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
May 19, 2024 • 40min
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall & ZOE’s Dr Federica Amati on Eating 30 Plants A Week, Part Two
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, celebrated food writer and River Cottage star, teams up with Dr. Federica Amati, a leading nutritionist from ZOE, to discuss the transformative benefits of eating 30 different plants each week. They tackle how a plant-rich diet boosts gut health and aids in disease prevention. The duo also shares practical tips for achieving this goal and debunks myths around the complexities of plant consumption. Hugh's delightful recipes and insights on sustainable eating are sure to inspire a healthier plate!
May 18, 2024 • 39min
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall & ZOE’s Dr Federica Amati on Eating 30 Plants A Week, Part One
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, a renowned cookery writer and broadcaster known for River Cottage, joins Dr. Federica Amati from ZOE to discuss the benefits of eating 30 different plants a week. They explore the science behind plant diversity and its impact on gut health and disease prevention. Hugh shares accessible recipes and practical tips for incorporating more plants into our diets, highlighting the joy of diverse flavors. The conversation also touches on the challenges of modern eating habits and the urgent need for healthier choices.
May 16, 2024 • 38min
Zeinab Badawi on an African History of Africa, Part Two
Zeinab Badawi, an award-winning journalist and author, sheds light on Africa's history beyond colonialism. She discusses the profound impacts of World Wars on independence movements, illustrating the journeys of nations like Ghana and Algeria. The conversation dives into reclaiming Africa's rich pre-colonial narrative, showcasing influential female figures and advocating a pan-African perspective. Badawi also highlights the role of African youth and emerging leaders in shaping the continent's future while redefining its historical narratives for a more inclusive understanding.
May 15, 2024 • 42min
Zeinab Badawi on an African History of Africa, Part One
Zeinab Badawi, an acclaimed broadcaster and author of "An African History of Africa," discusses the continent's rich past beyond colonial narratives. She emphasizes the significance of African perspectives, touching on the origins of humankind and ancient civilizations. Alongside historian Kate Williams, they explore the legacy of influential figures like Cleopatra and Yaa Asantewa, highlighting themes of resistance and empowerment. Through captivating stories, the conversation invites a reevaluation of Africa's historical narrative and its complexities.
17 snips
May 13, 2024 • 36min
The Anxious Generation: Jonathan Haidt on How Smartphones Rewired Childhood, Part Two
In this insightful discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a bestselling author and social psychologist, shines a light on the rising mental health crisis among teenagers. He links the surge in anxiety and depression to the decline of free play and the rampant use of smartphones. Haidt offers practical advice for managing tech use, urging schools to ban smartphones and parents to foster independent play. He emphasizes the addictive nature of social media and advocates for creating 'third spaces' for youth to connect, promoting healthier childhood experiences.
17 snips
May 12, 2024 • 46min
The Anxious Generation: Jonathan Haidt on How Smartphones Rewired Childhood, Part One
Bestselling author and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores the alarming rise in mental health issues among teenagers, linking it to increased smartphone usage and the decline of free play. He highlights the significant spikes in anxiety and depression since 2010, particularly among young girls. Haidt discusses the shift from social engagement to virtual isolation and the importance of parental involvement in mitigating these tech-related impacts. His insights encourage proactive measures to support healthier childhood development in a digital age.
May 10, 2024 • 36min
Being Human in an AI World, with Susie Alegre
In this engaging conversation, Susie Alegre, a leading human-rights barrister and author of 'Human Rights, Robot Wrongs,' discusses the critical intersection of artificial intelligence and human rights. She tackles the ethical dilemmas posed by AI's human-like features affecting societal norms and the roles of women. The duo explores the implications for creativity, where AI might challenge genuine artistic expression while navigating the legal landscape. Susie emphasizes adapting human rights frameworks to meet AI advancements, defining humanity in an increasingly digital world.
May 8, 2024 • 38min
How the Legacy of the British Empire Still Shapes Our World, with Sathnam Sanghera
Sathnam Sanghera, a writer and author known for his insights on British identity, teams up with Helen Carr, a historian specializing in medieval history. Together, they dive deep into the lasting impact of the British Empire on modern society. They explore personal experiences of colonial legacies in places like Barbados, the complex relationship of language and culture, and the responsibility of the monarchy regarding imperial history. Their conversation confronts difficult truths while advocating for a more inclusive narrative of the past.
14 snips
May 5, 2024 • 47min
Archive: Doughnut Economics, with Kate Raworth
Kate Raworth, an acclaimed economist from Oxford University and author of 'Donut Economics', presents a fresh framework for sustainable growth. She discusses how traditional economic education often fails to address ecological and societal needs. Raworth emphasizes the balance between fulfilling human requirements and respecting planetary limits. She advocates for innovative economic models that incorporate altruism and systems thinking, aiming for a transformative approach that fosters equity and environmental sustainability.
May 4, 2024 • 38min
The Circle of Life, with Joe Roman
Joe Roman, a conservation biologist and marine ecologist, discusses the fascinating interplay of animal biology and ecosystem processes in his book 'Eat, Poop, Die.' He emphasizes how animals, like whales, are key to nutrient cycles that sustain our environment. The conversation touches on the significant ecological shifts seen on a volcanic island in Iceland and the concerning dominance of humans in wildlife biomass. Roman advocates for understanding animal behaviors to protect biodiversity and stresses the need for a balanced, holistic approach to conservation.
