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
Oct 25, 2021 • 44min
Business Weekly: Richard Branson on a Life of Entrepreneurship
Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, shares his entrepreneurial journey, revealing insights from creating Virgin Airlines to navigating the challenges of the music industry. He discusses the thrilling ambitions behind Virgin Galactic's space tourism and reflects on the bold marketing stunts that put his companies against giants like Coca-Cola. Branson also touches on the implications of privatization in healthcare and offers critical views on Brexit, emphasizing the need for resilience in business and social responsibility.
Oct 24, 2021 • 1h 6min
The Sunday Debate: Should the West pay Reparations for Slavery?
Kehinde Andrews, a Black Studies professor, argues passionately for reparations, highlighting the need for historical acknowledgment and healing. Esther Stanford-Xosei, a reparations activist, supports this view, emphasizing collective responsibility. On the opposing side, Katharine Birbalsingh warns that reparations might exacerbate social tensions, advocating for empowerment instead. Tony Sewell reinforces self-reliance, drawing lessons from Ethiopia's success. The discussion navigates complex moral, historical, and social implications, leaving listeners to ponder the future of reparative justice.
Oct 22, 2021 • 53min
The Untold Story of African Europeans, with Olivette Otele
Olivette Otele, a prominent historian and author, sheds light on the overlooked history of Africans in Europe, tracing their presence back centuries. She discusses the lives of historical figures like Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, and the impacts of colonialism on identity. Otele emphasizes the importance of reclaiming Black narratives and the challenges of recognizing women's contributions. The conversation also tackles the legacy of racism, the Colston statue controversy, and the importance of understanding this history for future movements like Black Lives Matter.
Oct 19, 2021 • 48min
Empire of Pain: Sacklers, Opioids and the Sickening of America
Patrick Radden Keefe, an award-winning writer and author of *Empire of Pain*, joins FT’s global pharmaceutical correspondent, Hannah Kuchler. They delve into the Sackler family’s dark legacy tied to the opioid crisis, unraveling their role in promoting OxyContin. Keefe shares insights from his investigative research, exposing corruption and the chilling impact on public health. The discussion spans the ethics of billionaire philanthropy, the Sackler’s influence on art and activism, and the erosion of trust in the healthcare system due to their actions.
Oct 18, 2021 • 36min
Business Weekly: No Bullsh*t Leadership with Jimmy Wales
In this engaging conversation, Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia and the innovative WT.Social, shares his insights on modern leadership and the digital age. He critiques business jargon and discusses the importance of clear communication. Wales emphasizes embracing failure as a pathway to success and examines cultural differences in startup attitudes between Silicon Valley and Europe. The chat also explores the impact of emerging technologies, especially 5G, on business innovation, highlighting the need for critical thinking in today's information landscape.
Oct 17, 2021 • 1h 25min
The Sunday Debate: China, friend or foe?
Join Martin Wolf, a global economics commentator, Keyu Jin, an expert on China's economy, and former British Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind as they unpack the pressing question: Is China a friend or foe? They explore the diverging values between China and the West, the complexities of China's economic landscape, and the implications of geopolitical tensions. The discussion also highlights youth aspirations versus nationalism in China and the need for a balanced, pragmatic approach to engaging with this superpower amid rising global stakes.
Oct 15, 2021 • 46min
Covid by Numbers with David Spiegelhalter
David Spiegelhalter, Chair of the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication at Cambridge University and author of "Covid by Numbers," discusses the complexities of data interpretation during the pandemic. He and virologist Dr. Chris Smith explore the challenges of testing accuracy, including false positives and the nuances of COVID-19 death reporting. They also delve into the UK's policy struggles, excess death rates, and the broader implications of public health decisions, providing insights into future scenarios and the importance of clear communication.
4 snips
Oct 12, 2021 • 1h 3min
Can We Fix Capitalism? Yanis Varoufakis vs Gillian Tett
Yanis Varoufakis, the former Greek finance minister and a vocal critic of capitalism, engages in a lively debate with Gillian Tett, the US editor at large for the Financial Times, on the future of capitalism in a post-COVID world. They tackle whether capitalism needs reform or complete replacement, discuss the risks posed by tech monopolies, and advocate for greater consumer rights and data ownership. Their conversation also dives into the relationship between capitalism, environmental degradation, and social equity, questioning the system's sustainability.
Oct 11, 2021 • 49min
Business Weekly: No Bullsh*t Leadership with Kwame Kwei-Armah
Kwame Kwei-Armah, the Artistic Director of the Young Vic, discusses the challenges of leadership in the arts, particularly during the pandemic. He shares insights on fostering community and the balance between chaos and structure in creativity. Reflecting on his journey from a law career to the arts, he emphasizes authenticity and resilience. Kwame also recounts formative experiences from the Southall race riots, highlighting the importance of identity and diversity in today's society. His perspectives offer a fresh view on embracing vulnerability in leadership.
Oct 10, 2021 • 1h 3min
The Sunday Debate: The Battle Over Free Speech: Are Trigger Warnings, Safe Spaces and No-Platforming Harming Young Minds?
In this thought-provoking discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and author, dives into the chilling effects of trigger warnings and safe spaces on mental resilience. Former chief rabbi Jonathan Sacks offers insights on the essential role of debate in education. Activist Eleanor Penny advocates for thoughtful speech that considers emotional impacts, while sociologist Kehinde Andrews critiques the power dynamics that influence free expression in universities. Together, they navigate the balance between inclusivity and the freedom to engage with challenging ideas.
