Intelligence Squared

Alastair Campbell, former strategist for the Blair government and current political commentator, joins Josh Glancy, editor at the Sunday Times, for an incisive discussion. They dissect the radicalization of the Tory party and the challenges facing Keir Starmer as he aims to lead Labour back to power. Campbell shares insights from his book while analyzing Rishi Sunak's controversial decisions and the decline of leadership quality in British politics. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of integrity and reinventing the political narrative.

In this engaging discussion, Anthony Grafton, a Princeton historian and author of 'Magus', teams up with Dmitri Levitin, a cultural historian from Oxford. They explore the captivating intersection of magic, astrology, and intellect in Renaissance Europe. Key topics include the pivotal role of figures like Albertus Magnus and Marsilio Ficino in merging scholarly pursuits with magical practices. They delve into cultural syncretism, the impact of the print revolution on perceptions of magic, and how these beliefs shaped modern ideas about human potential.

In this enlightening discussion, historian Hannah Durkin explores the stories of the last captives of the Atlantic slave trade aboard the Clotilda, the final slave ship to reach America in 1860. Joined by Christienna Fryar, they delve into the survivors' struggles for identity and justice, linking their experiences to the civil rights movement. The conversation touches on the tragic legacy of slavery and the importance of cultural heritage, illustrating how the past continues to echo in contemporary society.

Simon Shuster, a senior correspondent for Time with extensive experience in Ukraine, delves into the transformative journey of Volodymyr Zelensky from entertainer to resilient wartime leader. He shares gripping anecdotes of Zelensky's defiant decision to remain in Ukraine during the invasion and how his leadership style evolved amidst crisis. Carl Miller, co-founder of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media, adds insights on the human side of leadership in wartime, exploring the pressures on Zelensky to secure global support and the dynamics within Ukraine's military command.

Richard Restak, a clinical professor of neurology at George Washington University and author of over 20 books on the brain, shares vital insights on preventing dementia. He highlights the significance of good sleep, diet, and exercise in reducing risk factors. Restak emphasizes the importance of maintaining social connections and cognitive engagement, akin to keeping a financial reserve. He also discusses how writing and mental exercises can bolster memory and promote brain health, providing listeners with practical tools for long-term cognitive wellness.

Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and author of The Power of Habit, joins physicist and science communicator Helen Czerski to explore the art of effective communication. They discuss the common obstacles that hinder clear dialogue, emphasizing the importance of active listening and authenticity. Duhigg shares insights on emotional dynamics in conversations and the ethical implications of communication in professional environments, especially in a tech-driven world. The two also tackle the necessity of engaging respectfully in difficult discussions, fostering understanding and bridging divides.

In this engaging conversation, Adam Grant, renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, teams up with Tim Harford, esteemed economic journalist and author. They dive into key issues for business leaders, such as economic trends and talent retention. Grant and Harford discuss the importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth and how collaboration can enhance creativity in writing. They also tackle the pitfalls of perfectionism, advocating for incremental improvements as a path to greatness.

In a captivating discussion, organizational psychologist Adam Grant, who guides leaders like Bill Gates, joins economist Tim Harford, a Financial Times columnist. They explore how to inspire creativity and tap into hidden potential within organizations. The conversation highlights the power of character skills in personal growth, illustrated by an inspiring chess team's victory. Grant shares insights on receiving constructive feedback and the benefits of alternating skill practices, linking these concepts to enhanced learning and performance.

Join Sarah Ditum, a columnist and author of "Toxic," alongside Helen Lewis, a writer for The Atlantic and author of "Difficult Women," as they delve into the harsh realities of female celebrity culture in the 2000s. They discuss the duality of fame through controversial figures like Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse, examining the toll of media scrutiny and societal expectations. The conversation touches on the evolution of public perception, the psychological impacts of fame, and how digital technology reshaped gender dynamics and celebrity narratives.

Daniel Dennett, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Tufts University, joins Richard Dawkins, a renowned biologist and author, for a thrilling conversation. They dive into the evolution of memes and its relevance in today's digital landscape. The pair humorously unpack misunderstandings in biology while tackling the complexities of language evolution. They also address the perilous implications of AI technologies and deepfakes, encouraging a critical examination of our intuition and the intersection of science and philosophy.