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
Feb 28, 2022 • 57min
Jackpot: How Gambling Conquered Britain, with Rob Davies
Rob Davies, an investigative journalist with The Guardian and author of "Jackpot," delves into Britain's gambling boom, analyzing the impact of advertising and online targeting that prey on vulnerable groups. He discusses the tragic realities of gambling addiction and its devastating effects on individuals and families. Furthermore, he explores the ethics of MPs' involvement in the gambling industry, the normalization of gambling in sports, and the troubling links between technology, youth engagement, and addiction, alongside the rise of cryptocurrency's role in gambling.
Feb 25, 2022 • 58min
Chasing the Urge: Addiction Throughout History, with Carl Erik Fisher
Carl Erik Fisher, a psychiatrist, bioethicist, and recovering alcoholic, joins physicist Helen Czerski to discuss his book on the history of addiction. They explore addiction as a complex issue intertwined with identity and societal constructs, emphasizing compassion in treatment. Fisher critiques historical perspectives, such as the use of addiction for social control during the opium wars. The duo also examines the changing landscape of recovery, the promise of psychedelics in mental health, and the need for community support and tailored approaches in addressing addiction.
Feb 22, 2022 • 43min
Essays at the Crossroads of Race, with Esi Edugyan
Esi Edugyan, a Canadian novelist celebrated for exploring complex subjects, discusses her nonfiction collection, *Out of the Sun: Essays at the Crossroads of Race*. Alongside curator Aindrea Emelife, they dive into Black identity in art and the power of reshaping historical narratives. Esi reflects on her motivations for revealing hidden histories and the significance of representation in contemporary society. The conversation emphasizes embracing ambiguity and fostering empathy to deepen our understanding of diverse experiences and narratives.
Feb 21, 2022 • 28min
Business Weekly: Counting the Cost of Climate Change, with Kristian Rönn
Kristian Rönn shares insights on the urgent need for businesses to accurately report their environmental impact. He discusses his journey in launching a start-up that provides carbon-accounting software. The conversation highlights the challenges of developing universal carbon footprint standards and the complexities of emissions accounting. Rönn emphasizes the risks of an unregulated ESG market, calling for standardized metrics to ensure genuine sustainability efforts. This engaging dialogue underscores the necessity of understanding and addressing climate change costs in business.
Feb 20, 2022 • 1h 4min
The Sunday Debate: The West Should Seek a Compromise with Russia Over Ukraine
Anatol Lieven, a Senior Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute, shares his insights on the escalating military tensions between Russia and Ukraine. He discusses the complex options for the West, emphasizing the importance of negotiating compromises while respecting Ukrainian sovereignty. The conversation explores historical contexts, the intricate dynamics of the Donbass conflict, and the broader geopolitical implications of Western responses to Russia. Key points revolve around the need for meaningful dialogue and the risks associated with military aggression.
Feb 18, 2022 • 44min
The Gift of a Radio, with Justin Webb
Justin Webb, a prominent BBC journalist and author of The Gift of a Radio, shares his darkly humorous insights on his turbulent upbringing. Discussing his mother's transformative journey and the impact of mental health stigma, he highlights the role of live radio as a companion during childhood loneliness. Webb also reflects on his difficult experiences at a Quaker boarding school, the complexities of familial relationships, and evolving perceptions of masculinity. His candid storytelling reveals the resilience found in navigating trauma.
Feb 15, 2022 • 48min
Exploring the Senses, with Guy Leschziner
Consultant neurologist Guy Leschziner shares insights on our sensory experiences, diving deep into the fascinating world of perception. He introduces captivating cases, like a man who literally tastes words and a woman who sees music as colors. The discussion touches on synesthesia, sensory deprivation, and the powerful link between smell and emotion, especially in light of COVID-19. Leschziner also highlights how individual differences in sensory processing shape our realities, urging a reevaluation of societal attitudes toward perceptual disabilities.
Feb 14, 2022 • 48min
Business Weekly: the Jobs We Don’t Talk About, with Eyal Press
Eyal Press, an American journalist and author of "Dirty Work: Essential Jobs and the Hidden Toll of Inequality," joins journalist Rosamund Urwin to delve into the 'dirty work' that society often overlooks. They discuss the moral dilemmas faced by roles like military drone operators and industrial slaughterhouse managers, shedding light on the psychological toll these jobs inflict. The conversation also highlights systemic issues in prisons and the ethical complexities within the food supply chain, urging a re-examination of our perceptions of marginalized labor.
Feb 13, 2022 • 57min
The Sunday Debate: Can the Internet be made Safe?
In this thought-provoking discussion, Jamie Bartlett, a tech writer and podcast host; Margaret Hodge, a veteran Labour MP; and David Babbs, an online safety campaigner, dive deep into the pressing issue of internet safety. They explore the balance between online anonymity and accountability, dissect personal experiences of online abuse, and tackle the complexities of misinformation in today's digital landscape. Each guest brings unique insights on how to protect users while preserving freedom of expression in an increasingly toxic online world.
Feb 11, 2022 • 59min
Survival and Hope in New York City, with Andrea Elliott
Andrea Elliott, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and investigative reporter for The New York Times, shares her insights on the life of Dasani Coates, a resilient child navigating homelessness in Brooklyn. The conversation highlights the stark wealth gap in America and the family’s emotional struggles. Topics of systemic racism in child welfare, the impact of gentrification, and the psychological toll of poverty on children are discussed. Elliott also emphasizes the need for empathy in healthcare and the importance of policy change to address these issues.
