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 19, 2025 • 46min
The Arrival of the American Future: Stephen Marche on the Crisis in 2025 United States
In this discussion, Stephen Marche, a Canadian writer and commentator known for his keen insights on American politics, paints a grim picture of the United States in 2025. He describes it as a 'dumpster fire,' plagued by rapid crises and overwhelming news cycles. Marche discusses how Canadians are rethinking travel to the U.S. amidst rising border tensions and hostile policies. He also warns of the spread of authoritarian trends, the implications of AI, and the risks to democratic legitimacy, suggesting that discussions on partition may emerge as governance falters.
Dec 18, 2025 • 52min
Bethanne's Best Books of 2025: Where Fact & Fiction Blur
Bethanne Patrick, a renowned book critic for the Los Angeles Times, shares her favorite reads of 2025, emphasizing the fascinating intersection of fact and fiction. She discusses Caroline Fraser's gripping non-fiction, *Murderland*, linking 1970s serial killers to environmental issues. Patrick also explores Ian McEwan's dual narrative of dystopia and hope, and the survival tale of Maurice and Marilyn Bailey. Rounding out her picks, she highlights the complexities of identity in Katie Kitamura's work and James Baldwin’s impactful love life as portrayed by Nicholas Boggs.
Dec 17, 2025 • 47min
2025 as the New 1925: Will Crypto be Trump's Teapot Dome Scandal?
Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times, shares insights on potential parallels between 2025 and the 1925 economic landscape. He explores how we may be in a 'slow-motion' interwar scenario and discusses Trump’s governance style as reminiscent of Warren Harding’s. Wolf posits that crypto could emerge as a significant financial scandal akin to the Teapot Dome, raising questions about economic stability. He also examines the risks of inflation and the geopolitical shifts shaping the future global landscape.
Dec 16, 2025 • 42min
Ray Suarez on 2025: America's Last Idealist Looks Back at a "Jaw-Dropping" Year
Ray Suarez, a veteran journalist and author, dives deep into the 'jaw-dropping' year of 2025. He reflects on the shocking return to 19th-century colonial attitudes in U.S. policy, particularly towards Latin America. Suarez also warns of looming inflation in 2026 due to economic populism and discusses the erosion of trustworthy media voices. With personal anecdotes and insights from his PBS show, he emphasizes the need for a rebalance of power and cautious politics moving forward.
Dec 15, 2025 • 45min
Hollywood's Last Dance: Time Warner and the Death of the American Dream Machine
Daniel Bessner, a historian and host of the American Prestige podcast, explores the collapse of Hollywood and its implications for American capitalism. He argues that Hollywood's decline signals a broader crisis across industries, linked to deregulation and financialization. Bessner critiques the naive optimism surrounding tech abundance and highlights the threat of AI displacing workers. He predicts worsening inequality and notes that mass revolutionary change in the U.S. is unlikely, while emphasizing the alienation felt by many in today's labor landscape.
Dec 14, 2025 • 38min
Big Brother Down Under: Is it 1984 Already in Australia?
Keith Teare, a veteran tech commentator and publisher of That Was The Week, dives into Australia's controversial teen social media ban, questioning its Orwellian implications. He explores the future of media, dissecting Netflix's aggressive bids amidst streaming wars. Their discussion on AI reveals differing views on whether it liberates us or dulls our intelligence. The duo also tackles the authenticity of individual voices in an AI-driven world and debates the cultural value of movie theaters versus the convenience of streaming.
Dec 13, 2025 • 44min
Mount Rushmore: America's Most Monumental Contradiction
Matthew Davis, author and historian known for his work on Mount Rushmore, dives into the complexities of this iconic monument. He explores the impressive engineering behind its creation alongside the troubling colonial history tied to its site. Davis reveals Gutzon Borglum's controversial ties to the KKK and discusses the selection of Presidents, stressing their symbolic representation. He also highlights the contrasting perspectives of Native rights and the importance of acknowledging hidden narratives about this American landmark.
Dec 12, 2025 • 51min
George Packer's Emergency: When Facts Fail, Turn to Fiction
George Packer, an award-winning journalist and author of The Emergency, dives into the current political landscape in America. He discusses the alarming shift towards authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms. Packer's pivot to fiction aims to illuminate stark realities, drawing inspiration from literary giants like Orwell and Atwood. He explores themes of generational conflict, the impact of technology on humanity, and the dangers of performative politics under Trump. Through engaging insights, he reflects on modern parenting anxieties and the future of society.
Dec 11, 2025 • 47min
How 9/11 Broke the News, Both Then and Now: CNN's Finest Hour Was Also Its Last
In a gripping conversation, Carol Lin, veteran journalist and CNN anchor known as the first to break the news of 9/11, shares profound insights from her memoir, When News Breaks. She reflects on the chaos of that fateful day, detailing CNN's unique readiness and the ensuing personal and professional costs she faced. Lin discusses the evolution of media post-9/11, highlighting how the rise of opinion and social media has eroded public trust in journalism. She also reexamines the American dream and the nuances of agency in the wake of historic crises.
Dec 10, 2025 • 47min
An Anglo-American Way of Troublemaking: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford
Carla Kaplan, a biographer and scholar, dives into the vibrant life of Jessica Mitford, the rebellious Mitford sister known for her fierce advocacy against fascism. They explore how Mitford's humor served as her weapon against societal bullies and her commitment to social justice distinguished her from other aristocrats. Kaplan recounts Mitford's impactful experiences in the Spanish Civil War and her affinity for the working class. They also discuss her humorous yet incisive muckraking style and the political relevance of her wit in today's world.
