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 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.
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.
