Intelligence Squared

Understanding how the diversity of life on earth came to be is one of the greatest puzzles in biology. In his new book, The Tree of Life: Solving Science's Greatest Puzzle, Professor Max Telford charts a four-billion-year journey through the evolution of our planet, from humans, fish and butterflies to oak trees, mushrooms and bacteria.On today’s episode, Professor Telford sheds light on an epic history of the family tree that records the relationships between every living thing - from Darwin’s early sketches to the vast computer generated diagrams scientists are building today, this is an epic history of the gigantic Professor Max Telford is an evolutionary biologist and the Jodrell Chair of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy at University College London, where he founded the Centre for Life's Origins and Evolution and the Telford Lab. Joining Telford to discuss the book is Güneş Taylor, Fellow at the Centre for Reproductive Health and science communicator.If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.For £4.99 per month you'll also receive:- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series- 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events ... Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series…Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access.…Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more.https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alice Mah, a sociologist and author, explores the intricate ties between ancestry and ecological anxiety. Drawing from her family's journey from rice-growing villages in South China to Western Canada, she reflects on the emotions tied to honoring heritage amidst environmental degradation. Themes of cultural memory, the fading Qingming Festival rituals, and the haunting notion of 'hungry ghosts' illustrate deep intergenerational responsibilities. Mah urges us to reconcile with our past while navigating the complexities of modern identity and climate grief.

Laura Spinney, a renowned science writer and journalist, is joined by global historian Caroline Dodds Pennock to explore the fascinating legacy of Proto-Indo-European, the ancient tongue that influenced countless modern languages. They discuss how this prehistoric language spread across continents due to trade and migration. The duo also unravels the intricate relationship between language evolution and human movement, revealing how wheeled vehicles played a pivotal role in cultural exchange. Their insights shed light on the connections between language, identity, and history.

Join literary heavyweights John Mullan, a Professor of English Literature, and Kate Mosse, a devoted Brontë enthusiast, as they dive into the fierce debate between Jane Austen and Emily Brontë. They dissect Austen's sharp social critiques versus Brontë's raw emotional intensity found in 'Wuthering Heights.' Expect discussions on character depth, societal expectations, and revolutionary themes that challenge norms. Personal anecdotes and engaging arguments will have you pondering who truly reigns in English literature.

Elif Shafak, an award-winning novelist celebrated for her cross-cultural storytelling, joins historian Peter Frankopan, known for his insights on civilizations and the environment. They dive into the evolution of storytelling, emphasizing its interconnectedness across cultures from ancient Mesopotamia to today. Shafak discusses the Yazidi narrative's significance, the struggles of immigrant identities through her character Ziliha, and the healing power of literature. Their conversation also touches on the importance of diverse literary voices and environmental awareness in storytelling.

Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic and host of the Plain English podcast, teams up with writer Carl Miller to dive into the politics of abundance. They explore how current barriers, particularly in housing policy, hinder progress in liberal democracy. Thompson critiques the Democratic Party's disconnect from voters, especially the youth, while discussing the impact of restrictive regulations on urban development. The conversation also touches on innovative solutions for sustainable infrastructure and the tension between growth and environmental needs.

Shaun Walker, an international correspondent for The Guardian with extensive experience in Russian affairs, discusses his book on Soviet espionage with journalist Carl Miller. They dive into the fascinating history of Russia’s deep cover spies and how these 'illegals' operated under false identities, revealing both astonishing successes and costly failures. The conversation covers the ongoing impact of this covert world on modern geopolitics, along with the psychological toll on spies who lived dual lives amidst state terror and political upheaval.

Carl Öhman, an assistant professor at Uppsala University and author of *The Afterlife of Data*, teams up with Stephanie Hare, a researcher and author of *Technology is Not Neutral*, to unravel the enigma of our digital afterlives. They delve into whether we truly own our data after death and the ethical dilemmas facing tech companies in managing deceased users' accounts. The conversation raises pressing questions about digital legacies, the permanence of our online footprints, and the responsibilities we hold for our virtual selves.

Dr. Moudhy Al-Rashid, an Honorary Fellow at Oxford specializing in ancient Mesopotamia, explores the thrilling legacy of this civilization. She discusses the inception of writing and how it transformed society, along with captivating stories of everyday people—like Latubashini, an enslaved mother fighting for freedom. Al-Rashid highlights the often-overlooked humanity in Mesopotamian texts and shares insights on how their personal struggles with love and ambition resonate even today. Dive into this fascinating blend of history and human experience!

Join Robert Kaplan, a geopolitical expert and bestselling author, as he navigates the turbulent waters of global instability. He draws intriguing parallels between today's crises and the Weimar Republic, stressing the importance of historical context. Kaplan argues for prioritizing order and historic liberalism over mass democracy to combat the chaotic future ahead. The discussion spans the dynamics between the U.S., China, and India, the risks of polarization in American politics, and insights on military policy amid the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.