

Keen On America
Andrew Keen
Nobody asks sharper or more impertinent questions than Andrew Keen. In KEEN ON, Andrew cross-examines the world’s smartest people on politics, economics, history, the environment, and tech. If you want to make sense of our complex world, check out the daily questions and the answers on KEEN ON.
Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best-known technology and politics broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running show How To Fix Democracy and the author of four critically acclaimed books about the future, including the international bestselling CULT OF THE AMATEUR.
Keen On is free to listen to and will remain so. If you want to stay up-to-date on new episodes and support the show, please subscribe to Andrew Keen’s Substack. Paid subscribers will soon be able to access exclusive content from our new series Keen On America – keenon.substack.com
Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best-known technology and politics broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running show How To Fix Democracy and the author of four critically acclaimed books about the future, including the international bestselling CULT OF THE AMATEUR.
Keen On is free to listen to and will remain so. If you want to stay up-to-date on new episodes and support the show, please subscribe to Andrew Keen’s Substack. Paid subscribers will soon be able to access exclusive content from our new series Keen On America – keenon.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 9, 2023 • 34min
Why Night Vision is the Right Vision: Mariana Alessandri on how the natural human condition might might be to live in darkness, anger and pain
EPISODE 1484: In this KEEN ON show, Andrew talks to the author of NIGHT VISION, Mariana Alessandri, on how painful emotions can reveal truths what it means to be truly human Mariana Alessandri is an associate professor of philosophy at UTRGV, where she teaches existentialism, Latin American philosophy, religious studies, and the history of philosophy. Mariana and her spouse live on the Mexico-US border with their two children. She is the co-founder of RGV PUEDE (Parents United for Excellent Dual Education) which advocates for and supports Dual-Language Education in Rio Grande Valley public schools. Mariana has published public philosophy in the New York Times, Times Higher Ed, Chronicle of Higher Ed, New Philosopher Magazine and Womankind. Her book, Night Vision: Seeing Ourselves through Dark Moods is published by Princeton University Press in May 2023.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.

May 8, 2023 • 31min
Decision Sprint: Atif Rafiq on whether innovation is an art or a science
EPISODE 1483: In this KEEN ON show, Andrew talks to the author of DECISION SPRINT, Atif Rafiq, about the new way to innovate into the unknown, and move from strategy to actionOver a 25 year career spanning Silicon Valley and the Fortune 500, Atif Rafiq invented a new system for problem-solving. His ideas proved so impactful as a competitive advantage that they sped his rise at digital native companies like Amazon and later to C-suite positions he held at companies including McDonald’s, Volvo and MGM Resorts. In DECISION SPRINT: The New Way to Innovate into the Unknown and Move from Strategy to Action (April 25, 2023; McGraw-Hill), Atif shares this proven, scalable system so that any team can problem-solve, innovate and grow. Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.

May 8, 2023 • 35min
A Scientific Theory of Complexity: Neil Theise on Connection, Consciousness and Being
EPISODE 1482: In this KEEN ON show, Andrew talks to the author of NOTES ON COMPLEXITY, Neil Theise, about his scientific theory of connection, consciousness and beingNeil Theise is a professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Through his scientific research, he has been a pioneer of adult stem cell plasticity and the anatomy of the human interstitium. Dr. Theise’s studies in complexity theory have led to interdisciplinary collaborations in fields such as integrative medicine, consciousness studies, and science-religion dialogue. Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.

May 7, 2023 • 34min
:Why Smart Machines Know Us So Well: John Borthwick on how today's AI revolution is being built upon social media data
EPISODE 1481: In this KEEN ON show, Andrew talks to Betaworks CEO John Borthwick about the origins of the social media age and why the intelligence for today's AI revolution is being built upon social media dataJohn Borthwick is the CEO and Founder of Betaworks. He leads the company building and investment process since 2008. Previously, John was SVP of Alliances and Technology Strategy for Time Warner Inc.; CEO of Fotolog, one of the first social photo sharing sites; and head of AOL’s product development studio after they acquired his first company, WPStudio, one of Silicon Alley’s first content studios. John studied at Wesleyan University and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.

May 6, 2023 • 30min
Can the GOP Win the Independent Vote? Carl Delfeld on how Republicans existential challenge of reaching non-aligned voters
EPISODE 1480: In this KEEN ON show, Andrew talks to the author of POWER RIVALS, Carl Delfeld, about what he sees as the Republican existential challenge of reaching non-aligned votersCarl Delfeld is Hay-Seward Senior Fellow at the Center for Economic Security, Chief Global Analyst at Cabot Wealth, and author of new book, Power Rivals: America and China’s Superpower Struggle and a Managing Partner of Blackthread LLC, began his career with the First National Bank of Boston later becoming director of the Japan and South Korea group. As vice president and Asia director for the investment firm Robert W. Baird & Company, and managed two campaigns in Wisconsin before joining the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and U.S. Joint Economic Committee as an Asia advisor and as an emerging markets advisor to the U.S. Treasury Department. Carl was then appointed by President George H.W. Bush to represent America on the executive board of the Asian Development Bank in Manila, Philippines. Carl was a co-founder and CFO of Pacifica Holdings, editor and columnist with Forbes Asia, served as a member of the US National Committee on Pacific Economic Cooperation, and was chairman of the Asian Pension Forum. He is also an advisor to Asia Frontier Capital and the author of three books on investing as well as Red, White & Bold: Building a New American Century. He earned a MALD from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University with study and research at Sophia University, Keio University, and Harvard University's Center for International Studies.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.

