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
Feb 10, 2025 • 46min
Episode 2233: John Kay on why (almost) everything we are told about business is wrong
John Kay, a Scottish economist and author of "The Corporation in the 21st Century," challenges the notion that big tech firms are paragons of capitalism. He argues they operate as 'capital as a service' companies with minimal physical assets. Kay shares insights on the temporary nature of corporate dominance, using historical examples like U.S. Steel. He critiques a focus on individual leadership and shareholder value, advocating for trust and collective capabilities in business. He also expresses skepticism about Trump’s tariffs and Musk's government involvement.
Feb 9, 2025 • 48min
Episode 2332: Greg Beato on what could go possibly RIGHT with our AI future
Greg Beato, a technology and culture writer and co-author of Superagency, shares insights on the optimistic potential of AI. He discusses the transformative concept of 'super agency,' emphasizing how AI empowers collective capabilities rather than just individual autonomy. Beato contrasts historical perspectives on technology with modern realities, arguing that AI can enhance personal freedom, not hinder it. He also explores the ethical implications of AI development and the importance of fostering healthy online discourse.
Feb 8, 2025 • 41min
Episode 2331: The Week that Silicon Valley went from Woke to DOGE
In this engaging discussion, Keith Teare, Founder and CEO of SignalRank Corporation, shares insights on the tumultuous week in Silicon Valley. He compares society to a layered cake, arguing that economics drive human experiences. The duo debates the controversial DOGE initiative and Elon Musk's role in modernizing government efficiency. They also explore the rapid AI advancements and their implications for diversity and jobs. A light-hearted look at proposed government budget cuts adds humor to the serious ramifications, making for a captivating conversation.
Feb 7, 2025 • 47min
Episode 2330: Eoin Higgins on how reactionary tech billionaires bought Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi
Eoin Higgins, a journalist and historian whose work has featured in major publications, delves into the controversial influence of right-wing tech billionaires like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk on media figures such as Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi. He argues that their financial backing has shifted these once left-leaning voices to the right, raising questions about media integrity and political loyalty. Higgins critiques the growing trend of tech-driven media manipulation, urging listeners to consider the implications for journalism and democracy.
Feb 6, 2025 • 49min
Episode 2329: Ethan Zuckerman on how the United States learned to love online censorship
Ethan Zuckerman, an internet scholar and director at the UMass Initiative for Digital Public Infrastructure, passionately critiques the U.S. ban on TikTok. He argues this reflects a disturbing shift from valuing unrestricted access to information to embracing censorship, driven by anti-China sentiment and fear of youth social media engagement. Zuckerman emphasizes that this trend risks aligning America with authoritarian regimes. He also highlights generational divides in attitudes toward these policies, calling for a reevaluation of free speech principles in the digital age.
Feb 5, 2025 • 43min
Episode 2328: A gay Jewish atheist rides to the rescue of American Christianity
Jonathan Rauch, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and author, argues that American Christianity is vital for democracy in his new book. He explores how the Mormon Church exemplifies a balance between faith and democratic values, contrasting it with white evangelical intolerance. Rauch highlights core Christian principles like fearlessness and forgiveness that align with democratic ideals. He advocates for secular liberals to create welcoming civic spaces for people of faith, suggesting a collaborative path forward for both religious and secular communities.
Feb 4, 2025 • 40min
Episode 2327: John Lee Hooker Jr explains who gets to go to Heaven and who doesn't
John Lee Hooker Jr., son of blues legend John Lee Hooker, is a musician and author of 'From the Shadow of the Blues.' He shares his journey from addiction to redemption and reflects on the dual nature of blues music as both a voice of suffering and a celebration of joy. Hooker Jr. discusses the blessing and burden of his father's legacy, distinguishing between talent and genius. He also tackles provocative topics like the criteria for heaven and offers his personal views on faith and morality, touching on sensitive issues like LGBTQ rights.
Feb 3, 2025 • 40min
Episode 2326: Mike Colias assesses the impact of Trump's Tariffs on the US Auto Industry
Mike Colias, deputy auto editor at the Wall Street Journal and author of "Inevitable," dives into the U.S. automotive industry's seismic shifts. He discusses how Trump's tariffs impact American manufacturers, alongside the stark EV adoption rates—China at 50% versus the U.S. at just 10%. Colias highlights China's supremacy in battery supply chains, putting U.S. automakers at a disadvantage. He also reflects on the future of autonomous vehicles, cautioning that their rise is far less certain than the electric vehicle revolution.
Feb 2, 2025 • 36min
Episode 2325: Charles Piller on Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer's
Charles Piller, an investigative science reporter for Science magazine and author of "Doctored," sheds light on the dark side of Alzheimer's research. He reveals shocking instances of scientific misconduct, including image manipulation among researchers propelled by the pressure to publish. Piller discusses the critical failures of major institutions like the NIH and FDA in ensuring research integrity, along with the courage of whistleblowers exposing these issues. There’s also a conversation about the potential impact of lifestyle choices on managing Alzheimer's.
Feb 1, 2025 • 43min
Episode 2324: Why we need some Sputnik Thinking on Wealth Redistribution in our AI Age
Keith Teare, Founder and CEO of SignalRank Corporation, discusses the recent advancements in AI led by the underfunded DeepSeek, which poses a challenge to major players like OpenAI and Meta. He explores the implications of this 'AI Sputnik moment' and advocates for fresh thinking on wealth redistribution, inspired by Bill Gates' call for a 'robot tax' to support universal basic income. Teare also delves into the ethics of data usage in AI and the necessity of continuous innovation to avoid concentration of wealth in our fast-evolving tech landscape.
