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
Oct 19, 2025 • 44min
An American Epidemic of Speculation: Bubble Blowing in Silicon Valley and Washington DC
In this lively discussion, Keith Teare, a tech commentator and publisher of *That Was The Week*, dives into the rampant speculation permeating American culture, from AI investments to cryptocurrency and online sports betting. He argues that speculation could drive technological progress despite its risks. The duo debates the merger between Silicon Valley and state interests under the Trump administration, and ponder whether the current investment ecosystem is a ticking time bomb or a path to enlightenment. Will it end in another crash or deeper innovation?
Oct 18, 2025 • 40min
Should a College be a Museum or a Startup? Why Universities Need to Teach Failure
Caroline Levander, Vice President for Global Strategy at Rice University and author of InventEd, pushes for a radical shift in higher education. She asserts that universities must embrace an innovative, startup mentality instead of their traditional museum-like stasis. Levander highlights the essential role of learning from failure and fostering creative risk-taking among students. She also discusses the interplay between humanities courses and innovation, the importance of international student perspectives, and the need to adapt to the AI landscape while maintaining the value of physical campuses.
Oct 17, 2025 • 41min
American Advocates of Foreign Devils: How Rudy Giuliani and Hunter Biden Sold Access to US Foreign Policy
Kenneth P. Vogel, a New York Times reporter and author of Devils' Advocates, dives into the murky waters of foreign influence in U.S. politics. He reveals how Rudy Giuliani and Hunter Biden sold access to American power, demonstrating that corruption knows no party lines. From the Balkans to Brazil, Vogel discusses the lucrative pay-for-access schemes affecting foreign policy. He examines how the Trump administration's transactional style opened doors for foreign interests and highlights the role of opportunistic lobbyists like Robert Stryk in this shadow diplomacy.
Oct 16, 2025 • 42min
Sometimes We Need a Calamity: How to Save the American Experiment
Join Yale historian John Fabian Witt, author of The Radical Fund, as he explores the necessity of 'calamity' in preserving American democracy. He draws fascinating parallels between the tumultuous 1920s and today's societal challenges, emphasizing the transformative power of the Garland Fund. Witt argues for strategic philanthropy and 'cross-movement dialogue' to reignite civic engagement. He candidly discusses the role of race and immigration in shaping political landscapes, while reflecting on the need for innovative approaches to unite progressive causes today.
Oct 15, 2025 • 42min
The Frankenstein Version of Neo-Liberalism: When American Business Overtook Government
Financial journalist Elizabeth MacBride discusses the alarming shift towards a 'Frankenstein version of neo-liberalism' where business leaders like Jamie Dimon and Larry Fink surpass governmental power. She emphasizes that while this new American economy seems bleak, her forthcoming book, Capital Evolution, introduces 'Dynamic Capitalism'—a model promoting long-term sacrifice, climate action, and reduced inequality. MacBride also debates the trustworthiness of CEOs and the role of media in shaping public perception of current economic transitions.
Oct 14, 2025 • 46min
America as a Contradiction Trapped Inside an even Bigger Contradiction: Princeton Historian's Explanation for Everything, Everywhere All at Once
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Paul Starr as he discusses the twisted narrative of American history. He explores how revolutions morph into reactions, from civil rights struggles to modern Trumpism. Starr emphasizes the foundational contradiction of freedom and slavery while acknowledging that technology and media amplify these conflicts. He also examines Nixon’s complex legacy and warns against oversimplifying race in politics. Ultimately, Starr highlights the ongoing, unpredictable nature of America's divisions and admits he offers no clear solutions.
Oct 13, 2025 • 41min
Jeffrey Archer: How Margaret Thatcher would have disciplined a Naughty Donald Trump
Jeffrey Archer, a bestselling novelist and former Conservative MP, shares insights from his impressive career and discusses his new novel, Endgame. He compares today's political chaos in Britain and America to the past, asserting that Margaret Thatcher would have effectively handled Donald Trump's unpredictable persona. Archer reflects on the decline of the Conservative Party and critiques the rise of tech billionaires in politics. He also reveals plans for a monumental WWII novel, claiming it will surpass his previous works.
Oct 12, 2025 • 45min
Sam Altman's Rigged Imperial Gambit: Too Important to Fail & Too Well-Financed to Go Public
Keith Teare, a serial entrepreneur and tech commentator, delves into the intricate dynamics surrounding OpenAI and Sam Altman's ambitious plans. He highlights how OpenAI's dominance could create a monopolistic chokehold on AI innovation. The conversation also touches on the impending AI bubble burst, the ongoing need for human oversight, and the complexities of funding AI infrastructure. Teare argues that while OpenAI may be too critical to fail, the implications of its rise could echo past financial crises as governments may intervene to stabilize the space.
Oct 11, 2025 • 47min
America's Most Wounded Generation: Returning Home after World War II
David Nasaw, a distinguished historian and author of 'The Wounded Generation', delves into the struggles faced by World War II veterans upon their return home. He reframes the narrative of the 'Greatest Generation' to highlight the pain of undiagnosed PTSD and familial breakdowns. Nasaw draws attention to the unequal treatment of Black veterans under the GI Bill and the emotional scars left by both combat experiences and societal discrimination. He also explores how writers like Salinger processed their trauma through fiction, revealing the long-lasting impacts of war.
Oct 10, 2025 • 45min
AI Hype is a Feature, not a Bug: Why We Can't Trust Big Tech With Our Agentic Future
Sangeet Paul Choudary, a platform economist and author, discusses how today's AI hype is a strategic move in Silicon Valley to attract investment while masking poor immediate results. He highlights a growing divide between those working above algorithms—like data scientists—and those trapped below, such as gig workers. Choudary warns about the risks of trusting Big Tech with our future while praising India's model that empowers users by allowing them to control their data. He predicts power concentrations will favor infrastructure giants like Nvidia and Google.
