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
Jul 29, 2022 • 32min
How to Lead a Sustainable Business – Emma Dabiri on Reinventing Stories Around Race
Emma Dabiri, an insightful academic and author of "Don't Touch My Hair," explores the complex idea of race as a cultural construct rooted in historical injustices. She discusses how understanding its origins can help end racial discrimination. The conversation delves into the significance of personal narratives, especially around black hair, and the importance of allyship. Dabiri emphasizes sustainable business practices that prioritize equity, urging a shift towards genuine representation and environmental responsibility for a just future.
Jul 27, 2022 • 56min
Putin’s Long War: From Chechnya to Ukraine, with John Sweeney
Join award-winning investigative journalist John Sweeney, known for his compelling conflicts coverage, as he unpacks the psyche of Vladimir Putin in light of his tumultuous leadership. Sweeney shares gripping firsthand accounts from the Ukraine invasion and delves into how historical events shaped Putin’s character. Discover the harsh realities faced by journalists under his regime and the implications of NATO expansion on Russia. The discussion culminates with a reflection on energy dependency and its ties to national security.
Jul 25, 2022 • 60min
Why Religion Keeps Evolving, with Robin Dunbar
Robin Dunbar, Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Psychology, discusses his insights on the evolution of religion and humanity’s innate need for belief. He explains Dunbar's number and how it shapes social connections while emphasizing religion's role in fostering community cohesion. Stuart Ritchie, from King's College London, joins him to explore the psychological and social aspects of faith, the evolution of religious structures in society, and the impact of rituals on social bonding, revealing intriguing connections between religion, community, and human behavior.
Jul 24, 2022 • 54min
The Sunday Debate: Angela Merkel is Destroying Europe
Mehdi Hassan, Political Director at the Huffington Post UK and author, argues that Angela Merkel's policies are crippling Europe. He faces criticism from Christine Ockrent, a prominent journalist, and Antony Beevor, an award-winning historian, who defend her leadership. Greek politician Euclid Tsakalotos supports Hassan, emphasizing the negative impacts of austerity on Southern Europe. The debate dives into Germany's fiscal control, the ethical implications of Merkel's decisions, and the future of the eurozone amidst ongoing economic challenges.
Jul 22, 2022 • 1h
The Man Who Escaped Auschwitz to Warn the World, with Jonathan Freedland
Jonathan Freedland, a columnist for The Guardian and the author of The Escape Artist, dives deep into the harrowing escape of Rudolf Vrba from Auschwitz in 1944. He shares insights on the significance of Vrba's firsthand accounts in revealing the grim truths of Nazi atrocities. Freedland emphasizes the urgency to preserve Holocaust narratives as survivors diminish, reflecting on the moral complexities faced by those who received desperate warnings. His discussion uncovers the chilling realities of camp life and the pressing responsibility to share these crucial stories.
Jul 21, 2022 • 1h 6min
Breaking the Power of Big Tech, with Jamie Susskind
Join bestselling author Jamie Susskind, a barrister focused on law and technology, and Nina Schick, a writer and strategic advisor on culture and tech, as they tackle the overpowering influence of big tech. They discuss Susskind's vision of 'digital republicanism' and the need for collective action to counteract biases in technology. The conversation also dives into the power dynamics between political leaders and tech moguls, and advocates for stronger citizen engagement and accountability to reshape a more equitable digital landscape.
Jul 18, 2022 • 1h 10min
Next Steps for an Anti-Racist Society, with Ibram X. Kendi
Ibram X. Kendi, a renowned activist and author, teams up with BBC journalist Razia Iqbal to dive into themes from his latest book, focusing on raising anti-racist children. They discuss the critical role of education in fostering an equitable future and tackle the influence of parental attitudes on children’s racial views. Kendi shares a poignant story about his daughter’s experience with toys, illustrating how they shape identity. The conversation emphasizes collective responsibility and actionable steps towards a more just society.
Jul 17, 2022 • 1h 4min
The Sunday Debate: The Battle for the Countryside, with George Monbiot, Rory Stewart, Minette Batters and Mark Cocker
In this engaging discussion, George Monbiot, a Guardian columnist and environmental campaigner, and Mark Cocker, an author and naturalist, champion the rewilding of Britain's uplands. They argue for ecological restoration, showcasing the benefits of increasing biodiversity and sustainable tourism. Conversely, Rory Stewart, a former Conservative minister, and Minette Batters, President of the National Farmers' Union, staunchly oppose rewilding, emphasizing the economic and community challenges it presents. The lively debate navigates the complexities of land use and the future of rural England.
Jul 15, 2022 • 58min
The Magical World of Animal Senses, with Ed Yong
Ed Yong, a Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer for The Atlantic and author of "An Immense World," joins Chrissie Giles, Global Health Editor at the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, for an intriguing discussion. They dive into how various animals perceive their environments—and what senses drive their behaviors. From the chaotic creativity of deep-sea creatures to the impacts of sensory pollution, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding animal perspectives. Expect captivating anecdotes and reflections on the complexities of nature and human empathy.
Jul 13, 2022 • 49min
The Futureverse: Reimagining Worth
In a thought-provoking discussion, Simon Brewer, former Chief Investment Officer and Money Maze podcast host, Adrienne Buller, political economist and author, and Lucy Kellaway, ex-FT columnist turned educator, redefine value in today's world. They tackle how the financial landscape shifts with ESG considerations and the influence of private equity. The panel emphasizes prioritizing community and well-being over mere profit, arguing for a societal shift that values sustainability, health, and personal fulfillment over traditional monetary metrics.
