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 11, 2022 • 48min
Doughnut Economics, with Kate Raworth
Kate Raworth, a senior associate at Oxford's Environmental Change Institute and author of 'Donut Economics', discusses groundbreaking ideas that challenge traditional economics. She introduces the 'doughnut' concept, advocating for a balance between societal well-being and ecological sustainability. Raworth critiques conventional economic models, urging for visual representations that incorporate social contexts. The conversation extends to the interplay between altruism and self-interest in shaping economic behavior, and the urgent need for innovative policies prioritizing human needs.
Jul 10, 2022 • 1h 2min
The Sunday Debate: Hip-hop vs Shakespeare
George the Poet, a Peabody Award-winning spoken word artist, and Howard Jacobson, a Booker Prize-winning novelist, dive into a spirited debate about the cultural resonance of hip-hop versus Shakespeare. They explore how hip-hop conveys societal narratives rooted in struggles, while Shakespeare's timeless themes reflect human complexities. The conversation highlights the importance of both art forms in understanding identity and moral dilemmas. Through their insights, they illustrate how diverse cultural expressions can coexist and enrich our perspectives.
Jul 8, 2022 • 38min
A Life in Forensic Psychiatry, with Dr Ben Cave
Dr. Ben Cave, a consultant forensic psychiatrist with 35 years of experience and author of 'What We Fear Most,' shares insights into the complexities of treating individuals with profound mental health issues. He discusses the stigma surrounding mental illness and crime, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding. Ben reflects on the emotional challenges faced by psychiatrists, including feelings of guilt and the impact of societal perceptions. His experiences highlight the transformative journey of understanding mental illness and the importance of promoting early intervention.
Jul 7, 2022 • 1h 1min
Them’s the Breaks: Boris Johnson’s Resignation and Britain’s Political Crisis, with Jonathan Freedland, Simon Jenkins and Manveen Rana
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Freedland, a Guardian columnist and Orwell Prize winner, teams up with Simon Jenkins, a former editor of The Evening Standard and The Times. They delve into Boris Johnson's dramatic resignation and its profound implications for British politics. The conversation highlights the erosion of public trust and the dangers of charismatic leadership without substance. They also explore the emotional toll of political lies and the persistent influence of populism in the current political climate.
Jul 6, 2022 • 1h 1min
The Hunt for the Missing Cryptoqueen, with Jamie Bartlett
Jamie Bartlett, an internet politics expert and author of "The Missing Cryptoqueen," joins Leila Begum, a victim of the OneCoin scam, to unveil the deception behind Dr. Ruja Ignatova's cryptocurrency fraud. They discuss how emotional tactics ensnared investors, the intricate web of complicity among institutions, and the personal toll on victims. Bartlett shares insights from his investigative work, revealing the challenges of journalism in exposing such scams and the need for accountability in the digital finance landscape.
5 snips
Jul 4, 2022 • 1h 3min
On Speaking and Being: The Power of Words, with Kübra Gümüsay
Kübra Gümüsay, a writer and activist focused on social justice, dives deep into the power of language with host Danielle Sands. They explore how words shape identity and the immigrant experience, emphasizing the necessity of humility for genuine dialogue. Gümüsay critiques societal labeling, calling for spaces that foster understanding beyond superficial classifications. The discussion also touches on the cultural shift of the Value Revolution and the importance of creating nurturing environments in a judgmental digital age.
Jul 3, 2022 • 43min
The Sunday Debate: Has Sex Positivity Harmed Feminism?
Christine Emba, a Washington Post columnist and author of "Rethinking Sex: A Provocation," joins Dossie Easton, therapist and co-author of "The Ethical Slut," to tackle controversial questions about sex positivity and its effects on feminism. They discuss whether modern sexual freedom truly empowers women or merely reflects societal pressures. The conversation dives into the orgasm gap, the role of men in feminist discourse, and the vital importance of comprehensive sex education, urging a reexamination of intimacy and ethical boundaries.
Jul 1, 2022 • 51min
Eton, Oxford, Westminster: The Formative Pipeline of Britain's Ruling Elite, with Simon Kuper
In this discussion, Simon Kuper, an FT columnist and author of 'Chums', dives into the elite education pipeline of Eton, Oxford, and Westminster that shapes Britain's ruling class. He explores how this system perpetuates social class distinctions and influences governance. Kuper delves into the historical context of oxocracy, the implications of a homogenous elite, and the detachment it fosters from real-world issues. He also addresses the challenges women and minorities face within this political landscape, emphasizing the need for more diverse leadership.
Jun 29, 2022 • 36min
Escaping Xinjiang, with Nury Turkel
Nury Turkel, a Uyghur American lawyer and human rights advocate, shares his compelling journey, having been born in a re-education camp in Xinjiang. He discusses the historical and cultural significance of Xinjiang for the Uyghur people, highlighting personal stories of oppression and the emotional toll of family separation. Turkel emphasizes the urgent need for global activism against systemic abuses and reflects on the importance of preserving Uyghur identity amidst ongoing repression. This conversation is a powerful call to recognize and confront human rights violations.
Jun 27, 2022 • 57min
Why We Fight, with Christopher Blattman
Christopher Blattman, an economist and political scientist at the University of Chicago, shares insights from his book on the roots of war and peace. He discusses how poverty and oppression fuel conflict while exploring humanity's innate push for peace amidst global crises. Blattman delves into the complex dynamics of negotiations in conflict situations, particularly looking at the Ukraine-Russia tensions. He emphasizes the crucial role of understanding local motivations and how criminal groups can unexpectedly drive stability in communities impacted by violence.
