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
Jun 9, 2020 • 53min
The New Long Life: Flourishing in a Changing World, with Lynda Gratton and Andrew J Scott
Joining Tom Whipple are Lynda Gratton and Andrew J Scott, co-authors of 'The New Long Life,' who delve into the implications of living longer in an increasingly technological world. They discuss how aging affects our work, love, and learning, making a case for adaptable education and social resilience. The duo highlights the importance of enhancing human skills and the need for lifelong learning to prepare for job displacement. They envision a future where older workers thrive, redefining retirement and embracing diverse life paths.
Jun 5, 2020 • 1h
Anand Giridharadas on Capitalism in the Time of Corona
Anand Giridharadas, author of 'Winners Take All,' discusses capitalism's flaws in a post-pandemic world. He argues that the crisis is a chance to foster a more egalitarian society, while Matthew Taylor brings insights on the role of the state in this transformation. They explore the paradox of philanthropy, questioning whether charity truly alleviates inequality. Additionally, they consider how historical crises have sparked social change, emphasizing the need for collective action and robust public institutions to redefine our future.
Jun 2, 2020 • 1h 5min
The Passion Economy with Adam Davidson and Hugo Lindgren
Adam Davidson, a renowned business and economics journalist and creator of NPR's Planet Money, discusses his book, The Passion Economy, shedding light on the evolving economic landscape. He argues that the 21st-century offers unique opportunities for individuals to merge their passions with their careers. Davidson explores personal stories through generations, challenges faced in navigating one’s passions, and insights into consumer behavior. The conversation reveals how societal shifts can turn crises into opportunities for growth, particularly in urban settings.
May 29, 2020 • 57min
Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection, with Dr Vivek Murthy and Ros Urwin
Dr. Vivek Murthy, former US Surgeon General and author of 'Together,' joins Ros Urwin to explore the pervasive issue of loneliness. He shares insights on how it contributes to anxiety, depression, and even societal challenges like addiction and violence. Their conversation delves into the harmful health impacts of isolation, comparing it to smoking, and emphasizes the urgency of fostering human connections. They discuss navigating loneliness in our digital age and the potential of relationships to strengthen communities and combat polarization.
May 26, 2020 • 55min
Nervous States: How Feeling Took Over the World, with Will Davies and Carl Miller
In this engaging discussion, Will Davies, a Professor and author, teams up with Carl Miller, Research Director at Demos. They delve into why trust in facts and experts has dwindled, particularly during crises like COVID-19. The conversation explores how emotional responses have overshadowed rational discourse, the historical evolution of nationalism, and the challenges misinformation poses in modern politics. They also reflect on how shared beliefs and emotions shape community identity in an increasingly polarized world.
May 22, 2020 • 47min
Putting Peer Pressure to Work with Robert H Frank and Linda Yueh
In this engaging discussion, Robert H. Frank, author of 'Under the Influence,' teams up with Linda Yueh to explore how our social environments shape our choices. They uncover surprising insights from behavioral economics, revealing how peer pressure drives everything from smoking to investment decisions. The duo emphasizes the potential of social influence for positive change, highlighting the balance of individual versus collective actions in policy-making, especially regarding climate advocacy. Tune in for a thought-provoking take on using peer pressure for the greater good!
May 19, 2020 • 53min
No Visible Bruises: Why What we don't know about domestic violence can kill, with Rachel Louise Snyder
In a compelling discussion, Helen Lewis, a staff writer at The Atlantic, engages with journalist Rachel Louise Snyder on the often-misunderstood nature of domestic violence. They dissect prevalent myths that downplay victims' realities and explore the intricate link between societal norms and abusive behavior. The conversation sheds light on tools like the 'hope card' for victim support and critiques the role of masculinity in perpetuating cycles of violence. Through personal narratives, they emphasize the need for systemic change and deeper understanding.
May 14, 2020 • 56min
The Dragons and the Snakes: How the Rest Learned to Fight the West, with David Kilcullen and Carl Miller
David Kilcullen, a leading counterinsurgency expert and author, joins Carl Miller to discuss how adversaries like Al-Qaeda have evolved their tactics in the modern battlefield. They delve into how global powers, particularly China, are using economic strategies to expand influence while posing security threats. The conversation highlights the rise of information warfare, the unique struggles democracies face, and the importance of adapting military strategies to new geopolitical realities. Kilcullen emphasizes the need for cohesive approaches to ensure stability in this complex conflict landscape.
May 12, 2020 • 49min
The Classical School, with Callum Williams and Linda Yueh
Callum Williams, author of 'The Classical School,' joins economist Linda Yueh to debunk popular myths about great economists like Adam Smith and Karl Marx. They explore the true meanings behind concepts like the 'invisible hand' and reveal Malthus's controversial views on famine. The duo discusses the complexities of free trade and critiques capitalism, connecting historical economic thought to modern challenges like overpopulation and stagnation. Their insights shed light on the relevance of classical ideas in today's world.
May 8, 2020 • 53min
The Corona Crash: How Bad Will It Be? With Mark Blyth and Anne McElvoy
In this engaging discussion, political scientist Mark Blyth, a professor at Brown University and co-author of 'Angrynomics', teams up with Anne McElvoy from The Economist. They delve into the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, weighing how lockdowns might reshape our economic landscape. The duo explores the challenges of restarting economies while prioritizing public health, critiques the impact of globalization, and examines how the crisis could lead to a reevaluation of governance practices. Their insights promise to spark thought-provoking discussions about our future.
