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
Apr 17, 2022 • 1h 7min
The Sunday Debate: The European Green Deal is Not Fit For Purpose
Franziska Brantner is a Member of the European Parliament and a spokesperson for the German Green Party, while Dr. Tadzio Müller is a climate activist with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. They dive into the European Green Deal, debating its practicality and effectiveness for climate action. They discuss whether economic growth can align with sustainability and explore the contentious concepts of growth versus degrowth. The conversation also touches on carbon policies, climate justice, and the important role of youth activism in shaping the future of environmental initiatives.
Apr 15, 2022 • 60min
The Journey of Humanity, with Oded Galor
Oded Galor, a Professor of Economics at Brown University and author of "The Journey of Humanity," discusses the optimistic narratives about wealth and inequality in human history. He reveals how significant historical shifts, like the industrial revolution, drastically changed living standards, albeit unevenly. Galor delves into the roots of global inequality, the interplay between cooperation and competition in human nature, and the critical role of education in fostering economic progress, urging tailored policies to address disparities.
Apr 13, 2022 • 58min
Debunking the Great Food Myths, with Tim Spector and Dan Saladino
Join the fascinating discussion on how much of our dietary advice is misleading. Tim Spector argues that our unique genetic makeup means we react differently to food, challenging one-size-fits-all myths. Dan Saladino highlights the urgency of protecting rare foods and biodiversity. Explore the impact of ultra-processed foods on health and the journey towards embracing whole foods. Dive into the importance of grain and microbial diversity for gut health, while discovering fun ways to experiment with your diet.
12 snips
Apr 11, 2022 • 59min
Walking the Walk: How to Go Beyond Sustainable Storytelling
In this engaging discussion, Kavita Prakash Mani, CEO of Mandai Nature, Jane Madden, Global Managing Partner at FIN Partners, and Bjorn Low, co-founder of Edible Garden City, explore how the travel industry can tackle climate challenges. They highlight the need for genuine sustainability beyond mere storytelling, focusing on the critical link between tourism and wildlife conservation. The trio also delves into urban farming's role in community engagement and food security, advocating for responsible tourism that empowers local economies and fosters real-world impact.
Apr 10, 2022 • 1h 4min
The Sunday Debate: Blockchain, Quantum Leap Forward or Digital Snake Oil?
Springing into action, Primavera De Filippi, a legal expert on blockchain at Harvard, teams up with Vit Jedlička, President of Liberland, to envision a decentralized governance model. Jamie Bartlett dives into the social implications of blockchain, while skeptic David Gerard questions its financial promises. They explore the environmental costs of cryptocurrency, the challenges of regulation, and the potential for blockchain to revolutionize voting systems, all while debating whether it’s a groundbreaking innovation or merely tech hype.
28 snips
Apr 8, 2022 • 1h 7min
Is Liberalism Obsolete? With Francis Fukuyama and John Gray
Francis Fukuyama, the American political scientist famous for his 'end of history' thesis, debates with British philosopher John Gray, who challenges the notion of universal liberal progress. They discuss how liberalism faces significant threats from both political extremes and explore Russia's difficulties in becoming a democracy after the Cold War. The conversation dives into the implications of the Ukraine crisis, the risks of concentrated power in governance, and evolving challenges like nationalism and identity politics.
Apr 6, 2022 • 39min
The Mercenary River, with Nick Higham
Nick Higham, a renowned journalist and author, dives deep into the fascinating world of London's water supply and its historical significance. He discusses the intense competition for water resources and the transformative role of pioneers like Joseph Bazalgette in sanitation. Higham shares insights about the Thames River's pollution issues and the costly Thames Tideway Tunnel project. He also reflects on the broader implications of privatization and the literary significance of waterways, making listeners reconsider their everyday relationship with this precious resource.
Apr 4, 2022 • 51min
Seeking Refuge in a Hostile World, with Sally Hayden
In this engaging discussion, Sally Hayden, an award-winning journalist and Africa Correspondent for The Irish Times, shares insights from her impactful book on the refugee crisis. She highlights the contrasting support for Ukrainian refugees compared to those from North Africa and the Middle East. Hayden illuminates the dire conditions in Libyan detention centers, the complexities of migration politics, and the emotional toll on refugees. She also addresses the responsibilities of wealthier nations in fostering empathy and support for all displaced individuals.
4 snips
Apr 3, 2022 • 1h 2min
The Sunday Debate: Hydrogen, the green ‘silver bullet’ or a lot of hype?
Join experts Professor Nigel Brandon, a sustainable energy authority from Imperial College London, Barry Carruthers, ScottishPower's Hydrogen Director, and Fiona Harvey, The Guardian's environmental correspondent, as they dive into the hydrogen debate. They explore whether hydrogen is a true game-changer or just hype. Discussions unveil its potential as a clean energy source, the importance of production methods, and the balance between optimism and skepticism in addressing climate issues. They also tackle the challenges of scalability and public acceptance.
Apr 1, 2022 • 55min
Sexual Revolution: Modern Fascism and the Feminist Fightback, with Laurie Penny
Laurie Penny, a journalist and author renowned for her insights on social justice and gender, dives into her latest work about the intersections of the sexual revolution and modern fascism. She advocates for an intersectional feminism that addresses critical issues like rape culture and consent. The conversation critiques traditional masculinity and its ties to capitalism while exploring healthier alternatives. Penny also examines the complexities surrounding online pornography and urges a deeper understanding of men's privilege in today’s world.
