Intelligence Squared

The 12 Books of Christmas, Part 3 – Dipo Faloyin, Lea Ypi and Melissa Thompson

Dec 23, 2022

Dipo Faloyin, Vice Senior Editor and author of "Africa Is Not A Country", shares insights on the rich complexity of African identities, challenging stereotypes. Lea Ypi, a political theory professor, recounts her upbringing in Albania during the fall of communism, weaving personal narratives with reflections on freedom. Food writer Melissa Thompson dives into Jamaican cuisine, discussing its cultural significance and the interplay of identity within the diaspora. Together, they explore how diverse stories shape our understanding of culture and heritage.

56:16

Episode guests

Melissa Thompson

Lea Ypi

Dipo Faloyin

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

6min

Understanding Africa's Complexity

11min

Navigating Ethnic Dynamics and the Quest for Freedom

2min

From Scholarship to Storytelling

16min

Roots of Jamaican Culinary Identity

14min

Exploring Caribbean Cuisine and Culinary Identity

5min

For the third in our 12 Books of Christmas episodes, we revisit a thought-provoking discussion with Dipo Faloyin, whose book Africa Is Not A Country challenges the stereotypical thinking that can misrepresent African nations. Another highlight book of 2022 was Lea Ypi's Free, and the writer joined us to discuss her memoir that tells the story of her upbringing in Albania amid the shifting geopolitics of nations affected by the break up of the Soviet Union. We also listen back to our conversation with food writer Melissa Thompson, whose book Motherland celebrates the traditions and influence of Jamaican cuisine.

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