Redefining Intelligence & Self: Deep Dives with James Bridle and Indy Johar on 'For The Wild'

For The Wild, our go-to podcast recently featured insightful conversations with James Bridle and Indy Johar.

For The Wild is a series of delightful episodes that explore the Anthropocene era, focusing on protecting the land, working together for liberation, and telling stories that consider various perspectives. These stories shift away from the idea of humans always being in charge and constantly wanting more, instead promoting a fresh way of thinking that values the environment and community over consumption and growth. In this blog post, we'll dive into the themes of the podcast and how they reshape our understanding of our world and our place in it.

If you're in the mood to stretch your thinking... give both interviews a listen.


JAMES BRIDLE: Modes of Intelligence

How do we define intelligence outside of human understanding? In this episode, James Bridle delves into different types of intelligence, from AI to natural forms. They argue against solely using human intelligence as our measure for knowledge. To them, intelligence is interconnected and physical. Our modern lifestyles often detach us from our surroundings and ourselves. James encourages listeners to shift from feeling powerless to reclaiming their influence, emphasizing that healing our relationships with technology can mend our world.

James Bridle is a British writer, artist and technologist based in Greece. Their artworks have been commissioned by galleries and institutions and exhibited worldwide and on the internet. Their writing on literature, culture and networks has appeared in magazines and newspapers including Wired, the Atlantic, the New Statesman, the Guardian, and the Financial Times. They are the author of 'New Dark Age' (2018) and 'Ways of Being' (2022), and they wrote and presented "New Ways of Seeing" for BBC Radio 4 in 2019.

More details about their work can be found here.



Indy Johar and Báyò Akómoláfé: The Edges in the Middle (III)


Báyò and Indy discuss a fresh perspective on self-awareness, delving into the intricate links among all life on Earth. They challenge traditional views of individuality and completeness, underscoring the world's vibrant interconnectedness. They prompt listeners to think beyond boundaries set by societal norms and to appreciate the ongoing, intertwined nature of existence. How can we move past rigid ideas to genuinely understand and engage in nature's complex tapestry?

Indy Johar MBE, a pioneering British architect, is renowned for championing sustainable, community-driven, and human-centred urban development. He's been pivotal in numerous initiatives and organisations aimed at positively transforming cities and communities. Co-founding influential organisations like Architecture 00 and Dark Matter Labs, Johar consistently addresses urban challenges. His notable contributions to architecture and innovation, which emphasise inclusivity and sustainability, earned him the MBE in 2023.

More details about his work can be found here.


Deborah Rey-Burns