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
Oct 8, 2019 • 58min
The Social Media Addiction-Machine, with Richard Seymour and Jamie Bartlett
Richard Seymour, a Marxist intellectual and author of "The Twittering Machine," joins tech journalist Jamie Bartlett to dissect the dark side of social media. They discuss how platforms, once seen as tools for liberation, have morphed into exploitative machines that exacerbate loneliness. The duo dives into the psychology of trolling and its impact on public discourse, examining how anonymity can unleash aggression. They also explore the addictive nature of technology, urging listeners to reconsider their relationship with digital spaces and the need for a public service internet.
Oct 4, 2019 • 1h 7min
The West Should Pay Reparations For Slavery
Kehinde Andrews, a Professor of Black Studies, and Esther Stanford-Xosei, a reparations activist, passionately argue for reparations for slavery, emphasizing the ongoing impacts of historical injustices. In contrast, Katharine Birbalsingh, headmistress at Michaela Community School, and educational consultant Tony Sewell raise counterarguments, warning against economic consequences and the complexities of reparative justice. The discussion reflects on shifting public opinion and the moral responsibilities of Western nations in addressing these deep-seated issues.
Oct 1, 2019 • 51min
Satire, Boris and Brexit with Ian McEwan and Razia Iqbal
Acclaimed novelist Ian McEwan joins BBC’s Razia Iqbal to delve into the satire of his novella, The Cockroach, where a man transformed into a cockroach becomes Britain’s Prime Minister. They explore the absurdities of Brexit and its emotional aftermath, discussing political disillusionment and societal divisions. McEwan highlights the role of satire in navigating contemporary politics while reflecting on the necessity of a constitutional reform amidst the chaos, culminating in a compelling critique of today's political landscape.
Sep 27, 2019 • 1h 30min
Parliament’s War of Words: Women in Power, with Mary Beard, Rachel Reeves and Sandip Verma
In this engaging discussion, Mary Beard, a renowned classicist and broadcaster, joins Labour MP Rachel Reeves and Conservative member Sandip Verma to tackle the challenges faced by women in politics. They delve into the hostile environment women navigate in Parliament, especially amid aggressive rhetoric and online abuse. The trio reflects on the historical context of female representation, explores the unique barriers for women of color, and advocates for a redefinition of authority that embraces emotional intelligence. Their insights shed light on the crucial need for respectful political discourse.
Sep 24, 2019 • 48min
How I Found My Voice: Benjamin Zephaniah
Join acclaimed poet and political activist Benjamin Zephaniah as he reflects on his journey from a challenging Birmingham childhood to becoming a voice for social change. He recounts pivotal moments, including a powerful letter from Bob Marley that inspired his activism. Zephaniah discusses the impact of racism and colonialism on his identity, the dynamics of 1960s British youth, and his passion for poetry as a tool for empowerment. His insights reveal the profound relationship between creativity and the quest for justice.
Sep 20, 2019 • 35min
The Mindfulness Myth, with Ronald Purser and Helen Lewis
Join Ronald Purser, a Professor of Management and author of McMindfulness, as he critiques the commercialization of mindfulness with Helen Lewis from The Atlantic. They explore how mindfulness, once a spiritual practice, has transformed into a capitalist tool, often avoiding deeper societal change. From its surprising adoption in Silicon Valley and the military to its role in corporate wellness, Purser challenges the sincerity behind modern mindfulness. This insightful conversation questions whether mindfulness can genuinely promote social transformation or simply reinforces the status quo.
Sep 17, 2019 • 45min
How I Found My Voice: Elif Shafak
Elif Shafak, a bestselling Turkish novelist and advocate for human rights, shares her journey of self-discovery. She discusses how her childhood diary and multilingual upbringing shaped her voice. Shafak reflects on being taken to court for her fiction, exploring the intersection of identity and storytelling. The intriguing notion of synesthesia reveals how language can evoke tastes and colors. She also delves into the complexities of being an insider-outsider and the transformative power of literature in navigating cultural identity.
Sep 13, 2019 • 1h 6min
An Evening With Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie shares his creative journey and insights into his latest novel, Quichotte, tackling modern America’s moral dilemmas. The conversation dives into the complexities of identity and racism in the U.S., alongside reflections on the intertwined political landscapes of India and America. Rushdie also discusses his comedic ventures, including the 'Fatwa!' musical, and highlights the urgent human rights issues in Kashmir. Additionally, the podcast addresses challenges facing the Parsi community while offering valuable advice for maintaining cultural ties as non-resident Indians.
Sep 10, 2019 • 49min
How I Found My Voice: Lyse Doucet
Lyse Doucet, the BBC's Chief International Correspondent, shares her remarkable journey from a small Canadian town to the frontline of global conflicts. She discusses the unique challenges of being a female journalist in war zones like Afghanistan and Syria, emphasizing empathy in storytelling. Doucet reflects on the emotional weight of reporting women's stories from ISIS-affected areas, highlighting resilience amid despair. With personal anecdotes, she showcases the profound connections journalists form while navigating the complexities of conflict and humanity.
Sep 6, 2019 • 48min
The Politics of Video Games, with Pete Etchells and Ros Urwin
In this engaging discussion, Pete Etchells, a researcher into the psychological effects of video games and author of *Lost In A Good Game*, is joined by journalist Ros Urwin. They explore the potential benefits video games offer, including emotional depth and community building, while dissecting the myths around gaming addiction. They highlight how games can foster empathy and even navigate moral dilemmas. Etchells also addresses concerns about violent video games, advocating for a balanced understanding of their impact on behavior.
