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
Sep 19, 2022 • 1h 2min
Finding Our Inner Strength, with Bruce Daisley
Bruce Daisley, a thought leader on workplace culture and former Vice President of Twitter Europe, discusses inner strength and resilience in modern work. He challenges the myth of grit, advocating for adaptability over mere persistence. Daisley emphasizes the importance of community and meaningful connections in fostering mental health and well-being. He also explores how to integrate cooperative learning in education and workplace culture while highlighting shared joy in remote teams and the vital role of family in building resilience.
Sep 18, 2022 • 48min
The Sunday Debate: Can Decolonisation Go Too Far?
Olufemi Taiwo, a Professor of African Political Thought at Cornell and author of *Against Decolonisation*, joins Dipo Faloyin, a VICE editor and author of *Africa Is Not A Country*. They dive into the intricacies of decolonization, questioning whether it truly empowers African nations or oversimplifies complex issues. The discussion touches on the legacies of colonialism, nation-building challenges, and the importance of acknowledging Africa's rich pre-colonial history and agency post-independence. It's a nuanced look at a pivotal topic.
Sep 16, 2022 • 36min
The Extraordinary Life of Catherine Dior, with Justine Picardie
Justine Picardie, a celebrated journalist and author of 'Miss Dior,' shares the gripping story of Catherine Dior, sister of famed designer Christian Dior. She discusses Catherine's bravery as a member of the French resistance during World War II, her harrowing imprisonment, and how these experiences shaped her brother's fashion career. The conversation delves into their complex relationship, the societal challenges Catherine faced, and her enduring legacy, symbolized by her rose fields that represent survival and resilience.
Sep 14, 2022 • 31min
Understanding Environmental Inequality, with Leah Thomas
Join Leah Thomas, environmental activist and author of 'The Intersectional Environmentalist', as she uncovers the crucial link between environmentalism and social justice. She discusses how marginalized communities face the brunt of climate change while emphasizing the need for an intersectional approach to activism. Leah critiques performative activism and the pitfalls of greenwashing, advocating for genuine commitment to sustainability. The conversation also highlights the importance of diverse voices in climate movements, particularly those of climate organizers of color.
Sep 12, 2022 • 39min
The Inside Story of Europe’s Biggest Financial Scandal, with Dan McCrum
Dan McCrum, a Financial Times journalist, uncovers the shocking truth behind Wirecard, a tech startup that turned out to be a massive financial fraud. He shares the gripping details of his investigation, including tense sting operations and courageous whistleblowers. McCrum discusses the risks investigative journalists face while unmasking corporate deception and the implications of the scandal on Germany's financial reputation. His new book, "Money Men," dives deep into this bizarre tale that intertwines innovation with deceit.
Sep 11, 2022 • 1h 5min
The Sunday Debate: Has the Political Establishment Failed America?
In this engaging discussion, Michael Eric Dyson, a noted sociologist, and William Howell, an expert on American politics, argue that the political establishment has failed to serve the needs of the populace. Opposing this view, Jennifer Rubin, a sharp columnist from The Washington Post, and Eric Oliver, a political scientist, defend the establishment's role in maintaining stability. They delve into issues like political accountability, historical roots of inequality, and the necessity for reform in governance. Explore their passionate exchanges and insights on America's political landscape.
Sep 9, 2022 • 48min
How Social Media Rewired our Brains and our World, with Max Fisher
Max Fisher, a New York Times columnist and author of The Chaos Machine, delves into the profound impact of social media on our lives. He explores how algorithms have reshaped communication, sometimes inciting violence, and raising ethical questions about tech companies' responsibilities. Fisher discusses social media's dual nature, acting as a force for both activism and polarization. He also highlights concerning trends in child safety on platforms like YouTube, revealing the dark side of algorithm-driven content that exposes kids to inappropriate material.
Sep 7, 2022 • 41min
The Futureverse: Undervalued – Is the Future of Art Female?
Join Katy Hessel, art historian and curator, Marine Tanguy, founder of MT Art Agency, and Princess Alia Al-Senussi, cultural strategist, as they dive into the undervaluation of female artists in a male-dominated market. They discuss striking statistics, like how 96.1% of auction sales are male artists, and the recent shifts in representation seen at events like the Venice Biennale. The conversation highlights efforts to break down institutional barriers, increase exposure for women in art, and empower the next generation of female creators.
Sep 5, 2022 • 58min
How to Improve the World for the Generations to Come, with Will MacAskill
Will MacAskill, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Oxford and co-founder of the effective altruism movement, dives deep into the importance of long-term thinking for future generations. He talks about pressing issues like climate change and AI, stressing our moral responsibility to act wisely today. The discussion highlights the balance between immediate needs and long-term goals, empowering individuals to make a difference through effective altruism. MacAskill also addresses misconceptions surrounding the movement and celebrates its growing global appeal.
Sep 4, 2022 • 49min
The Sunday Debate: Reflections on the Collapse of the Soviet Union, with Timothy Garton Ash and Ivan Krastev
Ivan Krastev, an opinion writer for the New York Times, and Timothy Garton Ash, a European Studies professor at Oxford, share insights on the Soviet Union's collapse and Gorbachev's legacy. They discuss the fall of the Berlin Wall, the misinterpretations of history, and the rise of alternative governance in Eastern Europe. The duo also examines the roots of populism and economic disparities, and reflects on the future of liberalism amidst rising local movements and the challenges posed by contemporary politics.
