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
Aug 10, 2022 • 41min
An Honest Life, with Micheal Leviton
Micheal Leviton, a Brooklyn writer and musician known for his memoir "To Be Honest," shares his unique upbringing in a brutally honest family. He reflects on the challenges of maintaining such honesty in relationships and dating, revealing the tension between transparency and social expectations. The conversation also explores the struggles of vulnerability in group settings and the complexities of communication across cultures. With humor and insight, Leviton emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity in forging deep connections.
Aug 8, 2022 • 1h 3min
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, with Reni Eddo-Lodge
Reni Eddo-Lodge, a journalist and author known for her groundbreaking book on race, joins Gary Younge, a prominent columnist and academic. They dive into the renewed relevance of Eddo-Lodge's work in the wake of George Floyd's murder and the Black Lives Matter movement. The conversation touches on the emotional reaction to her book's title, the slow progress of political entities in addressing racial justice, and the role of individual activism amid global upheaval. They emphasize the importance of authentic engagement in the ongoing fight for equality.
Aug 7, 2022 • 1h 6min
The Sunday Debate: If You Believe You are a Citizen of the World, You are a Citizen of Nowhere
The discussion features David Goodhart, a demographer and author; Elif Shafak, a celebrated Turkish novelist; Simon Schama, a renowned historian; and former diplomat David Landsman. They dive into the tension between national and global identities, sparked by Theresa May's remarks on citizenship. Key topics include the complexities of belonging in a connected world, evolving views on immigration and national identity, and the impact of rising nationalism. The panel advocates for a nuanced understanding of citizenship amid today's societal challenges.
Aug 5, 2022 • 38min
Shinzo Abe's Legacy and Japan's Future, with Satona Suzuki and Jeff Kingston
In this discussion, Satona Suzuki, a modern Japanese history lecturer, and Jeff Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple University, unpack Shinzo Abe's complex legacy. They explore Abe’s role in enhancing Japan-U.S. relations while facing challenges with South Korea. The conversation highlights the public's mixed feelings about Abe's economic policies and his historical navigation of contentious issues. They also delve into the political ramifications of Abe's assassination, shedding light on Japan's evolving political landscape and its constitutional challenges.
Aug 3, 2022 • 1h 2min
The Future of the War in Ukraine, with Fiona Hill
Fiona Hill, a foreign affairs expert who has advised three U.S. presidents, joins writer Edward Lucas to dissect the ongoing war in Ukraine. They delve into Putin's potential next moves and the implications for international relations as elections approach for both Putin and Zelensky. The conversation reveals the complexities of Russia's internal sentiments and the varied geopolitical responses. They also explore the historical context of NATO's expansion and the role of oligarchs in current negotiations, highlighting the critical need for dialogue and collaboration.
Aug 1, 2022 • 1h 6min
Reclaiming the Earth: Exploring Race, Heritage and the Natural World
Join independent curator Ligaya Salazar, Creative Director Spandana Gopal, and organic food grower Claire Ratinon as they delve into the intersection of race, heritage, and environmental activism. They explore how traditional crafting practices are evolving amid the pressures of colonial history. The trio discusses the radical ties between food production and activism, emphasizing community stewardship in land justice. They also highlight the importance of slow consumption and craftsmanship, advocating for a deeper connection with nature.
Jul 31, 2022 • 1h 34min
The Sunday Debate: Britain Should Not Have Fought in the First World War
Dominic Sandbrook, a historian and BBC broadcaster, joins renowned author Max Hastings, Professor John Charmley, and Margaret MacMillan, an expert in international history, for a riveting debate on Britain's involvement in the First World War. They delve into the moral and geopolitical motivations behind the war, questioning long-held narratives. The discussion tackles Britain's obligations towards Belgium, critiques the human cost of conflict, and examines the enduring impact on national identity. Audiences engage with shifting perspectives that challenge the justification for war.
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.
