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 18, 2023 • 41min
Letters To A Writer Of Colour, with Deepa Anappara And Taymour Soomro
Deepa Anappara, author of "Gin Patrol on the Purple Line," and Taymour Soomro, writer of "Other Names for Love," delve into the evolution of storytelling and representation in literature. They discuss their anthology, highlighting how traditional writing manuals often overlook diverse perspectives. Joined by fellow authors Leila Aboulela and Sharlene Teo, they explore identity, the pressures on marginalized writers, and the need for authentic narrative ownership. Expect a thought-provoking conversation on expanding the literary landscape!
18 snips
May 17, 2023 • 44min
Is the West Getting China Wrong? with Keyu Jin and Gideon Rachman
Keyu Jin, a Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics and author of "The New China Playbook," joins Gideon Rachman, Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator for the Financial Times. They tackle whether the West truly understands China, navigating tensions and cultural misunderstandings. The conversation dives into the 'lying flat' movement among youth seeking work-life balance, China's aging population challenges, and socioeconomic paradoxes facing highly educated youth. They also reflect on nationalism and the risks of conflict over Taiwan in U.S.-China relations.
5 snips
May 15, 2023 • 43min
Can Anyone Actually Own A Culture?
Martin Puchner, an acclaimed author and Harvard professor, discusses the blurred lines between cultural appreciation and appropriation. He argues that culture has always evolved through borrowing, and this should be celebrated rather than seen as ownership. Puchner explores historical moments of cultural transmission, the reinterpretation of artifacts like the bust of Nefertiti, and contemporary issues surrounding global phenomena such as BTS. He advocates for a model of engagement that promotes understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural practices.
May 14, 2023 • 42min
Is Progress At Odds with Feminism?
Louise Perry, an influential young feminist and author of 'The Case Against the Sexual Revolution,' discusses the harms of modern sexual culture on women's rights. Joining her is Mary Harrington, a writer and editor, who critiques the myth of progress, arguing that technology can trap women into commodifying their bodies. They explore the negative impact of pornography on sexual expectations, the complexities of consent in dating, and re-evaluate the roles of marriage and parenting in contemporary society, challenging preconceived notions of empowerment.
6 snips
May 12, 2023 • 41min
Is Russia Doomed By Its History? with Mikhail Shishkin
In this engaging discussion, Mikhail Shishkin, a celebrated Russian novelist and a winner of all major literary prizes, shares his insights on Russia's complicated history. He examines the cycles of despotism and the deep-seated issues between the state and its citizens. Shishkin explores the dichotomy of the Russian populace, divided between the disenchanted and those embracing European values. He poses crucial questions about Russia's future, especially in light of current conflicts and the ongoing struggle for democracy.
May 9, 2023 • 26min
Mehdi Hasan On How To Win Every Argument - Part 2
In this engaging discussion, Mehdi Hasan, a renowned interviewer and debater, shares invaluable tips from his book, "Win Every Argument." He explores the vital role of brainstorming in impactful communication through historical examples. Hasan critiques the decline of genuine political debate amidst media echo chambers and contrasts interview styles between the UK and US, highlighting cultural implications. Plus, he delves into audience engagement in competitive debates, revealing the excitement behind creating viral moments.
May 7, 2023 • 29min
Mehdi Hasan On How To Win Every Argument - Part 1
Join Mehdi Hasan, an award-winning journalist and the host of the Mehdi Hasan Show, as he dives into the art of winning arguments. He shares his unique approach to spontaneous debate, emphasizing the importance of understanding your audience. Hasan also discusses the value of empathetic argumentation and the ethical implications of personal attacks in debates. With insights on the power of storytelling, he illustrates how personal narratives can make complex issues more relatable and persuasive.
31 snips
May 6, 2023 • 30min
Martin Wolf and Yanis Varoufakis on the Future of Capitalism - Part 2
In a riveting continuation of their debate, Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times, and Yanis Varoufakis, the Greek politician and economist, clash over capitalism's future. They dissect the monopolistic powers of tech giants and the evolving landscape of capitalism influenced by autocratic regimes. Varoufakis advocates for a post-capitalist world, while Wolf defends democratic capitalism as essential for human flourishing. Their insights challenge listeners to rethink the balance between reform and radical change in our socio-economic systems.
14 snips
May 4, 2023 • 24min
Martin Wolf and Yanis Varoufakis on the Future of Capitalism - Part 1
Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times, discusses the need for reform in democratic capitalism. Yanis Varoufakis, former Greek Minister of Finance, advocates for a radical post-capitalist shift. The dialogue likens capitalism to a home needing renovation, examining minor versus major reforms. They explore the rise of digital economies, like 'cloud capital,' and the consequences of technological advancements on markets. Together, they challenge listeners to rethink capitalism's sustainability and its future impact on society.
May 3, 2023 • 21min
Is Thin Back In? | IQ2 Opinion
Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of body image and the resurgence of thinness as a beauty ideal. Discussions span the impact of weight loss medications like Ozempic and personal stories highlighting the pressures of societal standards. The conversation also critiques the connection between fashion trends and eating disorders, examining the psychological implications of body image. Additionally, a startling study reveals biases against overweight individuals, prompting a call for a shift towards valuing health over size in our communities.
