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
Jul 6, 2021 • 38min
Race and Guns in a Divided America, with Carol Anderson and Mark Mardell
In this discussion, historian Carol Anderson, the Charles Howard Candler Professor of African American Studies at Emory University, joins Mark Mardell to reflect on her book, The Second. They explore the complex interplay between the Second Amendment and the rights of Black Americans. From historical injustices in gun ownership laws to tragic events like the Elaine massacre, they reveal how systemic racism has shaped the narrative around the right to bear arms. The conversation also touches on modern legislation and its implications for racial dynamics in America.
Jul 4, 2021 • 49min
The Sunday Debate: The Catholic Church is a Force For Good in the World
In a provocative debate, actor and commentator Stephen Fry goes head-to-head with journalist Christopher Hitchens against Archbishop John Onaiyekan and former MP Ann Widdecombe. They tackle the Catholic Church's historical flaws and its modern moral authority. The archbishop argues for the Church's humanitarian contributions, while Hitchens critiques its stances on LGBTQ+ rights and gender roles. The conversation also sheds light on the Church’s role in social issues, concluding with a surprising shift in audience sentiment on its overall impact.
Jul 2, 2021 • 53min
Albums that Changed My Life, with Tom Gatti, David Mitchell and Preti Taneja
In this conversation, writer and activist Preti Taneja, along with journalist Tom Gatti and acclaimed novelist David Mitchell, delve into the transformative power of music. They share how albums like Joni Mitchell's 'Blue' and A Tribe Called Quest's 'Midnight Marauders' shaped their identities. Gatti confesses his obsession with Radiohead’s 'The Bends.' The trio explores the deep emotional resonance of music and its influence on their writing, illustrating the unforgettable connections between sound and storytelling.
Jun 29, 2021 • 1h 2min
Emma Dabiri and Alex Renton on Race, Reckoning and What We Can Do Next
Emma Dabiri, an Irish-Nigerian academic and broadcaster, and Alex Renton, a British-Canadian investigative journalist, tackle the pressing issues of race, privilege, and colonial legacies. They explore the enduring impact of slavery on society and discuss actionable steps for combating systemic racism. Delving into the complexities of whiteness and its history, they advocate for genuine allyship and coalition-building. Emphasizing the intersection of race and capitalism, they urge continuous learning and solidarity in the fight against racial division.
Jun 25, 2021 • 38min
The Devil You Know, with Dr Gwen Adshead and Linda Yueh
Dr. Gwen Adshead, a leading forensic psychiatrist with three decades of experience, discusses the complexities surrounding violent crime and rehabilitation. She challenges societal perceptions of evil, emphasizing the importance of understanding the psychological impact of childhood trauma on offenders. The conversation dives into gender dynamics in violence, the mental health crises in prisons, and the transformative power of therapy for rehabilitation. Through compelling examples, Adshead invites us to see beyond stigma and embrace empathy in addressing these critical issues.
Jun 22, 2021 • 34min
Surviving Disaster, with Max Brooks and Carl Miller
Max Brooks, global bestselling author known for 'World War Z,' joins Carl Miller to delve into disaster preparedness in today's society. They discuss the fragility of modern comforts and the dire need for community resilience, referencing Brooks' novel 'Devolution.' The conversation covers practical survival strategies, the failures in pandemic responses, and the vital role of informed consumers in shaping leadership. With engaging storytelling, Brooks illustrates the lessons of resilience learned from his own experiences, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility.
Jun 18, 2021 • 50min
While Justice Sleeps, with Stacey Abrams and Tayari Jones
Stacey Abrams, a prominent political leader and author, discusses her thrilling new novel, which dives into political and judicial power dynamics. Joined by acclaimed novelist Tayari Jones, they explore the intersection of ambition and responsibility, drawing parallels between chess strategy and life choices. The duo also reflects on the role of imagination in nurturing future generations and addresses the complexities of the U.S. Constitution. With a nod to the impact of conspiracy theories on governance, they emphasize the importance of lifelong learning.
Jun 17, 2021 • 54min
Debate: We Must Stop Big Data's Pandemic Power Grab
In this engaging discussion, Nani Jansen Reventlow, a human rights lawyer and digital freedom advocate, faces off against Rowena Luk, a digital health consultant and former tech executive. They dive into whether big data's role during the pandemic has been beneficial or a dangerous power grab. Key topics include the ethical implications of data usage, privacy concerns, and the necessity for equitable approaches in public health. Both guests emphasize the importance of transparency and the need to protect marginalized communities amidst the digital evolution.
Jun 15, 2021 • 43min
Is Meritocracy a Myth? With Adrian Wooldridge and Mark Mardell
In this engaging discussion, Adrian Wooldridge, an economist and political editor known for his insights on talent and societal structure, joins Mark Mardell to explore the complexities of meritocracy. They dive into its historical roots and the modern challenges it faces, questioning whether the system truly serves fairness. The conversation touches on the erosion of the American Dream, the impact of socio-economic status on educational opportunities, and the implications of assortative mating on inequality. Wooldridge argues for reforming meritocracy while preserving its core ideals.
Jun 11, 2021 • 1h 2min
Gillian Tett on a New Way To Understand Business and Life
Gillian Tett, a Financial Times journalist and bestselling author with a PhD in anthropology, discusses how anthropological insights can enhance our understanding of business and life. She shares transformative experiences from her time in Tajikistan, emphasizing cultural context in consumer behavior. Tett also tackles the ethical implications of data usage in journalism and explores lessons from the pandemic, urging individuals to embrace their inner anthropologists to navigate societal changes and cultural contrasts.
