Intelligence Squared
Intelligence Squared
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 should be. Send us an email or voice note with your thoughts to podcasts@intelligencesquared.com or Tweet us @intelligence2. And if you’d like to support our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations, as well as ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content, early access and much more, become a supporter of Intelligence Squared today. Just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 21, 2020 • 58min
The Hidden Power of Caste, with Isabel Wilkerson and Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Caste: The Lies That Divide Us," joins author and broadcaster Yassmin Abdel-Magied for an illuminating discussion on the hidden power of caste in society. They delve into the nuances of caste systems and their historical roots, exploring how they shape identity and social status today. The conversation highlights the insidious nature of caste and its parallels to racial injustice, challenging listeners to confront deep-seated inequalities that persist in contemporary culture.
Aug 18, 2020 • 36min
Ghost Ships and Geopolitics, with Ian Urbina and Ros Urwin
Ian Urbina, an investigative reporter known for uncovering illegal fishing practices, joins journalist Rosamund Urwin to discuss alarming revelations about a Chinese squid fleet fishing in North Korean waters, violating UN sanctions. They investigate the shocking connection between these activities and the mysterious deaths of North Korean fishermen whose bodies have washed ashore in Japan. The conversation also delves into the geopolitical implications of ghost ships and the resilience of those exploited in the fishing industry.
Aug 14, 2020 • 50min
Partition Voices, with Kavita Puri and Rajini Vaidyanathan
Kavita Puri, author of "Partition Voices: Untold British Stories," teams up with Rajini Vaidyanathan, a BBC South Asian correspondent. They delve into the impacts of the 1947 partition of India, sharing remarkable testimonies from British citizens who lived through it. The discussion highlights the importance of documenting personal narratives and addresses generational trauma. They also explore the emotional resilience of individuals amidst chaos, emphasizing the need to remember both the darkness of history and the hope that emerges through shared human experiences.
Aug 11, 2020 • 37min
Can business deliver social good after Covid-19? With Warren Valdmanis and Michelle Meagher
Warren Valdmanis, an impact investor and author of 'Accountable: How We Can Save Capitalism', joins Michelle Meagher, founder of the Inclusive Competition Forum and author of 'Competition Is Killing Us', to explore the intersection of business and social good in a post-COVID-19 world. They discuss the evolution from corporate social responsibility to integrated ESG practices and the need for businesses to realign their purpose toward social impact. The duo emphasizes accountability, ethical practices, and the influence of consumer choices in shaping a more equitable economy.
Aug 7, 2020 • 46min
Deepfakes and the Infocalypse with Nina Schick and Carl Miller
Nina Schick, a political advisor and author of "Deepfakes and the Infocalypse," joins Carl Miller to discuss the alarming rise of deepfakes and the threat to democracy they pose. They delve into how AI-generated media can manipulate reality, eroding trust and exacerbating misinformation crises. Schick highlights the historical context of disinformation tactics, particularly in political discourse, and emphasizes the urgent need for collective awareness and action in combating these growing threats. It's a riveting look into our digital future.
Aug 4, 2020 • 59min
Niall Ferguson On What History Can Teach Us About Covid-19
Historian Niall Ferguson, known for his insights into crises, discusses the profound lessons history offers regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. He analyzes how government responses are shaped by historical contexts and shares his observations on global reactions to the virus. Ferguson highlights the geopolitical implications, particularly concerning China and the US, and reflects on how past pandemics like the Black Death have shaped society and culture. His insights bridge the past with our current reality, suggesting patterns that inform future responses.
Jul 31, 2020 • 46min
An Artificial Revolution, with Ivana Bartoletti and Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Ivana Bartoletti, a privacy expert and co-founder of Women Leading in AI Network, joins Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a broadcaster and writer, to discuss the intricacies of the AI revolution. They explore the hidden labor of 'ghost workers' in AI, advocating for greater transparency and empathy in this critical field. The duo also examines the ethical implications of data and its impact on marginalized communities. Furthermore, they address the psychological costs faced by workers and the urgent need for public participation in shaping AI governance.
Jul 28, 2020 • 43min
Slavoj Žižek and Shahidha Bari on Hegel in a Wired Brain
Philosopher Slavoj Žižek, known for his provocative insights into culture and theory, teams up with academic Shahidha Bari, an expert in postcolonial thought. They dive into Hegel's legacy and his relevance to today's digital age, discussing the concept of a 'wired brain' and its implications for personal freedom. The conversation tackles how technology reshapes identity and relationships, while also reflecting on Hegel's warnings about knowledge arriving too late. Their exchange prompts critical questions about individuality and spirituality in a tech-dominated world.
Jul 24, 2020 • 48min
Tony Blair and Andrew Adonis on Ernest Bevin, Britain’s Forgotten Political Giant
In this insightful conversation, Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister, and Andrew Adonis, political analyst and author, delve into the life of Ernest Bevin, a key figure in British politics. They discuss Bevin's significant contributions to the Labour movement post-WWII and his role in shaping international policy. The two explore how his pragmatic approach can inform today's political challenges, including the Labour Party's struggle for inclusivity and the relevance of Bevin's legacy in contemporary debates like Brexit and identity politics.
Jul 21, 2020 • 45min
Science Fictions, with Stuart Ritchie and Tom Whipple
Stuart Ritchie, a professor and author of 'Science Fictions,' dives into the alarming flaws that plague scientific research, discussing its implications on medicine and education. He highlights the replication crisis and the significant biases influencing study results, including in trials for depression. The conversation addresses the complexities of peer review and the urgent need for reform in research integrity. Ritchie also introduces innovative methods to spot questionable studies, advocating for transparency and better practices in scientific inquiry.
