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
May 18, 2021 • 53min
Choices for a Better Now, with Ece Temelkuran and Matthew Taylor
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.
May 14, 2021 • 56min
The Hidden Language of Trees with Suzanne Simard
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.
May 11, 2021 • 59min
Niall Ferguson on the Politics of Catastrophe
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.
May 7, 2021 • 59min
Joe Biden: Moderate or Radical? With Evan Osnos and Mark Mardell
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.
May 4, 2021 • 59min
Mona Eltahawy on the Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls
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.
Apr 30, 2021 • 1h
Getting into the Doughnut, with Kate Raworth and Matthew Taylor
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.
Apr 27, 2021 • 42min
The Social Dilemma, with Tristan Harris and Helen Lewis
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.
Apr 23, 2021 • 39min
Difficult Women, with Helen Lewis and Rosamund Urwin
In this engaging discussion, Helen Lewis, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in Eleven Fights," highlights the messy legacy of feminism through the lens of complex women. She critiques the simplification of feminist history and emphasizes the ongoing struggles for equality faced by women today. The conversation touches on the challenges of female representation in media, the intricate dynamics of consent in the Me Too era, and how systemic barriers affect low-income women's rights, particularly during the pandemic.
Apr 22, 2021 • 40min
Debate: The West Must Engage not Confront China
Kerry Brown, a leading expert on Chinese politics at King's College London, and actress-activist Anastasia Lin engage in a thought-provoking debate about the West's approach to China. They explore the complexities of engagement versus confrontation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining core values while collaborating on global issues. The discussion highlights China's self-interested ideology, the challenges posed by the Belt and Road Initiative, and various international strategies, leaving listeners pondering how best to navigate this intricate relationship.
Apr 20, 2021 • 1h 3min
Jews Don't Count, with David Baddiel and Armando Iannucci
David Baddiel, a comedian and writer known for his insightful works, joins Armando Iannucci, the brilliant mind behind shows like "Veep," for a compelling discussion. They delve into the overlooked aspects of anti-Semitism within progressive circles, emphasizing the complexities of Jewish identity. Their conversation addresses how social media is shaping perceptions and normalizing extremist views. Through humor and serious discourse, they highlight the need for inclusivity in combating prejudice, offering personal anecdotes that illuminate the issues at hand.
