a male artist. Yet many women who are commonly identified as muses have been talents in their own right; they are creatively inspired as well as sources of inspiration for others. In this episode, photographer Mary McCartney, Golden Lion prize-winning artist Sonia …

1
Celebrating (Women) Artists, with Marina Abramović 37:30

6M ago37:30

37:30

Marina Abramović is one of our greatest living artists: an art world icon and a performance art pioneer. In 2023, Marina presented her solo exhibition After Life at the Royal Academy and became the first female artist in the institution’s 250-year history to fill the entire gallery space with her art. Will Gompertz was joined by Sotheby’s Marina Ru…

1
Jane Austen, with Helen Fielding and Gill Hornby 35:47

6M ago35:47

35:47

In this episode, which was originally recorded as a live event, we are joined by two literary icons for a conversation about the beloved 19th-century novelist Jane Austen. Helen Fielding is the creator of the multi-million selling Bridget Jones novels and films, and Gill Hornby is the author of the bestselling Miss Austen, and The Story of Jane Aus…

1
Portraiture, with Simon Schama and Eleanor Nairne 35:12

6M ago35:12

35:12

Human beings have been making visual depictions of human life for tens of thousands of years. Fascination with our own likeness is one of the great constants of human history – and the portrait has long been the focus of that fascination. What can portraits tell us about the world? And what can they tell us about ourselves? In today’s episode – ori…

1
Women Artists in the City, with Lubaina Himid 28:30

6M ago28:30

28:30

In this episode, art historian and broadcaster Carrie Scott is joined by Turner Prize-winning artist and activist Lubaina Himid, writer Lauren Elkin and Head of Modern and Contemporary African Art at Sotheby’s Hannah O’Leary for a conversation exploring modern city life from the perspective of female artists. This podcast was originally a live even…

1
Shaping Taste and Shaping Society, with Paloma Picasso and Iwona Blazwick 34:04

6M ago34:04

34:04

There has never been a better time than now for women working in art, fashion and design. But female artists, gallerists, and collectors have always shaped taste, pushed patriarchal boundaries, and challenged orthodoxies to find ways of expressing themselves and championing the work of others. In this episode, originally recorded as a live event, W…

1
Twentieth Century Design, with Julianne Moore 28:58

6M ago28:58

28:58

Julianne Moore is one of our greatest living actors: an Academy and Emmy award winner, and the first American woman to be awarded top acting prizes at the Cannes, Berlin and Venice film festivals. She is also an avid collector. In this episode, Julianne joins curator and author Glenn Adamson, curator Dakin Hart, gallerist Jean-Gabriel Mitterrand, a…

1
Munch, with Tracey Emin 35:32

6M ago35:32

35:32

Edvard Munch pioneered Expressionism and embraced life’s most painful experiences to create art: his pursuit of emotional truth changed art forever. Tracey Emin, who has been a major figure in contemporary art for more than 25 years, has always been fascinated by the Norwegian master and, in 2021, she exhibited 25 of her own works alongside Munch’s…

1
Surrealism, with Celeste and Tim Marlow 29:17

6M ago29:17

29:17

In this episode, originally recorded at Sotheby’s in London, award-winning singer-songwriter Celeste is joined by Sotheby’s Helena Newman for a conversation about female surrealist artists, including Leonor Fini and Leonora Carrington, and the profound impact that their work – and the surrealism movement more broadly – has had on design and culture…

1
The Joys and Struggles of Disabled Parenting 38:31

1y ago38:31

38:31

When writer and musician Eliza Hull was pregnant with her first child, like most parents-to-be she felt a mix of nerves and excitement. But as a disabled person she faced added complexities. Would the pregnancy be too hard? Would people judge her? Would she cope with the demands of parenting? On May 24th, 2023, Hull came to Intelligence Squared wit…

1
Robert Macfarlane on Landscape and the Human Heart 34:17

1y ago34:17

34:17

For several years and more than a thousand miles, celebrated travel writer Robert Macfarlane has been following the vast network of old paths and routes that criss-cross Britain and its waters, looking at their connections to countries and continents beyond. In this event, recorded at the Tabernacle in London On the 12th of June 2012, Macfarlane te…

1
Welcome to VS 5:04

1y ago5:04

5:04

New from Intelligence Squared. Introducing VS, a light-hearted podcast about the little debates that are always a big deal to someone. Arsenal VS Spurs. McDonald’s VS KFC. Peep Show VS The Office. 80s VS 90s. And many more. Our host Coco Khan invites experts and fans to go head-to-head on the timeless debates that form the lifeblood of friendships.…

1
Bach vs Beethoven - Part 2 34:50

1y ago34:50

34:50

This episode is part two of our live Bach vs Beethoven. The BBC’s Reeta Chakrabarti was joined by world-renowned cellist Steven Isserlis and acclaimed music critic Norman Lebrecht to discuss who was greater, Bach or Beethoven? Mishka Rushdie Momen accompanies this conversation on the piano. Part three of this event is available ad free, for subscri…

