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
Jun 20, 2022 • 43min
The Hidden World of Bisexuality, with Julia Shaw
Dr. Julia Shaw, a criminal psychologist and author of "Bi: The Hidden Culture, History, and Science of Bisexuality," dives deep into the often misunderstood world of bisexuality. She discusses historical figures and activists like Brenda Howard who shaped the Pride movement. The talk addresses late coming out, internal conflicts, societal pressures, and the misconceptions that fuel stigma. Julia emphasizes the mental health impacts on bisexual individuals and advocates for recognition and education to promote inclusivity across communities.
Jun 19, 2022 • 1h 5min
The Sunday Debate: Parenting Doesn’t Matter (Or Not As Much As You Think)
This discussion features Robert Plomin, a behavioural genetics professor from King's College London, and Susan Pawlby, a developmental psychologist, alongside therapist Ann Pleshette Murphy and genetic psychiatry expert Stuart Ritchie. They challenge traditional views on parenting's role in shaping children, arguing that genetics often holds more sway. Love and attachment are highlighted as pivotal to development, while socioeconomic factors and parenting styles complicate the narrative. The debate encourages a nuanced understanding of the balance between nature and nurture.
Jun 17, 2022 • 59min
Bittersweet: Finding Purpose in Sorrow, with Susan Cain
Susan Cain, bestselling author of "Quiet" and "Bittersweet," delves into the beauty of embracing our bittersweet emotions. She explores how joy and sorrow coexist, enriching our personal experiences and connections. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Cain highlights the profound impact of bittersweetness on creativity and resilience. The discussion also touches on how introverts uniquely perceive these emotions and the struggles of articulating deep feelings. Ultimately, it’s an exploration of the duality that shapes our lives and arts.
Jun 15, 2022 • 55min
How To Live With Each Other, with Farhan Samanani
Farhan Samanani, a Canadian social anthropologist and author of 'How to Live with Each Other', dives into how embracing diversity can strengthen communities. He shares insights from his work in Kilburn, London, revealing how our identities are shaped by cultural interactions. Joined by Dipo Faloyin, they discuss the struggles and resilience of marginalized groups, the balance between liberalism and civic republicanism, and the fluidity of identity. Their conversation highlights how diverse narratives can promote empathy and foster a deeper sense of belonging.
Jun 13, 2022 • 53min
Count your Blessings: The Natural Beauty of Mathematics, with Junaid Mubeen
Junaid Mubeen, a mathematician and educator known for his book "Mathematical Intelligence: What We Have That Machines Don’t," dives into the playful side of mathematics and its stark contrast to rigid AI thinking. He highlights how human vulnerability enriches competitive games and emphasizes the creative beauty of mathematics, challenging common misconceptions. The discussion critiques outdated math education and advocates for nurturing curiosity over rote learning, while also considering the ethical responsibilities in AI development.
Jun 12, 2022 • 1h 5min
The Sunday Debate: We Were Right To Brexit
Join former Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan, Brexit skeptic Labour MP Stella Creasy, historian Robert Tombs, and ex-Attorney General Dominic Grieve in a lively debate on Brexit. They delve into the long-term implications of leaving the EU, discussing national sovereignty versus economic realities. The conversation highlights the impact on trade, immigration, and overall economic performance post-Brexit, as well as public sentiments driving voter decisions. The clash of perspectives unveils exciting insights into a pivotal moment in British history.
5 snips
Jun 10, 2022 • 1h 2min
The New Food Revolution, with George Monbiot
George Monbiot, a passionate journalist and author of 'Regenesis,' explores the urgent need for sustainable food systems. He discusses the critical role of soil health in agriculture and the alarming rates of soil degradation. Innovative farming methods that boost soil vitality without harmful fertilizers are highlighted. Monbiot also dives into the revolutionary concept of bacterial flour, showcasing its potential to transform diets. Lastly, he critiques the tension between corporate power and sustainable food innovations, advocating for a democratized future in food production.
Jun 9, 2022 • 14min
Something Extra from Intelligence Squared
Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist and author of Thinking, Fast and Slow, dives into fascinating discussions about our beliefs and the complexities of democracy. He explores how humor and resilience can help us navigate criticisms and misinformation. Kahneman also emphasizes the importance of civic education and its role in fair trial representation. The dialogue encourages listeners to engage with pressing global issues and highlights the significance of respectful discourse in today’s cultural landscape.
Jun 8, 2022 • 30min
How to Lead a Sustainable Business, with Alannah Weston and Leslie Johnston
Leslie Johnston, CEO of the Laudes Foundation, champions systems change across fashion, finance, and the built environment. She and Alannah Weston discuss the urgent need to shift from profit-centric business models to sustainable practices that respect both people and the planet. They explore how transformative philanthropy can drive innovation and collaboration in various sectors. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for unrestricted support to frontline organizations and highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in creating meaningful systemic change.
Jun 6, 2022 • 58min
The Power of Demography, with Paul Morland
In a captivating discussion, Paul Morland, a leading demography expert and author, explores whether the world faces overpopulation or a population decline. He delves into how historical population shifts shape societal changes and the significant impact of aging demographics on global conflict. Morland highlights the interesting connections between religiosity and fertility rates, showcasing groups like the Amish. The conversation also covers evolving perceptions of retirement age and the geopolitical implications of demographic trends.
