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
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.
Jan 7, 2024 • 60min
All Talk: How Dialects and Diversity Enrich the Culture of the UK
In a captivating discussion, Rob Drummond, a Professor of Sociolinguistics, shares insights from his book, "You're All Talk." He explores how accents and dialects shape identity and influence societal perceptions. The conversation covers the prejudice linked to accent bias, the evolution of English dialects in the UK, and the dynamic nature of Multicultural London English. Drummond also highlights how language diversity enriches cultural identity, reflecting on its implications for social inclusion and understanding in contemporary society.
Jan 5, 2024 • 52min
Fixing France: Nabila Ramdani on How to Repair a Broken Republic
Nabila Ramdani, a French-Algerian writer and broadcaster, discusses her book about fixing France's troubled political landscape. She highlights the rise of the far right and the growing disconnect between citizens and their government. Ramdani critiques the excessive concentration of power in the presidency and calls for a shift to a more democratic parliamentary system. She also explores the cultural tensions between traditional values and modern liberalism, as well as France's challenging international reputation amid domestic unrest.
Jan 3, 2024 • 55min
Blazing Ambition: the Life of Margaret Cavendish
Francesca Peacock, a journalist and author, joins historian Helen Carr to shed light on Margaret Cavendish, a groundbreaking 17th-century writer. They explore Cavendish’s solitude and struggles during the English Civil War, her unique marriage that empowered her writing, and her complex legacy as a proto-science fiction author. The duo highlights how Cavendish defied gender norms through her eclectic works, inviting listeners to appreciate her vision and impact on women's literature and modern thought.
