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 14, 2024 • 49min
Episode 2272: Mark Lilla on why ignorance is bliss
Mark Lilla, a prominent Professor of the Humanities at Columbia University and author of "Ignorance is Bliss," discusses the paradox of knowledge and ignorance. He argues that in navigating uncomfortable truths, we may prefer illusion over awareness. Delving into Plato's cave, Lilla examines blissful ignorance in politics, the moral implications of overeducation, and the role of psychoanalysis in self-discovery. He critiques the political landscape’s denial of reality and the dangers of ideologies that obscure genuine understanding, especially in today's AI-driven world.
Dec 13, 2024 • 41min
Episode 2271: Keith Teare on why he's fallen in love with Elon Musk
Keith Teare, founder and CEO of SignalRank Corporation and author, expresses his newfound admiration for Elon Musk, arguing that innovators are essential for modern growth. He discusses the dichotomy of Musk's public persona and the polarized views on his actions, especially regarding ongoing legal issues. The conversation shifts to cryptocurrency’s volatility and its impact on central banks while also touching on the evolving power dynamics in tech. Teare ultimately calls for builders like Musk to foster constructive discourse on societal change.
Dec 13, 2024 • 40min
Episode 2270: Craig Garnett on May 24, 2022 - Uvalde's Darkest Hour
Craig Garnett, owner of the Uvalde Leader-News since 1989, shares his reflections on the devastating shooting at Robb Elementary School. He candidly discusses his grief and anger towards local authorities for their inaction. Garnett explores the challenging intersection of personal sorrow and journalistic duty, revealing how the emotional aftermath impacts his community. He also delves into the historical roots of Texas's gun culture and underscores the importance of accountability in preventing future tragedies.
Dec 12, 2024 • 46min
Episode 2269: Michael Sayman looks forward to an AI age in which all our online interactions are with bots
Michael Sayman, a prodigious teen entrepreneur and creator of the SocialAI app, shares his optimistic vision of a future intertwined with AI. He discusses the generational divide in perceiving technology, arguing that younger generations see AI as a natural extension of media. Sayman explores the impact of social media on communication styles, emphasizing the need for educational approaches to navigate digital spaces. He also delves into the evolving nature of human relationships in an AI-driven world and the nostalgia for authentic interactions among his peers.
Dec 10, 2024 • 42min
Episode 2268: David Rowell on how new technology is making us dislike new music
David Rowell, a cultural music journalist and senior editor at the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, dives into the changing landscape of modern music. He argues that nostalgia has stifled our appreciation for new sounds, as streaming platforms push us to revisit past hits. The conversation reflects on how technology influences musical preferences, particularly among younger audiences, and the challenges contemporary artists face amidst a cultural tug-of-war between innovation and nostalgia.
Dec 9, 2024 • 44min
Episode 2267: Jonathan Taplin on the coming cultural renaissance in America
Jonathan Taplin, a writer, film producer, and scholar, delves into the rebirth of the American dream following the assassination of Bobby Kennedy. He predicts a cultural renaissance fueled by new music, film, and literature reminiscent of the vibrant 1960s. Taplin contrasts past and present political engagement, highlighting how the arts sparked activism. He discusses the fragmented digital landscape and proposes a public media system to enhance cultural expressions. Ultimately, he envisions a wave of creativity that could invigorate American society.
Dec 8, 2024 • 43min
Episode 2266: Mr Musk, Mr Sacks and Mr Andreessen go to Washington
Keith Teare, founder of SignalRank Corporation and author, dives into the transformative power dynamics between Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. He discusses David Sacks' controversial role as AI and Crypto Czar and what this means for tech governance. The conversation explores the complex relationship between wealth and innovation, contrasting altruism with self-interest among tech leaders. Teare also critiques the evolving landscape of digital discourse and identity politics, alluding to the challenges this poses for democratic engagement.
11 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 37min
Episode 2265: Jeff Jarvis on how to reclaim the internet from moguls, misanthropes and moral panics
Jeff Jarvis, a prolific writer and former Tow Professor of Journalism Innovation, discusses reclaiming the internet from corporate giants and moral hysteria in his new book, The Web We Weave. He highlights the internet's evolution from an open community to a corporate-dominated environment and critiques surveillance capitalism. Jarvis emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability to protect digital freedoms while addressing the impact of hedge fund ownership on local journalism. His insights offer a bold vision for a community-driven internet.
Dec 6, 2024 • 48min
Episode 2265: Internet Hall of Famer, Mitchell Baker, on the promise of an Open Web
Mitchell Baker, Chairwoman of the Mozilla Foundation and co-founder of the Mozilla Project, dives into the evolution of the open internet. She reflects on the transformative impact of Firefox, emphasizing user control against centralized systems. The conversation also illuminates the challenges posed by misinformation and centralization today. Mitchell explores generative AI's potential, contrasting nonprofit goals with profit-driven tech models. With a sense of nostalgia, she recounts early internet days and discusses a hopeful future for technology that prioritizes societal needs.
Dec 5, 2024 • 39min
Episode 2264: Robert Pearl demystifies the RFK Jr nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services
In this engaging discussion, Robert Pearl, former CEO of Kaiser Permanente and Stanford clinical professor, dives into the controversial nomination of RFK Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services. He explores how this could signify a shift in health leadership amid growing public skepticism. Pearl emphasizes the urgent need for systemic healthcare reform and transparent pricing. Additionally, he highlights the potential for AI to revolutionize primary care and the role of lifestyle medicine in improving health outcomes.
