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 16, 2025 • 43min
Episode 2535: Tim Minshall on How We Manufacture Things, Why It Matters and How We Can Do It Better
Tim Minshall, Professor of Innovation at the University of Cambridge and author of How Things Are Made, dives into the complexities of modern manufacturing. He discusses the balance needed between domestic production and global supply chains, emphasizing that complete self-sufficiency isn't feasible. Minshall highlights China's increasing influence and the need for a skilled workforce as AI reshapes the industry. He also underscores the responsibility of consumers in fostering sustainable practices and improving product quality in a changing manufacturing landscape.
May 15, 2025 • 36min
Episode 2534: Why Generative AI is a Technological Dead End
Peter Voss, CEO of Aigo.ai and a pioneer in AI who coined 'Artificial General Intelligence' in 2001, critiques generative AI as a misguided venture. He argues that large language models (LLMs) are fundamentally flawed due to their lack of memory and inability to learn incrementally, calling them a technological dead end. Voss warns of an impending bubble burst in the industry, drawing parallels to past economic manias. He advocates for a return to foundational principles in AI development to truly advance towards human-like intelligence.
May 14, 2025 • 39min
Episode 2533: Leah Litman on the Bad Vibes of the Supreme Court
Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives into the unsettling climate of today's Supreme Court. She coins the term 'bad vibes' to describe the Court's decisions driven by conservative anxieties over cultural diversity. Litman critiques these rulings as manifestations of a 'vindictive patriarchy' that hinder women's rights and serve elite interests. She emphasizes the legal profession's troubling response to authoritarianism, exposing the fragility of democracy in America.
May 13, 2025 • 38min
Episode 2532: Mattea Kramer on how Addiction has replaced Apple Pie as the most American of things
Mattea Kramer, an American writer and author of "The Untended," dives into the pervasive nature of addiction in contemporary America. She argues that individualism and capitalism breed isolation, driving people toward substances and behaviors as coping mechanisms. Kramer discusses the opioid crisis and its generational impact, emphasizing community and connection as pathways to healing. She challenges societal perceptions of addiction, advocating for empathy and understanding in addressing the complex realities faced by those struggling with this epidemic.
May 12, 2025 • 43min
Episode 2531: Emily Bender and Alex Hanna on the AI Con
Emily Bender is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Washington, and Alex Hanna is the Director of Research at the Distributed AI Research Institute. They argue that large language models are just 'stochastic parrots', lacking true understanding. The duo critiques the hype surrounding AI, highlighting the marketing tactics that create fear of missing out. They call for community-controlled technology over corporate centralization, advocating for innovations that empower users instead of exploiting them.
May 11, 2025 • 43min
Episode 2530 William Dalrymple on how Ancient India transformed the world
In this engaging conversation, William Dalrymple, a Scottish historian and co-founder of the Jaipur Literature Festival, discusses the often-overlooked legacy of ancient India. He argues that India was Rome’s primary trading partner, shaping global culture through innovations like the concept of zero. Dalrymple also reflects on his career as a non-academic historian and the implications of India’s resurgence on global politics, particularly in the context of tensions with Pakistan over Kashmir. Prepare for a captivating exploration that challenges conventional historical narratives!
May 10, 2025 • 38min
Episode 2529: Who is cheating whom in American universities?
Keith Teare, a tech-savvy publisher known for his insights on AI and the internet, dives into the implications of technology in education. He passionately defends a Columbia student expelled for using AI, sparking a debate on what constitutes cheating. Teare questions the exorbitant college fees versus the accessibility AI brings. He also discusses the evolving dynamics of web search and the threats to Google from AI advancements. Finally, he examines the tension between profit motives and ethical considerations in the rapidly changing AI landscape.
May 9, 2025 • 44min
Episode 2528: Jason Riley on how racial preferences have done more harm than good for black Americans
Jason Riley, an Opinion columnist at The Wall Street Journal and author of The Affirmative Action Myth, discusses the controversial impact of affirmative action on Black Americans. He argues that Black individuals were progressing faster economically and educationally before these policies began. Riley highlights how affirmative action predominantly benefits upper-class Blacks, leaving poorer students at a disadvantage. He advocates for colorblind policies, emphasizing the importance of historically Black colleges in fostering success while prioritizing educational outcomes over racial preferences.
May 8, 2025 • 48min
Episode 2527: Mark Skousen on why Benjamin Franklin is the Greatest American
Mark Skousen, an economist from Chapman University and direct descendant of Benjamin Franklin, makes a compelling case for Franklin as America's most versatile Founding Father. He discusses Franklin's evolution from slave owner to abolitionist and highlights his ethical capitalism and commitment to public service after amassing wealth. Skousen also examines Franklin's pragmatic political views, his role in American-French relations during the Revolutionary War, and his impressive 22 career accomplishments, emphasizing his unique blend of innovation and civic responsibility.
May 7, 2025 • 39min
Episode 2526: Keach Hagey on why OpenAI is the parable of our hallucinatory times
Keach Hagey, a reporter at The Wall Street Journal focusing on media and technology, discusses the paradox of OpenAI's corporate identity. She highlights the surreal situation of the company attempting to be both for-profit and non-profit, especially after CEO Sam Altman's recent announcements. Hagey warns about the potential ramifications for investors if OpenAI can't sustain its operations. With her upcoming biography on Altman, she reflects on the ambitious yet hubristic nature of Silicon Valley's current landscape, raising critical questions about the future of AI.
