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
May 22, 2025 • 49min
Episode 2542: John Cassidy on Capitalism and its Critics
In this engaging conversation, John Cassidy, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of "Capitalism and its Critics," shares his insights on the evolution of capitalism and its most vocal critics. He discusses capitalism’s various forms, from state capitalism to hyper-globalization, and the intertwined histories of capitalism with colonialism and slavery. Cassidy highlights the Luddites’ moral opposition to industrialization and warns of AI's potential disruption to modern economies, urging the need for diverse voices in discussions about capitalism's future.
May 21, 2025 • 42min
Episode 2541: Joan Williams on How the Democrats Must Win Back the American Working Class
Joan Williams, a distinguished psychologist and scholar known for her work on social inequality, argues that Democrats are losing the working class by neglecting their economic struggles. In her new book, she highlights a significant shift of non-college voters of color toward Republicans, emphasizing the need for 'cultural competence' to reconnect with this demographic. Williams believes Democrats must prioritize economic stability and develop messaging that resonates with working-class values to regain power in future elections.
May 20, 2025 • 45min
Episode 2540: Anna Malaika Tubbs Reveals the Secret History of American Patriarchy
Anna Malaika Tubbs, a New York Times bestselling author and expert on race, gender, and equity, dives into the hidden history of American patriarchy. She reveals how patriarchy has shaped the nation's founding documents, affecting women differently based on race and class. Tubbs discusses the need for nuanced understandings of feminism, emphasizing the overlooked contributions of Black women. She warns that movements like Project 2025 seek to reinforce traditional patriarchal values, urging listeners to confront these issues for true societal change.
May 19, 2025 • 39min
Episode 2539: Marshall Poe on why Gaza is becoming Israel's Vietnam
Marshall Poe, an esteemed historian and founder of the New Books Network, draws chilling parallels between the Gaza conflict and Vietnam. He emphasizes the futility of military occupations, highlighting how they often alienate local populations and lead to devastating ethical violations. Poe discusses the catastrophic implications of population relocations, questions the viability of a two-state solution, and critiques the role of external powers like the U.S. in seeking a resolution, shedding light on the complexities of an enduring conflict.
May 18, 2025 • 38min
Episode 2538: Biden, Harris & the Exhausted Democratic Establishment
William Deresiewicz, a progressive essayist, critiques the exhausted Democratic establishment, arguing that both Biden's mental decline and Harris' lackluster campaign are indicative of deeper issues. He discusses the party's 'tacit cover-up' of significant problems like crime and pandemic missteps. Deresiewicz explores how the Democratic Party has become a mix of elites and working-class voters with diverging interests. He advocates for a revival of liberalism that embraces creativity and openness, urging progressives to reinvent their approach in today's political landscape.
May 17, 2025 • 36min
Episode 2537: How to Survive our Age of Technological Mayhem
In today's discussion, Keith Teare, the Publisher of That Was The Week newsletter and tech analyst, delves into the chaotic landscape of modern technology. He argues that truth only applies to facts from the past, shaped by human actions. The conversation also highlights AI's disruptive influence on education, illustrated by a professor’s resignation over AI-generated content. Additionally, they explore how companies like Netflix and Airbnb are innovating to stay relevant, amid the pressures of a technology-driven society. It's a thought-provoking look at survival in a rapidly changing world.
May 17, 2025 • 40min
Episode 2536: Is Spying an Un-American activity?
Jeffrey Rogg, a Senior Research Fellow at the Global and National Security Institute and author of The Spy and the State, dives into the intricate world of American espionage. He argues that spying, often seen as un-American, is both necessary and inevitable. Rogg discusses legendary figures like Wild Bill Donovan and the contentious Bay of Pigs invasion, revealing how intelligence operations mirror societal fears. He warns against the over-politicization of the intelligence community, emphasizing the historical necessity of understanding its moral complexities.
May 16, 2025 • 43min
Episode 2535: Tim Minshall on How We Manufacture Things, Why It Matters and How We Can Do It Better
Tim Minshall, Professor of Innovation at the University of Cambridge and author of How Things Are Made, dives into the complexities of modern manufacturing. He discusses the balance needed between domestic production and global supply chains, emphasizing that complete self-sufficiency isn't feasible. Minshall highlights China's increasing influence and the need for a skilled workforce as AI reshapes the industry. He also underscores the responsibility of consumers in fostering sustainable practices and improving product quality in a changing manufacturing landscape.
May 15, 2025 • 36min
Episode 2534: Why Generative AI is a Technological Dead End
Peter Voss, CEO of Aigo.ai and a pioneer in AI who coined 'Artificial General Intelligence' in 2001, critiques generative AI as a misguided venture. He argues that large language models (LLMs) are fundamentally flawed due to their lack of memory and inability to learn incrementally, calling them a technological dead end. Voss warns of an impending bubble burst in the industry, drawing parallels to past economic manias. He advocates for a return to foundational principles in AI development to truly advance towards human-like intelligence.
May 14, 2025 • 39min
Episode 2533: Leah Litman on the Bad Vibes of the Supreme Court
Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives into the unsettling climate of today's Supreme Court. She coins the term 'bad vibes' to describe the Court's decisions driven by conservative anxieties over cultural diversity. Litman critiques these rulings as manifestations of a 'vindictive patriarchy' that hinder women's rights and serve elite interests. She emphasizes the legal profession's troubling response to authoritarianism, exposing the fragility of democracy in America.
