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
Jun 8, 2021 • 58min
Framing: A Guide to Thinking in the 21st Century
Kenneth Cukier and Viktor Mayer-Schönberger, esteemed authors and thought leaders, discuss the transformative power of 'framing' in understanding modern issues. They illustrate how different perspectives can lead to vastly different conclusions, using examples from technology and the COVID-19 pandemic. The duo argues that rethinking our frames can enhance decision-making while addressing challenges like climate change and social justice. They also touch on fostering pluralism in media and collaboration in creativity, emphasizing the importance of innovative thought in the 21st century.
Jun 4, 2021 • 59min
Ed Miliband on How To Build a Better World
Join Ed Miliband, a seasoned politician and host of the 'Reasons to be Cheerful' podcast, as he explores how the pandemic can inspire a better world. He discusses innovative solutions to critical issues like climate change, housing, and inequality, emphasizing the need for bold ideas and courage to implement them. Miliband also advocates for empowering democracy through citizen assemblies and reimagining measures of success beyond GDP. His insights challenge us to think big and collaborate for a brighter future.
Jun 1, 2021 • 56min
Salman Rushdie on Truth, Language and the Power of Stories
In this engaging discussion, Salman Rushdie, an acclaimed author renowned for works like "Midnight's Children," explores the vital relationship between storytelling and truth. He reflects on literary influences from figures like Shakespeare to Toni Morrison, emphasizing their impact on identity and culture. Rushdie also tackles serious issues like the erosion of free speech in India and the complexities of cancel culture. His insights on contemporary politics and freedom of expression highlight the ongoing struggle artists face in maintaining their voice amidst challenges.
May 28, 2021 • 55min
Carlo Rovelli and Philip Pullman on the Science and Stories That Transform Our World
Join Carlo Rovelli, a bestselling theoretical physicist, and Philip Pullman, the award-winning author of His Dark Materials, as they weave together science and storytelling. Rovelli shares the transformative ideas stemming from Heisenberg's work on quantum theory, discussing its implications for our understanding of reality and consciousness. They explore the interconnectedness of all things and reflect on how solitude inspires creativity. The duo emphasizes the role of inquiry in shaping narratives and the legacy of both science and literature.
May 25, 2021 • 36min
Music in the Age of COVID-19, with David Gray and Rosamund Urwin
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.
May 21, 2021 • 59min
The New Space Race, with Nicholas Schmidle and Helen Czerski
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.
May 20, 2021 • 58min
Common Ground: How to Democratise Nature
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.
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.
