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
Aug 1, 2021 • 1h 3min
The Sunday Debate: Napoleon the Great? With Andrew Roberts, Adam Zamoyski and Jeremy Paxman
Join distinguished historians Andrew Roberts, known for his works on Napoleonic history, and Adam Zamoyski, best-selling author on the French Revolution, as they dive deep into the legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte. They debate whether he was a military genius or a blundering tyrant. Their conversation touches on Napoleon's achievements in reforming France, his significant military losses, and the complexities of assessing his influence on modern European governance and nationalism, revealing the contradictions in how history remembers him.
Jul 30, 2021 • 59min
Testosterone: Debunking the Myths of the Misunderstood Hormone with Carole Hooven
Carole Hooven, a Harvard evolutionary biologist and author, joins the discussion to debunk myths surrounding testosterone. She addresses its misunderstood role in aggression and behavior while exploring how hormones influence gender identity and parenting. Hooven shares insights from her research, including the complexities of testosterone in both biological and societal contexts. The conversation also touches on the impact of testosterone therapy in transgender individuals and the need for a nuanced understanding of this powerful hormone.
12 snips
Jul 27, 2021 • 55min
Michael Pollan: This Is Your Mind on Plants
Michael Pollan, award-winning author and journalist, dives into our complex relationship with psychoactive plants. He discusses caffeine as the world's most popular mind-altering drug and reflects on morphine and mescaline's cultural significance. Pollan explores the opiate crisis, emphasizing the intersection of indigenous knowledge and modern medicine. He advocates for the decriminalization of psychedelics and envisions a future where plant-based treatments transform mental health care, urging a reassessment of societal views on these powerful compounds.
Jul 25, 2021 • 1h 31min
The Sunday Debate: Brave New World vs 1984
Will Self, an acclaimed novelist known for his sharp critiques, and Adam Gopnik, a celebrated writer for The New Yorker, engage in a riveting debate on the relevance of 'Brave New World' versus '1984.' They explore themes of societal conditioning, technology's role in shaping relationships, and the manipulation of language. As they dissect Huxley and Orwell's differing dystopian visions, the conversation reveals alarming parallels to contemporary issues like consumerism and authoritarianism, leaving listeners pondering which novel better captures our reality.
Jul 23, 2021 • 56min
Debate: Abolish Billionaires
Linsey McGoey, a sociology professor known for her insightful books on economic disparities, argues against the existence of billionaires, stressing their role in exacerbating inequality. Ryan Bourne, an economics expert from the Cato Institute, defends billionaires, highlighting their potential for innovation and philanthropy. They debate the societal impact of wealth concentration, the complexities of wealth taxation, and the influence of billionaire philanthropy on democracy and global health. The discussion culminates in a live audience vote revealing differing views on abolishing billionaires.
Jul 20, 2021 • 59min
Inside Facebook's Battle for Domination, with Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang
Discover the fascinating inner workings of Facebook and uncover how it transformed from a platform for connection to a source of polarization. Journalists Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang dive into the company's PR dilemmas and its controversial profit model tied to negativity. They also explore Mark Zuckerberg's complex persona and his ambitious vision for change, while highlighting the struggles with misinformation and the tech giant's political influence. The discussion raises pressing questions about accountability and the nature of power in Silicon Valley.
Jul 18, 2021 • 1h 8min
The Sunday Debate: Anti-Zionism is Anti-Semitism
In a compelling discussion, journalist Melanie Phillips and former Knesset member Einat Wilf argue that anti-Zionism often overlaps with anti-Semitism. In contrast, historian Ilan Pappé and journalist Mehdi Hasan challenge this notion, advocating for a deeper understanding of political critique versus prejudice. The debate dives into the historical context of anti-Zionism, the unique critique of Israel, and the implications of societal crises on anti-Jewish sentiments. A heated exchange highlights the complexities of these intertwined issues and the need for nuanced dialogue.
Jul 16, 2021 • 59min
Is Mass Migration Making the World a Better Place?
Felix Marquardt, an Austrian-American writer and author of "The New Nomads," argues that migration is a fundamental part of the human experience, essential for empowerment and education. In contrast, David Goodhart, a journalist and author, highlights the risks of mass migration, like brain drain and cultural dislocation. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on perceptions of migration, the ineffectiveness of traditional global forums, and the balance between nationalism and internationalism, urging deeper understanding in this complex issue.
Jul 13, 2021 • 46min
The Truth about Fake News, with Marcus Gilroy-Ware and Richard Seymour
Marcus Gilroy-Ware, a senior lecturer in digital journalism and author, joins Richard Seymour to explore the intricate ties between fake news and democracy. They discuss how misinformation arises from deeper societal issues, especially during pivotal moments like the Trump election. The conversation critiques the over-reliance on technology for solutions, and how journalism struggles to maintain credibility in a polarized world. They also dive into the commodification of attention on social media, revealing its impact on truth and public discourse.
Jul 9, 2021 • 58min
The Ever-Changing Brain with David Eagleman and Brian Eno
David Eagleman, a leading neuroscientist known for his work on brain plasticity, chats with musician Brian Eno about the remarkable adaptability of the human brain. They delve into how sensory experiences can be enhanced through technology, allowing the blind to 'see' with their tongues. The conversation also touches on the relationship between dreaming and sensory functions, and how our emotions, like love and heartbreak, intertwine with neuroscience, challenging the notion that aging diminishes cognitive abilities.
