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 22, 2025 • 46min
Episode 2313: Esther Dyson on being the Aunt and Court jEsther of the Tech Industry
Esther Dyson, a renowned investor and philanthropist, discusses her intricate role in the tech industry as both an advocate and a critic. She highlights concerns about 'information diabetes' and its societal impact, emphasizing a mindful approach to technology. Dyson shares insights from her project Wellville, aimed at enhancing community health, and touches on the significance of term limits in leadership. Additionally, she reflects on her experiences with Russia's descent into authoritarianism and the privatization of space exploration.
Jan 21, 2025 • 45min
Episode 2312: Robert D. Kaplan on the decadence of Trump's America
Robert D. Kaplan, a geopolitical expert and author, delves into the decline of American identity in the era of Trump, emphasizing the 'decadence' associated with imperial decline. He draws haunting parallels between today's America and historical precedents like Weimar Germany. Kaplan critiques the polarization of society, advocating for a return to classical liberalism to navigate the current landscape. He also touches on global crises, Europe's challenges with migration, and the intricate dynamics of the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the urgency of seeking peace.
Jan 20, 2025 • 34min
Episode 2311: Martin Puchner looks forward to 2045 when the whole world will have access to high quality education
Martin Puchner is a Harvard literature professor and author known for his insights on world literature and technology's cultural impact. He discusses the transformative role of digital tech in education, making obscure texts accessible. He is optimistic about the future of learning, projecting a world by 2045 where high-quality education is globally available through AI and interactive platforms. Puchner also explores declining humanities enrollment, the paradox of reading less yet valuing it more, and the essential role of human teachers in the digital age.
Jan 19, 2025 • 42min
Episode 2310: Why Progressives must become "Yes People" on Technology
Keith Teare, founder and CEO of SignalRank Corporation, discusses the urgent need for progressives to embrace technology rather than resist it. He argues that their current ‘no’ mentality is surrendering the debate to conservatives. Teare and host Andrew Keen dissect the shifting political landscape influenced by tech, the U.S.-China tech rivalry, and the implications of AI in daily life and military applications. They emphasize the importance of creating a hopeful narrative around technology that fosters societal improvement while navigating current political tensions.
Jan 19, 2025 • 38min
Episode 2309: Michal Kosinski on the corrosive impact of social media on democracy and freedom
Michal Kosinski, an Associate Professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business, discusses the alarming effects of social media on democracy. He highlights how platforms like Facebook inadvertently empowered populist candidates, bypassing traditional media. Kosinski also reflects on his controversial research that predicts personal traits from social media data. While he sees potential in AI to improve lives, he warns of the long-term risks associated with its unchecked advancement and emphasizes the need for effective privacy protections in our digital landscape.
Jan 18, 2025 • 40min
Episode 2308: Kenneth Cukier mourns the biliousness of our Big Data age
Kenneth Cukier, deputy executive editor at The Economist and co-author of best-selling books on data and AI, shares his insights on the rapid technological changes over the past two decades. He reflects on how early tech giants were seen as mere startups and delves into the complexities of Big Data's impact on society and innovation. Cukier voices concerns about declining civil discourse online and predicts that by 2045, government roles may shrink while community power rises, dismissing the notion of achieving artificial general intelligence.
Jan 17, 2025 • 46min
Episode 2307: Ece Temelkuran on why she still retains faith in the future
Ece Temelkuran is a notable Turkish journalist and author, acclaimed for her critique of the Erdogan regime. In this conversation, she delves into the profound changes capitalism has wrought on democracy, likening it to the Industrial Revolution. Temelkuran emphasizes the rise of modern fascism through spectacle. She passionately advocates for the importance of friendship in resisting authoritarianism and critiques the illusions of Silicon Valley. Despite concerns over rising far-right movements, she promotes an active faith in humanity's moral compass.
Jan 17, 2025 • 41min
Episode 2306: Albert Wenger on how to save the Internet, Capitalism and the Planet
Albert Wenger, a partner at Union Square Ventures and author of The World After Capital, brings a wealth of experience from his time at del.icio.us and as an angel investor. He discusses moving beyond outdated industrial-age thinking and embracing digital solutions as the primary constraint centers around attention. Wenger highlights the potential for groundbreaking AI advancements, advocating for open models to foster transparency. He shares his vision for using technology to tackle issues like climate change and disease, promoting experiments like basic income pilots to reshape capitalism for a more equitable future.
Jan 16, 2025 • 50min
Episode 2305: Kurt Gray explains why we fight about morality and politics
Kurt Gray, a psychology and neuroscience professor at UNC Chapel Hill and author of 'Outraged', dives into the roots of America's political divide. He argues that both sides feel victimized by perceived threats, stemming from a blend of evolved behaviors as prey and predator. Highlighting the importance of storytelling, he advocates for empathy and active listening to bridge divides. Gray also discusses the complexities of morality in politics, the flaws of human nature in political systems, and how understanding different perspectives can foster dialogue and peace.
Jan 15, 2025 • 46min
Episode 2304: Lisa Genova on the connection between bipolar disorder and standup comedy
Lisa Genova, a neuroscientist and bestselling author, discusses her new novel, More or Less Maddy, featuring a young aspiring stand-up comedian diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She emphasizes the importance of accurate representation in fiction, drawing from extensive research and personal experiences. Genova highlights the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and stigma surrounding mental health, advocating for the term 'neurological disorder' to encourage understanding. The conversation intertwines comedy with the ups and downs of bipolar disorder, exploring identity and societal expectations.
