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
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.
Sep 2, 2019 • 44min
How I Found My Voice: Philip Pullman
Join best-selling author Philip Pullman, famous for his His Dark Materials trilogy, as he shares the formative experiences that shaped his unique voice. He reflects on his childhood, including the deep influence of his grandfather's storytelling and the loss of his father. Pullman discusses the literary giants like Kipling and Milton who inspired him, and how embracing creativity has fueled his writing process. With insights into his journey from teacher to writer, this conversation unveils the artistry behind his compelling narratives.
Aug 30, 2019 • 47min
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, with Shoshana Zuboff and Rosamund Urwin
Shoshana Zuboff, a Harvard professor and author, explores the dark world of surveillance capitalism. She reveals how tech giants commodify our personal data, driving inequality and impacting democracy. Zuboff discusses the ethical dilemmas of user data exploitation and the growing awareness of its threats to privacy. Alongside journalist Rosamund Urwin, she examines the strategies of major companies to address privacy issues while maintaining profit, highlighting the need for stronger regulations and collective action against data misuse.
Aug 27, 2019 • 40min
How I Found My Voice: Mark Millar
Mark Millar, a best-selling comic-book writer known for his iconic works like Kick-Ass and Kingsman, shares his journey from a small Scottish town to the heights of Marvel and Netflix. He recounts how childhood encounters with Superman sparked his passion for storytelling and shaped his creative voice. Millar delves into the impact of a politically charged Britain on his growth, the significance of personal experiences in crafting relatable characters, and how parenthood transformed his narrative and ambitions.
Aug 23, 2019 • 43min
Ibram X. Kendi and Razia Iqbal on How To Be An Antiracist
Ibram X. Kendi, founding director of the Antiracism Research and Policy Center and author of How To Be an Antiracist, joins BBC presenter Razia Iqbal for a profound discussion on racism. They explore the crucial distinction between being non-racist and actively anti-racist. Kendi shares personal stories illustrating the importance of self-reflection and confession in anti-racism. They critique systemic oppression's impact on racial narratives and discuss the intersection of capitalism and racism, advocating for actionable change toward equality.
Aug 16, 2019 • 48min
Michael Pollan and Xand Van Tulleken on the New Science of Psychedelics
In this enlightening discussion, Michael Pollan, an acclaimed food writer and author of 'How To Change Your Mind,' and science broadcaster Dr. Xand van Tulleken dive into the transformative potential of psychedelics. They explore how substances like psilocybin can aid in treating depression and addiction, and even reshape perceptions of death. The conversation touches on the historical significance of psychedelics in counterculture, their political implications, and their ability to foster personal growth and deeper emotional engagement.
