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
Jan 23, 2022 • 1h 1min
The Sunday Debate: Neville Chamberlain Did The Right Thing
Join esteemed historians John Charmley, Sir Richard Evans, Glyn Stone, and Piers Brendan as they explore the contentious legacy of Neville Chamberlain's appeasement strategy before World War II. They delve into the intricate political dynamics of the era, questioning whether Chamberlain's decisions were a necessary gamble for peace or a missed opportunity for intervention. The discussion also highlights the complexities of forming alliances and the moral implications of national self-interest during a time of looming conflict, offering a fresh perspective on this pivotal moment in history.
Jan 21, 2022 • 40min
The Pandemic on the Page, with Roopa Farooki
Roopa Farooki, a doctor, author, and creative-writing lecturer, shares profound insights from her new book, Everything Is True, detailing her early days in the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the emotional toll on healthcare workers and the delicate balance of grief and duty they experienced. Farooki also highlights the impact of her multicultural background on her identity as a doctor. Through candid reflections, she critiques government responses and emphasizes the importance of trust and accountability in healing during crises.
Jan 18, 2022 • 54min
The Untold Story of the Rothschild Women, with Natalie Livingstone
Historian and journalist Natalie Livingstone, author of "The Women of Rothschild," joins Catherine Ostler to unveil the remarkable yet overlooked stories of the women in the iconic Rothschild family. They discuss the significant roles these women played, from visionary pioneers in finance and art to key figures in the political landscape of Zionism. Livingstone highlights compelling figures like Nika Rothschild, who shook up the jazz scene, and examines how these trailblazers navigated societal challenges while influencing history.
Jan 17, 2022 • 34min
Business Weekly: The Future of publishing
Zillah Byng-Thorne, CEO of Future, the UK’s largest magazine publisher, shares her insights on navigating the ever-changing landscape of the publishing industry. She discusses innovative strategies to adapt to digital demands while maintaining a passion for print. The conversation touches on the shift towards subscription models, the balancing act between quality content and profitability, and the importance of integrating team culture after COVID-19. With valuable perspectives on audience engagement, Byng-Thorne highlights the future of magazines in a competitive market.
Jan 16, 2022 • 47min
The Sunday Debate: It's Time to Break Up Facebook
Join Matt Stoller, Director of Research at the American Economic Liberties Project and author of 'Goliath,' as he passionately argues for breaking up Facebook to curb monopoly power. In contrast, MIT Professor Sinan Aral, author of 'The Hype Machine,' advocates for thoughtful structural reforms rather than dissolution. The discussion dives into monopoly implications on democracy, challenges in social media regulation, and the urgent need for interoperability among platforms to empower users and enhance competition. It's a riveting clash of ideas on the future of tech dominance!
Jan 14, 2022 • 60min
Coming of Age at the End of History, with Lea Ypi
Lea Ypi, a political theory professor at the London School of Economics and author of the memoir 'Free', shares her childhood experiences growing up in Albania during its last Stalinist years. She reflects on the stark contrasts between her early life of community solidarity and the political upheaval around her. Ypi delves into the complexities of identity shaped by her family's history, the transition from communism to capitalism, and her literary influences that shaped her worldview. The conversation is a poignant exploration of freedom, nostalgia, and resilience.
Jan 11, 2022 • 48min
Liberalism in Dark Times
Joshua L. Cherniss, an Associate Professor at Georgetown University and author of "Liberalism in Dark Times," joins host Georgina Godwin to explore the challenges facing moderate liberalism today. They discuss how liberal values are attacked from both extremes of the political spectrum and advocate for tempered liberalism, emphasizing resilience and ethical integrity. Cherniss also delves into the impact of digital discourse on public opinion and the importance of fostering forgiveness and collaboration among differing views.
Jan 10, 2022 • 41min
Business Weekly: How influencers break the internet
Olivia Yallop, a strategist and author of 'Break the Internet', dives into the intricate world of the influencer economy. She shares her firsthand experiences from a VIP influencer party and an influencer bootcamp. The discussion examines how influencers have evolved from hobbyists to major cultural players and the psychological pressures they face behind the glamour. Yallop also explores the implications of teaching influencer culture to children and how platforms like TikTok are reshaping content creation and authenticity in the digital age.
Jan 9, 2022 • 1h 40min
The Sunday Debate: Verdi vs Wagner
Norman Lebrecht, a British cultural commentator and advocate for Verdi, faces off against novelist and critic Philip Hensher, who champions Wagner. They dive into the contrasting legacies of these two opera giants, highlighting Verdi's emotional depth and wider appeal versus Wagner's psychological complexity and elitism. The debate is electrifying, exploring Verdi's struggles and triumphs, alongside Wagner's moral dilemmas and transformative influence on music. Both guests engage passionately, showcasing the rich tapestry of operatic history.
Jan 7, 2022 • 56min
Martin Wolf on the World in 2022
Martin Wolf, the Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times, shares his perspective on global economic trends for 2022. He discusses the potential impacts of a new Covid-19 variant and the diplomatic tensions surrounding the Beijing Winter Olympics. Wolf highlights the urgent need for cooperation on climate change despite geopolitical conflicts, examines the economic inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic, and analyzes the fragility of democratic capitalism amidst rising populism. His insights offer a thought-provoking glimpse into the year ahead.
