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
Sep 6, 2025 • 36min
How Evil 'Big Car' Has Killed More People Than World War II
David Obst, a former investigative reporter and author of "Saving Ourselves From Big Car," reveals shocking truths about the auto industry. He argues that lead in gasoline has caused more deaths than World War II, a claim that raises eyebrows. Obst also insists electric vehicles aren't a safe alternative due to lead in their batteries, citing incidents like Tesla fires. He critiques ‘Big Car’ for hiding the dangers of lead for decades, advocating for a future without cars by highlighting successful car-free communities as models for urban living.
Sep 5, 2025 • 58min
The Double Life of Robert McNamara: How America's 'Best and Brightest' Led the Nation into Vietnam While Knowing the War Was Unwinnable
In this engaging discussion, Philip Taubman, co-author of "McNamara At War," delves into the complex life of Robert McNamara, the controversial Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War. Taubman reveals how McNamara, while privately lamenting the war's futility, remained loyally bound to LBJ, illustrating the moral quandaries of leadership. He uncovers new documents that expose this tragic double life, emphasizing that McNamara's legacy embodies the failure of America's postwar meritocracy and the profound moral dilemmas faced by those in power.
Sep 4, 2025 • 44min
The World's Worst Bet: How America Gambled Dumbly on Globalization and Lost
David J Lynch, a Washington Post financial writer and author of The World’s Worst Bet, discusses how America foolishly gambled on globalization and lost. He highlights the devastating impact on displaced workers and the failure of political promises to support them. Lynch argues that both Trump’s tariffs and Biden’s policies address outdated issues while advocating for new labor market solutions like wage insurance and better safety nets. He explores how globalization fueled discontent, reshaping the political landscape and leaving communities in economic turmoil.
Sep 3, 2025 • 42min
Demystify Science and Humanize Scientists: How to Rebuild Scientific Trust in our Angry MAHA Times
Alan Lightman, an MIT physicist and acclaimed author, advocates for restoring trust in science by demystifying it and humanizing scientists. He highlights how Einstein’s 'naive' questioning propelled scientific breakthroughs and explores how current populist movements fuel mistrust in elite establishments. Lightman urges that critical scientific thinking should belong to everyone, not just experts, suggesting that wonder in inquiry is essential for scientific progress. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and public engagement in rebuilding trust.
Sep 3, 2025 • 46min
From Borges to Brain Scans: How our Minds Invent Reality
In this enlightening discussion, Daniel Yon, a British neuroscientist and psychologist at Birkbeck College, shares insights from his book, 'A Trick of the Mind'. He reveals how our brains act like scientists, actively constructing realities instead of merely recording them. The conversation explores the impact of biases on rationality, the meeting point of human cognition and AI, and how psychedelics can alter our perception. Yon also examines the spectrum of mental health, emphasizing the intricacies of how we experience reality.
Sep 2, 2025 • 40min
The Hypocrisy of Trump's War on Universities: How Wealthy Families Game the College Admission Process
Beverly Daniel Tatum, former president of Mount Holyoke and Spelman Colleges and author of 'Peril and Promise', exposes the hypocrisy in Trump’s stance on college admissions. She argues that wealthy families manipulate the system, benefiting far more than any diversity initiatives aimed at equity. Tatum shares her controversial shift from NCAA athletics to wellness programs at Spelman, critiques financial priorities in higher education, and discusses AI's potential to reshape college costs and teaching methods.
Sep 1, 2025 • 38min
Borders are Back, Baby: From Trump and Transylvania to Brexit and Bolivia's Navy
Jonn Elledge, author of A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders, dives into the resurgence of borders in today's political landscape. He argues that nationalism is on the rise, partly due to economic stagnation since 2016, which complicates migration and resource distribution. The discussion traverses odd borders, from Kaliningrad's complex history to Bolivia’s unique naval status despite being landlocked. Elledge reveals how maps influence leaders’ decisions and reflects on the challenges of global collaboration in a newly territorial world.
Aug 31, 2025 • 46min
Beware of another Silicon Valley Win-Win-Win: Can users, publishers and tech companies really all benefit from the AI revolution?
Keith Teare, a tech entrepreneur and investor known for his newsletter on technology and media, discusses the controversial narrative of a 'win-win-win' scenario among users, publishers, and tech companies in the AI revolution. He examines the ethics of AI access to publisher content, highlighting tensions between leaders like Garry Tan and Martin Casado. Teare remains optimistic about shared benefits amidst challenges, prompting debates on monetization strategies, trust in AI, and the dynamics of evolving publishing landscapes.
Aug 30, 2025 • 48min
Every Day, Computers are Making People Easier to Use: The Return of IN FORMATION
David Temkin, founder and editor of IN FORMATION magazine, dives deep into the evolving narrative of technology. He discusses how the power dynamic has shifted from empowering users to manipulating them, showcasing the addictive nature of modern tech. Temkin predicts AI will follow historical tech trends, likely facing crashes before mainstream adoption. He also reflects on the revival of print media in a digital age and the need for critical perspectives in tech discourse, questioning AI’s socio-economic implications and its potential risks.
Aug 30, 2025 • 33min
Is Roman Polanski really worth defending?
In this thought-provoking discussion, writer Charles Taylor, known for his insights in Liberties Quarterly, dives into the thorny issue of defending Roman Polanski's art despite his criminal past. He argues for evaluating Polanski’s work purely on its artistic merit, even as he grapples with how the filmmaker’s own narrative parallels the historical Dreyfus Affair. Taylor challenges the audience to consider the complicated relationship between personal misconduct and creative genius, raising essential questions about art, morality, and societal judgments.