1
Bach vs Beethoven - Part 1 31:42

1y ago31:42

31:42

Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven are without doubt two of the most sublime musical geniuses who ever lived. But which of the two was the greater? To battle it out In part one of this live event, Intelligence Squared brought to the stage two celebrated figures from the world of music: world-renowned cellist Steven Isserlis for Bach and…

1
Martin Amis on Love, Loss and Death 31:09

1y ago31:09

31:09

To mark the passing of one of Britain's most celebrated writers, we’re replaying an event recorded with us in November 2020. Martin Amis was often called the Mick Jagger of the British book world. As famous for his love affairs, his friendships and his complicated family history as for his dazzling prose, he dominated the literary scene for decades…

1
Gloria Estefan on a childhood in communist Cuba and bringing Latin-flavoured music to the world stage 49:45

1y ago49:45

49:45

This week we bring you an episode from one of our sister podcasts, How I Found My Voice, where host Samira Ahmed speaks to the incredible Gloria Estefan - Grammy award-winning singer, international superstar, and survivor of both political and physical adversity. From fleeing Cuba as a young child to selling over 120 million records worldwide, Glor…

1
The Life, Loves and Hates of Christopher Hitchens with Stephen Fry and Friends 46:32

1y ago46:32

46:32

In this historic event, Stephen Fry and other friends of Christopher Hitchens came together to celebrate the life and work of this great writer, iconoclast and debater. Fry was joined on stage by Richard Dawkins and the two discussed Hitch’s unflinching commitment to the truth. Hollywood actor Sean Penn was beamed in from LA and, between cigarette …

1
Steven Pinker on Good Writing, with Ian McEwan 1:11:21

1y ago1:11:21

1:11:21

Steven Pinker is one of the world’s leading authorities on language, mind and human nature. A professor of psychology at Harvard, he is the bestselling author of eight books and regularly appears in lists of the world’s top 100 thinkers. In 2014 he returned to the Intelligence Squared stage to discuss his latest publication 'The Sense of Style', a …

1
Between You and I The English Language Is Going To The Dogs 1:01:00

1y ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Speaking and writing correct English are the hallmarks of an intelligent person. No one who cares about language wants to be caught splitting an infinitive or muddling up ‘infer’ and ‘imply’. Which is why the bestseller lists are regularly topped by books on 'good' English by the likes of Daily Mail polemicist Simon Heffer and Today programme prese…

1
Graham Norton on living with hippies and becoming a household name 51:50

1y ago51:50

51:50

This week we bring you an episode from one of our sister podcasts, How I Found My Voice, where Samira Ahmed speaks with one of the biggest names in British entertainment - the television and radio presenter Graham Norton. From growing up as a young gay man in County Cork, Ireland, to living with hippies in Los Angeles and becoming a household name …

1
Marina Abramović on art, performance, time and nothingness 1:21:14

1y ago1:21:14

1:21:14

Marina Abramović is one of the most celebrated performance artists in the world. Over a career spanning four decades she has pioneered performance as an art form and accumulated a devoted following. Using her body as both subject and object, Abramović explores notions of nothingness and time, and draws in the audience as part of her performance. At…

1
Salman Rushdie on the touchstones of his life, with Razia Iqbal 47:11

1y ago47:11

47:11

Acclaimed novelist Salman Rushdie joins journalist Razia Iqbal to take us back in time and discuss three influential touchstones of his life: a silver ingot engraved with an unpartitioned map of India, Bob Dylan’s ‘Mr. Tambourine man’, and James Joyce’s ‘The Dead’, a slightly intimidating but powerful inspiration. This episode was originally releas…

1
The Power of Poetry, with William Sieghart, Jeanette Winterson and Helena Bonham Carter 1:18:57

1+ y ago1:18:57

1:18:57

Poetry is the perfect medication against some of life’s challenges, so William Sieghart has found. In this accessible and warming exchange, from tea towel poems to T.S. Eliot, Sieghart brings to life a few of the experiences that inspired his book ‘The poetry pharmacy: Tried-and-True Prescriptions for the Heart, Mind and Soul’. Here he has collecte…

1
Benjamin Zephaniah on the moments that shaped and inspired his voice 50:50

1+ y ago50:50

50:50

This week we bring you an episode from one of our sister podcasts, How I Found My Voice, where host Samira Ahmed speaks to poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah. From racist attacks and police brutality to receiving a letter from Bob Marley telling him that Britain needs him, Zephaniah talks about the moments that shaped and inspired his voice. How …

1
From Bridgerton to Peaky Blinders: Historic Houses in Film & TV 48:31

1+ y ago48:31

48:31

This week's episode is made in partnership with international heritage charity World Monuments Fund Britain. Together we explore the fascinating world of on-screen historic homes with insightful conversations with industry experts who have brought these magnificent buildings to life on the big and small screens. We were joined by Nell Hudson, actre…

1
Letters That Changed The World 1:29:48

1+ y ago1:29:48

1:29:48

Intelligence Squared: Arts & Culture brings you Letters That Changed The World, a celebration of the written word, giving us an insight into some of history’s greatest minds. Based on award-winning historian Simon Sebag Montefiore’s book Written in History: Letters that Changed the World. Joining him on stage were No 1 bestselling novelist Kate Mos…

