Two years ago in January, the Covid-19 virus made its way to American shores. (Or at least that is when the CDC confirmed the first U.S. case) In many ways, the world was a different place back then. President Trump was still in office. The word “pandemic” hadn’t quite assumed the gravity it would. And phrases like “flatten the curve,” “doomscrolling,” and “you’re on mute” hadn’t yet become so utterly ubiquitous. But in the midst of the resulting panic, Intelligence Squared made a commitment to keep debate alive – particularly the kinds of competing ideas that would remain outside the ensuing onslaught of misinformation. We brought in expert interviewees and those who could bring a historical perspective to the unfolding melee. And as the first vaccines surfaced, we debated mandates, pharmaceutical patents, and which groups should receive priority. Through these platforms, and through a closer examination of different perspectives, we hoped to bring some clarity and nuance to what has often been a highly confusing situation.

And so … as we wrap up 2021, we thought we’d bring you an amalgam of our best Covid content. Our host John Donvan will walk you through the ups and downs of this pandemic, guiding you through the depths of what remain highly contentious policies and decisions that continue to affect virtually all of us. And so … from all of us at Intelligence Squared, we hope you enjoy it. Happy holidays.