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
Mar 1, 2025 • 49min
Episode 2252: How to Unstick the Future
Keith Teare, a tech commentator and author of the THAT WAS THE WEEK newsletter, dives into the relationship between civilization and technological progress. He highlights how innovation is essential for a thriving future and critiques current societal stagnation. Teare discusses David Brooks’ thought-provoking piece on progress and reflects on America’s immobility, urging a reimagining of belief in future possibilities. The conversation also touches on the evolving media landscape and the transformative role of AI in democratizing coding.
Feb 28, 2025 • 42min
Episode 2251: Kristian Ronn on why, in the short term, we all might be dead
In this discussion, Kristian Ronn, CEO of Normative and an expert in AI and philosophy, challenges us with urgent questions about our survival. He introduces the concept of the 'Darwinian Trap,' emphasizing our tendency for short-term thinking, which fuels risks like nuclear war and dangerous AI advancements. Ronn advocates for better system designs and global cooperation to manage technology responsibly, akin to nuclear nonproliferation. His insights encourage a shift towards long-term planning to transcend our evolutionary instincts.
Feb 27, 2025 • 41min
Episode 2250 Rebecca Haw Allensworth on America's Cult of the Professional
Rebecca Haw Allensworth, an expert in antitrust and licensing at Vanderbilt Law School, dives into the absurdities of professional licensing in her insights. She argues that many licenses serve to exclude rather than protect consumers, creating conflicts within self-regulating boards. Allensworth critiques excessive licensing requirements for jobs like hairstyling compared to essential professions such as medicine. The conversation raises thought-provoking questions about the role of credentials in the age of AI and the implications for various trades.
Feb 26, 2025 • 39min
Episode 2249: Caroline Fleck on the Skill Set that will Change your Life
Caroline Fleck, a licensed psychologist and author of the book *Validation*, explores how mastering validation can transform your relationships and self-confidence. She distinguishes between validation and praise, emphasizing that true validation fosters acceptance and understanding. Fleck discusses the universal need for validation and its crucial role in effective communication, personal growth, and conflict resolution. She also shares insights on how validation techniques can apply beyond therapy, and her concerns about the role of AI in interpersonal connections.
Feb 25, 2025 • 46min
Episode 2248: Yoni Applebaum on why America is STUCK in a Crisis of Immobility
Yoni Applebaum, Deputy Executive Editor at The Atlantic and author of "Stuck," discusses America's critical mobility crisis stemming from outdated zoning laws. He highlights how high housing costs restrict movement to areas of opportunity, leading to diminished civic engagement and social cohesion. Applebaum reveals the racist origins of these laws and advocates for reforming housing policy to increase accessibility. He emphasizes the need for simpler building regulations to foster economic dynamism and renew communities.
Feb 24, 2025 • 41min
Episode 2247: Andrew Cockburn on Trump and Musk's Futile War Against the Deep State
Andrew Cockburn, Washington Editor of Harper’s Magazine and national security expert, shares intriguing insights on the political landscape shaped by Trump and Musk. He argues their attempts to dismantle the federal bureaucracy are likely futile, facing legal resistance and institutional inertia. Cockburn anticipates Musk's influence waning as Trump sidesteps him for others. He critiques the Democratic Party's disconnect from voter issues, like housing affordability, urging a stronger focus on grassroots needs amidst growing economic disparities.
Feb 23, 2025 • 40min
Episode 2246: Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a carnival of hypocrisy
Anna Kryvenko, a filmmaker and visual fellow at Central European University, discusses her documentary "This House is Undamaged" focusing on Mariupol's devastation due to the Russian invasion. She highlights how Russian authorities are erasing Ukrainian identity while profiting from reconstruction. Kryvenko criticizes the propaganda that falsely claims Mariupol's historical ties to Russia and draws parallels between the lies of Putin and Trump, labeling them as a "carnival of hypocrisy." Her insights reveal the absurdities of war, memory, and the exploitation of a besieged city.
Feb 22, 2025 • 43min
Episode 2245: Is it really "not hard" to be a billionaire these days?
In an engaging conversation with Keith Teare, a technology investor and entrepreneur, they discuss the shifting landscape of tech skills amid the AI revolution. Keith argues that traditional coding is losing its edge, as system architecture and AI guidance skills take front stage. They also dive into the optimism in Silicon Valley despite market downturns, the rise of lean startups utilizing AI, and a provocative take on billionaire status, suggesting that it’s 'not hard' to become one today.
Feb 21, 2025 • 51min
Episode 2244: Tim Wu on how to decentralize capitalism
Tim Wu, a Professor at Columbia Law School and a former White House official who coined 'net neutrality', discusses the urgent need to reform capitalism. He highlights the dangerous link between economic monopolies and the rise of authoritarianism, drawing historical comparisons to the 1930s. Advocating for decentralized capitalism, Wu shares insights on successful models from Scandinavia and East Asia. He underscores the critical role of antitrust laws in promoting competition and innovation, warning against the political influence of big tech.
Feb 20, 2025 • 43min
Episode 2243: Nick Bryant on why Trump 2.0 is as historic as the Fall of the Berlin Wall
Veteran BBC correspondent Nick Bryant discusses the historic implications of Trump’s second term, likening it to the fall of the Berlin Wall. He describes Trump’s foreign policy changes, especially his approach to Russia, as a style of appeasement reminiscent of Neville Chamberlain. Bryant critiques the Democratic Party's failures, linking them to key leadership shortcomings. Additionally, he explores the evolving dynamics within the MAGA movement and emphasizes that current shifts reveal deeper isolationist forces in American society.
