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
Jan 13, 2021 • 11min
Intelligence Squared Recommends – Power: The Maxwells
Tara Palmeri, an investigative journalist and host of 'Power: The Maxwells', dives deep into the enigmatic life of Ghislaine Maxwell and her controversial father, Robert Maxwell, a media mogul with a shadowy past. They explore the complexities of Ghislaine's relationship with her father and the impact of his mysterious death on her life. Palmeri also discusses Ghislaine's arrest and the ensuing fallout from the Epstein scandal, revealing the tangled web of power and legacy that continues to captivate the public.
Jan 12, 2021 • 47min
David Epstein On Why Generalists Are More Successful Than Specialists
In this engaging discussion, David Epstein, author and investigative reporter, reveals why generalists often outshine specialists in our complex world. He shares insights from the journeys of successful figures like athletes and artists, emphasizing the benefits of diverse experiences. Epstein argues that failing tests can lead to better learning outcomes and that frequent career changes can lead to fulfillment. He highlights how adaptability and a well-rounded skillset foster innovation and creativity, encouraging listeners to embrace a broader perspective in their personal and professional lives.
Jan 8, 2021 • 1h 2min
Trump, Brexit and the Direction of 2021, with Will Davies and Matt Goodwin
Will Davies, a political economist and author, and Matthew Goodwin, a professor of politics, dive into the seismic shifts of 2021. They debate the impact of Brexit and Biden's presidency on UK politics, exploring how these events could exacerbate existing cultural divides. The duo discusses the rise of populism, the effects of educational disparities, and the implications for US-EU relations. They offer contrasting views on Britain’s future, emphasizing the need for dialogue about national identity in an increasingly fragmented landscape.
Jan 5, 2021 • 53min
How to Make the World Add Up, with Tim Harford
Tim Harford, a Senior economist for the Financial Times, and David Spiegelhalter, Winton Professor at Cambridge, dive into the world of statistics and its real-life implications. They explore how emotional reactions can distort data interpretation, critique the credibility of popular psychology studies, and share cautionary tales about miscommunicating risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also discuss strategies to counter misinformation and the importance of diverse news consumption, all while emphasizing the power of numbers in understanding our world.
Jan 1, 2021 • 59min
Reform and Repression in Saudi Arabia, with Madawi Al-Rasheed and Jeremy Bowen
Madawi Al-Rasheed, a Saudi dissident and author, joins BBC Middle East Editor Jeremy Bowen to discuss her book, which critiques the façade of reform in Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They explore how the crown prince's social changes, like allowing women to drive, mask a regime that still crushes dissent. The conversation delves into the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the regime's use of disinformation, and challenges the Western perception of dictatorship as necessary for stability in the kingdom.
Dec 29, 2020 • 59min
Otegha Uwagba and Mariel Richards on Navigating Whiteness
Otegha Uwagba, an insightful author and podcaster known for her book 'Whites: On Race and Other Falsehoods', joins Mariel Richards for a heartfelt discussion on the complexities of race and whiteness. They dive into how societal expectations shape personal identity and the burden placed on Black individuals in predominantly white spaces. Uwagba critiques performative allyship and emphasizes the need for authenticity in addressing racism. Their exchange also highlights the misrepresentation of Black writers and the nuanced dynamics between Black British and American communities.
Dec 24, 2020 • 58min
Christmas Special: Dan Goleman on Emotional Intelligence with Manveen Rana
Daniel Goleman, a best-selling author and psychologist, discusses the pivotal role of emotional intelligence in our lives. He delves into its four key components: self-awareness, emotion management, empathy, and relationship management. Goleman argues that emotional intelligence often surpasses IQ in determining success. He shares insights on how it can be nurtured, particularly in children, and highlights the significance of emotional intelligence during challenging times, especially the pandemic. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on our emotional interactions.
Dec 22, 2020 • 58min
The Art of Rest, with Claudia Hammond and Helen Czerski
Claudia Hammond, an award-winning author and broadcaster renowned for her work on psychology, joins physicist Helen Czerski to discuss the art of rest. They explore how true rest is more than just sleep; it's essential for mental health. Hammond shares insights from her Global Rest Test, revealing surprising personal definitions of rest and how societal views on busyness can create guilt around downtime. They also touch on the benefits of walking for well-being, the impact of reading on our mood, and the disruptive role of technology in achieving restorative rest.
Dec 18, 2020 • 58min
Alicia Garza on Creating Black Lives Matter
Alicia Garza, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement and author of "The Purpose of Power," discusses her journey of transforming a hashtag into a global movement. She emphasizes the role of grassroots organizing in challenging systemic racism and empowers individuals to understand their privilege in enacting change. Garza also critiques black capitalism, urging for deeper allyship and community engagement to address economic inequalities. Listeners are invited to reflect on their personal strengths to contribute meaningfully to societal progress.
Dec 17, 2020 • 48min
Billion Dollar Loser: The Epic Rise and Fall of WeWork
Reeves Wiedeman, a contributing editor at New York Magazine, delves into the dramatic history of WeWork and its founder, Adam Neumann. He reveals how Neumann's charismatic vision reshaped office culture but ultimately led to disillusionment as the company's grandeur crumbled. Wiedeman discusses the pivotal role of private investors in inflating WeWork's valuation and the consequences of its excesses. The conversation highlights valuable lessons on the risks of aggressive growth strategies and the need for sustainable practices in startup culture.
