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
Oct 7, 2023 • 42min
Debate: We Should All Go Vegan, Part 1
In a lively debate, George Monbiot, a Guardian columnist and environmental advocate, argues for a vegan lifestyle, citing its environmental and health benefits. He highlights the staggering resource waste of livestock farming and its massive greenhouse gas emissions. On the opposing side, Patrick Holden, head of the Sustainable Food Trust, points out the significant carbon footprint of crop production, challenging the vegan narrative. With insights from agriculture and nutrition, the conversation veers into the complex realities of our food systems and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
Oct 6, 2023 • 28min
The End of the Murdoch Empire
In this engaging discussion, acclaimed journalist Michael Wolff dives deep into the unraveling of the Murdoch media empire. He contrasts the real-life family dynamics with those in 'Succession,' revealing the complex relationships within the Murdoch clan. Wolff also explores Rupert Murdoch's legacy and the future challenges his empire faces, especially in light of his health concerns. From romantic entanglements to power plays, listeners get an insider's view of the shifting landscape of one of the most influential media moguls.
Oct 3, 2023 • 36min
What Britain Gets Wrong About Race
Tomiwa Owolade, a rising star in UK literary criticism, joins commentator Inaya Folarin Iman to unpack Britain's race discourse. They argue that American racial concepts misrepresent Black British identity and oversimplify diverse experiences. The conversation highlights educational disparities between Black Caribbean and African communities, and critiques the notion of colorblindness in social identity. Owolade calls for a nuanced understanding of race that reflects the unique challenges and achievements of Black Lives in Britain.
Oct 1, 2023 • 31min
Putin's Shrinking Circle: Russia after Prigozhin
Mark Galeotti, a leading expert on modern Russia and author of influential works like Putin’s Wars, dives into the fallout from Yevgeny Prigozhin's death. He explores how Putin’s circle is shrinking, revealing cracks in loyalties among security forces and Wagner fighters. The discussion highlights public sentiment's growing disconnect from government narratives and the implications for upcoming elections. Galeotti also addresses the geopolitical tensions stemming from Ukraine's actions and their potential repercussions for Russia's military strategy.
7 snips
Sep 30, 2023 • 32min
Whose Word is 'Woke'?
Philosopher Susan Neiman, author of "Left Is Not Woke," joins cultural critic Thomas Chatterton Williams for a thought-provoking discussion. They explore the dangers of confusing wokeism with leftist principles, arguing it undermines long-held progressive values. The conversation touches on how various interpretations of 'woke' influence political identities today, alongside reflections on the pessimism that has overtaken modern discourse. Foucault's impact on contemporary thought also surfaces, emphasizing the need to navigate these complex cultural landscapes.
Sep 28, 2023 • 32min
The New Science Behind Tackling Depression
Join Philip Gold, a leading researcher of depressive illness and author of 'Breaking Through Depression', alongside Güneş Taylor, a science communicator at The Francis Crick Institute. They dissect the complexities of depression, comparing melancholic and atypical forms, and delve into the effects of early trauma. Their discussion introduces innovative treatment approaches, including SSRIs and psychedelics, advocating for a personalized and holistic perspective on mental health that challenges traditional views.
Sep 26, 2023 • 33min
Naomi Klein on Conspiracies, Doppelgangers and Democracy's Demise
Join bestselling author and activist Naomi Klein as she dives into her latest thoughts on mistaken identity with a twist—she's on the trail of her doppelganger, a conspiracy theorist with a surprisingly different worldview. In conversation with journalist Ruchira Sharma, they explore how Mirror World reflects our society's dark turn, where misinformation thrives alongside political extremism. Klein tackles issues like the impact of technology on public perception, the rise of conspiracy theories, and how neglecting disenfranchised communities fuels extremism. Get ready for a thought-provoking ride!
24 snips
Sep 24, 2023 • 32min
Mustafa Suleyman on the AI Revolution, Part 2
Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind and Inflection AI, discusses the transformative power of AI and its ethical challenges in society. He argues for proactive government involvement in AI, emphasizing the need for expertise in navigating its rapid advancement. Suleyman also addresses the sustainability of AI development and its potential in fields like education and healthcare. He highlights the importance of collaboration to harness AI's capabilities responsibly, while also tackling the threats posed by deepfakes and synthetic media.
32 snips
Sep 23, 2023 • 36min
Mustafa Suleyman on the AI Revolution, Part 1
Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind and Inflection AI, discusses the monumental shifts brought by artificial intelligence. He highlights the rise of generative AI models like ChatGPT and their ethical implications. Suleyman shares his journey from the early days of DeepMind to envisioning personalized AI that enhances our daily lives. The conversation also addresses the rapid evolution of AI in sectors such as agriculture and healthcare, while emphasizing the need for ethical governance amid global tensions. His insights from 'The Coming Wave' are thought-provoking.
16 snips
Sep 21, 2023 • 37min
John Gray and David Runciman on Finding Meaning in a Post-Liberal World
John Gray, a leading critic of liberalism known for his realist perspectives, joins David Runciman, a political scientist and educator at Cambridge. They unpack themes from Gray’s book, exploring Hobbes' insights on human authority and the flaws of liberalism. The duo discusses humanity's collective identity amidst globalization and critiques hyperliberalism as a misguided doctrine. Their conversation delves into how literature, especially Russian works, reflects the fragility of liberal beliefs and the potential societal dangers of radical ideological movements.
