Keen On America

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sophia Rosenfeld, an intellectual historian and the Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, explores the paradox of choice in modern life. She discusses how our current age, far from liberating us, might ensnare us in decision paralysis. Rosenfeld traces the evolution of choice from a moral obligation to a mere preference. She critically examines how capitalism and democracy intertwine with choice, questioning the implications for personal autonomy and political engagement.

Andrew Lipstein, a Brooklyn-based writer and author, dives into his thought-provoking novel, Something Rotten, which grapples with the complexities of modern masculinity. He questions what masculinity should represent while sharing personal insights on Danish versus American societal norms. Lipstein discusses the challenges of writing nonfiction compared to fiction, the nuances of adhering to societal expectations, and the stark contrasts in attitudes towards death in the US and Denmark, all while weaving a narrative about identity and ambition.

Michael Ignatieff, a renowned Canadian writer and historian, discusses his enduring fascination with the U.S. despite its troubling political landscape. He addresses the significant shift in America’s foreign policy, branding allies as adversaries. Ignatieff critiques the decline of liberalism, linking it to class divides and racial tensions. He reflects on the cultural impact of iconic American figures in Canada and underscores the fragile state of the international rules-based order, emphasizing the need for renewed commitment to liberal values.