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 31, 2025 • 52min
Episode 2223: Sophia Rosenfeld asks if our age of choice might also be an age of tyranny
Sophia Rosenfeld, an intellectual historian and the Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, explores the paradox of choice in modern life. She discusses how our current age, far from liberating us, might ensnare us in decision paralysis. Rosenfeld traces the evolution of choice from a moral obligation to a mere preference. She critically examines how capitalism and democracy intertwine with choice, questioning the implications for personal autonomy and political engagement.
Jan 30, 2025 • 34min
Episode 2322: Andrew Lipstein on how to reinvent American masculinity
Andrew Lipstein, a Brooklyn-based writer and author, dives into his thought-provoking novel, Something Rotten, which grapples with the complexities of modern masculinity. He questions what masculinity should represent while sharing personal insights on Danish versus American societal norms. Lipstein discusses the challenges of writing nonfiction compared to fiction, the nuances of adhering to societal expectations, and the stark contrasts in attitudes towards death in the US and Denmark, all while weaving a narrative about identity and ambition.
Jan 29, 2025 • 41min
Episode 2321: Michael Ignatieff on why he's still (half) in love with the United States
Michael Ignatieff, a renowned Canadian writer and historian, discusses his enduring fascination with the U.S. despite its troubling political landscape. He addresses the significant shift in America’s foreign policy, branding allies as adversaries. Ignatieff critiques the decline of liberalism, linking it to class divides and racial tensions. He reflects on the cultural impact of iconic American figures in Canada and underscores the fragile state of the international rules-based order, emphasizing the need for renewed commitment to liberal values.
Jan 28, 2025 • 45min
Episode 2320: Nicholas Carr on how technologies of connection are tearing us apart
Nicholas Carr, author of the Pulitzer Prize finalist 'The Shallows,' dives into his latest book 'Superbloom,' highlighting how social media leads to misunderstanding rather than connection. He draws a striking parallel with a 2019 phenomenon where the pursuit of beautiful images trampled the flowers, mirroring our digital interactions. Carr discusses the historical optimism for communication tech, the shift from genuine experiences to hyperreality, and urges for mindful tech use, speculating future generations may favor real-life connections over digital distractions.
Jan 27, 2025 • 38min
Episode 2319: Christopher DiCarlo on AI as the latest chapter in our long history of building an all-knowing God
Christopher DiCarlo, an AI ethicist and author, delves into the intriguing concept of AI as a modern-day deity. He discusses the potential of AI to surpass human intelligence, raising ethical concerns about control and oversight. DiCarlo emphasizes the urgent need for global accountability in AI development, likening its risks to those of nuclear weapons. He advocates for public awareness and ethical guidelines, hoping to harness AI's benefits in areas like medicine while warning against the dangers of unregulated power.
Jan 26, 2025 • 47min
Episode 2318: Mike Pepi on how to escape from the digital dystopia of platform capitalism
Digital activist Mike Pepi, author of "Against Platforms: Surviving Digital Utopia," challenges the grip of major tech companies like Meta and Amazon on our lives. He argues that these platforms create a digital dystopia, prioritizing control and data collection over genuine engagement. Pepi emphasizes the need to strengthen traditional institutions instead of succumbing to the illusory solutions of digital utopianism. He also critiques the impact of platform capitalism on media and democracy, advocating for more ethical, community-oriented approaches to technology.
Jan 25, 2025 • 39min
Episode 2317: Is Trump's America now an Oligarchy?
Keith Teare, founder of SignalRank Corporation and tech veteran, argues against labeling tech leaders like Musk and Zuckerberg as oligarchs. He believes they are competing businessmen responding to regulation rather than a unified power group. The discussion also examines the influence of these tech titans on politics, the implications of AI development, and the evolution of economic ideals under Trump. Teare highlights the challenges for the Democratic Party amidst shifting public sentiments and contemplates Bitcoin's potential as a financial asset compared to gold.
Jan 24, 2025 • 53min
Episode 2316: Agnes Callard on how to learn from Socrates about questioning everything
Agnes Callard, an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Chicago, explores the essence of a philosophical life inspired by Socratic questioning. She shares a humorous tale of her awkward attempts to interrogate strangers at an art gallery and discusses how modern political divisions stem from a lack of inquiry. Callard critiques the self-help industry, advocating for community support over self-sufficiency, and reflects on the potential of AI in philosophical dialogue. Her insights underline the vital role of philosophy in navigating life's complexities.
Jan 23, 2025 • 42min
Episode 2315: Andrew McAfee finds reasons to be cheerful about the next 20 years of our tech century
In this lively discussion, Andrew McAfee, a Principal Research Scientist at MIT, explores the last 20 years of tech evolution, highlighting the explosive rise of AI and deep learning. He reflects on social media's role in increasing anxiety and polarization, while remaining optimistic about tech innovation, citing Nvidia and OpenAI's dynamism. McAfee also addresses Europe's regulatory hurdles and emphasizes technological solutions to climate change, particularly the potential of nuclear fusion. His insights prompt a hopeful outlook for the future, urging traditional companies to adapt.
Jan 22, 2025 • 40min
Episode 2314: Richard Socher on why AI might be good for humanity
Richard Socher, founder and CEO of you.com and a pioneer in natural language processing, shares his fascinating journey from a small group of AI researchers in 2010 to shaping mainstream technology. He discusses crucial concepts like word vectors and prompt engineering while expressing excitement about AI's potential for major breakthroughs in scientific fields over the next 20 years. Socher examines the impact of AI on job markets, suggesting new roles will emerge as some disappear, and addresses concerns about privacy and ethical responsibilities in technology.