1
The Transformative Power of Music with Armando Iannucci and James Rhodes 1:02:48

1+ y ago1:02:48

1:02:48

Armando Iannucci and James Rhodes met on the Intelligence Squared stage to discuss the transcendent power of music, using the concert grand at Cadogan Hall to help tell their remarkable stories. The chair is broadcaster, author and leading voice on all things musical, Clemency Burton-Hill. James Rhodes is known as the wild man of concert pianists. …

1
Mary Beard on Women and Power in Western Culture 1:05:03

1+ y ago1:05:03

1:05:03

This week we explore the ways Western culture has depicted powerful women down the ages. To what extent have they been packaged into a male template? And how much have they been able to control their own image? Featuring classicist Mary Beard and Sotheby’s specialist Holly Braine, and chaired by cultural critic Shahidha Bari, the conversation will …

1
Revere or Remove? The Battle Over Statues, Heritage and History 1:03:24

1+ y ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Statues and memorials to famous figures of the past adorn our towns and cities but what should be done when some of these figures have come to be seen by many people as controversial symbols of oppression and discrimination? In Britain, the Rhodes Must Fall campaign hit the headlines when it demanded the removal of the statue of Cecil Rhodes from O…

1
Words that Changed The World, with Jeremy Irons and Carey Mulligan 1:39:12

1+ y ago1:39:12

1:39:12

To celebrate some of the most influential and impactful speeches ever made, we invited Barack Obama’s director of speechwriting, Cody Keenan and Tony Blair’s former speechwriter, Philip Collins, to discuss the power of the spoken word. Our host was journalist and presenter Emily Maitlis, with actors including Jeremy Irons and Carey Mulligan joining…

1
Hip Hop vs Shakespeare 1:01:07

1+ y ago1:01:07

1:01:07

Created in partnership with Sotheby's, in a debate that spans the centuries, Peabody Award-winning spoken word performer George the Poet and Booker Prize-winning author Howard Jacobson go head-to-head over which form of cultural expression best resonates now and forever. Does hip-hop and slam poetry speak more to society than historical texts that …

1
Introducing...Intelligence Squared: Arts & Culture 23:25

1+ y ago23:25

23:25

Welcome to the new Arts & Culture podcast from Intelligence Squared. Join us every week as we delve into the artistic and cultural moments, movements and conversations that have shaped, and are still shaping, our world. Over the years we’ve staged hundreds of Arts and Culture debates, live events, discussions and interviews, working with some of th…

1
Pod Quixote, Episode 7 Steven Ritz-Barr and Esther Fernández 1:32:09

2y ago1:32:09

1:32:09

In episode 7, Steven Ritz-Barr and Esther Fernández discuss the fascinating effects that puppets have on representing stories and how puppetry provides us a novel perspective from which to consider the world in which we live. Steven Ritz-Barr is a puppeteer with decades of experience and the creative force behind Quixote (2010), an adaptation of Do…

1
Pod Quixote, Episode 6 Stephen Haff and Rogelio Miñana 1:15:25

2+ y ago1:15:25

1:15:25

In episode 6, Stephen Haff of Still Waters in a Storm and Rogelio Miñana of Drexel University's Office of Global Engagement discuss Don Quixote in education and social activism. Stephen Haff is the author of Kid Quixotes: A Group of Students, Their Teacher, and the One-Room School Where Everything is Possible. Rogelio Miñana is the author of Living…

1
Pod Quixote, Episode 5 Eric Drooker, William Childers, and William Egginton 1:18:10

2+ y ago1:18:10

1:18:10

In this special episode, three guests will discuss the recent New Yorker cover featuring Don Quixote, approaches to Don Quixote in art, and how to bring art to bear as a force for positive change in society. We are joined by Eric Drooker, the artist of the New Yorker cover, William Childers of Brooklyn College, and William Egginton of Johns Hopkins…

1
Pod Quixote, Episode 4 Miguel Cervantes III 1:44:13

2+ y ago1:44:13

1:44:13

In episode four, I speak with Miguel Cervantes III about famous names, middle age, self-improvement, adaptations of Don Quixote, and much more.By Stephen Hessel

1
Pod Quixote, Episode 3 Dominick Finello 1:41:28

3y ago1:41:28

1:41:28

In this episode of Pod Quixote, I chat with Dominick Finello about the Spanish pastoral, La Galatea, and many other scenes from Cervantes's other works linked to this idyllic, and sometimes not so idyllic, genre.By Stephen Hessel

1
Pod Quixote, Episode 2 Brian M. Phillips 1:45:57

3y ago1:45:57

1:45:57

In this episode of Pod Quixote, I chat with Brian M. Phillips about the picaresque, space in place in Cervantes, and bridging the gap between early modern Spain and contemporary culture and society.By Stephen Hessel

1
Pod Quixote Episode 1 Christi Garst-Santos 1:25:16

3y ago1:25:16

1:25:16

In this first episode of Pod Quixote, I chat with Christi Garst-Santos about female characters from Don Quixote (Dorotea and Zoraida), Cervantes and social media, and the #MeToo movement.By Stephen Hessel

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Stephen Hessel Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide