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
Nov 8, 2025 • 40min
Six Books, One Story: The Closing of the American Century
Andrew Hill, Senior Business Writer at the Financial Times, discusses the critical themes from this year's shortlisted business books. He highlights the stark economic rivalry between the U.S. and China, particularly through Dan Wang’s concept of China as an 'engineering state.' They delve into the implications of bureaucratic obstacles in U.S. infrastructure development, as explored in titles like Abundance. Hill also emphasizes the significant narratives around economic warfare and clean energy, raising the provocative question: Is the American century over?
Nov 8, 2025 • 35min
Women Lie Too: A Smug San Francisco Intellectual Cross-Examines a Fearlessly Authentic Florida Psychologist
Dr. Chloe Carmichael, a clinical psychologist and author of 'Can I Say That?', dives into the crucial link between free speech and mental health. She argues that self-censorship leads to psychological harm and conflict, highlighting how a reluctance to express oneself can foster resentment. Chloe offers practical tools for overcoming anxieties about speaking up while exploring the patterns of liberal intolerance through her 'five D's.' Their engaging banter illuminates the importance of authentic dialogue and the necessity of allowing diverse viewpoints.
Nov 7, 2025 • 46min
Beyond the New Deal: How the Left Must Reinvent Itself in a Populist Age
In this discussion, Alex Zakaras, a political philosopher and author of "Freedom for All," argues for a much-needed left-populist reinvention in today's political landscape. He critiques the left's defensive stance and emphasizes the need to reclaim the concept of 'freedom' from libertarian narratives. Zakaras calls for ambitious proposals to address economic inequality and build a broad coalition aimed at change. He highlights the importance of young, media-savvy leaders to revitalize the Democratic Party and respond to the populist right's rise.
Nov 6, 2025 • 40min
Why Tech Billionaires Are So Angry: Elon Musk and the Gilded Rage of Silicon Valley
Jacob Silverman, an author and journalist, dives into the volatile world of tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel. He discusses their surprising rage, suggesting it's rooted in societal exhaustion and childhood trauma. Silverman connects their political radicalization to a dangerous blend of corporate power and government, with a nostalgic yearning for sci-fi fantasies. He posits that their anger stems from deep insecurities and a desire to escape society altogether, raising questions about the implications of such a mindset.
5 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 46min
The Bell Curve Author Takes God Seriously: But What if God Doesn't Take Him Seriously?
Charles Murray, a renowned social scientist and co-author of The Bell Curve, explores his newfound engagement with faith in Taking Religion Seriously. He discusses the cultural shift from New Atheism to a more serious consideration of religion, attributing this change to an intellectual maturation. Murray muses on the curious relationship between science and spirituality, sharing insights on near-death experiences and human craving for miracles. He also reflects on his wife's profound faith, shaping his journey from skepticism to a nuanced understanding of belief.
Nov 4, 2025 • 43min
Dignity Has Never Been Photographed: More Balkan Ghosts for our Indignant Times
Lea Ypi, a political philosopher and author of 'Indignity,' shares her insights on dignity, identity, and Balkan history. She explores the philosophical distinction between dignity and indignity, provoked by a photograph of her grandmother. Ypi discusses the impact of nationalism on individual dignity, the complexities of reconstructing personal histories, and how her grandmother's story interweaves with Balkan socialism. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of identity and the dangers of commodifying human experience in the modern age.
Nov 3, 2025 • 52min
Democracy's Dangerous Flirtation with Autocracy: Michael McFaul on America's Abdication of Global Leadership
Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and Stanford political science professor, uncovers the alarming parallels between emerging autocracies and the U.S.'s current political climate. He argues that America's retreat from democratic norms mirrors tactics used by leaders like Putin and Trump, including the weaponization of law and suppression of media. McFaul critiques the notion that NATO expansion provoked Russian aggression, instead pointing to democratic movements as the real threat. He advocates for a collective approach to forge a resilient global order against autocracy.
Nov 2, 2025 • 28min
Nobel Laureate Peter Agre: Why Scientists Must succeed Where Politicians Fail
Nobel Prize laureate Peter Agre, a physician known for his work in science diplomacy, discusses the crucial role of scientists in tackling issues where politicians falter. He highlights the successful role of scientists in brokering the 2015 Iran nuclear accord through scientific common ground. Agre critiques the political fallout from Trump’s cancellation of the deal and emphasizes the erosion of public trust in science during crises like COVID-19. He advocates for a problem-solving approach while warning about the impacts of skepticism on public health.
Nov 1, 2025 • 39min
Why Our Fear of Technology Is Nothing New—And Why That Should Give Us Hope: From Cuckoo Clocks to ChatGPT
Vanessa Chang, a technology historian and author of The Body Digital, explores humanity's historical anxieties about technology—from cuckoo clocks to ChatGPT. She asserts that fear of AI isn't new and emphasizes our creative agency to shape technology, urging us to embrace it rather than panic. Chang discusses the artificial divide between nature and technology, critiquing mind/body separation, and reframing everyday tools like eyeglasses as extensions of our bodies. She urges a humane approach to AI design, rooted in our past experiences with innovation.
Oct 31, 2025 • 37min
Not Even God Can Judge Tupac Shakur: How a White Suburban Sportswriter Found the Humanity and Tragedy Behind Hip-Hop’s Most Misunderstood Star
Jeff Pearlman, a veteran sportswriter and bestselling biographer, delves into the complex life of Tupac Shakur, revealing the deep intergenerational trauma that shaped him. He highlights Tupac's background as a theater kid, his dynamic relationship with his mother Afeni, and how her struggles influenced his worldview. Pearlman brings attention to Tupac's political awareness and artistic talent, exploring his impact on music and film. Ultimately, he paints Tupac as a flawed yet heroic figure who remains relevant in discussions about race and justice.
