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
Oct 23, 2025 • 55min
All Religions Are Absurd Because We Are Absurd: How the Internet is Creating the First New Form of Religious Community in 250,000 Years
Reza Aslan, a renowned author and scholar of religion, dives into the transformative power of the internet on religious communities. He discusses how the 'cyber ummah' is challenging traditional authority and giving rise to diverse movements, like LGBTQ Catholics and Quranists. Aslan emphasizes that, despite these changes, the fundamental nature of religion remains absurd, as it is ultimately a human creation. He also explores religion as intertwined with identity and politics, showcasing how online spaces are fostering unprecedented forms of community.
Oct 22, 2025 • 40min
Why the Real Road to Serfdom Runs Through Silicon Valley: Tim Wu on the Extractive Economics of Platform Capitalism
Tim Wu, a prominent lawyer and author whose expertise lies in antitrust and technology policy, delves into the themes of his book, The Age of Extraction. He warns that platform capitalism, exemplified by tech giants like Google and Amazon, poses a significant threat to freedom and economic stability. Wu argues that these companies function as extraction machines, concentrating wealth and power reminiscent of the Gilded Age, and discusses the fragility of centralized systems. He also outlines potential remedies for curbing their dominance, advocating for decentralized power and anti-monopoly measures.
Oct 22, 2025 • 45min
Are We Still Fighting the Hundred Years War? Why Joan of Arc, Agincourt, and the Black Death Aren't Quite Dead
Michael Livingston, a historian from The Citadel and author of Bloody Crowns, dives into the complex legacy of the Hundred Years' War. He argues this pivotal conflict didn’t just end in 1453 but evolved into a 200-year struggle that shaped modern colonial rivalries. He explores how this war forged national identities for France and England, the brutal realities of medieval warfare, and the enduring impact of figures like Joan of Arc. Livingston's insights reveal that understanding this conflict is essential for grasping contemporary geopolitical tensions.
Oct 21, 2025 • 34min
From Cancelled Students to Coddled Autocrats: The Crisis of Free Speech in America
In a gripping discussion, Greg Lukianoff, President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, shares alarming insights on free speech under Trump. He highlights how the administration has adopted tactics reminiscent of the left’s own censorship playbook. Lukianoff critiques major law firms for capitulating to government pressure, discusses the implications of student deportations for speech, and draws historical parallels between Trump-era suppression and past government overreach. He stresses the urgent need for unwavering support of free expression.
Oct 20, 2025 • 44min
The Deliveroo Effect: Why Instant Delivery Politics and Economics Is Harming Democracy and Making Us Miserable
Andres Velasco, former Finance Minister of Chile and Dean of Public Policy at the London School of Economics, tackles the 'Deliveroo effect,' highlighting how instant delivery expectations conflict with slow democratic processes. He argues that while nations like Poland experience economic growth, dissatisfaction persists. Velasco emphasizes the need for a 21st-century economic model that promotes happiness and inclusivity, warning that technology's rapid pace can fuel political discontent and authoritarianism, challenging the foundations of democracy.
Oct 19, 2025 • 40min
A Giant Crypto Grift: Xbox Chief on His New Blockchain Thriller and Why Web3 Still Matters
Robbie Bach, former Microsoft executive who led the Xbox division, now dives into the world of fiction as an author. His latest thriller, The Blockchain Syndicate, raises alarms about the risks of cryptocurrency, describing it as a potential 'giant grift' preying on vulnerable investors. Bach discusses the ongoing relevance of blockchain technology despite the current AI frenzy, reflecting on its power and paradoxes. He also shares insights on DAOs and critiques the tumultuous landscape of tech investments, predicting a sorting of winners and losers in the near future.
Oct 19, 2025 • 44min
An American Epidemic of Speculation: Bubble Blowing in Silicon Valley and Washington DC
In this lively discussion, Keith Teare, a tech commentator and publisher of *That Was The Week*, dives into the rampant speculation permeating American culture, from AI investments to cryptocurrency and online sports betting. He argues that speculation could drive technological progress despite its risks. The duo debates the merger between Silicon Valley and state interests under the Trump administration, and ponder whether the current investment ecosystem is a ticking time bomb or a path to enlightenment. Will it end in another crash or deeper innovation?
Oct 18, 2025 • 40min
Should a College be a Museum or a Startup? Why Universities Need to Teach Failure
Caroline Levander, Vice President for Global Strategy at Rice University and author of InventEd, pushes for a radical shift in higher education. She asserts that universities must embrace an innovative, startup mentality instead of their traditional museum-like stasis. Levander highlights the essential role of learning from failure and fostering creative risk-taking among students. She also discusses the interplay between humanities courses and innovation, the importance of international student perspectives, and the need to adapt to the AI landscape while maintaining the value of physical campuses.
Oct 17, 2025 • 41min
American Advocates of Foreign Devils: How Rudy Giuliani and Hunter Biden Sold Access to US Foreign Policy
Kenneth P. Vogel, a New York Times reporter and author of Devils' Advocates, dives into the murky waters of foreign influence in U.S. politics. He reveals how Rudy Giuliani and Hunter Biden sold access to American power, demonstrating that corruption knows no party lines. From the Balkans to Brazil, Vogel discusses the lucrative pay-for-access schemes affecting foreign policy. He examines how the Trump administration's transactional style opened doors for foreign interests and highlights the role of opportunistic lobbyists like Robert Stryk in this shadow diplomacy.
Oct 16, 2025 • 42min
Sometimes We Need a Calamity: How to Save the American Experiment
Join Yale historian John Fabian Witt, author of The Radical Fund, as he explores the necessity of 'calamity' in preserving American democracy. He draws fascinating parallels between the tumultuous 1920s and today's societal challenges, emphasizing the transformative power of the Garland Fund. Witt argues for strategic philanthropy and 'cross-movement dialogue' to reignite civic engagement. He candidly discusses the role of race and immigration in shaping political landscapes, while reflecting on the need for innovative approaches to unite progressive causes today.
