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
Nov 2, 2025 • 28min
Nobel Laureate Peter Agre: Why Scientists Must succeed Where Politicians Fail
Nobel Prize laureate Peter Agre, a physician known for his work in science diplomacy, discusses the crucial role of scientists in tackling issues where politicians falter. He highlights the successful role of scientists in brokering the 2015 Iran nuclear accord through scientific common ground. Agre critiques the political fallout from Trump’s cancellation of the deal and emphasizes the erosion of public trust in science during crises like COVID-19. He advocates for a problem-solving approach while warning about the impacts of skepticism on public health.
Nov 1, 2025 • 39min
Why Our Fear of Technology Is Nothing New—And Why That Should Give Us Hope: From Cuckoo Clocks to ChatGPT
Vanessa Chang, a technology historian and author of The Body Digital, explores humanity's historical anxieties about technology—from cuckoo clocks to ChatGPT. She asserts that fear of AI isn't new and emphasizes our creative agency to shape technology, urging us to embrace it rather than panic. Chang discusses the artificial divide between nature and technology, critiquing mind/body separation, and reframing everyday tools like eyeglasses as extensions of our bodies. She urges a humane approach to AI design, rooted in our past experiences with innovation.
Oct 31, 2025 • 37min
Not Even God Can Judge Tupac Shakur: How a White Suburban Sportswriter Found the Humanity and Tragedy Behind Hip-Hop’s Most Misunderstood Star
Jeff Pearlman, a veteran sportswriter and bestselling biographer, delves into the complex life of Tupac Shakur, revealing the deep intergenerational trauma that shaped him. He highlights Tupac's background as a theater kid, his dynamic relationship with his mother Afeni, and how her struggles influenced his worldview. Pearlman brings attention to Tupac's political awareness and artistic talent, exploring his impact on music and film. Ultimately, he paints Tupac as a flawed yet heroic figure who remains relevant in discussions about race and justice.
Oct 30, 2025 • 40min
Fighting to Tell the Truth: Why every Film about War is an Anti-War Film
Michael Pack, a documentary filmmaker and former head of the US Agency for Global Media, discusses his Iraq War film, *The Last 600 Meters*. He shares insights on how documentaries serve as a 'second draft of history,' capturing the emotional truth of war. Pack reflects on how perceptions of military stories have changed over time and argues that all war films inherently convey anti-war messages. He also highlights the challenges faced by non-woke filmmakers in a politically charged industry and the importance of representing diverse perspectives.
Oct 29, 2025 • 54min
Between the River and the Sea: American Jews and the Soiling of the Zionist Dream
In this insightful discussion, Daniel Sokatch, CEO of the New Israel Fund and author, advocates for liberal Zionism and human rights in Israel. He explores the complex relationship between Israel's democratic ideals and recent political upheavals. Sokatch highlights the shift in American Jewish perspectives, especially among younger generations disillusioned by perceived disconnects with liberal values. Additionally, he argues for the importance of continued dialogue and critiques the conflation of Israel criticism with antisemitism. His vision for Israel emphasizes equality and moral responsibility.
Oct 28, 2025 • 47min
The Vinci Code: How AI is Turning Everyone into James Bond
Anthony Vinci, a former intelligence officer and author of The Fourth Intelligence Revolution, argues that AI is transforming espionage, making everyone potential spies. He emphasizes the need for America to embrace economic espionage to counter China's strategies. Vinci reveals that future intelligence operations will likely be automated, with AI spying on AI. He also warns that ordinary citizens are now targets for intelligence activities and urges caution in managing personal data while fostering better tools for individual decision-making.
Oct 27, 2025 • 41min
Huawei vs Ericsson: How Huawei Turned Sweden's "Neutral" Tech Advantage Into a Cold War Liability
In this engaging conversation, Eva Dou, a Washington Post reporter and author of House of Huawei, reveals the mysteries behind Huawei's rise. She highlights the tech giant's transformation from a seller of phone switches to a leader in AI chips and robotics. Dou also discusses Ren Zhengfei, Huawei's enigmatic founder, and his relationship with the Chinese state, showcasing how state support drives innovation. With Huawei challenging Ericsson's historical dominance, the talk delves into the geopolitical clash between China and the West, emphasizing the implications for global tech leadership.
Oct 26, 2025 • 43min
How Smart is the MAGA Intelligentsia? The Professors, Philosophers, and Trolls who Transformed Rage into a Winning Political Ideology
Laura K. Field, a political theorist and author of Furious Minds, delves into the MAGA intelligentsia's unique blend of timing and marketing over original thought. She argues that their success lies in transforming deep-seated rage into a cohesive political movement, rather than in groundbreaking ideas. The podcast covers the performative nature of their rhetoric, the misogynistic undertones of the new right, and the serious intellectual influences behind figures like Deneen and Vermeule. Field warns that underestimating this movement could lead to significant consequences.
Oct 25, 2025 • 41min
This Is Not a Browser—Did René Magritte Really Predict the End of the Web Age?
In this engaging discussion, Keith Teare, a technology commentator and publisher of That Was The Week, explores the transformative impact of AI on web browsing. He draws fascinating parallels between René Magritte's surrealism and the evolving concept of browsers, suggesting a shift to 'not-a-browser' experiences. Teare delves into how AI interfaces could change user interactions, redefine the advertising model, and centralize publishing. He also discusses the potential future of companies like OpenAI and the implications for user experience in an AI-driven world.
Oct 25, 2025 • 48min
The Panic of the Intellectuals: From Ezra Pound to the Trumpagies of Today
David Mayers, a Boston University historian and author of 'Seekers and Partisans,' explores the lives of American intellectuals exiled during the 1935-1941 crisis years. He draws parallels between historical figures like Ezra Pound and today’s 'Trumpagies,' shedding light on the cultural panic that often exists more in the minds of intellectuals than in reality. Mayers discusses the varied motives behind these exiles, from moral clarity to activism, and emphasizes that, while history doesn't repeat, it certainly rhymes with contemporary disillusionment.