May 6, 2023 • 23min
We Plan, God Laughs: Emma Nadler on how good and bad luck, like laughter and tears, are often inseparably connected
EPISODE 1479: In this KEEN ON show, Andrew talks to Emma Nadler, the author of THE UNLIKELY VILLAGE OF EDEN, about how good and bad luck, like laughter and tears, are all-too-often inseparably connectedEmma Nadler is an author, speaker, and psychotherapist. In her private practice, she helps people better understand and tolerate emotions, build deeper relationships, and find meaning in life's challenges. She is passionate about transforming her own experiences as a parent of a child with disabilities into empathy, compassion, humor, and of course, stories. She lives in Minnesota with her (never boring) family and Benny, who is arguably the cutest little dog this side of the Mississippi. To learn more, visit EmmaNadler.com.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.

May 5, 2023 • 38min
That Was The Week in Tech: Keith Teare explains why all this week's King Canute style talk about regulating AI is equally absurd and impractical
Episode 1478: In this regular weekly show with THAT WAS THE WEEK newsletter author Keith Teare, Andrew and Keith discuss robots the humans, Lina Khan and Geoffrey Hinton and, of course, Paul Graham and Elon MuskKeith Teare is a Founder and CEO at SignalRank Corporation. Previously he was Executive Chairman at Accelerated Digital Ventures Ltd - A UK based global investment company focused on startups at all stages. He was also previously founder at the Palo Alto incubator, Archimedes Labs. Archimedes was the original incubator for TechCrunch and since 2011has invested, accelerated or incubated many Silicon valley startups including InFarm, Miles, Quixey; M.dot (sold to GoDaddy); chat.center; Loop Surveys; DownTown and Sunshine. Teare has a track record as a serial entrepreneur with big ideas and has achieved significant returns for investors.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.

May 5, 2023 • 24min
Why Asian Start-ups Outside China Matter: Bernard Moon on innovation in South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam
EPISODE 1477: In this KEEN ON show, Andrew talks to SparkLabs Group co-founder Bernard Moon about the latest innovation in South Korea, Taiwan and VietnamBernard Moon is a Co-founder & Partner at SparkLabs Group, which is a network of accelerators and venture capital funds that has invested in over 350 companies across 6 continents since 2013. With 8 accelerators in locations such as Seoul, Taipei, Sydney, Singapore and working with major research universities, such as Arizona State University. SparkLabs Global Ventures is a seed and Series A fund that primarily invests in the U.S. and Asia. SparkLabs Ventures is a Series A fund in South Korea. Bernard was previously Co-founder & CEO of Vidquik, a web conferencing & sales solutions platform, and continues to serve as an advisor and board director. Previously, he was Managing Director of the Lunsford Group, which is a private investment firm consisting of entities in technology, health care, and real estate. He was Co-founder and VP of Business Development at GoingOn Networks, a social media platform for companies. He led their product development where BusinessWeek recognized GoingOn in their "Best of the Web" list for 2007. Bernard is also a guest writer to various technology journals, such as VentureBeat, Mashable, TechCrunch and ReadWriteWeb. Prior to this, Bernard was a Director at iRG, a leading boutique investment bank in Asia. Prior to iRG, Bernard was Co-founder & VP of Business Development & Marketing at HeyAnita Korea, a leading voice portal and solutions provider, which was joint venture between Softbank and HeyAnita, Inc. Bernard was responsible for establishing strategic partnerships and helping to build the company from its conceptual stage to a 54-person operation. Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.He serves on the advisory boards to Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Data Science and Nanyang Technological University’s EcoLabs (Centre of Innovation for Energy), and sits on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross of Silicon Valley.

May 5, 2023 • 32min
The Traffic Drug: Ben Smith on the Internet's fatal addiction to viral traffic
EPISODE 1476: In this KEEN ON episode, Andrew talks to Ben Smith, the author of TRAFFIC and the founding editor-in-chief of Buzzfeed News, about the Internet's fatal addiction to viral trafficBen Smith is the editor in chief of Semafor, a new global news company. He is the former media columnist for The New York Times and founding editor in chief of BuzzFeed News. Before that, he was among the first reporters to adapt the tools of the internet to political journalism for the Observer (New York), the New York Daily News, and Politico. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and three children.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.

May 5, 2023 • 33min
Andrew Tate, Mr Beast, KSI and a Viral Flood of Toxic Masculinity: Henry Mance on what it means to be a boy online in 2023
EPISODE 1475: In this KEEN ON show, Andrew talks to the Financial Times' Chief Features Writer, Henry Mance, about what it means to be a boy online in 2023Henry Mance is the FT's chief features writer. He writes features for the FT Weekend, and The Henry Mance Interview with leading figures, which appears every other Monday. He was previously a political correspondent and the FT's media correspondent. He is a past winner of Interviewer of the Year at the Press Awards, and the author of the book How to Love Animals and Protect our Planet.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.


