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
Jun 11, 2025 • 45min
Postmodern Patrimonialism: Trump's Everything-Everywhere-All-At-Once Strategy as a Venture Capital Model of Politics
Jonathan Rauch, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and contributor to The Atlantic, discusses the concept of 'Postmodern Patrimonialism' to analyze Trump's governance. He argues that Trump's chaotic, venture-capital-like strategy aims to overwhelm opposition through simultaneous initiatives. This approach has caused institutional breakdown in Congress, leading to a growing executive power. Rauch highlights Gavin Newsom's emergence as a key figure opposing Trump, and delves into the challenges facing universities and legal frameworks amidst political strife.
Jun 10, 2025 • 42min
Beyond Left and Right: The Libertarian Vision of Freedom in America
Valerie Durham, CEO of FreedomFest, promotes libertarianism as a quintessentially American philosophy emphasizing personal choice and minimal government. She advocates for radical ideas such as privatizing public utilities and eliminating taxes for a user-fee model. The conversation dives into how FreedomFest gathers diverse voices, including Cornell West and RFK Jr., to foster cross-partisan dialogue. Durham critiques both major parties, pushing for a politics that transcends binary divisions and focuses on liberty and innovation in modern society.
Jun 9, 2025 • 47min
The Empire Strikes Back: Karen Hao on OpenAI as a Classic Colonial Power
Karen Hao, an award-winning journalist, dives deep into the controversial practices of OpenAI, likening it to the British East India Company. She argues that OpenAI’s facade of altruism masks a profit-driven empire that exploits vulnerable communities while causing environmental harm. The conversation unveils the risks of unchecked corporate power in AI, the historical parallels of technological colonialism, and the pressing need for ethical governance. Hao also critiques the rapid scaling strategy, suggesting an alternative approach prioritizing sustainability over profit.
Jun 8, 2025 • 42min
We Get the Non-Fiction We Deserve: From AI Empires to Wokeness Critiques to a Year Without Sex
Bethanne Patrick, a LATimes book critic and host of the Missing Pages podcast, dives into the complex landscape of contemporary nonfiction. She explores Melissa Fibos' year of celibacy, highlighting themes of self-discovery over toxic romance. Discussion shifts to Thomas Chatterton Williams' critique of identity politics and racial discourse, alongside the absurdity captured in Damon Young's anthology. Patrick also examines AI's growing influence, questioning its implications for authentic connection and societal discourse in an age marked by anxiety and isolation.
Jun 7, 2025 • 43min
Everything Is Possible, Nothing Is Inevitable: Why AI Might Be the Ultimate Scarcity Trap
Keith Teare, publisher of That Was The Week newsletter, dives into AI's promise of abundance, questioning whether it's a Silicon Valley fantasy or a feasible future. He argues that while AI could boost productivity, the distribution of wealth remains a critical concern, potentially leading to inequality. Teare contrasts two futures: a techno-feudal system versus a socially equitable one. He highlights innovations like WorldCoin as potential solutions, but warns without effort, AI's potential could turn into the ultimate scarcity trap.
Jun 6, 2025 • 49min
The Prophet of Fake News: How a 1920s Thinker Predicted today's Trump vs Musk Farce
Tom Arnold-Forster, a Kinder Career Development Fellow at Oxford, delves into Walter Lippmann's prescient ideas on media and democracy. He explores how Lippmann identified the paradox of uninformed citizenry in an overly complex world, tying it to the current Trump-Musk social media drama. The discussion unpacks the concept of 'manufactured consent' and critiques AI as a modern stereotype machine. Arnold-Forster also reflects on Lippmann's evolving perspectives during pivotal political moments and the detrimental impact of media ownership on journalism integrity.
Jun 5, 2025 • 42min
The Boogeyman Speaks: Ibram X. Kendi on Why He's America's Most Controversial Anti-Racism Scholar
Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award-winning author and scholar of anti-racism, delves into his controversial role in today’s discourse. He draws parallels between 1960s Black student activism and current Gaza protests, arguing that critics distort his work to create a 'boogeyman' narrative. Kendi discusses the evolution of campus activism, the current dynamics of racism, and the impact of government policies. With excitement for his new role at Howard University, he emphasizes the importance of rational dialogue in combating racism and advancing anti-racism scholarship.
Jun 4, 2025 • 37min
We Get the Serial Killers & Heroes We Deserve: From a WW2 French Sisterhood to American Male Psychos
Join literary critic Bethanne Patrick, known for her insightful reviews at the Los Angeles Times and as the host of Missing Pages, as she explores the intersection of environment and morality. Discover how French women resisted Nazis while being overlooked in history, and delve into the alarming ties between pollution and serial killers like Ted Bundy. Learn about the legacy of Mother Emanuel AME Church and the nuances of forgiveness and resilience in the face of injustice. Each narrative weaves a complex tapestry of human behavior shaped by both trauma and triumph.
Jun 3, 2025 • 44min
Drowning in Black Swans: Why Governance is Failing in our Age of Chaos
Join Christopher Schroeder, a seasoned entrepreneur and venture investor, as he dives into the chaos of our unpredictable world. He discusses the surge of 'black swan' events, from sudden geopolitical crises to surprising military successes. Schroeder highlights the rising global anti-incumbent sentiment as citizens reject established governance, sparking political upheaval. He also critiques the outdated processes in defense technology, advocating for innovation to keep pace with rapid warfare. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of governance in tumultuous times!
Jun 3, 2025 • 43min
Frozen Dreams: How a Family Agricultural Empire Exposed the Dark Side of American Capitalism
John Seabrook, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'The Spinach King', shares a gripping tale of his family's agricultural empire. He reveals how his grandfather, C.F. Seabrook, revolutionized farming yet ultimately harmed both workers and family through rampant capitalism. The discussion dives into the unresolved labor issues in agriculture, the generational dysfunction within the Seabrook family, and the dark side of ambition that shaped their legacy. Seabrook's perspective combines personal revenge with a critical critique of American capitalism.
