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
Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 6min
Fame, Women and the Toxic Noughties
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.
25 snips
Jan 22, 2024 • 59min
Adventures in Philosophy with Daniel Dennett and Richard Dawkins
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.
Jan 21, 2024 • 50min
Life Lessons from the Early Greeks with Adam Nicolson
In this engaging discussion, Adam Nicolson, a writer known for his explorations of the Bible and poetry, shares insights from his latest book on early Greek philosophy. He delves into the profound connection between geography and the philosophical ideas of ancient thinkers. Nicolson recounts a sailing journey through the Aegean, linking significant locations to the origins of Western thought. The conversation also reflects on the paradoxes of ancient wisdom, identity, and the dynamic nature of existence as explored by pre-Socratic philosophers and figures like Pythagoras.
5 snips
Jan 19, 2024 • 50min
The Mend is Nigh: Hannah Ritchie on How to Build a Sustainable Planet
Hannah Ritchie, a leading data scientist from Oxford and author of 'Not the End of the World', chats with Tim Harford, a Financial Times columnist. They discuss innovative strategies for sustainability, emphasizing the importance of optimism and high living standards. Ritchie challenges common beliefs about climate solutions, revealing that renewable energy has become economically viable. They also explore historical air pollution trends, energy challenges, and the environmental impact of food choices, advocating for dietary changes to combat climate change.
10 snips
Jan 17, 2024 • 31min
Daniel Goleman on How to Reach the Optimal Mindset
Daniel Goleman, renowned for his work on Emotional Intelligence, discusses his new book, emphasizing methods for achieving sustained excellence. He highlights the significance of emotional intelligence and mindfulness in reaching an optimal mindset. Alongside Dr. Güneş Taylor, a molecular biologist, they explore the differences between flow and optimal states in improving performance. They delve into the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership and cultivating effective team dynamics, urging the need for ongoing development in these areas.
Jan 15, 2024 • 48min
Another Side of the Moon: How the Lunar Landscape Inspires Imagination
Rebecca Boyle, an award-winning science writer and author of "Our Moon," engages in a fascinating dialogue about humanity's complex relationship with the moon. She shares how the moon has shaped myths and stories throughout history. The conversation delves into its scientific significance, including its influence on biological rhythms like circadian cycles. They reflect on lunar exploration's evolution and discuss ethical considerations for future space endeavors. Boyle emphasizes the need for greater public engagement with ongoing lunar mysteries and celebrates the moon's enduring inspiration.
Jan 14, 2024 • 49min
The Political Thought of Xi Jinping
Steve Tsang, Director of the China Institute, and Olivia Cheung, Research Fellow there, dive into the nuances of Xi Jinping's political thought. They discuss how 'Xi Jinping Thought' serves as a state ideology aiming to unite and rejuvenate China, all while consolidating power reminiscent of past leaderships. Insights on his coercive policies and the enforced ideology reveal a landscape rich in systemic propaganda. They also explore Xi's calls for ethnic unity and a shift in global leadership, paving the way for China's rise amid complex U.S.-China relations.
Jan 12, 2024 • 40min
Sotheby’s Talks: Munch, with Tracey Emin
In this engaging discussion, contemporary artist Tracey Emin shares her admiration for Edvard Munch, a pioneer of Expressionism whose art explores deep emotional truths. Emin delves into Munch's complex relationships with his female subjects, shedding light on his artistic portrayal of gender dynamics. She also reflects on how Munch's turbulent romance influenced his work and discusses the overarching theme of vulnerability in art. Emin's insights reveal how powerful emotional connections shape both her art and Munch's enduring legacy.
37 snips
Jan 10, 2024 • 54min
How The Female Body Has Driven Evolution
Cat Bohannon, a researcher and author specializing in evolution, is joined by zoologist Lucy Cooke to explore the female body’s profound influence on human evolution. They discuss how bipedalism and maternal roles shaped our species, alongside the complexities of reproduction and childbirth. The importance of menopause and social structures in primates is highlighted, revealing the evolutionary benefits of old females. Lastly, they address gender differences in medical treatment, advocating for a more inclusive approach in healthcare.
11 snips
Jan 8, 2024 • 57min
Power Grab: David Runciman on the Reach of Corporations, States and AI
David Runciman, a Cambridge University politics professor and author of "The Handover," teams up with Adam McCauley, a Senior Policy Advisor in Canada's Defense Department. They dive deep into the powerful triad of corporations, states, and AI, exploring how these entities shape our lives and decision-making. Runciman highlights the dangers of superhuman capabilities lacking moral grounding, while McCauley discusses the necessity of navigating technology to protect democratic values. Their conversation underscores the need to realign corporate governance with human interests.
