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
Jan 3, 2025 • 48min
Episode 2292: Chris Schroeder on how America now swims in an ocean of black swans
In this engaging discussion, Chris Schroeder, a global investor and chair of the German Marshall Fund, shares insights from his extraordinary journey as a co-founder of Next Billion Ventures. He emphasizes the importance of deep reading in understanding today's complex world, advocating for intellectual curiosity among young entrepreneurs in emerging markets. Schroeder also highlights the rising influence of China and the need for America to enhance competitiveness. He tackles critical themes like nuclear threats and evolving business dynamics, showcasing how literature enriches our perspective on global issues.
Jan 2, 2025 • 47min
Episode 2291: Michael Scott-Baumann on the hopelessness of the Palestinian situation
Michael Scott-Baumann, author of The Shortest History of Israel and Palestine, shares his deep insights on the hopelessness faced by Palestinians. He discusses the catastrophic aftermath of the Gaza War, emphasizing the staggering loss of life and dire humanitarian conditions. Scott-Baumann critiques Western powers' response and the ineffectiveness of the UN, while predicting a grim future for Palestinian statehood. He also explores the complexities of the two-state solution and the geopolitical landscape, shedding light on the urgent need for equitable political action.
Jan 1, 2025 • 41min
Episode 2290: Marshall Poe on why 2024 was a bad year for most podcasters
Marshall Poe, an American historian and founder of the New Books Network, discusses the tumultuous landscape of podcasting following drastic changes in Apple’s metrics. He highlights the challenges small podcasters face against the dominance of giants like Joe Rogan. They explore potential reforms to democratize the medium, touching on Section 230 and the influence of Substack. Poe emphasizes the struggle between quality content and sensationalism in an era increasingly shaped by AI, while advocating for human authenticity in storytelling.
Dec 31, 2024 • 42min
Episode 2289: Gary Marcus on how Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is, in the long run, inevitable
Gary Marcus, a prominent AI skeptic and former CEO of Geometric.AI, discusses the inevitability of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) by 2100. He highlights the urgent need for AI regulation before technology surpasses human control. The conversation dives into the complexities of the current AI landscape, the alignment problem, and the rivalry among tech giants like OpenAI and Google. Marcus critiques the focus on generative models and emphasizes that the path to AGI might require yet-to-be-invented approaches, urging a balance of methodologies in future development.
Dec 30, 2024 • 45min
Episode 2288: Simon Kuper on the chilling parallels between MAGA America and Apartheid South Africa
Simon Kuper, a noted journalist for the Financial Times and author, discusses the chilling connections between the MAGA movement and his experiences in apartheid South Africa. He analyzes how figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel's pasts influence their current politics. Kuper expresses concern over the retreat of globalization and the rise of nationalism, emphasizing the struggles of liberalism today. He also contrasts the divisive nature of politics with the unifying force of football, reflecting on how international influences shape both realms.
Dec 29, 2024 • 51min
Episode 2287: Joseph O'Neill explains how to resist contemporary Fascism
In this engaging discussion, novelist Joseph O'Neill, known for his impactful commentary in the New York Review of Books, critiques Trump and the Democratic Party, calling for a reinvention that appeals to disillusioned voters. He explores the struggles of young men in the digital age, highlighting the incel movement and social media's role in their isolation. O'Neill also emphasizes the writer's duty to confront contemporary political issues and the need for truthfulness in a fraught era marked by rising nationalism.
Dec 28, 2024 • 48min
Episode 2286: Seth Rogovoy on why A Complete Unknown, the new Dylan biopic, is a complete failure
Seth Rogovoy, a cultural commentator and author specializing in Bob Dylan and George Harrison, critiques the new Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown. He argues it fails to reveal anything meaningful about Dylan, missing the complexity of his character. Rogovoy contrasts this film with the more insightful I'm Not There. He also discusses the interconnectedness of 1960s musicians and laments today's fragmented cultural landscape. Additionally, he highlights George Harrison's role in blending music cultures and his impact on The Beatles.
Dec 27, 2024 • 52min
Episode 2285: Toby Walsh on the revolutionary promise and peril of AI in 2025
Toby Walsh, a prominent Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of New South Wales, shares his insights on the imminent AI revolution. He predicts that 2025 will mark a pivotal year for job losses due to smart machines and urges governments to address the consequences of rapid tech advancement. Walsh discusses the speculative nature of AI investments, the evolving regulatory landscape across the globe, and the potential of AI to transform industries like entertainment and warfare, all while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human creativity.
Dec 26, 2024 • 47min
Episode 2284: Soli Ozel on the possibility of a 2025 "Pax Hebraica" in the Middle East
Soli Ozel, a Professor of International Relations at Kadir Has University and expert on Middle Eastern politics, delves into the complex landscape of the Middle East. He predicts a greater likelihood of chaos than stability by 2025, debunking simplistic narratives like Sunni vs Shiite. Ozel discusses the implications of U.S. policies, Iranian political shifts, and regional actors’ responses to growing instability. He emphasizes the humanitarian crises and the urgent need for solutions that transcend old binaries, particularly concerning the Palestinian issue.
11 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 1h 4min
Episode 2283: Jonathan Rauch's six key moments of 2024
Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at Brookings and contributing writer for The Atlantic, shares his insights on the key moments of 2024. He highlights the significance of the November elections and the unrest in the Middle East. The conversation also tackles the contentious legal battles surrounding Trump and the increasing power of the Supreme Court. However, Rauch finds hope in two noteworthy examples of resilience in the public and private sectors, suggesting a path for America to rebuild in 2025.
