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 24, 2024 • 44min
Episode 2282: Adam Kirsch on the nonsense of "Settler Colonialism"
Adam Kirsch, a published poet and cultural critic, delves into the complexities of settler colonialism in his latest work. He discusses how simplistic narratives fail to capture the intricacies of American and Israeli histories. Kirsch emphasizes the importance of nuanced language, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He critiques the effect of modern discourse on historical understanding and advocates for thoughtful dialogue that transcends polarizing rhetoric. The episode also touches on how boycotts can undermine literary engagement.
Dec 23, 2024 • 49min
Episode 2281: Parmy Olson on why Google DeepMind will trump OpenAI in 2025
Parmy Olson, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and author of the award-winning book "Supremacy," discusses the fierce competition between OpenAI and Google DeepMind for AI supremacy. She shares insights on the internal dilemmas tech leaders face regarding AI ethics and regulation. Olson also highlights the societal impacts of advancements in AI, anticipates the pivotal year of 2025, and explores the emergence of artificial general intelligence, emphasizing potential shifts in corporate dynamics and regulatory landscapes in the evolving tech ecosystem.
Dec 22, 2024 • 40min
Episode 2280: Who will win the multi trillion dollar race for AI supremacy in 2025?
Keith Teare, founder and CEO of SignalRank Corporation and tech visionary, dives into the future of AI supremacy. He analyzes the potential trajectories of major players like OpenAI and Google and discusses the implications of OpenAI's shift to a for-profit model. The conversation touches on the intertwining of AI with cryptocurrency and the social media landscape. Teare also explores how emerging technologies might reshape global dynamics and the political landscape by 2025, weighed against both optimism and skepticism.
Dec 21, 2024 • 41min
Episode 2279: Why 2024 will be remembered as the year before 2025
Keith Teare, Founder and CEO of SignalRank Corporation, dives into the transformative landscape of 2024, highlighting AI's emerging relevance. He explores the gap between early tech adopters and mainstream users, emphasizing AI's potential in sales and education. The discussion takes a turn to examine societal implications, including rising nationalism and populism in the U.S., shaped by tech elites' influence. Teare argues that 2024 is not just a year of AI advancements but a prelude to the unfolding drama of 2025.
Dec 20, 2024 • 43min
Episode 2278: Max Stier on the Essential Value of the American Federal Government
Max Stier, the founding president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, discusses the vital role of the American federal government in ensuring efficiency and accountability. He addresses the critiques from figures like Elon Musk while stressing that reforms must focus on public good over personal agendas. Stier highlights the importance of innovation, effective governance, and public-private partnerships in fostering economic growth. He also shares insights on the transformative potential of AI in government, advocating for transparency and regulation.
Dec 19, 2024 • 52min
Episode 2277: From “Science” to Atrocity - The Seductive History of Eugenics
Erik Peterson, an expert on the history of eugenics and Associate Professor at the University of Alabama, discusses the dark legacy of this controversial idea. He traces eugenics roots from Sir Francis Galton to its chilling uses in Nazi ideology and American racism. The conversation explores how eugenics manipulated scientific theories to justify societal inequities and its persistent relevance today in the context of biotechnology. Peterson emphasizes the need for education and open dialogue to understand and combat these dangerous ideas in modern society.
Dec 18, 2024 • 34min
Episode 2276: Byrne Hobart on Booms, Bubbles and the End of Stagnation
Byrne Hobart, an investor and author of The Diff newsletter, dives into the complexities of America's economy, emphasizing the stark contrasts between tech hubs like Austin and stagnant regions. He shares intriguing insights on how economic bubbles, such as the current AI frenzy, can be a pathway to booms, borrowing ideas from economic historian Carlotta Perez. The conversation also touches on the historical lessons of wartime espionage in shaping technological advancements, examining the balance between public and private innovation funding.
17 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 39min
Episode 2275: Jeff Jarvis on how the world has changed over the last 20 years
Jeff Jarvis, a renowned tech commentator and author, reflects on the past 20 years of technological evolution. He discusses the vibrant spirit of the DLD conference, the challenges of innovation in Europe, and the dual nature of online culture post-9/11. Jarvis critiques societal views on tech since the 2016 election and addresses the nuances of political innovation. He urges the reinforcement of institutions to combat authoritarianism and emphasizes the need for media literacy as we approach 2045, ensuring society can navigate the complexities of trust and information.
Dec 16, 2024 • 31min
Episode 2274: Bethanne Patrick's Favorite Non-Fiction Books of 2024
Bethanne Patrick, a prominent book critic for the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, shares her insights on the best non-fiction reads of 2024. She delves into Emily Nussbaum's examination of reality TV's cultural impact and its intersection with American politics. The discussion also highlights memoirs addressing mental health and identity, as well as Fanny Stevenson's pivotal role in Robert Louis Stevenson's success. Finally, Bethanne explores the historical context of Handel's Messiah, tying these themes to the evolution of cultural values.
Dec 15, 2024 • 30min
Episode 2273: Bethanne Patrick's Best Five Favorite Novels of 2024
Bethanne Patrick, a prominent literary critic for the Los Angeles Times and a vocal presence on Twitter, shares her insights into the world of fiction as it gears up for 2024. She passionately discusses five standout novels, including Dan Z. Senna's 'Colored Television,' which tackles race and identity in the arts. Patrick also delves into Percival Everett's 'James,' highlighting its exploration of double consciousness. The conversation further touches on bestselling novels, personal narratives, and the fine line between fact and fiction in contemporary literature.
