Intelligence Squared

Armando Iannucci, one of Britain’s most cherished comedy writers, celebrated for shows like Veep and The Thick Of It, joins journalist Helen Lewis for an engaging talk. They explore the influence of comedy and satire in navigating today's tumultuous political landscape. Iannucci discusses how humor can help us cope with global crises and holds politicians accountable, while questioning whether it's right to laugh in an unstable world. Their conversation delves into the subversive power of comedy and its vital role in challenging authoritarianism.

Join Armando Iannucci, a maestro of political satire known for hits like The Thick Of It, as he chats with journalist Helen Lewis. They dive into the absurdities of political leadership, focusing on Liz Truss and the blending of politics with entertainment. Iannucci shares hilarious encounters with figures like Tony Blair, exploring how humor shapes political discourse. They also discuss the role of comedy in dark times, questioning whether it can help us process crises like war and instability.

Jason Okundaye, a writer known for his insight on Black gay narratives, discusses his debut book, which focuses on the experiences of seven Black gay men in Brixton. Joined by Tom Crewe, they delve into the complexities of identity, activism, and the historical context of race and sexuality in Britain. The conversation highlights the importance of remembrance and storytelling in preserving these personal histories while addressing systemic challenges faced by the community. Their dialogue is both poignant and reflective, shedding light on the evolution of social spaces for Black gay individuals.

Tom Chatfield, a tech philosopher and author of "Wise Animals", and Stephanie Hare, a researcher focusing on technology ethics, discuss how technology shapes humanity. They explore the co-evolution of humans and tech, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations. The conversation delves into AI’s existential implications on identity and freedom, urging a nuanced understanding of these relationships. They also highlight the importance of love and critical thinking in navigating the tech-driven world, reinforcing human values amidst technological growth.

Victoria Smith, author of "Hags", dives into the prejudice faced by middle-aged women, shedding light on the societal rage directed towards them. Hadley Freeman shares insights on the complexities of kindness within gender dynamics. Sonia Sodha discusses the evolving perceptions of women as they age, challenging negative stereotypes and emphasizing the wisdom that comes with it. Together, they advocate for solidarity and honest dialogue among women, highlighting the necessity of bridging generational gaps in feminist discussions.

Victoria Smith, writer and author of 'Hags: The Demonization of Middle-Aged Women,' joins fellow writers Sonia Sodha and Hadley Freeman for a thought-provoking discussion. They tackle why society harbors animosity against middle-aged women, examining the 'Karen' meme and its implications. The trio explores the historical prejudice faced by older women, scrutinizing the stereotypes in media and culture. They address how age can empower women to challenge societal norms and advocate for visibility in feminism, making a powerful case for solidarity among all women.

Madhumita Murgia, AI Editor for The Financial Times and author of "Code Dependent", joins Carl Miller, co-founder of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media at Demos. They dive into the unforeseen consequences of AI on society, tackling issues from widening economic divides to AI's impact on healthcare. The conversation highlights the need for understanding local contexts in AI implementations and critiques the dependency of governments on big tech, raising important questions about accountability and the human side of technology.

Liam Byrne, Labour MP and author of "The Inequality of Wealth," shares his insights on the urgent issue of wealth disparity. He discusses the alarming concentration of wealth within the top 1% and its societal implications. The conversation delves into how innovation can both challenge and reinforce economic divides, especially for younger generations facing asset ownership struggles. Byrne advocates for a collaborative, multi-generational approach, proposing a five-point plan to bridge the wealth gap and strengthen democracy.

Roland Allen, a publisher and author of "The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper," joins Albert Read, a writer and former Managing Director of Condé Nast. They delve into the transformative history of notebooks, from their origins in 1260 Italy to their role in art and business. The conversation highlights how notable figures like Leonardo da Vinci used notebooks for creativity and reflection. They also explore the concept of Zibaldoni and the chaos of ideas and the cultural significance of the iconic Moleskine notebook in shaping modern creativity.

Flora Carr, a debut novelist, enchants listeners with her reimagining of Mary, Queen of Scots in her novel, The Tower. She passionately discusses the often-overlooked narratives of women in history, focusing on Mary's imprisonment at Lochleven Castle. Historian Francesca Peacock adds depth by exploring the complexities of female sexuality and the intricate relationships among women confined with the Queen. Their conversation sheds light on how fiction can illuminate past injustices, advocating for a greater recognition of women's stories in literature and history.