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 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.
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.
