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
Dec 8, 2025 • 50min
2% of Americans are Homeless: America's Most Shameful Open Secret
Patrick Markee, a homelessness advocate and author of "Placeless: Homelessness in the New Gilded Age," dives deep into America’s shocking 2% homelessness rate. He argues that mass homelessness is a modern symptom of policy failures dating back to Reagan’s cuts. Markee reveals how normalization has led society to overlook the plight of nearly 35,000 homeless children in New York alone. He also discusses the impact of gentrification and promotes the effective Housing First model while urging listeners to engage politically and support local solutions.
Dec 7, 2025 • 42min
A Code RED For Humanity: Forget 80/20 - the 95/5 Rule of our AI Age
In this fascinating discussion, Keith Teare, a veteran technology entrepreneur and publisher of the 'That Was The Week' newsletter, delves into the ‘Great Compression’ of our AI era. He reveals how just 5% of society captures a staggering 95% of the value from technological advancements, leading to unprecedented inequality. Teare warns of the systemic risks tied to this concentration and debates the role of regulation in these changes. He advises young professionals to embrace the shift towards AI and adapt their skills for a rapidly changing landscape.
Dec 6, 2025 • 51min
Why "Progress" is Ruling Class Propaganda: The Dangerous Idea that Built Civilization and is Now Destroying it
Samuel Miller MacDonald, an author and historian, challenges the concept of progress as ruling class propaganda. He explores the origins of progress in ancient Mesopotamian market empires, suggesting they were parasitic and ecologically destructive. MacDonald emphasizes that industrialization has only intensified these issues, critiques modern elites like Gates and Thiel, and proposes alternatives like sortition and agroecology. He believes true progress lies in learning from egalitarian Indigenous societies and embracing non-extractive, sustainable futures.
14 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 41min
Two VCs, No Filter: The Naked Truth about Elon Musk and Sam Altman
In this engaging conversation, venture capitalists Dave McClure and Aman Verjee share insights from their 25-year friendship and partnership. McClure portrays Sam Altman as a fiercely competitive strategist not to be underestimated. Verjee dives into the rivalry between Altman and Elon Musk, analyzing their personal brands and the competitive dynamics of Silicon Valley. They also discuss OpenAI's challenges, Google Gemini's advancements, and the implications of tech billionaires on politics, all laced with McClure’s trademark bluntness.
Dec 4, 2025 • 50min
From Mongolia to Silicon Valley: A Venture Capitalist's American Dream
Lu Zhang, a venture capitalist and founder of Fusion Fund, shares her incredible journey from Mongolia to Silicon Valley. She highlights the critical role of immigration in fueling innovation and warns about the dangers of restrictive policies. Zhang dives into the dichotomy between US and Chinese AI strengths, while examining the energy infrastructure needed for AI growth. With a focus on diversity as a key to investment success, she advocates for education tailored to the AI era and envisions a future where humans are enhanced by technology.
Dec 3, 2025 • 46min
The Broken China Dream: How Reform Revived Totalitarianism
Minxin Pei, a prominent China scholar and professor at Claremont, dives into the complexities of China's broken dream in this engaging discussion. He critiques the reforms of Deng Xiaoping and Xi Jinping, highlighting how they have revived totalitarianism despite some economic achievements. Pei contrasts materialism with the lack of political freedoms, warns of growing inequality, and examines China's mobilization advantages as a one-party state. He also explores the pitfalls of superpower ambition and forecasts the challenges Xi faces in 2026.
Dec 2, 2025 • 44min
A Tale of Two Kellys: Peter Wehner on the Intellectual and Moral Decline of the American Right
Peter Wehner, a senior fellow and conservative commentator, explores the striking moral chasm in modern American conservatism. He critiques Megyn Kelly's descent into violent rhetoric, contrasting her with Senator Mark Kelly's principled stance against military aggression. Wehner argues that the GOP's embrace of shock jock culture, represented by figures like Nick Fuentes, signifies a broader intellectual decline. He emphasizes the importance of moral courage in political discourse and warns against the mainstreaming of extremism.
Dec 2, 2025 • 46min
Guantanamo: The Myth vs the Reality
Joshua Colangelo-Bryan, a human rights lawyer and author, sheds light on his experiences at Guantanamo Bay, revealing shocking truths about the detainees and their mistreatment. He challenges the myth of the 'worst of the worst,' pointing out that many were innocent, sold for bounties, and endured inhumane conditions. His friendship with detainee Jaber Mohammed highlights the personal impact of these injustices. Colangelo-Bryan warns against the current demonization of immigrants, drawing parallels to past abuses and emphasizing the importance of protecting human rights.
Nov 30, 2025 • 47min
The AI Race is a Myth: Why "Who's Winning" is the Wrong Question
In this engaging discussion, Keith Teare, a tech entrepreneur and investor, reveals why framing AI as a race is misleading. He introduces the three C's: capabilities, capital, and civics, emphasizing that understanding these elements is crucial for assessing AI's progress. Teare argues that we're in an endless cycle of innovation, not a competition with winners and losers. They also explore the potential impacts on industries and politics, noting that equitable distribution of AI's benefits is essential to avoid societal upheaval.
Nov 29, 2025 • 45min
Strategic Hibernation: A Business Survival Guide for Turbulent Times
Christopher Marquis, a Cambridge University business professor and expert on China, discusses the challenge businesses face in today's turbulent environment. He introduces the concept of "strategic hibernation," advising companies to focus internally while avoiding public conflicts. Marquis shares lessons from Chinese companies like Jack Ma's Alibaba and the NBA's cautious approach after political missteps. He also emphasizes the importance of internal DEI efforts and the need for brands built on values to engage collectively, rather than go silent.
