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
Sep 20, 2021 • 19min
Business Weekly: What is Economic Growth?
In this discussion, Lord Gus O'Donnell, former Cabinet Secretary and Head of the British Civil Service, delves into the nuances of economic growth. He explores how GDP measures health but may overlook societal well-being. O'Donnell examines Japan's post-WWII transformation and the importance of happiness alongside economic metrics. He critiques traditional GDP measurements, arguing for a broader evaluation that includes productivity and social equity. The conversation also touches on the COVID-19 pandemic's impact and the need for sustainable growth strategies.
Sep 19, 2021 • 1h 4min
The Sunday Debate: Break Up The Tech Giants
Rana Foroohar, a global business columnist for the Financial Times, and Luke Johnson, a renowned entrepreneur, argue for the breakup of tech giants, citing their risk to democracy and consumer freedoms. On the opposite side, Elizabeth Linder, ex-head of Facebook's European division, and Professor Pinar Akman discuss the essential services these companies provide and caution against scapegoating them. The debate navigates crucial themes like data privacy, competition laws, and the evolving role of technology in our lives.
10 snips
Sep 17, 2021 • 59min
The Status Game, with Will Storr
Will Storr, a bestselling author known for his insightful explorations of human behavior, dives into the fascinating world of social status. He discusses how our relentless pursuit of status can influence health and happiness, revealing that higher status often correlates with longer life. Storr examines the delicate balance between warmth and competence in social interactions, the psychological impact of humiliation, and how altruism can be intertwined with status-seeking motivations. It's a compelling look at the intricate dance of identity, fulfillment, and societal dynamics.
Sep 14, 2021 • 57min
Salman Rushdie: Touchstones with Razia Iqbal
Salman Rushdie, an acclaimed novelist celebrated for works like "Midnight's Children," joins journalist Razia Iqbal to explore pivotal moments that shaped his life. Rushdie reflects on a silver ingot representing unpartitioned India, the evocative lyrics of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man," and the powerful prose of James Joyce’s "The Dead." He dives into themes of identity, heritage, and the complexities of cancel culture, all while discussing the enduring impact of literature in a rapidly changing world.
Sep 13, 2021 • 53min
Business Weekly: Can Crypto Bank the Unbanked?
Peter McCormack, a journalist and podcaster focused on human rights and cryptocurrencies, joins Yaya Fanusie, a senior fellow with deep expertise in cryptocurrency's national security implications. They dive into El Salvador's bold move to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, discussing its potential to bank the unbanked. The conversation touches on economic barriers, the skepticism surrounding crypto's effectiveness, and ethical dilemmas related to Know Your Customer regulations. Their dynamic debate emphasizes the promise and peril of cryptocurrencies in emerging economies.
5 snips
Sep 10, 2021 • 1h 2min
Debate: Michael Sandel vs Adrian Wooldridge on Meritocracy
Michael Sandel, a Harvard professor known for his insights on political philosophy, squares off against Adrian Wooldridge, a political editor at The Economist and meritocracy expert. They delve into the complexities of meritocracy, questioning if true success is attainable in an unequal society. Discussing the ethics of standardized testing and its historical ties to eugenics, they uncover how inherited advantages skew results. The debate culminates in a call for alternative models of opportunity, emphasizing fairness and the reimagining of social justice post-pandemic.
Sep 7, 2021 • 42min
Negotiating Survival: Civilian Relations with the Taliban
Ashley Jackson, co-director at the Center for the Study of Armed Groups, brings a wealth of expertise on Afghanistan to the conversation. She dives into the complex dynamics of civilian life under Taliban rule, revealing how ordinary people influence the insurgent's behavior. The talk sheds light on the Taliban's evolving strategies and the morally gray areas civilians navigate. Jackson also discusses women's rights in the current climate and the urgent humanitarian dilemmas faced post-Taliban takeover, emphasizing the need for informed international engagement.
Sep 6, 2021 • 48min
Business Weekly: No Bullsh*t Leadership with Reckitt CEO Laxman Narasimhan
Laxman Narasimhan, CEO of Reckitt and former senior leader at PepsiCo and McKinsey, shares his insights on connecting with employees in a vast global organization. He emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adapting leadership styles to various environments. Narasimhan discusses overcoming early challenges in his career, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative lessons gained during his time at PepsiCo, especially amid the pandemic. He also reflects on how failures can lead to personal growth and the evolving dynamics of corporate leadership.
Sep 5, 2021 • 38min
Dickens vs Tolstoy: The Battle Of The Great 19th-century Novelists PART 1
In this lively debate, literary experts John Mullan, a Dickens authority, and historian Simon Schama champion Tolstoy. They explore the deep legacies of both authors with engaging readings. Personal anecdotes reveal how Dickens shaped their lives, contrasting comedy and tragedy in storytelling. Mullan dives into Dickens' unique portrayal of childhood, while Schama highlights emotional complexities in relationships like those between Pip and Estella. The discussion also humorously touches on financial wisdom woven through Dickensian narratives, showcasing the timeless relevance of their works.
Sep 3, 2021 • 24min
How to Lead a Sustainable Business and the Future of Fashion
In this engaging conversation, Victoria Prew, CEO of Hurr and the UK’s first peer-to-peer fashion rental platform, shares insights into revolutionizing the fashion industry. She discusses the concept of the 'guilt-free' shopping model and how technology drives the circular economy. Victoria emphasizes the importance of sustainability amid fashion's evolving landscape, tackling challenges in supply chains and consumer engagement. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, she underscores the need for businesses to adapt to new consumer demands for sustainable practices.
