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
14 snips
Apr 6, 2024 • 56min
Why We Need to Slow Down to Save the Planet, with Kohei Saito
Kohei Saito, a Japanese philosopher and author of the bestseller 'Slow Down,' discusses the urgent need to shift from growth-centric economic models to sustainable practices. Joined by writer Adam McCauley, they explore class struggles and environmental disparities post-Fukushima, critique capitalist technology's inadequacies in addressing climate challenges, and promote 'degrowth communism' as a radical response. They highlight community well-being over individual wealth and advocate for grassroots movements to drive transformative societal change toward sustainability.
Apr 5, 2024 • 34min
A Journey Into Our Geopolitical Future, with Elliot Ackerman
Elliot Ackerman, a former US Marine and bestselling author, teams up with Carl Miller, co-founder of Demos and author of The Death of the Gods, to explore a dystopian future in their novel 2054. They discuss the implications of a US-China nuclear conflict shaped by AI, the rise of new political dynamics in a polarized world, and the moral dilemmas faced by military figures. Delving into the role of speculative fiction, they highlight how storytelling can both reflect and influence our geopolitical landscape, inspiring optimism amidst despair.
14 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 45min
Are You Free? How Work Relentlessly Eats Up Our Time
In this engaging conversation, Nick Srnicek, a Lecturer in Digital Economy and co-author of 'After Work,' challenges our perceptions of free time in today's fast-paced society. He critiques how convenience leads to time deprivation and calls for a rethinking of labor, especially in the context of automation and undervalued caregiving roles. The discussion also covers the impact of intensive parenting and explores alternatives to traditional family structures. Ultimately, Srnicek proposes a radical reimagining of work, advocating for systems that enhance individual freedom and fulfillment.
Mar 31, 2024 • 35min
Comedy in Dark Times, with Armando Iannucci and Helen Lewis, Part Two
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.
Mar 31, 2024 • 42min
Comedy in Dark Times, with Armando Iannucci and Helen Lewis, Part One
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.
Mar 29, 2024 • 34min
Love and Brotherhood in Black Gay Britain, with Jason Okundaye
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.
14 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 43min
How Technology Has Made Us What We Are, with Tom Chatfield
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.
Mar 25, 2024 • 33min
Misogyny and the Middle-Aged Woman, with Victoria Smith, Hadley Freeman and Sonia Sodha, Part Two
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.
Mar 24, 2024 • 33min
Misogyny and the Middle-Aged Woman, with Victoria Smith, Hadley Freeman and Sonia Sodha, Part One
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.
Mar 22, 2024 • 47min
The Long Shadow of AI, with Madhumita Murgia
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.
