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
May 5, 2020 • 1h 2min
The Great Slowdown and Why It's Good, with Danny Dorling and Linda Yueh
Danny Dorling, a geography professor at Oxford and author of 'Slowdown', joins economist and broadcaster Linda Yueh to discuss the implications of a global slowdown. They delve into declining fertility rates and GDP growth, proposing that this shift could lead to a more sustainable and stable world. The conversation touches on technological stagnation, food distribution issues, and the importance of reevaluating policy responses to demographic changes. Ultimately, they highlight the benefits of slowing down in both economic and creative realms.
May 1, 2020 • 53min
Abolish Silicon Valley, with Wendy Liu and Carl Miller
Wendy Liu, a former Silicon Valley insider and author of 'Abolish Silicon Valley,' joins Carl Miller, research director at Demos, to challenge the tech industry's harmful economic logic. They explore radical ideas for restructuring Silicon Valley to prioritize societal good over profit. The conversation dives into the absurd financial culture of startup valuations, the need for ethical practices, and the representation of women in tech. Liu emphasizes creating a more equitable tech landscape through democratic control and collective action.
Apr 29, 2020 • 49min
Ultras: Among The World's Most Extreme Fans, with James Montague and Ros Urwin
James Montague, a journalist and author of '1312: Among the Ultras,' joins Ros Urwin to explore the captivating world of football ultras. They delve into the origins and socio-political significance of this extreme fandom, often mischaracterized by violence. The discussion uncovers ultras' transformative role in sports, their activism against commercialization in football, and the intricate bond between players and fans. Montague also shares insights on the intersection of organized crime and fandom, revealing the darker side of the passionate supporters.
Apr 23, 2020 • 1h 1min
Coronavirus and the Stats: Your Questions Answered
David Spiegelhalter, a prominent statistician from the University of Cambridge, Sheila Bird, a biometrics expert from the University of Edinburgh, and John Ioannidis, a Stanford professor known for critiquing COVID-19 data, share insights on pandemic statistics. They tackle the complexities of death counts and the implications of herd immunity versus lockdowns. The trio discusses varying impacts across Europe, the collateral damage of healthcare disruptions, and the importance of context in interpreting the pandemic data, offering a clearer understanding of this global crisis.
Apr 21, 2020 • 35min
Who We Listen To And Who We Don't, with Stephen Martin, Joseph Marks and Helen Lewis
Join behavioral scientists Stephen Martin and Joseph Marks, authors of 'Messengers,' alongside Helen Lewis, as they unravel the complexities of trust in messaging. Discover why self-assured individuals often sway us more than experts. They explore fascinating examples, such as Greta Thunberg’s influence, and discuss how biases related to appearance shape hiring practices. The conversation digs into the psychology behind effective messengers and the surprising impact of traits like dominance and charisma on our willingness to listen.
Apr 17, 2020 • 1h 5min
Coronavirus and the Economy: Your Questions Answered
Shanker Singham, a global trade expert, Ann Pettifor, a political economist, and Luigi Zingales, a finance professor, dive deep into the economic ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic. They discuss the potential longevity of the recession and the risk of exacerbated inequalities. The trio explores how the crisis might reshape global trade and government policies. From the need for innovative social systems to the importance of collaboration in rebuilding economies, they outline the transformative opportunities amid adversity. Their insights spark a thought-provoking conversation about the future of our economic landscape.
Apr 14, 2020 • 56min
Hype, Smoke and Mirrors, with Gemma Milne and Carl Miller
Gemma Milne, a tech journalist and author of 'Smoke and Mirrors,' joins Carl Miller from Demos to dissect the dark side of hype in our society. They explore how hype can distort public perception, particularly in science and technology journalism. The discussion highlights the double-edged nature of hype, which drives interest yet can mislead and oversimplify complex issues like AI and health. They urge a more transparent and responsible approach to navigating these narratives, emphasizing the need for critical thinking in an age rife with misinformation.
Apr 10, 2020 • 1h 11min
Coronavirus and Global Politics: Your Questions Answered
In a thought-provoking discussion, Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, David Goodhart, a renowned author, and Paul Mason, a political commentator, tackle the pandemic's impact on global politics. They debate whether the rise of 'big government' is here to stay and how populist leaders might emerge stronger amidst the crisis. The guests explore the chaotic effectiveness of border controls, China's growing influence, and the potential for renewed global solidarity. They also reflect on the balance between state power and individual freedoms in a rapidly changing world.
Apr 7, 2020 • 41min
The Unravelling of the Modern Middle East, with Kim Ghattas and Brian Klaas
It all started in 1979. According to Kim Ghattas, the former BBC journalist and author of Black Wave: Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Rivalry That Unravelled the Middle East, this was the pivotal year that kickstarted a forty-year rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, plunging the Middle East in turmoil. In this episode of the podcast, she examined this fascinating period of history with UCL political scientist Brian Klaas.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/intelligencesquared.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 3, 2020 • 44min
Mind, Matter and Meaning, with Brian Greene and Tom Whipple
Brian Greene, a theoretical physicist and author, teams up with Tom Whipple, the science editor of The Times, to dive into the cosmos' mysteries. They explore quantum mechanics and the emergence of consciousness, questioning how life originated from chaos. Greene discusses the enigma of entropy, linking it to the universe's evolution and our understanding of free will. They also ponder the philosophical essence of existence and urge listeners to appreciate the present, even amidst cosmic uncertainties.
