Intelligence Squared

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and AI entrepreneur, dives into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. He highlights AI's ability to personalize education through tutors, discover cures for diseases, and address climate change. Hoffman emphasizes the urgent need for optimism amid challenges like disinformation and job displacement. He advocates for a strong media ecosystem to combat misinformation and believes in machine-driven innovations to enhance personal agency and societal outcomes.

Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn and an AI trailblazer, shares insights from his latest book, Super Agency. He argues for the immense potential of AI to revolutionize education with personalized tutors and discover life-saving cures. Hoffman emphasizes a proactive 'bloomer' mindset, focusing on AI's positive contributions despite prevalent fears. He advocates for responsible AI use and the necessity of regulating technology to enhance innovation while maintaining accountability. His optimistic outlook highlights how AI can empower individuals and improve societal outcomes.

Join music journalist Liz Pelly, known for her incisive work in outlets like The Guardian and NPR, as she explores the rise of Spotify and its profound effects on the music industry. Discover how Spotify's freemium model and personalized playlists influence listener habits and artist experiences. Pelly reveals the hidden costs of streaming, including the challenges faced by independent musicians and the ethics of algorithm-driven recommendations. This engaging conversation delves into a new music landscape shaped by technology and offers a reevaluation of distribution models.

Kavita Puri, an award-winning journalist noted for her work on Indian history, joins author Sathnam Sanghera to delve into the tragic narrative of the Bengal Famine. They discuss its obscurity in British and Indian history despite the millions who suffered. Puri highlights collective amnesia around this event and its ties to colonial legacies, prompting reflections on ancestral connections. The conversation emphasizes the crucial need to preserve survivors' stories and the famine's impact on nationalism and memory, linking past traumas to contemporary issues.

Kavita Puri, an award-winning journalist and broadcaster focused on Indian history, teams up with Sathnam Sanghera, acclaimed author of "Empireland," to delve into the heartbreaking story of the Bengal Famine. They unpack this overlooked tragedy of World War II, which led to the deaths of millions and remains largely absent from British historical narratives. Puri highlights her extensive archival research uncovering personal stories and the colonial legacy behind the famine, while Sanghera provides critical insights on the complex socio-political issues that still resonate today.

Earthling Ed, an activist and author of 'How to Argue with a Meat Eater (And Win Every Time),' shares how to engage effectively with meat eaters. He discusses the importance of empathy and logical reasoning in conversations about veganism. Ed tackles common myths, ethical concerns in animal agriculture, and the evolving dialogue on vegan issues. He emphasizes the urgent need for change while maintaining hope for a sustainable future. Listeners will gain valuable insights into fostering compassionate and productive discussions.

Earthling Ed, a vegan activist and educator with a massive online following, shares insights on persuasive communication regarding veganism. He discusses effective ways to engage in ethical conversations with those who oppose vegan principles. Ed tackles common misconceptions, offers strategies to debunk myths about veganism, and encourages critical thinking. He reflects on his decade-long journey in veganism and promotes a compassionate rethinking of humanity's relationship with animals, advocating for a more sustainable future.

Catherine Belton, an acclaimed journalist and author of "Putin's People," shares insights on Vladimir Putin's strategic rise to power, fueled by a network of KGB affiliates and oligarchs. Alongside Arkady Ostrovsky, a Russian politics expert, they analyze the complex dynamics between Putin and Trump, revealing a shared disdain for liberal values. They also discuss the implications of European military roles in Ukraine and the moral justifications used to support Russia's actions, highlighting the intricate geopolitical landscape that affects us all.

Catherine Belton, a Washington Post reporter and author of "Putin’s People," and Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, dive into Vladimir Putin's rise to power. They discuss how a network of KGB officers and oligarchs orchestrated his ascent. Belton reveals Putin's tactics of fear and corruption, while Ostrovsky analyzes his current ambitions, especially regarding Ukraine. They also explore the implications of Putin’s actions on global democracy and Western relations, highlighting the troubling trend of ‘strongman leadership’.

George Mpanga, known as George the Poet, is a powerful voice in poetry and social commentary, acclaimed for his exploration of race and inequality in the UK. In this engaging discussion, he reflects on the impact of cultural environments on identity, sharing his journey from Uganda to Cambridge. He candidly addresses the challenges of artistic expression in a commercialized music industry, the legacy of Tupac, and the implications of neoliberalism on creativity. George also dives into the intricacies of balancing activism with commercial success in the arts.