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 15, 2025 • 38min
Why Humans Have Such Big Brains (No, it's not Because of our Intelligence)
Nikolay Kukushkin, an NYU neuroscientist and author of "One Hand Clapping," explores the origin of our large brains, emphasizing their connection to language rather than intelligence. He discusses how our mammalian ancestors spent 150 million years evading dinosaurs, which shaped social behaviors. Kukushkin argues that while our big brains foster social interactions, they also contribute to division and conflict. He highlights humanity's unique awareness of our global impact, celebrating our responsibility in today's complex age.
Sep 14, 2025 • 54min
How Should Criminals be Punished? From Bentham's "Enlightened" Panopticon to the Universal Human Rights of Prisoners
Judith Resnik, Arthur Liman Professor of Law at Yale, dives into the history of punishment in her latest work. She reveals that the roots of modern punishment stem from Enlightenment thinkers and emphasizes how prisoners themselves articulated their rights. The discussion contrasts American and European systems, particularly post-1980s, highlighting a divergence in human rights commitments. Resnik advocates for humane treatment in prisons and champions the idea that prisoners are rights-bearing individuals, shedding light on a critical democratic issue.
Sep 13, 2025 • 48min
Why Misogyny May Be America's Most Dangerous Ideology: The Role of the Manosphere in Political Assassinations and Mass Shootings
Cynthia Miller-Idriss, founding director of American University’s PERIL, dives into the dark connections between misogyny and political violence. She argues that hostile sexism significantly predicts support for acts like mass shootings and political assassinations. Tracing a disturbing path from self-help to radicalization, she highlights that 60% of mass shooters have domestic violence backgrounds. Miller-Idriss calls for community interventions to combat youth exposure to online violence and stresses the need for constructive dialogues about masculinity.
Sep 12, 2025 • 39min
Rational Exuberance: Why $3 Trillion in AI Investment is Mathematical Certainty, not Madness
Keith Teare, publisher of That Was The Week and techno-determinist, argues that the $3 trillion investment in AI is not just rational but predestined for success. He dismantles skepticism around AI, claiming it will add $20 trillion to global GDP by 2035, emphasizing its potential for global accessibility and economic growth. Teare contrasts today’s AI boom with previous tech revolutions, highlighting its unparalleled business model. He envisions a future where innovation thrives alongside economic expansion, reshaping the fabric of society.
Sep 12, 2025 • 52min
From Dodgers Top Draft Pick to Harvard Trained Middle Eastern Maven: Does the American Dream Still Exist?
David Lesch, a Trinity University professor and Middle East expert, details his improbable journey from a Dodgers draft pick to a biographer of Bashar al-Assad. Alongside Catherine Nixon Cooke, his biographer, they discuss how privilege shaped his drastic pivot into diplomacy. They delve into the complexities of failure as a stepping stone and the realities of the American Dream. Insights on historical contexts and the importance of listening in geopolitical issues make this a fascinating exploration of personal reinvention amidst global challenges.
Sep 11, 2025 • 39min
We're Burning 500 Million Years of Earth's History in a Few Decades: So Stop Pretending Recycling Will Save the Planet
Peter Brannen, an award-winning science writer and author, discusses the alarming environmental crisis we're facing today. He emphasizes that we are recklessly burning 500 million years of Earth's history in decades, warning that simply recycling isn't enough to save the planet. Brannen reveals the dual nature of carbon dioxide, essential for life yet a potential destroyer, and critiques the limitations of electric vehicles in addressing climate change. He stresses the urgency for systemic action and innovative solutions to combat rising emissions.
15 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 44min
The Godfather of Security, Bruce Schneier, Rewires Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government and Citizenship
Bruce Schneier, the Godfather of Security and a celebrated cryptographer, dives into how AI could reshape our democracy. He emphasizes the need to adapt archaic political systems to modern technology. While expressing optimism about AI's potential to promote democratization, Schneier warns that without reforming existing political structures, it could exacerbate existing inequalities. He highlights that AI is already woven into daily life and stresses the importance of embedding values into these technologies to safeguard democratic integrity.
Sep 9, 2025 • 46min
Here Comes the Sunstein: Cass Sunstein on Why American Liberalism Now Needs Defending More Than Ever
In this engaging discussion, Harvard scholar and former advisor Cass Sunstein argues for a robust defense of American liberalism amidst current political pressures. He proposes that liberalism, embodying freedom and pluralism, is a big tent that includes figures from Reagan to FDR. Sunstein emphasizes the need for 'experiments in living' and warns against illiberalism as a threat to freedom. He also reflects on the role of empathy in understanding differing identities and urges a renewed commitment to core liberal values in today's charged political landscape.
Sep 9, 2025 • 43min
Can We Get To 2125? Humanity's Most Existential Threats Over the Next 100 Years
Gary F. Bengier, a writer, philosopher, and technologist, dives into humanity's biggest threats for the next century: climate change, nuclear war, and the rise of robots. He emphasizes the importance of concentrating on these core issues without getting sidetracked by lesser worries. Bengier warns of the interconnectedness of these challenges, where a nuclear conflict could hinder efforts to combat climate change. Ultimately, his pragmatic approach suggests that if we focus on these three threats, we might navigate to 2125, albeit with uncertainties looming.
Sep 8, 2025 • 39min
The Art of a Deal with the Devil: on Faustian Bargains from Shakespeare and Goethe to Thomas Mann and Donald Trump
Ed Simon, a cultural historian and author of 'Devil's Contract', dives into the timeless appeal of Faustian Bargains. He reflects on how these deals represent our irrationality, as people knowingly choose self-destructive paths. Simon links the literary origins of Faust to today's political landscape, drawing parallels with figures like Donald Trump. The discussion extends to modern implications in technology and politics, raising questions about the moral dilemmas tied to our choices in the digital age.
