Intelligence Squared

In this engaging discussion, acclaimed singer-songwriter David Gray shares insights on the impact of COVID-19 on music and the arts, touching on themes of emotional connections forged during live performances. He reflects on his journey from planned tours to creating his new album 'Skellig', inspired by the resilience of 7th-century monks. Gray highlights the struggles faced by artists during the pandemic, advocating for support and reform in the music industry to safeguard the future of small venues and creators.

Nicholas Schmidle, a Staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Test Gods,' joins host Helen Czerski to dive into the fascinating world of space tourism. They discuss the challenges Virgin Galactic faced, including a tragic accident that altered its trajectory. Schmidle shares insights from his time spent at the Mojave Desert spaceport, revealing the risks and ambitions of test pilots. The conversation also covers the dynamics of commercial space travel, the importance of human involvement, and the future of the aerospace industry against a backdrop of evolving technology.

Ellen Miles, a creative strategist and founder of the Nature is a Human Rights campaign, joins ornithologist Maya Rose Craig, the youngest person in the UK to earn an honorary Doctor of Science, and Gina Malley from UKYCC. They discuss the pressing need for equitable access to nature, especially for marginalized communities. The conversation touches on the mental health benefits of nature, the barriers faced by BIPOC in accessing green spaces, and grassroots initiatives like guerrilla gardening as pathways to promote inclusivity and environmental stewardship.

Ece Temelkuran, an award-winning Turkey-based political commentator and novelist, joins Matthew Taylor to discuss her new book, exploring choices for a better future. They challenge listeners to prioritize political activism over social media outrage and embrace collective solutions. The conversation delves into the complexity of creativity in political engagement, the balance between dignity and pride, and the need for authentic emotional discourse. Temelkuran inspires a vision of unity amidst societal challenges, advocating for proactive community empowerment.

Suzanne Simard, a leading forest ecology professor and author, reveals the astonishing complexity of tree communication. She discusses how trees share nutrients through fungal networks, similar to neural systems, fostering biodiversity. The concept of 'Mother Trees' emerges as vital guardians of forest health, promoting resilience amidst climate challenges. Simard critiques conventional forestry, advocating for a shift towards recognizing forests as interconnected ecosystems. She highlights the essential role of natural regeneration and sustainable practices in preserving ecological balance.

Niall Ferguson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, delves into the political failures surrounding crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes that blaming leaders like Boris Johnson and Donald Trump oversimplifies deeper societal issues. Ferguson critiques bureaucratic responses and highlights the need for effective disaster preparedness. He also discusses the geopolitical implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the importance of learning from history to foster resilience in the face of future global challenges.

Evan Osnos, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of 'Joe Biden: American Dreamer,' joins Mark Mardell to delve into the complexities of Joe Biden's presidency. They discuss Biden's evolving political identity amid societal changes and how personal tragedies influenced his leadership style. Osnos analyzes Biden's approach to foreign policy, particularly with China and Taiwan, and highlights his ambitious legislation aimed at economic inequality. The conversation underscores the dual challenges of navigating political outrage while addressing pressing issues like climate change.

Mona Eltahawy, an Egyptian writer and feminist activist, boldly advocates for women and girls to embrace the 'seven necessary sins': anger, ambition, and power. She shares inspiring stories of women across the globe challenging patriarchal norms, from the rise of domestic violence during the pandemic to the provocative acts of figures like Alia El Mahdi. Eltahawy emphasizes the importance of men as allies in feminism and discusses the role of social media in empowering marginalized voices, pushing for transformative policies to uplift women's lives.

Join Kate Raworth, an Oxford University economist and author of "Doughnut Economics," as she introduces a revolutionary framework aiming for human prosperity within planetary limits. She passionately critiques traditional economic metrics like GDP and advocates for a more holistic approach that prioritizes environmental sustainability and social equity. The discussion highlights real-world applications of Doughnut Economics in cities like Amsterdam, the importance of community action, and the urgent need for a financial system that serves both people and the planet.

In this discussion, Tristan Harris, founder of the Center for Humane Technology and star of 'The Social Dilemma,' joins Helen Lewis to delve into the staggering influence of technology on our behavior. They examine how social media fuels political polarization and the rise of conspiracy theories. Topics include ethical tech development and the societal responsibility of investors. Finally, they provide practical tips for creating healthier interactions with technology, advocating for a more mindful approach to our digital lives.