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
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.
23 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 41min
How to Fix the Inequality of Wealth, with Liam Byrne
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.
Mar 18, 2024 • 43min
Page-Turner: A History of the Notebook
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.
Mar 17, 2024 • 34min
Reimagining the Life of Mary, Queen of Scots, with Flora Carr
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.
19 snips
Mar 15, 2024 • 1h 18min
The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook with Martin Wolf
In this insightful discussion, Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times and author of 'The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism,' analyzes the chaotic economic landscape ahead. He highlights the potential global upheaval from a Trump win, the challenges posed by China's demographic shifts, and rising geopolitical tensions. Wolf delves into AI's disruption on job markets, the significance of effective policymaking, and the looming economic threats from high debt levels and political discontent. A must-listen for future-focused thinkers!
21 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 33min
Can You Put a Price Tag on a Life? with Jenny Kleeman
Jenny Kleeman, a seasoned journalist and author of 'The Price of Life', teams up with Carl Miller, a researcher and author focused on social media and organized crime. They delve into the unsettling reality of how human life is assigned monetary values across industries like insurance and philanthropy. Kleeman exposes the chilling underground market for crimes and the ethics of healthcare resource allocation, challenging our perceptions of life’s worth while questioning the effectiveness of altruism. A thought-provoking discussion on the true price of life.
